24 July 2027 – 11 days for £4,549 per person
This is one of four separate Morocco eclipse tours that are meeting up in Tangier to watch the eclipse. Click these links for the other three tours: Introduction to Morocco, Archaeology of Morocco and Astronomy in Morocco (sold out).
This extended journey through Morocco weaves together cultural discovery and celestial spectacle, culminating in one of nature’s most extraordinary events: the total solar eclipse on Monday 2 August 2027. Along the way, you trace a path through the medieval alleys of Fes, the serene expanse of the Atlas mountains and the vibrant souks of Marrakech, while venturing to the edge of the Sahara and deep into Morocco’s historic heartlands.
Your adventure begins in Marrakech, where architectural masterpieces reveal centuries of observation, innovation and adaptation – evidence of scientific thinking embedded in daily life. As you travel into the Atlas mountains and onwards to a Sahara desert camp, you experience Morocco at its most rural and austere, where traditional lifeways are shaped by climate, geology and landscape.
Visits to Ait Benhaddou and Ouarzazate shed light on Morocco’s architectural and archaeological heritage, while time in Fes immerses you in the city’s remarkable artistic traditions. Together, these encounters create a rich cultural context for the solar eclipse that awaits – a rare moment of cosmic alignment framed by one of the world’s most captivating countries.
In Tangier, standing at the threshold between continents, the focus shifts firmly to astronomy. Here, expert‑led talks with astronomer Dr Stuart Clark and 91av's Abigail Beall, will deepen your understanding of eclipse mechanics, celestial motion and the broader cosmic context. These sessions prepare you not just to witness the eclipse, but to interpret it, a key 91av hallmark.
Travelling to a private viewing site surrounded by open landscapes, you settle in for a rare 4 minutes and 49 seconds of totality. As the moon’s shadow races across the hills and daylight dissolves into an otherworldly twilight, the sun’s corona emerges in breathtaking clarity. Guided by experts, you experience this alignment as both spectacle and science, a shared moment of awe that connects Morocco’s rich history with the vast mechanics of the cosmos.
In partnership with Intrepid Travel.
Day 1: Arrival into Marrakech
Welcome to Marrakech. After transferring to and checking into the 2 Ciels Boutique Hotel for two nights, you will meet your tour leader, who will welcome you to the tour and cover the forthcoming itinerary. Afterwards they 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’s 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‑changing tapestry of sights and sounds.
From here, admire the elegant Koutoubia Mosque, its magnificent 12th‑century 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’s 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’s life and his deep creative connection with Morocco. You end the day at the Almoravid Koubba, one of Marrakech’s oldest surviving monuments, providing a fascinating glimpse into the city’s early history. Back at the hotel you will enjoy dinner.
Day 3: Gentle hiking and village life in the Atlas mountains
Today you leave behind the vibrant energy of Marrakech and travel into the serenity of the High Atlas mountains. Your journey winds through dramatic landscapes, where rugged peaks, terraced valleys and shifting colours reveal the geology and life of this remarkable region.
Upon reaching Ouirgane, you will set out on a gentle guided hike, an ideal opportunity to breathe in the crisp mountain air and take in sweeping views at an unhurried pace.
You will continue onwards to a nearby village, where you will gain insight into everyday life in the Atlas and meet members of the local community, welcoming you with a traditional Moroccan lunch.
In the late afternoon, you will check into the charming Domaine de la Roseraie, where you will also enjoy dinner in the peaceful surroundings.
Day 4: Going deep into Ait Benhaddou and Ouarzazate
Today you venture deeper into Morocco’s cinematic landscapes, travelling toward the legendary Ait Benhaddou. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most impressive examples of traditional earthen architecture, its fortified ksar rising strikingly from the desert plain. As you explore its narrow alleys and ancient kasbahs, you can almost imagine the rhythm of life in this historic trading post along the old trans‑Saharan caravan routes.
After your visit, you pause for lunch at Tawesna, where you enjoy a relaxed, community‑run meal that highlights local flavours in a tranquil riverside setting.
In the afternoon, you continue on to Ouarzazate, the famed “Gateway to the Sahara,” known for its film studios and sweeping desert landscapes. Here, you settle in for dinner at the Hotel Le Berbere Palace.
Day 5: Merzouga desert camp on the edge of the Sahara
Today you travel towards the vast expanse of the Sahara desert, watching as the landscapes gradually shift into rolling dunes and wide‑open desert horizons. Upon arrival at Merzouga Camp, you set out on a camel ride at sunset, experiencing the quiet, otherworldly beauty of the Sahara as the light drapes the sand in warm, shifting colours.
As night settles over the dunes, you will settle in to your tented desert camp, where traditional Moroccan hospitality awaits. Here, you unwind beneath an immense, star‑filled sky – an unforgettable moment of stillness and wonder at the edge of the Sahara.
Day 6: Travel north to Fes
Today you leave the Sahara behind and begin your journey north toward Fes, travelling through ever changing 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 – offering a final look at Morocco’s remarkable geographical contrasts.
Upon arriving in Fes, you settle into the Barceló Fès Medina hotel 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’s rich and storied culinary heritage.
Day 7: The cultural and artistic heritage of Fes
Your morning begins with a guided walk through the UNESCO‑listed Fes el‑Bali medina, navigating its labyrinth of narrow alleys, busy souks and centuries‑old workshops. Along the way, you visit key highlights including the exquisitely decorated Al-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’s long trading history.
In the afternoon, you take part in a specialist‑led 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: Travel north and explore Tangier
Travel north today from Fes 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’s palace. Here, you’ll discover a rich collection of artefacts that trace the region’s ancient past – from Phoenician and Roman periods to early Islamic history – 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 91av Discovery Tours groups. That evening, there will be a welcome dinner, where you will meet the 91av Discovery Tours experts who will immerse you 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 and the latest findings covered in 91av, 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 last 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 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‑minute drive to our private eclipse‑viewing 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 per cent totality. On arrival, 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 8.40am, followed by totality just before 9.55am, 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.
