OASIS WITHIN:
A Moroccan Yoga Journey
March 20-27, 2027
Morocco

Plan to arrive in Ouarzazate in the early AM on March 20th. Jump down to the section on travel plans for more information about flights (airfare not included). Ouarzazate History and Film IndustryOuarzazate sits at the crossroads of the Draa and Dadès Valleys on the historic caravan route between Marrakech and the Sahara. Originally established by the French colonial administration in 1928 as a military garrison and administrative center, today it is internationally known as 'Ouarzawood' because of its thriving film industry. Films shot in and around Ouarzazate include Lawrence of Arabia, Gladiator, Babel, The Last Temptation of Christ, Kingdom of Heaven, Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time, and many others, including more recently The Odyssey - which was filmed locally and at Aït Ben Haddou.Visit Atlas StudiosVisit Atlas Studios. Founded in 1983, Atlas Studios is among the world's largest film studios by land area. Permanent sets include Egyptian temples, Roman architecture, biblical villages, and ancient cities used in countless international film and television productions.Visit Ait Ben HaddouVisit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Aït Ben Haddou. Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, this spectacular fortified ksar is one of Morocco's finest surviving examples of southern earthen architecture. It has appeared in productions including Gladiator, Lawrence of Arabia, Game of Thrones, and The Mummy.Drive to AgdzOvernight at Hara Oasis

Morning Yoga on the TerraceVisit Tamegroute Pottery WorkshopsVisit the traditional pottery workshops of Tamegroute. The famous green pottery of Tamegroute has been produced since at least the 17th century. Its distinctive green glaze comes from locally sourced minerals, and many techniques continue to be passed down through family workshops today.Visit Zaouia Naciria LibraryVisit the historic library of the Zaouia Naciria. Founded during the 17th century, the library houses thousands of manuscripts covering the Qur'an, Islamic law, astronomy, mathematics, medicine, poetry, and Sufism. Some manuscripts date back to the 13th century and are written on gazelle-skin parchment. Photography is generally not permitted.Continue to Erg LihoudiDesert Camp at Erg LihoudiArrive at camp as the light softens over the dunes — camels waiting to carry your bags the final stretch to camp, and mint tea ready on arrival.Traditional MusicGather around for an evening of Gnawa and Amazigh rhythms, played on guembri, bendir drums, and qraqebs (metal castanets) by musicians from the local community.CampfireSettle in around the fire under a canopy of stars for the first of several evenings of storytelling, tea, and quiet conversation.StargazingWith no light pollution for miles, the Sahara sky here is one of the clearest in Morocco — the Milky Way is visible to the naked eye on clear nights.Erg Lihoudi translates roughly as 'Dune of the Jew.' The name reflects the area's historic Jewish communities and trade routes. The dunes rise approximately 100 meters (330 feet) along the edge of the Draa Valley.

Morning YogaPractice on the dunes as the sun rises, with the shifting desert light as a backdrop. Cooking ClassLearn to prepare a traditional tagine or Moroccan bread from camp cooks, using local spices, and enjoy what you've made together as a group.Camel TrekRide through the dunes surrounding camp.SandboardingClimb the dunes and ride back down on a sandboard — a favorite afternoon activity for guests of all experience levels.Evening YogaA restorative practice under the stars to close out the day.

Morning Yoga4x4 Desert SafariHead deeper into the Sahara by 4×4, crossing dune fields and rocky plateaus to reach vantage points and small settlements out of camel-trek range. See local desert animals such as ostriches, gazelles and grazing camels. Learn about the desert and growing up in this environment from the locals guiding the tour.SandboardingA second chance to hit the dunes for those who loved it the day before (or a first for anyone who skipped it).Traditional Music, Campfire & StargazingYour final night at camp, spent the same way the best desert nights always are — around the fire, under the stars.

Morning YogaDepart for MarrakechKasbah Amezrou VisitStop at the historic Kasbah of Amezrou near Zagora. Amezrou was once home to one of southern Morocco's most important Jewish communities, renowned for silver jewelry craftsmanship. While most Jewish residents emigrated during the mid-20th century, the restored synagogue and historic Mellah remain important reminders of Morocco's rich Jewish heritage, and local artisans continue many of the traditional jewelry-making techniques.Arrive in Marrakech

Half-day Guided Tour highlighting Jewish QuarterHalf-day guided tour focusing on the historic Jewish Quarter (Mellah). Established in 1558 during the reign of Sultan Abdallah al-Ghalib, Marrakech's Mellah became one of Morocco's largest Jewish neighborhoods and an important commercial center.Free Afternoon to explore Marrakech.

Jardin Majorelle VisitExplore Jardin Majorelle at your own pace. Created by French artist Jacques Majorelle between 1923 and the 1960s, the gardens are famous for their vivid cobalt-blue buildings, tranquil pathways, and botanical collection of more than 300 plant species from five continents. Saved from redevelopment by Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé in 1980, the gardens are also home to the Berber Museum. Following Saint Laurent's death in 2008, his ashes were scattered in the gardens.Free Afternoon

Transfer to Marrakech Airport