The settlement is the homeland of the Alaouite dynasty, which reigned in this region for 300 years, and this morning we’ll have an opportunity to visit the founder’s Mausoleum and explore something of the local ksour (fortified villages). After lunch, we then drive on to the settlement of Merzouga, which lies on the edge of Erg Chebbi, an area of spectacular high dunes that are amongst some of Morocco’s most spectacular natural landscapes.
Geography
Admire lunar landscape on two wheels
Sightseeing
Visit world heritage sites en route
Villages
Taste local foods, interact with villagers
Rock formations
Explore cave dwellings, ancient rock churches
DAY 1 – Arrival to Casablanca
You meet our guide an driver at Kayseri airport and drive to hotel in Göreme.
DAY 2 - Visit to Hassan II Mosque and explore Rabat; drive to Meknes
We have a short transfer to white valley.Route take us to Uchisar castle through the monolith rock formations.Due to this mushroom shaped formations on the slopes the valley is also called ‘Love valley’.We ascend to Uchisar town.We have lunch in a local restaurant then visit the castle.It is a naturally formed rock structure with full of caves used as dwellings,storages and stalls.As it is the highest spot of central Cappadocia,It was always a strategic point during war times.We walk up to the top of the castle.Then we continue our walk through Pigeon valley.The valley accomodates a big number of pigeon houses.Pigeon’s guanos were used to fertilise the fields by locals.As they contain 15 percent nitrogen,they were nutritionally beneficial for dry soils like Cappadocia.There are thousands of lofts carved out of rock faces around the region.We descend to Göreme town.You can have invigorating Turkish bath ‘Hamam’ before we head back to the hotel.
DAY 3 - Sightseeing in Meknes; drive to Fes via Volubilis
In the morning we have a short drive to Pancarlık Valley. We start to hike from the remnants of a monastery.The route meanders along the stream and pass through the green fields.The valley is surrounded by high rock structures and caves which are used as dwellings,storages and graves by the locals.We follow the path crossing the stream several times to a ridge where we admire the extensive dove cotes. the end of the valley we ascend on a dirt road to Ortahisar town.We have lunch at the local pide restaurant.Then we drive to Göreme open air museum. Here,we see the best preserved churches of the region.Cappadocia was inhabited by early christians in the 4th century from Caesera(Kayseri).They formed a Monastic life which was flourished and expanded in the 7th century.Monasteries,chapels and cathedrals were carved in to the rocks.Göreme open air museum hosts the best of them that dates back to 11.-12. century AD.These rock-cut shrines are richly painted with ochre and other herbal dyes which reflects early Christian renaissance.Then we return to hotel.Before dinner we have a cookery lesson in a village house in the town.This is a great chance to experience Turkish local culture and learn more about food,spices and desserts.
DAY 4 - Exploring Fes
”Optional hot air balloon ride.Cappadocia is one of the best hot air balloon ride spots in the world.Early in the morning dozens of balloons take off and form a stunning skyline in the region.As it is the best way to witness the picturesque formations entirely,it has become the most popular activity and highlight of the region”
In the morning we start with a short photo break.The spot has a tremendous view overlooking Göreme town and formations with the volcano at the background.Then we drive to Kaymaklı Underground city.Underground cities are one of the top highlights of Cappadocia.They were the living quarters and shelters of the locals during war times throughout the history.Although the first inhabitants are thought to be Hittites,most of them were reformed and enlarged by christian communities against Arab-Sasanids raids.With long passages,labyrinth tunnels,chapels,vineries and a big number of storages,they are more like subterranean villages with the capacity of thousands.Kaymaklı underground city is one of the largest in the region consisting of 4 floors open to public.It was listed as a World Heritage site in 1985.We continue on to Ihlara valley.The gorge streches 14 kms from Ihlara to Selime town.It was formed by Melendiz River which still flows helping cultivation of the area.The gorge also provided an ideal place for early christian monks.There are caves,churches and storages as well as safe hideaway tunnels on both side of the river.We walk along the river seeing rock-cut churches and fields en route.After having lunch in one of the authentic restourants by the river we continue on our walk towards Selime Monastery.It is situated on a hill top overlooking Selime town.Monastery is a 9th century religious complex consisting of a cathedral,chapel,education hall,dormitory and kitchen.There are still some wall paintings can be seen in the churches.We ascend to the top fallowing a steep path and stroll around rock dwellings enjoying the scenery.Then we return to hotel.
DAY 5 - Drive over the Middle Atlas to Erfoud
We start the day by passing over the white valley. White valley has the tallest fairy chimneys of Cappadocia. We fallow a dirt path that brings us to Castle of Uchisar. We keep riding our bikes with amazing scenery. Castle of Uchisar is one of the highest point of the region where we can have a 360 degrees view. We have chance to visit the castle then we continue to Kavak and Bahçeli villages. We have nice downhill rides in this part. Then we will arrive at the valley of Gomeda. We can visit a church and some ruins here. At the end we arrive at Mustafa pasha. Once Mustafapasa was a Greek village and it has beautiful houses. We can visit the old churches and a school from 14th century. Acommodation in an very famous old hotel.
DAY 6 - Drive to Merzouga via Rissani; Afternoon optional camel ride and desert camp
Our day starts by following the meandering Ziz River towards Rissani, the last sizeable community and the end of the vegetation belt before the dunes of the Sand Sea begin. The settlement is the homeland of the Alaouite dynasty, which reigned in this region for 300 years, and this morning we’ll have an opportunity to visit the founder’s Mausoleum and explore something of the local ksour (fortified villages). After lunch, we then drive on to the settlement of Merzouga, which lies on the edge of Erg Chebbi, an area of spectacular high dunes that are amongst some of Morocco’s most spectacular natural landscapes. The afternoon is then free to simply relax, take a 4WD trip around the dunes to explore the surrounding area, or take a camel ride into the haunting V-shape dunes that seem to creep slowly across the desert floor. Alternatively, you may choose to appreciate their vastness by climbing them. The word erg is Arabic for great sand dune area and although many people imagine the Sahara as an endless sea of rolling golden sand dunes, they actually cover only about one fifth of its surface, the rest being covered by vast rock and gravel plains. Today even affords an opportunity to spend tonight camping out in the desert in a traditional Berber-style tent (optional), to truly appreciate the captivating tranquillity of this desert setting.
DAY 7 - Drive to Todra Gorge area
We have a short drive to Damsa lake.(30mins)Today’s route takes us through the vineyards and ruins of Golgoli to Ayvalı village.We have picnic lunch in a local cafe in Ayvalı then continue on to Mustafapaşa. Mustafapaşa ,also known as Sinasos was a prosperous town of Greek merchants untill 1924.After the population exchange between Turkey and Greece, it was abondoned and partly reinhabited by Turkish families from Macedonia.We see some of the elaborate mansions and houses that witnessed the days of glory and an Ottoman Medrasah which is a modern college today.Return to hotel.
DAY 8 - Optional walks in Todra Gorge
The dramatic ochre-coloured cliffs of the Todra Gorge rise vertically to leave just a narrow pass through which our track and the river struggle for right of way. In the morning Berber women drive their goats through the narrow gorge to the better grazing land higher up and we have an opportunity to follow their daily ritual and admire the stunning views, as we spend the morning exploring these deep, narrow mountain chasms on foot. You may choose to join the tour leader on an optional walk to Abdelali viewpoint for some excellent panoramas across to the Jebel Sahro and down into the gorge. The walk generally takes around 5 hours return and is considered as a moderate trek, but be aware that in high temperatures it can be more demanding (walking boots with ankle support essential). Alternatively you may opt to explore the gorge valley floor following the path of the river and take in the local scenery from one of the nearby cafés.
DAY 9 - Drive to Ait Benhaddou via El Kelaa des M’Gouna and the Valley of 1000 Kasbahs
This morning we driving westwards, where we make a short stop in El Kelaa des M’Gouna positioned at the foot of a rocky outcrop that separates the Dades and Mgoun Valleys. Famed for its roses, the town lies blanketed under a landscape of scented blooms each spring, which are then harvested in May during the famous Festival of the Roses and processed into rosewater to be sold throughout the Islamic world. Driving on through the Dades Valley with its fertile oases, we enter the Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs, where each of the oasis towns can boast their own distinctive character, the mud and straw structures becoming more plentiful and more ornate as you progress along the valley. Later this afternoon we make our way towards the small, fortified Berber settlement of Ait Benhaddou, which has been classified by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site and is considered by many to be one of Morocco’s most picturesque settings. Studded with crenelated towers and richly decorated, the town’s Kasbah is quite spectacular and provided an ideal location for filming scenes from Jesus of Nazareth and Lawrence of Arabia.
DAY 10 - Drive to Ouirgane
Heading north, the parched desert sand and stone gives way to the hills and deep gorges of the High Atlas Mountains as we wind our way up and over the Tizi n’ Tichka, the highest vehicular pass in Morocco and often snow covered during the winter months. We will then head to the small village of Ouirgane. En route we may have the opportunity of visiting the local market at Tahanoute and the village of Aguersioual, where we will enjoy a mint tea with a Berber family and experience the everyday life of the people of this region. Depending on our arrival time there may be the opportunity for a short hike around Ouirgane, Imlil or alternatively to the Berber village of Matate.
DAY 11 - Drive to Essaouira via Marrakech
Today we head via Marrakesh to take the road west to the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. Our destination is the historic port of Essaouira. This afternoon you will have free time to enjoy this charming small seaside town.
DAY 12 - Free day in Essaouira
The day is free for independent explorations in this colourful coastal fishing town. Situated within 15th century Portuguese fortifications, the town has a relaxed but lively feel and an experience not to be missed is a visit to the old walled Medina. After passing through the narrow, highly decorated arched entrance, it may be hard to resist snapping up last minute gifts such as locally made rustic leather belts, gleaming gold and silver jewellery, or wooden boxes exquisitely inlaid with ebony and mother of pearl by local craftsmen. The lively throng of the Medina, with its local women carrying out their daily routines, veiled in their traditional dress, forms a sharp contrast to the open golden sands of the harbour area where hopeful seabirds can be seen circling above the fisherman as they return from the blue waters with their daily catches. We suggest a stroll around the old town, perhaps taking in the Mellah (the old Jewish Quarter) or maybe a wander along the fine sandy beach and through the harbour.
DAY 13 - Drive to Marrakech; Afternoon sightseeing tour
This morning we leave the coast and return to Marrakech. It’s a few hours’ drive and after we have checked in to the hotel we will take a walking tour of the Red City.
Like many North African towns, Marrakech is divided into two distinct parts, the Gueliz (the modern French-built city) and the Medina (the Old City), a place where trade and barter amongst the colourful souks still renders its ancient heart a glittering cacophony of noise and colour. The city’s beating heart is the spectacular Djemma-el-Fna, a site not to be missed and a scene straight out of the pages of the Arabian Nights. Here we will find the streets and alleys alive with storytellers and musicians, jugglers and acrobats, snake charmers and clowns. Marrakech is a city like no other; with a staggering array of spectacular architecture and wonderful facades and not to be missed are the Koutoubia mosque and tower, Saadian tombs, Ben Youssef medersa, the Dar Si Said Palace (now the Museum of Moroccan Art) and the Menara gardens. This evening there is also an opportunity to visit a traditional Hammam.
DAY 14 - Free day in Marrakech
This morning we leave the coast and return to Marrakech. It’s a few hours’ drive and after we have checked in to the hotel we will take a walking tour of the Red City.
Like many North African towns, Marrakech is divided into two distinct parts, the Gueliz (the modern French-built city) and the Medina (the Old City), a place where trade and barter amongst the colourful souks still renders its ancient heart a glittering cacophony of noise and colour. The city’s beating heart is the spectacular Djemma-el-Fna, a site not to be missed and a scene straight out of the pages of the Arabian Nights. Here we will find the streets and alleys alive with storytellers and musicians, jugglers and acrobats, snake charmers and clowns. Marrakech is a city like no other; with a staggering array of spectacular architecture and wonderful facades and not to be missed are the Koutoubia mosque and tower, Saadian tombs, Ben Youssef medersa, the Dar Si Said Palace (now the Museum of Moroccan Art) and the Menara gardens. This evening there is also an opportunity to visit a traditional Hammam.
DAY 15 - Tour ends Marrakech
We finish the tour and drive to airport of Marakech.
Challenging. Good level of fitness is required.
5-6 hours of ride.
Average elevation gain / loss; +/- 650 meters
Waterproof biking clothing and small day pack for necessary equipments. Tubeless tyres are recommended for Cappadocia. Wide, high volume tyres work best. Low gears are essential. Rubber soled cycling shoes are recommended for hike-a-bike sections. Waterproof biking clothing.
Good quality mountain bikes can be hired as well as spd pedals.
Breakfast and dinners will be at the pension or hotels and camp site.
Picnic lunches to be prepared and shared by the participants before the walk.
7 nights at the pension or hotels
Each participant should have a day pack to carry water, lunch stuff and personal items. The luggage will be transported to the pension or hotels by our vehicle.
6 PAX :2000 Euro
6+ pax 1740 euro
INCLUDED
Transportation
Guiding
All meals (except for first and last day )
EXCLUDED
Extra activities (Camel ride and Desert safari)
Enterance fees
Flights
Personal expenses
