Compare Splendid Tunisia by Engaging Cultures Travel vs Moroccan Desert Adventure: River Canyons & Camels by G Adventures

Day 1: El Jem, Matmata & Douz

Depart Sousse and make your way to El Jem, a Unesco World Heritage Site and the 3rd largest Colosseum in the Roman Empire.  Continue south to Matmata to see its famous troglodyte (underground) homes and enjoy lunch with a local family.  Make your way to the edge of the Sahara, where you will climb aboard a camel and ride to a desert camp.  Enjoy a traditional desert meal and spend the night under the stars.

Day 2: Tozeur & Ong Jemal & Chebika  

After breakfast at your desert camp, return to Douz and continue across Tunisia’s famous salt lake, Chott El-Jerid.  You’ll arrive to Tozeur in time for lunch.  Then head out on an excursion to the well-preserved Star Wars site, Mos Espa.  Watch the sun set over the nearby dunes and experience the beauty of the desert.  After the excursion, enjoy dinner and some time to relax at your hotel. (Overnight at Ksar Rouge Hotel in Tozeur)

Day 3: Mides, Tamazgha, Sbeitla & Sousse         

After breakfast, you’ll head to the rugged Atlas mountains north of Tozeur.  A local guide will meet you and take you on an easy 3 km hike in a beautiful canyon near Mides.  You’ll eat lunch in Tamazgha and then drive to the ruins of Sbeitla, one of the largest Roman centers in Tunisia’s south.  After your visit, you will be taken back to your original location, arriving late evening.

Day 1 Marrakech

Arrive at any time. Get ready to channel all of the buzz and excitement of arriving in a new place by heading out on the town with your CEO and crew. Take the fun to new heights as you grab drinks and kick back at a rooftop bar. Don’t get too distracted by the incredible views of Marrakech, though, that you forget to get to know your new travel companions and prepare for the thrilling journey ahead.

On arrival, check the notice board (or ask reception) for the exact time and location of the group meeting. Afterwards, there will be the possibility to go out for a meal as a group in a nearby local restaurant. If you arrive late, no worries, your leader will leave you a message at the front desk.

Day 2 Marrakech/Todra Gorge

Depart Marrakech and gaze out the window as the city gives way to rocky hills and terracotta villages. Disembark upon arrival in Tinghir and get in touch with Morocco's Mediterranean flora during a walk through palm groves. Then, fly to Mars. Just kidding. Head into Todra Gorge (might as well be Mars, though, with how other-worldly your surroundings will feel here). Fall asleep beneath sheer cliff walls to the sound of a gurgling river and the wind catching in the palm trees.

Day 3 Todra Gorge/Merzouga

Journey into the vast, golden reaches of the desert. Mint tea and a warm welcome await you at your dune-side hotel. Saddle up and travel by camel to the perfect perch atop the dunes to view the sunset paint the sky hues of red, blue, and yellow. After, under a canopy of stars, enjoy dinner and an evening of entertainment by the campfire. Let your imagination run wild as you listen to traditional music on the drums alongside stories about the region. We dare you to top this campfire experience.

Opt to spend time further exploring the undulating golden sand of the dunes, and discovering the surrounding communities on a land cruiser desert excursion. You can pre-book this optional excursion when booking your tour.

Day 4 Merzouga/Aït Ben Haddou

We know you've officially fallen in love with desert life, but it's time to kiss your camel goodbye. Rise early for the sunrise, then travel along the Route of 1000 Kasbahs to Ait Ben Haddou, one of the most iconic and beautiful kasbahs and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Day 5 Aït Ben Haddou/Aroumd (Aremd)

Ready to gain some elevation? Head into the magnificent High Atlas Mountains and cross the Tizi n'Tichka pass (at 2260 m) before heading into Toubkal National Park. Take to the winding roads like a pro and gaze out the windows as small villages wiz by. Upon arrival at the small village of Imlil, strap on your hiking shoes and embark on a 1 hour hike from Imlil to the quaint mountain village of Aroumd (Aremd). Bask in the jaw-dropping elements — the sweet mountain air and the proximity to the jagged mountain peaks. Cozy up in your mountain gîte after a homeade dinner of local produce in the salon.

Accommodation is multi-share, up to six beds in each room. Bedding is provided, but you will need to bring a sleeping bag for additional warmth if travelling between November and April. You will also need to bring your own towel. Bathroom facilities are shared.

Day 6 Aroumd (Aremd)/Marrakech

Begin the day by hiking back to Imlil and beginning your journey to the "Red City," Marrakech. Unlock the many secrets this ancient city has to offer in its mazelike alleys, ornate palaces, and lush gardens. When the heat of the day gets to you, relax at one of the many tea houses situated on the buzzing square (best people watching guaranteed). Opt to visit the stunning Musée de Marrakech, explore the ruins of El Badi Palace, or wander through Jardins Majorelle — a sprawling botanical garden developed over the span of forty years. End the day like a local with an optional group dinner in the famous food stalls of Djemaa el Fna.

Day 7 Marrakech

It's not goodbye, it's see you later. After all, after a trip like this, who wouldn't be itching to return?

Opt to get up early and catch the sunrise over Marrakech by pre-booking the Hot Air Balloon excursion. Please ensure you allow enough time to return from the activity when planning your onward journey.

Please note that should you opt to pre-book and participate in the optional Hot Air Balloon Marrakech activity you will finish the experience at approximately 12pm, please book ongoing travel after 4pm.