Exploring Morocco
For many people, Moroccan rugs serve as a getaway to Moroccan culture. Yet, nothing compares to immersing oneself in the authentic wonders of Morocco.
Salam Hello offers a fully-guided private tour experience where you have the opportunity to connect with our artisans and personally partake in their time-honored traditions, even weaving alongside them.
It’s a first-of-its-kind, unique and intimate experience, where we’ll pull the curtain back on what makes these pieces so special, as well as visit some of the country’s most iconic sights and experiences, from riding camels in the Sahara to eating homemade meals with weavers.
Our deep-rooted ties to the community grant us the privilege to offer this unique experience, far beyond what any guidebook can provide. So, read on and let your imagination carry you to the captivating sights, melodious sounds, and delectable flavors that await you in Morocco.
Day 1: Arrival
Upon arrival in Marrakech, we will bring you to your riad, a traditional Moroccan home with a courtyard. After freshening up, you will have the opportunity to unwind and explore at your own pace.
Later in the afternoon, you will savor a delightful tea experience on a rooftop, overlooking the historic medina, the city's oldest district. As the day turns into evening, you will take in an evening at Nomad, a must-visit in Marrakech. This renowned spot offers a delightful blend of modern Moroccan cuisine with a modern twist, all enjoyed on their rooftop terrace overlooking the bustling spice market.
Day 2: Explore Ait-Ben-Haddou
Enjoy breakfast at the riad before embarking on a journey towards Ait-Ben-Haddou, one of the largest Kasbahs and a UNESCO World Heritage site and renowned for its appearance in numerous films. Our route will take us through the High Atlas mountains, crossing the Tizi n Tichka pass. Along the way, we will have the chance to visit one of the oldest villages nestled in the foothills of the majestic Atlas mountains, surrounded by the largest forest in the region.
Day 3: Meet the Salam Hello Artisans
We will spend the day with the artisans of Salam Hello. During the day, we will have the privilege of spending time with two groups of artisans. Our first stop will be learning about wool preparation. Together with the artisans we will brush, card, and spin the wool.
Once the wool is ready, we will delve into the intricate art of dyeing before settling down at the loom to weave alongside them. For lunch, we will enjoy a traditional homemade meal of couscous.
We will then head to another family of artisans, where we will watch a mother and daughter work on a rug. As the afternoon sets in, we will enjoy tea before heading to the town of Agdz, where we will relax and spend the night.
Day 4: Experience the Sahara
Today we had to the Sahara Desert, we will first cross the Ziz River, and then we will pass a series of fortified villages with outstanding pre-Saharan architecture.
We will reach the village of Merzouga and break for lunch in Khamilia village. Believed to be descended from escaped slaves, this frontier town is home to notable Gnaoua musicians, including Les Pigeons du Sable.
Following lunch, we will ride camels to reach our nomadic camp and to admire the sunset over the huge sand dunes of Erg Chebbi. You will have the evening to spend time walking among the majestic dunes and witness the magnificent sunset.
Day 5: Trek the Todgha Gorges
We will start the day by enjoying the sunrise over the Sahara dunes before embarking on a drive through a scenic road to the inspiring Todgha Gorges near Tinghir.
The Todgha Gorge is a 300-meter-deep fault that splits orange limestone into a deep ravine, at some points just wide enough for single-file trekkers to squeeze through the crystal-clear river. The road from Tinghir passes green palmeraies, palm groves, and Amazigh Villages. We will spend the night in the Dades Valley.
Day 6: Shopping in Valley of the Roses
After breakfast, we will drive along the scenic route of the Valley of the Roses on our way to the quaint Village of El Kelaa, known for its rosewater products. We’ll visit a local co-op and local weaving association before making our way back to Marrakech.
Day 7: Marrakech
Finally, we will enjoy a full day exploring Marrakech with our local guides.
We will visit the legendary souks (open air markets), wool-dyer's quarters, craft markets, and take in the ever-present displays from storytellers and magicians.
We will end the day taking in all the tastes of Marrakech with a street food tour, where you will learn the secrets of Moroccan cuisine at traditional Moroccan restaurants and street vendors.
From stopping at a local souk to sitting and eating tanjia at one of the most famous restaurants in Marrakech, we will ensure you learn and discover the local spices, techniques, and flavors.
Day 8: Depart
After a full week, we will send you home with memories to last a lifetime.