Booking information
This tour is now sold out and we are running a waitlist.
26 July 2027 - 8 days for £4,599 per person - Sold out. You can add your name to the waitlist and also explore one of the other Moroccan eclipse tours listed below.
Introduction to Morocco, Best of Morocco and Archaeology of Morocco. All four tours are meeting up in Tangier to watch the eclipse.
Embark on an immersive journey through Morocco where culture, landscape and cutting‑edge 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’s historic medina, scholarly monuments and vibrant souks. From here, you ascend into the High Atlas Mountains to Oukaimden, home to one of North Africa’s most important astronomical observatories. Guided presentations, behind‑the‑scenes access and expert‑led night‑sky 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’s 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’s 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’s corona reveals itself in breathtaking detail, a profound and unforgettable astronomical experience.
In partnership with Intrepid Travel.
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’s great urban theatres. From here, you will pass the elegant Koutoubia Mosque, Marrakech’s most recognisable landmark, before continuing to the exquisitely restored Ben Youssef Madrasa, a masterpiece of Islamic architecture and a centrepiece of the city’s 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’s 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‑open 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’s 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’s elegant seaside capital. On arrival, begin your guided exploration at the striking Hassan Tower, the unfinished 12th‑century minaret that stands as a powerful reminder of the Almohad dynasty’s 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 Barceló Fès 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‑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 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’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 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’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 New Scientist Discovery Tours groups. That evening there will be a welcome dinner, where you will meet the other New Scientist 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 Scientist 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‑minute drive to our private eclipse‑viewing 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, 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.
