Join us on a breathtaking 9-day journey through the heart of southern Morocco. From the red walls of Marrakech to the golden dunes of the Sahara, and from ancient kasbahs to the breezy charm of Essaouira, this tour takes you through some of the most iconic and hidden gems of the country. Discover palm-filled valleys, Berber culture, fortified villages, and vast desert landscapes on this adventure of a lifetime.
Day 1: Arrival in Marrakech
Welcome to Morocco! Upon arrival at Marrakech Menara Airport, our team will greet you and transfer
you to your charming riad or hotel inside the old Medina.
Relax and prepare for the adventures ahead.
Overnight: Riad in Marrakech
Day 2: Guided City Tour of Marrakech
After breakfast, enjoy a private guided tour of Marrakech, exploring the city’s vibrant culture and architecture. You’ll visit:
The Koutoubia Mosque, with its famous 12th-century minaret
The colorful Majorelle Gardens, once owned by Yves Saint Laurent
The Saadian Tombs, hidden for centuries and richly decorated
The labyrinthine Medina souks, full of spices, textiles, and artisans
The legendary Jemaa el-Fnaa square, a hub of storytellers, musicians, and food stalls
Overnight: Riad in Marrakech
Day 3: Marrakech – Ait Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate – Dades Valley
Depart Marrakech in the morning and journey through the High Atlas Mountains, crossing the Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260m) with stops for panoramic photos and tea in Berber villages.
Explore the historic Kasbah of Telouet, once the seat of the powerful Glaoui family.
Continue through the Ounila Valley to the UNESCO-listed Ait Ben Haddou, a stunning fortified village used as a filming location for many movies (e.g., Gladiator, Game of Thrones).
After lunch, travel to Ouarzazate, known as the “Hollywood of Africa.”
Visit the Atlas Film Studios and the Taourirt Kasbah, then head to Dades Valley via the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs.
Overnight: Hotel or riad in Dades Gorges
Day 4: Dades Gorges – Todra Gorges – Merzouga
Travel through the dramatic Dades Gorges, with its winding roads and striking rock formations like the “Monkey Fingers.”
Continue to Tinghir and the towering Todra Gorges, where 300-meter cliffs form a canyon oasis.
Pass by palm groves and mud-brick villages en route to Erfoud, a town famous for its fossil workshops.
Then head to Merzouga, the gateway to the Sahara.
You’ll be welcomed with a mint tea at your desert hotel.
Overnight: Hotel in Merzouga
Day 5: Merzouga – Nomad Experience & Camel Trekking
After breakfast, begin a desert exploration by 4×4. Visit the Gnawa village of Khamlia, known for its spiritual music and people of West African origin.
Explore the Mifiss mines, and share tea with Berber nomads living in the vast desert, learning about their traditions and lifestyle.
Return to the hotel to prepare for your camel caravan ride across the dunes of Erg Chebbi, enjoying the sunset on the way.
At your desert camp, savor a delicious dinner and experience Berber music under the stars.
Overnight: Luxury desert camp in Merzouga
Day 6: Merzouga – Rissani – Alnif – Agdz – Ouarzazate
Wake early to witness the sunrise over the dunes—a moment you’ll never forget.
After breakfast and a shower back at your desert hotel,
continue to Rissani, home of the Alaouite dynasty and a traditional market town.
Drive through Alnif and Tazarine, reaching the lush Draa Valley, one of Morocco’s largest palm groves.
Visit the historic Kasbah of Tamnougalt in Agdz, then follow the scenic route back to Ouarzazate.
Overnight: Hotel or riad in Ouarzazate
Day 7: Ouarzazate – Atlas Mountains – Marrakech
After breakfast, visit the Kasbah Taourirt or take an optional second visit to Ait Ben Haddou if you wish.
Then, cross the High Atlas Mountains once more via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, making stops for photos and refreshment.
Arrive in Marrakech in the afternoon and enjoy some free time to relax or explore on your own.
Overnight: Riad in Marrakech
Day 8: Day Trip to Essaouira
After breakfast, depart for a full-day excursion to the charming Atlantic port city of Essaouira.
Along the way, see goats climbing argan trees and visit a local women’s cooperative producing argan oil.
Once in Essaouira, you can stroll the UNESCO-listed medina, explore the Skala de la Kasbah fortifications,
visit art galleries and Tuya wood shops, and enjoy fresh grilled fish at the lively harbor.
Overnight: Riad in Marrakech
Day 9: Departure from Marrakech
Enjoy a final Moroccan breakfast before your scheduled transfer to Marrakech Airport.
We’ll ensure you arrive on time for your flight with unforgettable memories of Morocco in your heart.
End of the tour
Tour Highlights
Telouet & Ait Ben Haddou Kasbahs
Atlas Mountains & Tizi n’Tichka Pass
Ouarzazate & Atlas Film Studios
Dades & Todra Gorges
Camel ride in the Erg Chebbi dunes
4×4 desert excursion & meeting nomads
Draa Valley & Tamnougalt Kasbah
The Atlantic coast & Essaouira Medina
Marrakech guided city tour
Local crafts: Argan oil, Tuya wood, carpets
What's Included
Airport pick-up & drop-off
Private A/C transport throughout the tour
English/French/Spanish-speaking driver-guide
Guided visit of Marrakech
Guided visit of Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah
Night in Dades Valley (hotel or riad)
Night in Merzouga hotel
Night in Merzouga desert camp
4×4 desert excursion around Merzouga
Camel ride in Erg Chebbi dunes
Night in Ouarzazate
3 nights in Marrakech
Excursion to Essaouira
Not Included
Flights
Lunches
Drinks
Entrance fees
Tips and personal expenses