Ideas for a Driving Holiday in Morocco

Very few countries can offer such a glorious array of new and diverse experiences as Morocco. A country with one foot in a glittering past and the other, most assuredly, in the present. No single image can really capture its elusive essence. There is sun, surf and sand in abundance, and then there is the Morocco of the Imperial Cities with their age-old monuments and teeming souks. But behind them both - often only a short drive away - is the eternal, unchanging Morocco of drowsy villages, olive groves and palm-clad oases, monumental peaks, (often snow-clad) and spiritual sun and wind ravaged deserts in the south.

Morocco is a country that cries out to be explored. Perhaps the answer is the open road. So much in Morocco reinforces our sense of it being a land of our time, it is easy to forget that it can also boast one of the best developed road networks in Africa. Tarmac roads link all the main towns, passing through an extravagance of landscapes and climates that most visitors barely suspect. Signposts are the same as in Europe - directions are in French and Arabic and, if you exclude mules, horse-drawn carts and bicycles, the traffic is exceptionally light. Petrol is available in all but the smallest of villages and costs about the same as in England. A driving licence is all you need (International licence is not required).

Flights are not restricted to a single destination. You can fly into one airport (e.g. Fes) and fly out of another (e.g. Marrakech) at no extra cost and thus add greater flexibility to any itinerary that you may be planning.

From our immense experience of Morocco, we are able to advise you on an itinerary to suit your particular interests and requirements. Just phone, write, Fax or e-mail us with all your details and we will suggest an appropriate itinerary, together with a price per person. Once an acceptable itinerary and price has been agreed, we will make all the necessary arrangements.

From a small group 'A' car to the luxury of an air-conditioned saloon car, a 4 x 4 self-drive or even a car with driver - all these options are available to you. All cars include unlimited mileage, local taxes and CDW insurance. Cars can be delivered/collected at any place of your choice either at your hotel or at an air-port on arrival/departure. Cars can be delivered in one area and collected in another.

These are some interesting and contrasting "suggested" itineraries, which can be modified to suit your personal interests, with pre-booked flights, car hire or transfers and accommodation. The driving times are approximate.

All prices are subject to availability at the time of booking - please speak with a member of our staff for a firm quotation, giving your preferred dates for travel.

Suggested 7 night desert itinerary

• 1 night at Les Tourmalines, Ouarzazate with half-board
• 1 night at La Fibule Du Draa, Zagora with half-board (driving time: 3.5 hours)
• 2 nights at Kasbah Mohayut, Merzouga with half-board (driving time: 5.5 hours)
  or 1 night in hotel and 1 night on a camel trek
• 1 night at Tomboctu Hotel, Tineghir with half-board (driving time: 3 - 4 hours)
• 1 night at Chez Pierre, Dades Valley with half-board (driving time: 2.5 hours)
• 1 night at Les Jardins De Skoura, Skoura with breakfast and dinner (driving time: 2.5 hours)
• Group 'D' Car Hire for 7 days

Price based on two people sharing a twin or double room, including flights, tax and transfers on arrival and departure: from £1,050 per person in low season.

Suggested 10 night at cities and desert itinerary

• 3 nights at Dar Anebar, Fes with breakfast
• 2 nights at Kasbah Mohayut, Merzouga with half-board (driving time: 8 hours)
• 1 night at Kasbah Lamrani, Tineghir with half-board (driving time: 3 - 4 hours)
• 1 night at Les Jardins De Skoura, Skoura with breakfast and dinner (driving time: 2.5 hours)
• 3 nights at Riad Les Yeux Bleues, Marrakech with breakfast
• Group 'D' Car Hire for 5 days

Price based on two sharing a twin or double room, including flights, tax and transfers on arrival and departure: from £1,415 per person in low season.

Suggested 14 night at anti-atlas, coast and Marrakech itinerary

• 2 nights at Dar Zitoune, Taroudant with half-board
• 1 night at Les Amandiers, Tafraout with half-board (driving time: 4 hours)
• 1 night at Kasbah Tabelkoukt, Mirleft with half-board (driving time: 2.5 hours)
• 2 nights at Ksar Massa, Massa with half-board (driving time: 1.5 hours)
• 2 nights at Dar Loulema, Essaouira with breakfast (driving time: 4 hours)
• 2 nights at Hippocampe, Oualidia with half-board (driving time: 4 hours)
• 4 nights at Tigmi, Marrakech with BB (driving time: 2.5 hours)
• Group 'D' Car Hire for 9 days

Price based on two sharing a twin or double room, including flights, tax and transfers on arrival and departure: from £1,913 per person in low season.