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Backroads Of Morocco

11 days - from $988

Morocco is considered one of the most romantic countries in the world. It boasts a heady mix of European, African, Moslem and Berber cultures along with legendary cities, ancient mud-brick kasbahs, rolling sand dunes, snow-capped mountains and an extensive and largely undeveloped coastline.

It is so colourful that first-time visitors might be excused for thinking they have walked into the middle of a Hollywood movie set. Indeed, Morocco has long been a favoured location for the film industry, due in part to an accommodating local bureaucracy. As we travel through this amazing country we are hit with an overwhelming sense of unreality. Is it really possible that a place can be both so exotic and so improbably picturesque? This, then, is the secret of Morocco, a destination that bombards the senses as we take the backroads from Casablanca to Marrakech.

From Casablanca we travel by train to Meknes, to explore the beautiful old medina. A little further on we reach Fes, where time seems to have overlooked the ancient streets and alleyways of the old quarter. We spend two days here, immersing ourselves in this splendid medieval city, and then travel south to explore the great sand dunes on the western edge of the Sahara.

A dramatic change of landscape finds us in Todra Gorge and nearby we explore the picturesque Dades Valley. We then travel along the fabled 'road of 1000 kasbahs', visiting an amazing family home at Skoura and the outstanding mud-brick town of Ait Benhaddou. Our final destination is Marrakech, where we spend our last evening in the great square - Jemaa el Fna - the heart and soul of this fine old city.

Highlights

  • Ait Benhaddou
  • Bathe in Fes
  • Casablanca
  • Join the rest of the world in Djemaa el Fna, Marrakech
  • Medina, mosaics and Majorelle, Marrakech
  • Meknes
  • Sleep in the Sahara
  • Todra Gorge and the Dades Valley
  • Travel the road of a thousand Kasbahs
  • Walking the M’Goun Valley with Berbers

Itinerary:

Day 1: Casablanca2: Casablanca - Meknes3-4: Fes5-6: Midelt - Merzouga - Erg Chebbi7-8: Todra Gorge - Dades Valley - Ait Benhaddou9: High Atlas - Marrakech10-11: Marrakech

What's It Like?

Gecko's adventures offer authentic experiences and a genuine alternative to backpacking. Our trips are designed for younger travelers on a budget but do include the entrance fees to the ‘must see’ sights while not wasting your money on unnecessary frills. Itineraries utilize public transport and basic twin share accommodations in small locally owned hotels, the occasional multi-share, or simply floor space in a jungle or village hut. Many trips involve some physical activity, the occasional long traveling day and you will need to carry your own bags. On camping trips, meals are freshly prepared by our camp cook, but expect to put up and take down your tent, and assist with camp chores. On all trips we only use local tour leaders who are passionate about their homeland. This is travel, grassroots style - basic but rewarding.

Included: An experienced English-speaking local leader, local guides at some sites, all transportation, accommodation, meals and sightseeing as indicated.
Not Included: International flights, arrival & departure transfers, entrance fees, visas, airport taxes, additional meals, drinks, optional sightseeing tours, insurance, tips and items of a personal nature.
Meals: 10 breakfasts, 3 dinners
EquipmentIncluded: 02 Sep 10
Valid From: 10 Jan 08
Valid Until: 31 Dec 69
Starts/Ends: Casablanca to Marrakech
Trip Reference: GEBM

Dates & Prices

Start End Tour Prices in US$ Availability
05 Sep 1015 Sep 10Was $1235
Now $988
12 Sep 1022 Sep 10$1235
03 Oct 1013 Oct 10$1235
10 Oct 1020 Oct 10$1235
17 Oct 1027 Oct 10$1235
24 Oct 1003 Nov 10$1235
31 Oct 1010 Nov 10$1235
07 Nov 1017 Nov 10$1235
14 Nov 1024 Nov 10$1235
21 Nov 1001 Dec 10$1235
28 Nov 1008 Dec 10$1235
05 Dec 1015 Dec 10$1235
12 Dec 1022 Dec 10$1235
19 Dec 1029 Dec 10$1235
26 Dec 1005 Jan 11$1235
02 Jan 1112 Jan 11$1235
09 Jan 1119 Jan 11$1235
16 Jan 1126 Jan 11$1235
23 Jan 1102 Feb 11$1235
30 Jan 1109 Feb 11$1235
06 Feb 1116 Feb 11$1235
13 Feb 1123 Feb 11$1235
20 Feb 1102 Mar 11$1235
27 Feb 1109 Mar 11$1235
06 Mar 1116 Mar 11$1235
13 Mar 1123 Mar 11$1235
20 Mar 1130 Mar 11$1235
27 Mar 1106 Apr 11$1235
03 Apr 1113 Apr 11$1235
10 Apr 1120 Apr 11$1235
17 Apr 1127 Apr 11$1235
24 Apr 1104 May 11$1235
01 May 1111 May 11$1235
08 May 1118 May 11$1235
15 May 1125 May 11$1235
22 May 1101 Jun 11$1235
29 May 1108 Jun 11$1235
05 Jun 1115 Jun 11$1235
12 Jun 1122 Jun 11$1235
19 Jun 1129 Jun 11$1235
26 Jun 1106 Jul 11$1235
03 Jul 1113 Jul 11$1235
10 Jul 1120 Jul 11$1235
17 Jul 1127 Jul 11$1235
24 Jul 1103 Aug 11$1235
31 Jul 1110 Aug 11$1235
07 Aug 1117 Aug 11$1235
14 Aug 1124 Aug 11$1235
21 Aug 1131 Aug 11$1235
28 Aug 1107 Sep 11$1235

Prices and itineraries shown for tours departing from January 2010 onwards are subject to change and confirmation with the publication of our 2010/11 brochure, due to be published in October 2009.