杏吧原创

24 July 2027 – 11 days for 拢4,799 per person – Sold out.

This is one of five separate Morocco eclipse tours that are meeting up in Tangier to watch the eclipse. The other four tours have sold out. You can see all our amazing eclipse trips here.

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This remarkable journey through Morocco weaves together the deep time of human history with one of the most awe鈥慽nspiring celestial events imaginable: a total solar eclipse on Monday 2nd August 2027. Before witnessing the Moon鈥檚 shadow sweep dramatically across the Rif Mountains, you鈥檒l uncover the archaeological, cultural and geological stories that have shaped Morocco over millennia.

From the vibrant streets and medieval medina of Marrakech to the ancient caravan towns guarding the fringes of the Sahara, each day reveals new layers of the country鈥檚 past. Under the guidance of field archaeologist and historian Dr Eve Macdonald, you鈥檒l explore sites that trace Morocco鈥檚 evolution鈥攆rom early Amazigh settlements and Roman foundations at Volubilis to the grandeur of imperial cities and the enduring traditions of desert communities. Evening lectures and on鈥憇ite commentary will offer deeper context, bringing new scientific and historical insights to each location.

As the tour unfolds, the focus gradually shifts from the human past to the cosmic present. In Tangier, you will be join three other groups for a series of engaging talks, from astronomer Dr Stuart Clark and New 杏吧原创’s Abigail Beall, that prepare you for eclipse day. An extraordinary opportunity to witness nearly five minutes of totality from a private viewing site in the Rif Mountains. It鈥檚 a journey that connects earth and sky, archaeology and astronomy, curiosity and wonder.

In partnership with Intrepid Travel.

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Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Marrakech

Welcome to Marrakech. After transferring to and checking in to the Grand Plaza Hotel for two nights, you will meet your accompanying archaeology expert Dr Eve Macdonald who will welcome you to the tour and along with the two dedicated tour leaders and cover the forthcoming itinerary. Throughout the tour, Dr Eve will give evening lectures and commentary during site visits.

Afterwards, the tour leaders will introduce you to the rich flavors of Moroccan cuisine during a welcome meal, marking a perfect start to your stay.

Day 2: Explore Marrakech including the Medina and the Jardin Majorelle

Your day begins with a guided exploration of Marrakech, led by an expert local guide who will bring the city鈥檚 history, architecture and traditions to life. Your first stop is the legendary Djemaa el-Fna square, the vibrant heart of the medina, where storytellers, musicians and market vendors create an ever鈥慶hanging tapestry of sights and sounds.

From here, admire the elegant Koutoubia Mosque, its magnificent 12th鈥慶entury minaret rising above the old city. Although entry is reserved for worshippers, your guide will share the fascinating history and influence of this iconic landmark.

You then continue to the exquisite Ben Youssef Medersa, one of Morocco鈥檚 most celebrated examples of Islamic architecture. Wander through its serene courtyard and marvel at intricate zellige tilework, carved cedarwood and the artistry that once inspired generations of students.

In the afternoon, enjoy a tranquil change of pace at the enchanting Jardin Majorelle, a botanical haven of cobalt blues, exotic plants and cooling shade. Adjacent to the garden, the Yves Saint Laurent Museum offers an inspiring look into the designer鈥檚 life and his deep creative connection with Morocco. You end the day at the Almoravid Koubba, one of Marrakech鈥檚 oldest surviving monuments, providing a fascinating glimpse into the city鈥檚 early history. 

Day 3: Architectural heritage at Ait Benhaddou and Telouet

Embark on a journey along the ancient caravan routes that once linked Marrakech with the vast expanse of the Sahara. As you travel, you鈥檒l wind through dramatic landscapes punctuated by traditional kasbahs. These fortified, sun鈥慴aked citadels embody the rich architectural heritage of southern Morocco.

Pause at Telouet to explore its historic kasbah, set in a striking valley along the former trade route. Here, you鈥檒l uncover stories of power, craftsmanship and cultural exchange that echo through its ornate halls.

Your journey continues to the UNESCO World Heritage鈥搇isted ksar of Ait Benhaddou. With an expert guide, you鈥檒l wander through its maze of narrow alleyways, admire the beautifully preserved earthen architecture, and delve into the remarkable history that has shaped this iconic site over the centuries. Then check into the Riad Ksar Ighnda and enjoy a memorable dinner in its traditional restaurant.

Day 4: Dades Valley, Todgha Gorge, Erfoud 

Today, you鈥檒l set out on a guided exploration of the Dades Valley, a region celebrated for its dramatic rock formations, sweeping viewpoints and winding mountain roads. As you travel through this striking landscape, you鈥檒l gain a deeper sense of the geological forces that have shaped the valley over millennia.

Your journey continues with a guided tour of the magnificent Todgha Gorge, where sheer limestone cliffs soar above you, creating one of Morocco鈥檚 most awe鈥慽nspiring natural environments. It is an ideal place to pause, observe and appreciate the interplay of light, stone and water that defines this iconic landmark.

Later, you鈥檒l visit the Tahiri Museum Of Fossils And Minerals, home to an impressive collection of ancient fossils that reveal the region鈥檚 rich prehistoric past. Here, you鈥檒l learn about Morocco鈥檚 remarkable geological heritage, the evolution of its landscapes, and the traditions of local communities who have long worked with these natural treasures.

The day unfolds at a relaxed pace and concludes with an overnight stay at the Hotel Xaluca Erfoud in the Dades region, surrounded by peaceful mountain scenery.

Day 5: Sahara, ancient carvings and desert camp

Set out for a full day of adventure and cultural immersion in the Sahara desert. Begin with a 4-weel-drive excursion to Taouz, where you鈥檒l explore ancient rock carvings that offer a remarkable glimpse into the region鈥檚 prehistoric past.

Continue to the village of Khamliya to sample madfouna 鈥� a traditional Moroccan 鈥減izza鈥� 鈥� and experience the soulful music and rich cultural traditions of the Gnawa community.

In the afternoon, travel to Merzouga and embark on an optional camel trek across the sweeping golden dunes of the Sahara. Pause to watch the sun sink beneath the horizon, then settle in for an unforgettable evening under the stars at a tented camp, complete with a traditional dinner in the desert.

Day 6: Travel north to Fes

Today you leave the Sahara behind and begin your journey north toward Fes, travelling through ever鈥慶hanging landscapes and passing through the town of Midelt, set between the Middle and High Atlas Mountains. Along the way, you take in sweeping views of valleys, cedar forests and broad mountain plains 鈥� offering a final look at Morocco鈥檚 remarkable geographical contrasts.

Upon arriving in Fes, you settle into the Hotel Barcel贸 F猫s Medina for two nights and enjoy a traditional pastilla for dinner, a signature Moroccan dish that beautifully blends sweet and savoury flavour. An ideal introduction to the city鈥檚 rich and storied culinary heritage.

Day 7: The cultural and artistic heritage of Fes

Your morning begins with a guided walk through the UNESCO鈥憀isted Fes el鈥態ali medina, navigating its labyrinth of narrow alleys, busy souks and centuries鈥憃ld workshops. Along the way, you visit key highlights including the exquisitely decorated Attarine Madrasa, celebrated for its intricate zellij tilework and carved cedarwood, and the historic Funduk Nejjarine, a beautifully restored caravanserai that offers insight into the city鈥檚 long trading history.

In the afternoon, you take part in a specialist鈥憀ed Islamic geometric art workshop, gaining a deeper understanding of the mathematical principles, symbolism and meticulous craftsmanship that define one of the most iconic and enduring forms of Islamic art.

Day 8: Meknes, Volubilis and Tangier

Travel from Fes to Tangier, pausing along the way for enriching experiences that reveal the depth of Morocco鈥檚 history. Begin with a visit to the imperial city of Meknes, where you鈥檒l explore key landmarks such as the grand Bab Mansour Gate and the lively El Hedim Square.

Continue to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Volubilis, home to some of the best鈥憄reserved Roman ruins in North Africa. As you wander through its ancient streets and intricate mosaics, you鈥檒l gain a fascinating insight into daily life at the height of the Roman Empire.

Later, enjoy a wine tasting and lunch at Winery Roslane, set amid scenic vineyards near Meknes. This relaxed interlude pairs regional flavours with a refined introduction to Moroccan wines in a tranquil countryside setting.

In the evening, arrive in Tangier and check into Hotel Idou Malabata, along with the other 3 New 杏吧原创 Discovery Tours groups. That evening there will be a welcome dinner, where you will meet the other New 杏吧原创 Discovery Tours experts who will immerse the group in eclipses, astronomy and the cosmos via a series of talks over the next three days.

Day 9: Fascinating talks and pre-eclipse briefing

Today is dedicated to an enriching programme of morning and afternoon lectures, delivered in fully equipped function rooms designed to support an engaging learning environment. The talk programme will be anoounced nearer the event but will include engaging talks on astronomy, the cosmos, the latest findings from New 杏吧原创 plus the essential pre-eclipse briefing, which will be a detailed presentation to ensure you are well prepared for the day’s event. This session will be around 1 hour, with plenty of time for questions at the end. Guests at our previous eclipse events have expressed how useful they found this briefing session, allowing them to make the most out of the eclipse experience. 

Scheduled coffee breaks throughout the day provide time to relax, reflect on the material and enjoy informal conversations with fellow participants. A midday lunch break offers another opportunity to recharge before the afternoon sessions continue.

In the evening, gather for a shared dining experience, a convivial setting in which to unwind, exchange ideas and discuss the insights gained over the course of the day.

Day 10: Eclipse day

After an early breakfast, set out on a scenic 45鈥憁inute drive to our private eclipse鈥憊iewing site in the Nador/Al Hoceima province of the Rif Mountains. The remote rural landscape offers wide, open vistas and an ideal position close to the centre line of 100% totality. On arrival, there is a 400 metre walk up a track to the site. You will have ample time to choose your preferred viewing spot among the gently undulating hills that stretch eastward with no visual obstructions.

Our exclusive-use rural restaurant will serve as your base for the morning, with drinks available on arrival. Chairs, refreshments, and certified eclipse-viewing glasses will be provided throughout the event. Our astronomy experts, Stuart and Abigail, will be on hand to guide the experience, explain key moments, and answer any questions as the celestial choreography unfolds.

The eclipse begins with first contact shortly after 08:40, followed by totality just before 09:55, lasting an impressive 4 minutes and 49 seconds. At the moment of totality, the Sun will be positioned 38 degrees above the eastern horizon, offering superb viewing conditions.

After lunch served at the viewing site, return to Tangier for further talks from Stuart and Abigail, and a full eclipse debrief, including a comparison with observations from our parallel group in Luxor. As evening falls, the day concludes with a special farewell dinner, celebrating the extraordinary shared experience and the remarkable natural event you have witnessed together.

Day 11: Farewell to Tangier

After breakfast, it is time to say farewell to Tangier and conclude the journey. Group transfers will be provided from the hotel to Tangier Airport, ensuring a smooth and timely departure for all participants.

Booking administration 

This tour is operated by our trusted partner Intrepid Travel on behalf of New 杏吧原创 Discovery Tours. Their dedicated specialist team will be your main point of contact from booking until you return home, handling your reservation, payments, travel documents, pre-departure information and any questions about your tour or travel arrangements.

Highlights

• Marvel at the longest solar eclipse for the remainder of this century at a private viewing site in the Rif mountains
• Explore several ancient and archaeological marvels including the well preserved Roman ruins of Volubilis
• Accompanied throughout by field archaeologist and historian Dr Eve MacDonald
• A full programme of talks in Tangier on astronomy, the cosmos and space exploration from Dr Stuart Clark and Abigail Beall with additional talks from Dr Eve MacDonald
• Immerse yourself in the culture and history of Morocco visiting the cities of Marrakech, Fes, Ait Benhaddou and Meknes
• The geologically fascinating Dades Valley and Todgha Gorge
• Maximum group size – 30 while touring

Meet the experts

Dr Eve MacDonald

Eve is a Canadian-British ancient historian and field archaeologist. Born in Halifax, Nova Scotia she now lives in the UK. Her research and teaching focus on cultures both inside and outside of the traditional Greco-Roman worlds, at the fringes of the empire including on the archaeological legacy of 19th and 20th century colonial occupation in North Africa. She has taught courses on Carthaginian, Roman and Persian material culture and history at the University of Reading, University of Edinburgh and currently teaches at Cardiff University where she is Senior Lecturer in Ancient History. She has published extensively on the history and material culture of Carthage, North Africa and the Middle East. In August 2025 she published Carthage: A New History (2025, Ebury Press) and has written books on the Archaeological History of Carthage (Bloomsbury, 2024) and Hannibal (Yale, 2015).

Eve will be accompanying the entire tour.

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Tour Leader

Throughout the tour there will also be two dedicated English-speaking tour leaders. Plus you will be joined by local guides in certain cities. Working with local guides creates jobs within communities and supports the local economy while giving you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich history and culture from the ones who know it best.

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Eclipse event experts

The talks and eclipse experience during the Tangier part of this tour will be led by astronomer Dr Stuart Clark and New 杏吧原创’s Abigail Beall.

Dr Stuart Clark

Stuart is an astronomy journalist who has devoted his career to presenting the complex world of astronomy to the general public. He holds a first class honours degree and a PhD in astrophysics, is a fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society and a former vice chair of the Association of British Science Writers. In 2020, he was awarded a higher doctorate from the University of Hertfordshire for 鈥渟ervices to astronomy and the public understanding of science鈥�.

Stuart鈥檚 latest book is Beneath the Night: How the stars have shaped the history of humankind (faber), and in his capacity as cosmology consultant, he writes articles for New 杏吧原创. Through his company Expanded Universe Ltd., he consults for the European Space Agency, the UK Atomic Energy Authority鈥檚 Fusion Cluster and International Asteroid Day. He has written for, among others: BBC Sky at Night, BBC Science Focus, The Times, The Guardian, The Observer, The Economist, The Times Higher Education Supplement, Astronomy Now, Sky and Telescope and Astronomy.

Abigail Beall

Abigail is a writer and features editor for New 杏吧原创, where she also writes a monthly astronomy column. In 2019, Abigail wrote and published The Art of Urban Astronomy and has also co-written three popular science books for Dorling Kindersley.

In addition, Abigail is a physics, technology and environment journalist whose work has appeared in Wired, BBC Science Focus and BBC Future. 

What’s included

• 10 nights鈥� accommodation
• Entry to all sites and attractions with local guides as indicated in the itinerary
• Catered private viewing site for the eclipse
• Two English-speaking tour leaders throughout
• Talks from accompanying New 杏吧原创 Discovery Tours experts throughout the tour
• All breakfasts, 4 lunches and 7 dinners
• Eclipse viewing glasses
• All transport by air-conditioned coach
• 24-hour support
• Arrival/departure group airport transfers for those on the suggested group flights

What’s not included

• Travel insurance
• International flights
• Airport transfers
• Visa/ETA (if applicable)
• Single supplement 拢939

How to get there

The tour starts in Marrakech and finishes in Tangier. Both cities have international airports. Our partner Intrepid Travel will be happy to offer flight advice and book flights for those travelling from the UK. 

Pace and physicality

The eclipse viewing site is in the ‘natural’ gardens of a private traditional rural restaurant in the mountains. To reach the site, there is a 400 metre uphill walk along a track.

When exploring Morocco sites, a basic level of fitness and mobility is required to enjoy these visits, as they will include walking on uneven surfaces. 

The itinerary will include some walking, occasionally on rough ground, in order to fully experience the historical sites. The walking will be at a gentle pace but will not be suitable for guests with mobility issues. Walking shoes with ankle support and sturdy soles are highly recommended.

While Morocco is a relatively liberal country, modesty still prevails. For a more comfortable experience, female guests should wear clothing that covers their shoulders, chest and legs. Headscarves are not expected or required of non-Muslim women in Morocco. 

There is a call to prayer five times a day from the early morning. It is meant to be loud and is a key part of the city soundscape. If you鈥檙e a light sleeper, earplugs may be useful.

Weather

The daytime temperatures in northern Morocco in August can get up to around 29掳C (84掳F), so please make sure you wear a sun hat and suncream and bring lots of water. Drinks will be provided at a central area of the viewing site, but we suggest you have additional water with you throughout the eclipse day.

Total solar eclipse viewing

A total solar eclipse is one of nature’s most extraordinary spectacles, but it is also a natural phenomenon that can never be guaranteed. While every effort has been made to position the group in the best possible location based on historical weather patterns and eclipse predictions, cloud cover and local weather conditions are beyond anyone’s control. Even if the Sun is partially obscured, the dramatic changes in light, temperature and the surrounding environment can still make for a remarkable experience. Our itinerary has been carefully designed to maximise the chances of witnessing totality, while also ensuring a rewarding and enriching journey regardless of the weather on eclipse day.

Transport

On some of the days, you will be travelling long distances by comfortable air-conditioned coach.

Accommodations

The Grand Plaza Hotel, Marrakech

This hotel offers an elegant base for exploring one of North Africa鈥檚 most captivating crossroads of culture, science and history. Set just beyond the bustling arteries of the medina, the hotel blends contemporary comfort with subtle Moroccan design cues鈥攇eometric patterns, warm terracotta tones and shaded courtyards that echo centuries of desert鈥慶ity architecture. Spacious rooms look toward the High Atlas, whose shifting colours at sunset hint at the geological forces that lifted the range millions of years ago. After a day tracing the city鈥檚 scientific heritage鈥攆rom ancient water鈥憁anagement khettaras to cutting鈥慹dge astronomy at the nearby observatory鈥攇uests can unwind beside the hotel鈥檚 tranquil gardens and pool.

Riad Ksar Ighnda, Ait Ben Haddou

This boutique, elegant riad is located near Ait Ben Haddou, blending traditional Berber design with contemporary luxury. Set amid sweeping desert and mountain scenery, it features beautifully crafted rooms, peaceful courtyards, and a refreshing pool. Guests enjoy warm Moroccan hospitality, authentic local cuisine, and easy access to nearby kasbahs, film studios, and walking trails. It鈥檚 an atmospheric retreat ideal for relaxation and cultural exploration.

Hotel Xaluca, Erfoud

This welcoming desert hotel is designed with traditional Moroccan style and modern comfort. Known for its spacious rooms decorated with local materials, it offers a large pool, spa facilities, and warm hospitality. Surrounded by palm groves and near the dunes of the Sahara, it serves as an ideal base for desert excursions. Guests enjoy hearty cuisine, vibrant communal spaces, and an authentic atmosphere reflecting the region鈥檚 Berber heritage.

Merzouga Experience Camp, Sahara desert

This camp offers an immersive Sahara desert experience amid the dunes. Guests stay in fully equipped khaima tents combining comfort and authenticity, with modern amenities, including air-conditioning, and ensuite bathrooms. The camp features buffet dining, traditional Berber music and cultural experiences. Stunning desert setting, warm hospitality and star鈥慺illed nights.

Barcel贸 F猫s Medina, Fes

This urban hotel is a modern 4鈥憇tar ideally located beside Fes鈥檚 historic Medina. It offers contemporary rooms with designer furnishings, free Wi鈥慒i, air-conditioned rooms, a spa with hammam, an outdoor pool, and an international restaurant serving both global and Moroccan cuisine. It provides a peaceful, stylish base for exploring Morocco鈥檚 first imperial city.

Hotel Idou Malabata, Tangier

This 5鈥憇tar beachfront property in Tangier鈥檚 Zone Touristique Ghandouri offers sea鈥憊iew rooms, two outdoor pools, a spa and direct access to the beach. The hotel provides spacious, modern accommodations with air鈥慶onditioning, private bathrooms and soundproofing, alongside on鈥憇ite dining featuring Moroccan and international cuisine.