杏吧原创

26 July 2027 – 8 days for 拢4,599 per person – Sold out. 

You can add your name to the waitlist for this tour or book onto the Premium Best of Morroco Eclipse or Archaeology of Morocco.

These three tours will meet up with the two other (sold-out) eclipse tours in Tangier to watch the eclipse together: Introduction to Morocco and Archaeology of Morocco.

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Embark on an immersive journey through Morocco where culture, landscape and cutting鈥慹dge astronomy come together to reveal the universe in new and compelling ways, culminating in the celestial spectacle of a total solar eclipse on Monday 2nd August 2027.

Your adventure begins in Marrakech, where you meet your astronomy expert, Dr Stuart Clark, before exploring the city鈥檚 historic medina, scholarly monuments and vibrant souks. From here, you ascend into the High Atlas Mountains to Oukaimden, home to one of North Africa鈥檚 most important astronomical observatories. Guided presentations, behind鈥憈he鈥憇cenes access and expert鈥憀ed night鈥憇ky observing introduce you to the science carried out at high altitude and the celestial wonders above it.

Continuing south, you hike through the mountain landscapes before descending into the Agafay desert. Here, under pristine dark skies, you enjoy an unforgettable stargazing session from a tranquil desert camp, gaining deeper insight into constellations, star formation and the structure of the cosmos. The journey then unfolds through Morocco鈥檚 historic cities, Rabat, Fes and Tangier, where cultural discovery is paired with specialist lectures, geometric art workshops and a programme of astronomy talks designed to prepare you for the tour鈥檚 extraordinary finale.

On eclipse day, you travel to a private viewing site in the Rif Mountains to witness totality: nearly five astonishing minutes when day turns to twilight and the Sun鈥檚 corona reveals itself in breathtaking detail, a profound and unforgettable astronomical experience.

In partnership with Intrepid Travel.

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Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival into Marrakech

Welcome to Marrakech. After transferring to and checking in to the Hotel 2Ciels Boutique, you will meet your accompanying astronomy expert Dr Stuart Clark, who will welcome you to the tour and along with the two dedicated tour leaders and cover the forthcoming itinerary. Throughout the tour, Stuart 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 then journey into the Atlas Mountains for stargazing

After breakfast, you will set out on a guided cultural exploration of Marrakech, beginning in the historic medina and its vibrant network of souks. You’ll wander through the iconic Djemaa el-Fna square, where storytellers, musicians and market traders animate one of the world鈥檚 great urban theatres. From here, you will pass the elegant Koutoubia Mosque, Marrakech鈥檚 most recognisable landmark, before continuing to the exquisitely restored Ben Youssef Madrasa, a masterpiece of Islamic architecture and a centrepiece of the city鈥檚 scholarly heritage.

In the afternoon, you’ll leave the bustle of Marrakech behind and travel toward the High Atlas Mountains, ascending to the alpine village of Oukaimden. For the next few days you will transfer from coach to smaller vehicles suitable for the exploring the mountains.

On arrival, your discovery session at the Oukaimden Observatory begins with a guided presentation introducing its history, its major research themes, active scientific projects and global collaborations. You then rotate in small groups through the observatory鈥檚 facilities and domes. 

Following the observatory tour, you will check into the stunning Kasbah Bab Ourika to unwind before dinner with 360 degree panoramic views of the Atlas Mountains.

Later, the highlight of the day awaits: an immersive astronomical observation session at the nearby ski station. Under expert guidance of Stuart and local astronomers, you explore the night sky through telescopes and sky-interpretation activities. Set high in the Atlas Mountains, this experience offers a rare and unforgettable window into the cosmos.

Day 3: Gentle hiking in the Atlas Mountains then stargazing at a desert camp

This morning, you’ll set out on a gentle hike around Oukaimden, breathing in the crisp mountain air and taking in sweeping views across the High Atlas range. After your walk, you’ll begin the drive south, watching the rugged peaks gradually give way to the rocky, lunar-like plains of the Agafay desert.

Upon arrival at the stunning Mia Agafay desert camp, you’ll check-in and have time to unwind in this tranquil, wide鈥憃pen landscape. Later in the afternoon, you will head out on an optional camel ride across the Agafay terrain, perfectly timed for sunset. As the light softens and the desert shifts through bands of gold and rose, you experience the landscape at its most atmospheric.

After dinner, your exploration continues with a night of astronomy under the clear desert sky. Far from city lights, this remote environment offers outstanding conditions for stargazing. With expert guidance, you observe stars and constellations in remarkable clarity, gaining a deeper appreciation of the night sky in one of Morocco鈥檚 most peaceful settings.

Day 4: Historic Rabat and on to Fes

After breakfast, leave the desert behind and enjoy a scenic journey north to Rabat, Morocco鈥檚 elegant seaside capital. On arrival, begin your guided exploration at the striking Hassan Tower, the unfinished 12th鈥慶entury minaret that stands as a powerful reminder of the Almohad dynasty鈥檚 architectural ambition. Just opposite, visit the exquisite Mausoleum of Mohammed V, a masterpiece of traditional Moroccan craftsmanship honouring the late king and members of the royal family.

Upon arriving in Fes, you settle into the Hotel Barcel贸 F猫s Medina where you have the evening at lesiure.

Day 5: 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 zellige 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 6: Travel north and explore Tangier

Travel north today from Meknes to the cosmopolitan port city of Tangier, a place long shaped by its unique position at the meeting point of Africa and Europe. On arrival, set out on a guided walk through the atmospheric Tangier medina, exploring its historic streets, lively markets and layered cultural influences.

Your visit continues at the Tangier Archaeology Museum, housed within the former Sultan鈥檚 Palace. Here, you鈥檒l discover a rich collection of artefacts that trace the region鈥檚 ancient past 鈥� from Phoenician and Roman periods to early Islamic history 鈥� offering a deeper understanding of the civilisations that have shaped northern Morocco.

Late afternoon, you will 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 7: 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 announced 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 8: 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 Rif Mountains, just south of Tangier. 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 9: 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
• Accompanied throughout by astronomer Dr Stuart Clark
• 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
• Visit the Oukaimden Observatory plus stargazing in the Atlas Mountains and at a desert camp
• Immerse yourself in the culture and history of Morocco visiting the cities of Marrakech, Fes and Rabat
• Explore several ancient and archaeological marvels including the well preserved Roman ruins of Volubilis
• Maximum group size – 30 while touring

Meet the experts

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.

Stuart will accompany 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 Dr Stuart Clark and New 杏吧原创’s Abigail Beall, with additional talks from historian Dr Eve MacDonald.

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. 

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).

What’s included

• 8 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
• Two nights of guided stargazing
• All breakfasts, 2 lunches and 6 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934

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 and stargazing opportunities. 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.

Transport

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

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.

Accommodations

Hotel 2Ciels Boutique, Marrakech

This hotel is centrally located in Marrakech鈥檚 Gueliz district and within easy reach of the legendary Jemaa el-Fnaa square and several major cultural attractions. Offering modern Art Deco design, an outdoor pool, air-conditioned rooms, rooftop terrace, and on-site dining, the hotel provides a comfortable base for travellers looking to explore Marrakech鈥檚 vibrant shopping areas, gardens and historic sites.

Kasbah Bab Ourika, Atlas mountains

This Kasbah perches majestically atop a hill at the apex of the Ourika Valley, guarding the gateway to the snow-capped Atlas mountains. With 360-degree panoramic views, this innovative new hotel receives warm sunlight all day, ending in spectacular sunsets. From its unique eyrie-like position it offers a birds-eye view of the Atlas mountains, of traditional Berber villages and of the lush river valley below. The Kasbah is one of the most eco-friendly hotels in Morocco; constructed principally from rammed earth, the traditional Berber building technique. The thick walls provide such good insulation that air-conditioning is unnecessary. Solar panels provide hot water for the hotel and the underfloor heating in the dining and bar area. 

The rooms all have spectacular views and are individually decorated with a mixture of Moroccan鈥揃erber antiques, eclectic finds, vintage rugs, Art Deco furniture, unique design pieces, private art collection, handmade fabrics as well as curated handicraft.

Mia Agafay Resort, Agafay desert

This resort is just beyond the frenetic pulse of Marrakech, where the landscape dissolves into the lunar stillness of the Agafay desert 鈥� a rocky expanse whose pale ridges evoke the geology of a long鈥憊anished sea. It is here, on the desert鈥檚 edge, that this extremely comfortable camp offers an intriguing blend of comfort, landscape immersion and scientific fascination. The resort functions as an eco鈥憁inded lodge, designed to allow travellers to explore this stony desert environment while enjoying modern amenities including pools, amazing night skies and refined dining crafted for restorative travel.

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, a spa with hammam, air-conditioned rooms, 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.