30 July 2027 – 12 days for £5,499 per person
This is one of five separate Morocco eclipse tours that are meeting up in Tangier to watch the eclipse. You can see all our amazing eclipse trips here.
This extended journey through Morocco weaves together cultural discovery with one of nature’s most extraordinary spectacles: the total solar eclipse on 2 August 2027. From the Mediterranean gateway of Tangier to the deep Sahara and the vibrant cities of the interior, this is a carefully paced exploration of landscape, history and science.
Throughout, you stay in premium accommodation and in Tangier enjoy the company of expert guides, including astronomer Dr Stuart Clark, 51¶¯Âþ’s Abigail Beall and field archaeologist Dr Eve MacDonald. Their insights bring the experience to life, from the mechanics of eclipses and celestial motion to the wider workings of our universe. As with all 51¶¯Âþ Discovery Tours, the emphasis is not just on seeing, but on understanding.
For the eclipse itself, you travel to an exclusive viewing location set within wide, open landscapes. Here, under carefully chosen conditions, you will witness an exceptional 4 minutes and 49 seconds of totality. As the moon’s shadow sweeps across the land and daylight fades into an uncanny twilight, the sun’s corona becomes visible in striking detail. With expert guidance, this rare alignment is revealed not only as a profound spectacle, but as a powerful demonstration of the dynamics of our solar system.
Beyond the eclipse, the journey unfolds through Morocco’s richly layered cultural landscape. In Fes, you explore one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, with its intricate medina and longstanding artistic traditions. You then continue towards the Sahara desert, staying in a desert camp where Morocco’s most elemental environments reveal how climate and geology shape ways of life.
The route continues via Aït Benhaddou and Ouarzazate, where architecture and archaeology illuminate centuries of adaptation at the crossroads of trade routes and empires. In the Atlas mountains, you encounter quieter rhythms of life among Berber communities, staying in a secluded mountain retreat surrounded by dramatic scenery.
The tour concludes in Marrakech, where two days allow for a deeper exploration of this dynamic city. Its palaces, gardens and historic quarters offer insight into a long tradition of ingenuity and design, where observation and practical knowledge have shaped daily life over centuries.
Together, these experiences create a journey that connects Morocco’s human stories with the wider patterns of the natural world and includes a shared moment beneath one of the most remarkable astronomical events of our time.
In partnership with Intrepid Travel.
Day 1: Arrival in Tangier
Upon arrival at the airport in Tangier, you will be met and transferred to the Hotel Idou Malabata, allowing you to settle into your suite and unwind after your journey. In the evening, gather for a welcome dinner with the 51¶¯Âþ host, a convivial occasion to meet fellow travelers and begin your journey together. Set in a warm and inviting atmosphere, it is the perfect introduction to Moroccan hospitality and cuisine.
Day 2: Explore Tangier
Your day in Tangier begins with a guided introduction to the city, offering an immersive overview of its unique blend of Mediterranean and Atlantic influences. Accompanied by a local guide, you explore key landmarks, winding streets and viewpoints that reveal Tangier’s layered history as a crossroads between Africa and Europe.
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.
In the evening, there will be a larger welcome dinner with the four other 51¶¯Âþ groups who will have been travelling around Morocco. Here you will meet the 51¶¯Âþ Discovery Tours experts who will immerse you in eclipses, astronomy and the cosmos via a series of talks over the next three days.
Day 3: 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 and the latest findings covered in 51¶¯Âþ, 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 4: 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 is 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, Egypt. As evening falls, the day concludes with a special dinner, concluding the Tangier leg of your adventure.
Day 5: Travel south to Fes
Journey from Tangier to Fes, crossing ever-changing landscapes that reveal the richness and diversity of northern Morocco. From coastal views to rolling hills and inland vistas, the route itself becomes part of the adventure, offering glimpses into the country’s vibrant character along the way.
Upon arriving in Fes, you settle into the Hotel Sahrai Fes 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 6: 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 7: 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 Golden 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 descends upon 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 8: 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 9: Gentle hiking and village life in the Atlas mountains
Today you 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 10: Explore Marrakech including the Medina
This morning you will travel to the vibrant city of Marrakech. Here you will immerse yourself with a guided exploration of its maze-like alleys, bustling souks and hidden courtyards that reveal the city’s rich history and daily rhythms, 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.
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.
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. The day concludes with the Almoravid Koubba, one of the city’s oldest surviving monuments, offering a rare glimpse into Marrakech’s early architectural heritage.
After checkling into the Hotel 2Ciels for two nights and enjoying some free time, you will enjoy a relaxed dinner at the hotel.
Day 11: Jardin Majorelle, Berber Museum and farewell dinner
Today you will 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. This is followed by a insightful visit to the Berber Museum that reveals heritage, craftsmanship, identity and enduring cultural traditions.
The afternoon is at leisure. You can explore the medina's winding streets at your own pace or just relax and refect by the hotel pool. As evening falls, the day concludes with a farewell dinner, celebrating the remarkable tour you have undertaken together.
Day 12: Farewell to Marrakech
After breakfast, it is time to say farewell to Marrakech and conclude the journey. Group transfers will be provided from the hotel to Marrakech Airport, ensuring a smooth and timely departure for all participants.
