From Nolan's Troy to the Real Sahara
A 6-day journey: the film locations of The Odyssey, Gladiator and Game of Thrones, then four nights of yoga, nomads and stars at Umnya Desert Camp.
As Featured In
Condé Nast Traveler Spain Condé Nast Traveler España, "Nómadas" VOGUE Greece The Telegraph Harper's Bazaar TelQuel MR. TRIPPER6 Days / 5 Nights, All-Inclusive from Marrakech
One Journey, Two Worlds
Christopher Nolan built Troy at Ait Ben Haddou. Ridley Scott sold Maximus into slavery there. Daenerys took Yunkai on its ramparts. This retreat begins with a night facing that kasbah and a private, scene-by-scene guided tour, before the road turns south to the place no film set can imitate: Erg Chegaga.
Four nights at Umnya Desert Camp follow: yoga and Pilates on the dunes, meditation, walking with the nomads, ephemeral Berber tattoos, live music at the fire, and Bortle 1 stargazing. The film route is the overture. The desert is the story.
An independent travel experience, not affiliated with any film production.
Choose Your Edition
Twelve places each, confirmed in order of reservation
Next Departure
November 9, 2026 to November 14, 2026
12 of 12 places left
€2550
Early bird, 4 of 4 left at this price, then €3450
Reserve This EditionApril 23, 2027 to April 28, 2027
12 of 12 places left
€2550
Early bird, 4 of 4 left at this price, then €3450
Reserve This EditionPlaces reflect real availability and are updated as reservations are confirmed. Reserve with a 20% deposit, or pay in full and save 10%.
Your 6 Days
From the film sets to the silence
Day 1
Marrakech to Troy
Morning pickup in Marrakech, then the climb over the Tizi n'Tichka pass, the highest major road pass in North Africa. In the afternoon, a private guided tour of Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, the UNESCO village that played Troy in Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey, hosted Gladiator's arena scenes, and stood in for Yunkai in Game of Thrones. Your guide walks you scene by scene through the ksar. Night in a charming guesthouse facing the kasbah, dinner included.
Day 2
Film studios and the road south
Morning visit of Atlas Studios in Ouarzazate, often called the largest film studio on Earth by area, where The Mummy, Kingdom of Heaven and Kundun left their sets in the sand. Then the beautiful drive south through the Draa Valley and its three million palm trees to M'Hamid, and the final 4x4 crossing into Erg Chegaga. Welcome tea, sunset on the dunes, dinner and your first fire under the stars.
Day 3
The desert rhythm
Sunrise yoga on the dunes, breakfast, then a Pilates session in the shade. Free time through the warm hours. Late afternoon walking with the nomads, a slow guided walk with the families who live in this desert. Evening meditation, dinner, and live Berber music around the fire.
Day 4
Nomad day
Morning yoga and meditation. Meeting with the nomads: tea, conversation and craft with a nomad family, and ephemeral Berber tattoos, traditional henna designs drawn by local women. Sunset Pilates on the high dune. After dinner, stargazing under Bortle 1 skies, the darkest rating on Earth.
Day 5
Deep desert day
Sunrise yoga, breakfast, and a free morning to walk, journal or simply be. Afternoon Pilates and guided meditation. Farewell dinner with the local band around the fire, and one last long look at the Milky Way.
Day 6
Return
A final sunrise meditation and breakfast. 4x4 back to M'Hamid and the road north to Marrakech, arriving late afternoon, in time for evening flights or one more night in the medina.
Read our full guide to The Odyssey filming locations in Morocco →
Your Experience Includes
Everything Is Taken Care Of
- ✓ One night in a guesthouse facing Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, dinner and breakfast included
- ✓ Private guided film locations tour: The Odyssey, Gladiator, Game of Thrones
- ✓ Visit of Atlas Studios in Ouarzazate
- ✓ Four nights in a private luxury tent with en-suite bathroom at Umnya Desert Camp
- ✓ Full board throughout the six days
- ✓ Round-trip transportation from Marrakech, 4x4 desert crossings included
- ✓ Daily yoga and Pilates sessions
- ✓ Daily guided meditation
- ✓ Walking with the nomads and meeting with a nomad family
- ✓ Ephemeral Berber tattoos (traditional henna)
- ✓ Stargazing sessions under Bortle 1 skies
- ✓ Live Berber band and campfires every night at camp
Not Included
Good to Know
- · International flights to Marrakech
- · Travel insurance
- · Personal expenses and gratuities
- · Alcoholic beverages
Reservation
€3450 per person, all-inclusive from Marrakech. The first 4 reservations of each edition pay the early bird price of €2550. Reserve online with a 20% deposit, or pay in full and save 10%.
Reserve Your PlacePrefer a pure digital detox without the film route? See the RESET Retreat. Bringing your own group? Privatize the camp and host your own retreat.
Frequently asked questions
What is included in the Sahara Film Route Retreat price?
Did The Odyssey really film at Ait Ben Haddou?
Do I need yoga or Pilates experience?
How many people join each edition?
What is your cancellation and refund policy?
What if the weather is bad during the trip?
Private buyout
Ask for your dates
The whole camp for your group, from two guests to eighteen. Tell us when and how many of you: a written proposal for the whole camp comes back within 24 hours, with no commitment.
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2019
Open since
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4.8★
TripAdvisor
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8 tents
One group at a time
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24h
A written proposal, no commitment
