Morocco Self Drive 5 - The Hidden Heart

City, countryside & open roads

Summary

A superb new route using recently-opened roads across the High Atlas. Includes Marrakech, mountains, kasbahs & the coast but doesn't stray too far, allowing plenty of time to enjoy the journey.

START / FINISH - Marrakech

Activity code: MORFD05

Duration: 15 Days

This particular itinerary is highly recommended if you are looking for something a little off the beaten track but within easy reach of Marrakech. The route explores the relatively unexplored centre of Morocco, i.e. all four primary compass points from Marrakech but no more than half a day's driving in any direction. Drive along new routes across the High Atlas and experience some quiet roads rarely used by tourists. On this trip you will see incredible mountain passes, kasbahs, waterfalls, beautiful coastal scenery and the magical intensity of old Marrakech.

We have many years of experience putting together practical and interesting journeys for our customers and we recommend this route to make the most of your time in this fascinating country. We are happy to discuss any reasonable modifications to tailor-make a holiday to suit your requirements for any or all of the following - number of persons travelling, preferred accommodation type, UK departure airport, overall duration, pre-booked activities and much more.

Prices depend on your chosen accommodation and room availability as well as time of travel. Please take this into consideration when comparing prices; we always aim to match a high quality experience with exceptional value for money. Please note that discounts will apply if there are 4 or more people in your travelling party as fixed costs such as transportation and guides will be shared equally between the group.

Important Information

City Tours include an English-speaking guide, all transport and entry fees to historic monuments; followed by an exploration of the souks and focal points of the medina.

Flights available to book with us through a range of airlines, from various UK airports to Marrakech. If we book your flights this means that your holiday will also be fully ATOL protected.

Prices shown are a guideline "from" (in UK Pounds) and are based on a travelling party of at least 2 adults. Single supplements may need to be applied to the twin/double price and discounts for children (under 12yrs) and/or a 3rd adult sharing a room are available upon request. Quoted prices for individual enquiries will depend upon your chosen accommodation, room availability and dates of travel. We always aim to match a high quality experience with exceptional value for money. Discounts will apply if there are 3 or more people in your travelling party as fixed costs such as transportation and guides will be shared equally between the group.

Get travel advice from someone who’s been there

Send an enquiry

Read what other customers have said.

Read Reviews

Gallery

Based upon 2 persons travelling.

Prices from £1199 per person

What's included in your Fly-Drive holiday?

  • Private round trip airport transfers.
  • 14 nights accommodation on B&B.
  • Half board supplement for 6 nights.
  • 11 days fully-inclusive car hire with a/c.
  • Private guided city tour in Marrakech.
  • Fully detailed itinerary with sightseeing suggestions & driving directions
  • FREE travel app with all your documents, maps, weather & much more
  • All taxes
  • Full 24 hour representative services.

Highlights

Itinerary

Day 1 - arrival into Marrakech and private transfer directly to your chosen hotel or riad.

Day 2 - a full day in Marrakech - a private half day guided tour of Marrakech's main historic sights, including the souks and the Djemma el Fna is included.

Day 3 - plenty of additional sightseeing & optional activities, e.g. a cookery class, quad biking in the Palmeraie, a guided day hike in the High Atlas.

Your hire car will be delivered to your accommodation. Head out of Marrakech to the south over the High Atlas (we suggest a detour at the Tichka Pass to visit the Kasbah of Telouet). Continue down the "back road" towards Ait Ben Haddou or return to the main road for Ouarzazate via Tisselday. Pass through Ouarzazate as you have time to return over the next couple of days, continue east along Dades Valley for a short distance to Skoura located amongst the palm trees.

Recommended places to stay

Day 5 - a visit to the beautiful Palmeraie and the Amerhidil Kasbah in Skoura, then a short drive back to the town of Ouarzazate with its kasbahs and the famous Atlas Film Studios.

Day 6 - you also have plenty of time to explore the dramatic Draa Valley via the Tizi n'Tinififft with its panoramic views and the Dades Valley with its gorges, kasbahs and traditional villages. Depending upon your preferences you could drive all the way to Zagora or to the magnificent Todra Gorge or you may like to enjoy a walk in the local area.

Drive along one of Morocco's new mountain roads via Tizi n'Outfi and the natural rock bridge at Imi n'Ifri en route to Demnate.

A couple of days to take a walk in the local area (guided hiking available) and to visit the incredible waterfalls at Ouzoud, the Berber market town of Demnate and further explore this lesser-visited area of the country.

A choice of roads to El Kelaa-des-Sraghna, our favourite is via Tannant and Bzou, and then head ever westwards along quiet roads to the coast at the seaside town and port of Safi.

Recommended places to stay

Relax in Safi for the morning and then take the quiet, stunningly beautiful coast road all the way to Essaouira.

Two free days to relax in Essaouira; an easy town to explore on foot. Why not indulge in a fresh fish BBQ lunch at the harbour then explore the sea-facing battlements and craft shops afterwards. You may also like to spend time on the huge beach, play golf or enjoy some surfing.

From Essaouira you could visit the Atlas Mountains again by driving off the main route up towards Lalla Takerkoust or Amizmiz or even over the Kik Plateau to Marigha and Ouirgane. This particular fly-drive, though, takes you back to Marrakech for one last night (and maybe some shopping).

Why not ask us for a quote that includes an extra night or two in the High Atlas with an optional guided day hike?

Private transfer (or drop off hire car) at airport for flight home.

Reviews

Flexible Tailor-Made Holidays

  • We believe passionately that no two holidays should be the same.
  • With our flexible tailor-made holiday options you can travel at your own pace.
  • Rediscover a city, a resort or an island in a weekend or longer.
  • Take a small group tour or embark upon a more adventurous trip.

Travel Knowledge

  • We have all travelled extensively and will be happy to share our experiences.
  • Personally-chosen hotels, riads, guest houses & apartments in places we know and love.
  • Individual sightseeing recommendations and route planning.
  • Add excursions, activities and food & wine experiences (one of our passions).

Why book a Fly Drive ?

  • Accommodation choices are small, independent or family-run properties which add significantly to your travel experience.
  • Stress-free arrival & departure transfer service.
  • Detailed driving directions, parking info, suggested routes & sightseeing ideas.
  • Fully protected for your peace of mind & financial security.