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Sands of Time: A Desert Journey Through Morocco’s Sahara Desert

Suitable for Family, Group, Senior

OVERVIEW

Add a whole new layer to your Moroccan journey with this unforgettable extension to the Sahara Desert. Designed as a complement to your time in the vibrant cities and historic Jewish quarters of Morocco, this 5-day itinerary takes you off the beaten path and into the heart of the country’s breathtaking southern landscapes. Travel through dramatic mountain passes, explore ancient kasbahs, and trace the remnants of centuries-old Jewish communities nestled in oasis towns. You can learn more about the rich history and culture of the country, including its significant Jewish heritage, on dedicated Jewish heritage tours in Morocco. The highlight of the journey is a magical night of glamping in the Sahara, where you’ll sleep under a canopy of stars at the foot of the majestic Erg Chebbi dunes—an experience that offers both serenity and awe. This add-on promises a richer, more nuanced perspective of Morocco’s diverse cultural tapestry and natural beauty.

Highlights*

Morning Stop at Slat Al Azama Synagogue and Jewish Cemetery in Marrakech: This provides a direct and poignant introduction to the historical Jewish presence in Marrakech, allowing for a visit to one of the city’s oldest synagogues and the adjacent cemetery. It offers a tangible connection to the long-standing Jewish community within the vibrant city.
Exploring the Mellah and Synagogue Ruins in Tinghir: Visiting the old Jewish quarter (Mellah) and the remnants of a synagogue in Tinghir highlights the historical coexistence and integration of Jewish and Amazigh (Berber) communities in this region. It offers a glimpse into a once-vibrant Jewish life within a smaller, more rural setting.
Visiting Rissani, a Former Trade Hub with Jewish History: Exploring the local market and the ruins of the Jewish quarter in Rissani connects the Jewish community to the significant trans-Saharan trade routes of the past. The visit to the Mausoleum of Moulay Ali Cherif, where Jewish traders historically paid tribute, further emphasizes their economic and cultural integration.
Learning about Jewish-Berber Trade in Nkob: The stop in Nkob, with its traditional kasbah lunch and walking tour showcasing local crafts, provides insight into the historical economic relationships between Jewish and Berber families. Understanding the exchange of goods and artisan work adds another layer to the narrative of intercommunal connections.
Optional Heritage Excursion to Oulad Yahia Village and Jewish Cemeteries: This optional excursion offers a deeper dive into the legacy of Jewish life in southern Moroccan villages. Visiting Oulad Yahia and exploring the unique Jewish cemeteries in the region provides a more intimate understanding of their historical presence and cultural heritage within the broader landscape.

*Some experiences are subject to minimum group size

Day by Day Suggested Program

Day 1: Marrakech/ Ouarzazate

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Before departing Marrakech, enjoy a brief morning stop at the Slat Al Azama Synagogue in the Mellah (Jewish Quarter), one of the oldest synagogues in the city, and visit the adjacent Jewish Cemetery. You’ll also glimpse the architecture and layout of the Mellah, which reflects the city’s historic Jewish presence. Continue to Ouarzazate. Upon arrival, visit the Atlas Studios, Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, and Kasbah Taourirt. Note: The Taourirt Kasbah was once home to Jewish merchants who played an important role in the regional caravan trade. Check-in at Berbere Palace 5* Dinner and overnight stay.

Day 2: Ouarzazate / Tinghir / Merzouga

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Depart for Merzouga via the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs. Stop in Tinghir to visit the stunning Todra Canyons. In Tinghir, visit the old Jewish quarter (Mellah) and the ruins of a synagogue, reflecting the once-vibrant Jewish community that lived in harmony with the Amazigh (Berber) population. Continue to Merzouga and the dunes of Erg Chebbi. Dinner and overnight in a deluxe desert encampment.

Day 3: Merzouga / Ouarzazate

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Early wake-up to watch the sunrise over the dunes — a serene and unforgettable experience. Return to camp for breakfast and begin the journey back toward Ouarzazate.

En route, visit Rissani, once a vital hub of trans-Saharan trade and home to one of Morocco’s oldest Jewish communities. Explore the local market (souk), known for its spices, crafts, and donkeys (!) and stop by the ruins of the Jewish quarter and Mausoleum of Moulay Ali Cherif, where Jewish traders historically paid tribute.

Continue to Nkob, a charming Berber village nestled between the Jbel Saghro mountains and the Draa Valley. Enjoy lunch in a traditional kasbah-style restaurant overlooking palm groves. Take a short walking tour to see local pottery and artisan work, much of which was historically traded between Jewish and Berber families.

Check in at Berbere Palace.

Dinner and overnight stay.

Day 4: Ouarzazate – Day at Leisure Breakfast at your hotel.

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Optional Heritage Excursion: Visit the Oulad Yahia village, one of the many villages where Jewish families once resided in southern Morocco. You may also explore the Jewish cemeteries in the region, often marked by unique symbols and nestled in peaceful landscapes.

Dinner and overnight at Berbere Palace

Day 5: Return to Marrakech or transfer to Ouarzazate Airport

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After early breakfast, transfer to the Ouarzazate Airport for your flight back to Marrakesh.

Accommodation

La Mamounia Marrakech

Set on a former royal estate dating from the 12th century, this lavish hotel is 14 minutes on foot from the lively Jemaa el-Fnaa market square. It’s a 6-minute walk from the landmark

Koutoubia Mosque and 6 km from Marrakech Menara Airport.

Plush rooms feature free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs. Suites add terraces or balconies; upgraded suites have separate living rooms. The 3-bedroom villas offer kitchens, patios and private pools. Room service is available.

Posh dining options include Italian and French restaurants, and an eatery next to an outdoor pool. Other amenities include 5 sleek bars, a luxe spa and a gym, plus landscaped gardens.

*Star rating standards vary from country to country.

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Sands of Time: A Desert Journey Through Morocco’s Sahara Desert

Day by Day Suggested Program

La Mamounia Marrakech

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