Rescheduled to November | Morocco: Marrakech & The Sahara - February 19-26, 2026
40 attendees from 33 groups hosting
Details
Morocco: Marrakech & The Sahara - February 19-26, 2026
Trip Summary: From Marrakech’s lively markets full of spices and handmade wares to sunsets and stargazing in the Sahara, Morocco is a feast for the sense. Each day, your group will embark on a journey to discover the hidden gems of this region: Palaces deep in the Marrakech Medina, artisans who honed their craft over generations, and the rituals of a Moroccan hammam spa, and the absolute peace of sleeping in in the sand dunes of the Sahara. Plus, in between all the activities we’ll dine on authentic Moroccan cuisine, trying tagines, pastilla, and of course lots of mint tea!
Trip highlights include:
- Explore Marrakech’s vibrant medina with its colorful souks, historic palaces, and traditional craftspeople
- Glamp in the Sahara with camel rides, local music performances, and spectacular stargazing
- Adventure to off-the-beaten-path villages in the Atlas Mountains and vast palm oases near Erfoud
- Visit the stunning Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site featured in Game of Thrones
- Indulge in a traditional Moroccan hammam and spa treatment at a luxurious riad.
Daily Itinerary:
Day 1 – February 19 – Arrive in the vibrant city of Marrakech (RAK Airport), where you’ll be whisked from the airport to your accommodation, a traditional Moroccan riad in the heart of Marrakech. After settling in, get to know your fellow travelers as you savor a delicious welcome dinner.
Note: We recommend leaving the US on Feb 18 so that your flight arrives the morning of Feb 19 – early enough to participate in Day 1’s activities. Should you wish to arrive on Feb 18 instead, pre-trip hotel charges will be added to your final bill.
Day 2 – February 20 – Explore the heart of Marrakech with a guided tour of its breathtaking monuments and the enchanting Medina filled with different souks (markets). Here you’ll discover historic palaces, traditional rug shops, and rows of colorful spices.
Day 3 – February 21 – Today we’ll start our journey to the Sahara Desert. We’ll take an early AM internal flight from Marrakech to Errachidia, a town just outside the Sahara. We’ll explore the palm groves of the Ziz Valley and discover impressive fossils in the town of Erfoud. In the later afternoon, we’ll venture first by 4×4 and then by camel deep into the Sahara Desert to reach our luxury tented camp. Tonight, enjoy performances by local musicians followed by star gazing.
Day 4 – February 22 – After watching sunrise over the sand dunes, we’ll start our drive back to Marrakech. We’ll drive out of the Sahara and through the Atlas Mountains. We’ll venture through Berber villages, palm oasis, and beautiful mountain vistas to reach the city of Ouarzazate, where we’ll spend the night.
Day 5 – February 23 – This morning we’ll explore the historic Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou which you’ll recognize from Game of Thrones and countless movies. Then we’ll continue our drive to Marrakech with stops along the way as we cross the High Atlas Mountains. This evening, we’ll have dinner at our riad in Marrakech and relax after our desert adventure.
Day 6 – February 24 – FREE DAY. After our epic Saharan odyssey, today is yours to explore at leisure. Relax on the rooftop of our riad, head into the souqs for shopping, find a local cafe to sip mint tea, or head to the spa.
Day 7 – February 25 – This morning we’ll head to the Majorelle Gardens first thing when they open to beat the crowds. Explore the jewel-toned architecture and manicured gardens that Yves Saint Laurent once called home. Then in the afternoon, pamper yourself with a traditional Moroccan Hammam and spa treatment at a luxurious riad.
Day 8 – February 26 – With hearts full and memories made, we bid farewell to Morocco. Departure drop-offs to Marrakech Airport (RAK) conclude your magical Moroccan getaway.
Feb 26 – March 2: Optional 5-day Extension to Northern Morocco. Extend your stay in Morocco to visit Fes & Chefchaouen.
- Explore ‘the Blue Pearl’ of Morocco – Chefchaouen – with a guided tour of the charming alleyways and a hike to the Spanish Mosque for an incredible sunset view.
- Visit a locally-owned vineyard to try Moroccan wine and explore the roman ruins of Volubilis.
- Step back in time in Fes. Wind your way through royal palaces, souqs packed with Moroccan delicacies, and streets that remain unchanged since the 12th century.
You’ll need to book your departure flight out of Fes-Sais Airport (FEZ) on March 2nd.
*𝗣𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗶𝘀 𝗮 𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝘂𝗯𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲.
Inclusions:
- 8 days & 7 nights’ accommodations
- Single occupancy, boutique hotels
- Airport transfer
- Local transportation
- Traditional Moroccan Hammam Experience
- Private Marrakech Tour
- Overnight Glamping in the Sahara Desert
- Tour of Ait Ben Haddou
- FREE DAY to explore
- Daily breakfast
- Daily group lunch (excluding FREE DAY)
- Daily group dinner
- Tipping for Guides & Drivers
Exclusions:
- Roundtrip airfare to Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK)
- Optional excursions and tours not listed above.
- Travel Insurance
- Items of a personal nature
- Meals not listed above
- Alcoholic Beverages not listed
- Gratuities and tips for personal services
