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Carla FerreiraTravel Expert in Mauritius & South Africa
Stephanie LouwTravel Expert in Namibia & South Africa
Victoria ErskineTravel Expert in Kenya & South Africa
The sights, sounds and smells make Morocco a fantastic family destination. Explore the ancient labyrinthine medina of Marrakech, astonishing landscape of the Atlas Mountain, extraordinary Sahara Desert and the beaches on the Atlantic Coast. The twelve day trip also allows for time by the beach in Essaouira. This tour has been planned to be suitable for the younger members of your family. It includes shorter drive times, and opportunities to both explore or relax by the pool!
After arriving into Marrakech you'll have a little free time to settle in, before our Moroccan family adventure begins. As we leave behind Marrakech, we begin our journey, heading to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ain Benhaddou. Our route to Ait Behaddou will take us through the Valley of the Roses and through the beautiful Atlas Mountains. Once we reach Ait Benhaddou we'll have a guided tour of one of the oldest fortified towns in the south of Morocco, which has also been featured in numerous movies and TV series including Gladiator, Lawrence of Arabia and even Game of Thrones.
Our route towards the Sahara continues through the N'Kob Berber Oasis where we'll have a chance to learn about the Ait Atta Nomads and their way of life. During the day we'll have a walking tour of the palmerie and have the option of partaking in a cooking class. Our journey from N'Kob continues, passing through the Anti-Atlas and Draa Valley, making a stop to try some local dates. Our destination today will be the Erg Chebbi Sand Dunes where we'll take a camel ride through the desert and spend the night at a traditional berber camp.
As we begin our journey back towards Marrakech, we'll make a stop to visit the Todra Gorge, the Grand Canyon of Morocco, and the movie studios of Ouarzazate. Once we reach Marrakech you'll have time to explore the Medina and have the option of joining our Marrakech city tour.
This extended tour ends with some time in the coastal town of Essaouira, famous for its surfing and architecture. For those passengers looking to for a shorter adventure, we also offer a version of this tour which excludes the days in Essaouira - Souks & Sand Dunes Tour.
This tour has been arranged specifically for those travelling with children aged from 5 to 16 years (minimum age 5) - child discounts are available.
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
From the High Atlas Mountains to the deep Todra Gorge, the Sahara Desert, the Blue City of Chefchaouen, and the coastal town of Essaouira, this 14-day tour will take you to all corners of Morocco and show you the very best of what this kingdom has to offer.
After meeting the group in Casablanca, we begin our journey, making our first stop in the capital city of Rabat where we'll explore the Oudaia Kasbah, Royal Palace, and the Hassan Tower before moving on to Tetouan. Next is the Blue City of Chefchaouen in the North of Morocco, where we'll have the opportunity to explore the main square and Kasbah with its white-painted doors and blue walls.
Turning our direction south, our next stop is Fes, often considered to be one of the oldest and largest medieval cities in the world. With a 2-night stay here, you'll have plenty of time to explore this city and its maze-like Medina.
As our journey continues, we pass over the Moyen Atlas and spend a night in the mountainous town of Midelt, where we'll have time for a short hike in the surrounding hills and a visit to a local Berber family, where we'll experience a few hours in their way of life.
Be prepared for a change of scenery as our adventure takes us into the Sahara Desert. We'll take a camel trek through the sand dunes of the Erg Chebbi to our base for the night, a traditional Berber camp. You can choose to sleep within the tents or choose to sleep outside, beneath the star-speckled desert sky.
Next, you'll have time in the deep Todra Gorge, with the opportunity for a short hike through the canyon and Palmerie area, or even try some rock climbing. You'll then follow the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs to Ouarzazate and the Ksar of Ait Benhaddou, which you may find familiar as it has appeared in several movies, some of which were also partially filmed in the nearby Atlas Studios, which you'll also have the opportunity to visit.
The final leg of our journey firstly takes us to the coast, where we'll spend 2 nights in the laid-back town of Essaouira. While here, you can enjoy seafood, try your hand at kite surfing, or explore the UNESCO-listed Medina and former Portuguese fortifications. This comprehensive tour of Morocco ends in Marrakech, where an optional tour is available to explore this Imperial City, the fourth of which you will have visited on this tour.
For those passengers who find it easier to fly in and out of Marrakech, we also offer a 15-day version of this tour, starting 1 day earlier in Marrakech. Please see the optional extras for further details
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Embark on a nine-day immersive journey that masterfully unifies Tunisia's magnificent history, vibrant modern culture, and breathtaking natural diversity. Your adventure begins in Tunis, where you will immediately plunge into the capital's heritage with a guided exploration of the UNESCO-listed Medina and a hands-on Tunisian Cooking Class, followed by a deep dive into antiquity at the ruins of Carthage and the picturesque, whitewashed streets of Sidi Bou Said.
As the tour moves south, you will explore the country's fascinating regional contrasts. Experience the culinary tradition firsthand with a Harissa-making workshop in Nabeul, then trace centuries of history through the fortified Medinas of Hammamet and Sousse, before witnessing the sheer imperial grandeur of the Roman Amphitheatre of El Jem. The itinerary takes a dramatic turn as you venture into the Dahar mountains, famed for their striking troglodyte architecture. Discover the unique underground homes of Matmata, visit iconic Star Wars filming locations, and enjoy an unforgettable cultural exchange with the empowering Women of GDA El Ferch cooperative.
The core of the experience is an exhilarating Sahara Desert immersion. Leaving the traditional Berber villages behind, you will embark on an exhilarating 4x4 off-road adventure deep into the sweeping dunes of the Grand Erg Oriental. After witnessing a traditional Sahara Bread-Making Demonstration, you will enjoy a delicious dinner and spend a serene night under the stars at a luxury desert camp. Emerging from the sands via the vibrant Douz souk and the shimmering salt flats of Chott el Jerid, the journey concludes in the oasis city of Tozeur. Here, the final days are dedicated to exploring more Star Wars cinematic landscapes and trekking through the surprising beauty of the mountain oases—Chebika, Tamerza, and Mides—before a final day of exploration at the pristine Roman ruins of Sbeitla and the holy, spiritual heart of Tunisia, the Great Mosque of Kairouan, before your return to Tunis. This tour is a comprehensive, authentic, and unforgettable exploration of North Africa's jewel
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
This 6-day tour is the perfect way to experience the unique and fascinating destination that is Lebanon. Found on the eastern shore of the Mediterranean, Lebanon is filled with historical and cultural sites and landmarks.
You will visit great ancient Phoenician cities; Byblos, the world’s oldest continually-inhabited city; and Heliopolis, the Middle East’s best-preserved temple. Lebanon also abounds with natural phenomena and landscapes, and you will visit many fascinating natural sites. These include the Baatara Gorge Waterfall, the Jeita Grotto, the Ksara Caves, and the Barouk Cedar Nature Reserve.
With sites such as the birthplace of Khalil Gibran, and the Lebanon cedar mentioned in the Old Testament, Lebanon provides the ideal combination nature, culture and history.
Accommodation is in 3-4 star boutique style hotels, a deluxe guesthouse in Zahle and one night a monastery in the Qadisha Valley where you may join the monks for morning prayer if you wish.. The itinerary will be adjusted slightly during the winter months to avoid some of the high mountain roads which will be blocked due to snow.
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Guest House, Hotel, Resort
Age Range
8-95 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Cape Town, Beirut, Baatara Gorge
Cape Town, Beirut, Baatara Gorge Waterfall, Qadisha Valley, Byblos
Welcome to Vietnam, a country that pulses with life, from the timeless traditions of the northern highlands to the bustling energy of the southern cities. This unique tour invites you to step beyond the well-trodden paths and immerse yourself in the authentic heart of the nation. From the moment you arrive in Hanoi, you'll be greeted with a blend of historical grandeur and vibrant street life, setting the stage for the captivating experiences that lie ahead.
Your adventure truly begins as you leave the urban landscape behind and journey into the serene beauty of the Pu Luong Nature Reserve. Here, you'll find a different rhythm of life, defined by peaceful, terraced rice paddies and the gentle pace of the local Thai ethnic community. This is more than a scenic stay; it's an opportunity for genuine cultural immersion. You will sleep in a traditional stilt house, sharing a communal space with fellow travellers, and wake up to the stunning views of the 'hidden village' of Kho Muong. The days are filled with invigorating treks through the verdant landscape, and the evenings are spent sharing stories over a delicious, home-cooked meal.
As the tour progresses, you'll be treated to a stunning contrast of experiences. The tranquil landscapes of Pu Luong give way to the legendary beauty of Ha Long Bay, where you'll cruise among thousands of limestone karsts, and even ascend a mountain for a panoramic sunset view. Next, you will travel south by overnight train, waking to the sight of lush green fields and water buffalo before arriving in the imperial city of Hue. Here, history comes alive in the magnificent Citadel and a peaceful cruise along the Perfume River. The journey continues to the charming, lantern-lit streets of Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where you can lose yourself in its rich, multicultural history and even learn to make your own souvenir. Finally, you will explore the vibrant and bustling Ho Chi Minh City, with a memorable journey into the rich agricultural heart of the Mekong Delta, where you'll participate in hands-on activities, from making rice paper to fishing, connecting you directly with local life.
This tour is crafted for those who seek more than just sightseeing. It's for the traveller who wants to engage, to learn, and to connect. From the bustling streets of Hanoi to the quiet corners of the Mekong Delta, you will discover the rich tapestry of Vietnamese life, culture, and cuisine, creating memories that will last a lifetime. The itinerary's varied accommodation reflects its diverse experiences. Throughout your journey, you will enjoy the comfort and amenities of 4-star hotels in the major cities of Hanoi, Hue, and Ho Chi Minh City. In contrast, your overnight stays in Pu Luong and the Mekong Delta will be in more traditional, rural settings, providing an authentic taste of local life. The tour also includes the unique and unforgettable experience of spending a night aboard a traditional junk boat as you cruise through the spectacular waters of Ha Long Bay
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Eco Lodge, Home-stay, Hotel, Lodge, Sleeper Train
Age Range
8-95 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Cape Town, Hanoi, Saigon, Mekong
Cape Town, Hanoi, Saigon, Mekong Delta, Ho Chi Minh City, Mai Chau, Khò Muồng, Halong Bay, Hue, Hoi An
An 8-day tour of Morocco, specifically designed with the needs and interests of teenagers in mind. You'll indulge your time in Morocco with traditional cuisine, comfortable accommodation and an interesting mix of activities.
Our journey will begin in Marrakech where we'll have time settle in before our adventure towards the desert begins. Our first stop outside of Marrakech will be the city of Ouarzazate, often referred to as the 'door of the desert' and also known for being home to the famous movie studios, responsible for productions such as Gladiator, The last temptation of Christ and even Game of Thrones. We offer an optional tour of the movie studios.
Moving on from Ouarzazate, our real desert adventure begins as we enter the dunes of Erg Chebbi, gateway to the Sahara, where we'll head to our berber camp by camel and have a chance to climb the sand dunes in the evening to watch the sunset.
After a night under the desert stars, we reverse our direction, heading to the Todra Gorge where our hotel will be set amongst a Palmerie, surrounded by 300m high cliffs. You'll have plenty of time to explore the gorge, visit local villages or even try your hand at rock-climbing. We continue our journey along the famous road of a 1000 kasbahs until we reach perhaps the most famous kasbah of all, the UNESCO world heritage site of Ait Benhaddou. After lunch at Ait Benhaddou, we'll have a guided tour and spend the night at a nearby hotel.
The final leg of our trip takes us through the High Atlas Mountains and back to Marrakech, where you have the option of enjoying some well earned free time, or join one of our optional guided tours of the city.
This tour has been arranged specifically for those travelling with teenagers aged 12 (minimum age 12) - child discounts are available.
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
12-85 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Cape Town, Marrakech, Ouarzazate
Cape Town, Marrakech, Ouarzazate, Todra Gorges, Ait Benhaddou
This 13-day Tunisian journey offers a rich, immersive exploration that begins and concludes in Tunis. The itinerary immediately heads to the country's northwest, focusing on deep cultural immersion with a hands-on workshop dedicated to the UNESCO-listed Sejnane pottery tradition and exploration of the coastal town of Tabarka. Time is spent relaxing and hiking in the forested Ain Draham Highlands, punctuated by an authentic traditional lunch shared with a local family.
The tour shifts to a profound historical track, taking guests through the Roman era with visits to the subterranean villas of Bulla Regia and the magnificent city of Dougga, North Africa’s best-preserved Roman site, complemented by an olive oil tasting and farm-to-table lunch. Returning to the capital region, the focus is on culture and gastronomy, featuring a guided exploration of the historic Tunis Medina, a hands-on Tunisian cooking class and market visit, and an afternoon among the ruins of Carthage and the picturesque blue-and-white village of Sidi Bou Said.
The second half of the trip ventures south, connecting important coastal Medinas like Sousse with the colossal Roman Amphitheatre of El Jem. The landscape transitions dramatically in the Dahar mountains, where guests explore the ingenious troglodyte houses of Matmata and engage with the inspiring Women of GDA El Ferch cooperative. The ultimate adventure is a 4x4 expedition deep into the Sahara’s Grand Erg Oriental from Douz, culminating in an unforgettable night at a Berber desert camp after a traditional desert bread-making demonstration. The return journey includes traversing the striking Chott el Jerid salt lake, visiting the cinematic Star Wars filming locations and the natural wonders of the mountain oases (Chebika, Tamerza, Mides), before the final historical stops at the Roman ruins of Sbeitla and the holy city of Kairouan, before returning to Tunis for departure.
If you'd prefer a shorter tour of Tunisia, you could also consider our 9-day Tunisian Encounters tour
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
This 14-day small group tour begins in Johannesburg, South Africa, and immediately heads east to the Greater Kruger National Park area for two nights. Guests will experience a full day 4x4 game drive within Kruger National Park, renowned for its diverse wildlife including the "Big-5". The itinerary also includes a scenic drive along the Panorama Route, featuring highlights such as Bourke's Luck Potholes, the Three Rondavels, and God's Window.
The journey continues into Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) for two nights, a landlocked kingdom surrounded by South Africa. Here, guests can explore the local culture and natural beauty, with optional activities like game drives, hiking, or mountain biking available. Following Eswatini, the tour re-enters South Africa, venturing into Zululand and spending two nights in St Lucia. Here, highlights include a game drive in Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve, a critical rhinoceros stronghold, and an afternoon boat cruise on the scenic St Lucia estuary.
The tour then proceeds to the Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park, a UNESCO recognised World Heritage site, for two nights. This section includes visits to the Howick Falls and the Nelson Mandela Capture Site, along with a guided hike in the Drakensberg mountains. Next, the group heads to Lesotho, often referred to as the 'Kingdom in the Sky', for two nights. Here, guests will explore its unique mountain landscape on foot and experience a Waterfall and Bushman Paintings activity. The return to South Africa involves a stop in the historic town of Graaff-Reinet in the Great Karoo. The penultimate day features an optional sunrise excursion to the Valley of Desolation and an afternoon game drive in Addo Elephant National Park. The tour concludes in Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth) after breakfast on Day 14
Explorer
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Camping, Hotel, Lodge, Resort
Age Range
8-85 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Eastern Cape, Johannesburg, Krug
Eastern Cape, Johannesburg, Kruger National Park, Lesotho, Graaf Reinet, Addo, Gqeberha, Eswatini, Saint Lucia, Hluhluwe, UKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park
This nine-day tour of Tunisia offers a comprehensive journey from the historic heart of the country to the vastness of the Sahara Desert and back, featuring deluxe 5-star accommodations throughout. Starting in the capital, Tunis, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. The trip's first full day is a deep dive into culture and history, featuring a guided tour of the UNESCO-listed Medina of Tunis, a hands-on Tunisian cooking class, and visits to the ancient ruins of Carthage and the picturesque village of Sidi Bou Said.
The adventure then moves south, with a day dedicated to the sacred city of Kairouan, where you will explore the Great Mosque and the old medina before continuing to the desert oasis of Tozeur for an overnight stay. In Tozeur, you will embark on a thrilling 4x4 expedition to the mountain oases of Chebika, Tamerza, and Midès, and discover the unique architecture of the city's old quarter. The tour continues to the 'Gateway to the Sahara', Douz, after a breathtaking photo stop at the Chott el-Jerid salt lake, with time to explore the vibrant local souk.
The final days of the tour take you to the unique Berber village of Matmata to see the troglodyte houses and the famous Star Wars film site. From there, you will travel to the coastal city of Sfax, where you will explore its well-preserved medina. The highlight of the trip is a special excursion to Chaffar Beach, near Sfax, to witness the total solar eclipse of 2027. After the eclipse, you will have free time before returning to Sfax for the night. The tour concludes with a return journey north to Tunis, with a final stop at the magnificent Roman Amphitheatre of El Jem before you spend your last night in the capital
Join Encounters Travel on an extraordinary journey through Egypt, timed to coincide with a rare total solar eclipse which we will view from Luxor, right in the heart of the path of totality. With over six minutes of totality, this is one of the longest solar eclipses of the century - and you'll witness it from one of the most awe-inspiring historic landscapes on Earth.
Enhancing this special trip will be Dr. Sarah Rugheimer, an internationally recognized astrophysicist from the University of Edinburgh. Who will conduct a lecture on the evening of day 2 whilst in Cairo. Her research focuses on detecting life on exoplanets through atmospheric biosignatures, and she is co-PI of the LIFE mission - designed to follow JWST as the next-generation space telescope.
Sarah earned her Ph.D. at Harvard and has held prestigious fellowships at Oxford and St. Andrews. She's also a passionate science communicator, with a TED Talk, "Searching for Microscopic Aliens" viewed over 1.7 million times and an Audible course on astrobiology – "Searching for Extraterrestrial Life".
The tour begins in Cairo, where you'll stay in the 5-star Hilton Pyramids Golf Hotel and explore the nearby Great Pyramids and Sphinx, before learning more about the history of pyramid building at Dashour and Saqqara. We'll also tour the newly opened Grand Egyptian Museum and enjoy a lecture about the science behind solar eclipses and what to expect and look out for on the day. A short flight then takes you to Luxor where you'll board the elegant Royal Signature 5-star Nile Cruise boat which will be home for the next seven nights.
While in Luxor, you'll explore the Valley of the Kings, Queen Hatshepsut's Temple, Karnak and Luxor Temples and other sites with one of our resident Egyptologist guides. Then experience the solar eclipse at a specially chosen viewing site, with eclipse glasses included.
Then, sail south to Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Aswan, visiting the Philae Temple and Aswan High Dam, with an optional trip to Abu Simbel. Enjoy a felucca sail before returning to Luxor and flying back to Cairo.
The tour concludes with a walking tour through Cairo's lively Khan el-Khalili bazaar. Optional Jordan extensions are also available to visit Petra, Wadi Rum, the Dead Sea and to experience the Perseid Meteor Shower
Carla FerreiraTravel Expert in Mauritius & South Africa
Stephanie LouwTravel Expert in Namibia & South Africa
Victoria ErskineTravel Expert in Kenya & South Africa
