Sunrise Salutations: Yoga Journey Through Morocco

Salaam Alaikum! Welcome to Morocco and the historic imperial city of Fes. If you’re arriving today, a private transfer will meet you at the airport and take you directly to your hotel.

Today, you’ll discover the city of Fes. The spiritual and cultural heart of Morocco – Fes is a feast for the senses. Join an expert local guide and head into Fes el Bali – arguably the world’s most fascinating Old City. Walk along the twisting streets and alleyways, passing donkeys piled high with goods. Filled with dye pits and traditional stalls loaded with fruits, herbs and soups, it’s not hard to imagine yourself back in the Middle Ages. Visit the Al-Attarine Madrasa, built by the Marinid sultan Uthman II Abu Said in 1323-5. Functioning as a religious school, this is one of several such schools located within the medina. You’ll then explore the tanneries and the Fondouk Nejjarine – a beautifully restored 18th-century inn with a courtyard. Stop for a refreshing mint tea at a local café and take in the views of the bustling medina. Return to your hotel in the late afternoon for a free evening..

After breakfast, hit the road again and drive through ever-changing scenery, from barren mountainsides to fertile valleys, on the journey to Merzouga. Stop for coffee in Ifrane in the Atlas Mountains along the way. Take in the views over Ziz Valley and stop for lunch in Midelt – a town in the high plains between the Middle Atlas and High Atlas Mountain ranges. When you arrive, leave your gear at your overnight camp, then climb aboard your designated camel for a ride into the edge of the Sahara – what better way to enjoy the sunset? Tonight, sit under the expansive night sky and try some fantastic local cuisine around an open fire, enjoying live music and dancing.

After breakfast at the camp, we’ll head out to visit Khamlia village, known for its traditional Gnawa music and welcoming community. You will also have free time for optional activities such as quad or buggy rides on the dunes for those who want some adventure.

If the group agrees, we can also arrange a shared 4×4 experience to visit a nomad family living deep inside the dunes. During this visit, you’ll have the chance to bring small gifts, learn about their way of life, and enjoy a simple, authentic lunch with the family—a memorable cultural experience for everyone.

Rise and shine nice and early this morning and climb one of the sand dunes to watch the sunrise over the Sahara. Then drive to Todra Gorge – a massive trench that rises over 250 m to form one of the most dramatic and spectacular natural sights in Morocco. When you arrive, head out on a leisurely walk through the Todra Valley with your leader. You’ll walk through shaded palm groves and local farms – thanks to the abundance of water here, there are orchards of almost every variety! Think apples, pears, plums, apricots, quinces, pomegranates, figs, almonds and peaches as well as tomatoes, mint, squash, carrots, turnips, beans and grapes. All these plantations belong to locals who you’ll meet along the way, learning how they take care of the land using traditional irrigation techniques.

This morning after breakfast, you’ll drive to Ait Benhaddou. Sitting on a hilltop and almost unchanged since the 11th century, this is one of Morocco’s most iconic sites. If you think you recognise the place, you probably do, as the town has a long list of film and TV credits, including Lawrence of Arabia, Game of Thrones and Gladiator. Enjoy a walk through the winding streets of the Old Town and ksar, making your way to the top of the hill, from where you can enjoy views of the surrounding plains. Then, join a local artist for a painting workshop. You’ll create your own image of the iconic view of the ksar. Visit the Tawesna teahouse – a community-run establishment that provides local women an income to support themselves and their children. Using ingredients sourced from local cooperatives, the women prepare mint tea and pastries while sharing their stories with those who pop in. After heading to your hotel for the night, maybe sit back on the rooftop terrace and watch the sun setting over the kasbah before a group dinner.

After visiting the famous Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, you will continue with a direct transfer to Marrakech. Cross the stunning High Atlas Mountains through the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, enjoying beautiful landscapes and Berber villages along the way. Upon arrival in Marrakech, meet your local guide for an immersive guided city tour, exploring the highlights and hidden gems of the Red City.

By the evening, you’ll arrive in Marrakech and settle into your riad or hotel,

Today is a free day with no scheduled activities after breakfast, so you’re welcome to leave your accommodation at any time. If you’d like, you can extend your stay in Marrakech to enjoy extra activities such as cooking classes, cycling tours, exploring nearby towns, or visiting a hammam.

If you need assistance with extending your vacation or arranging a transfer to the airport, just let us know and we’ll be happy to organize it for you.