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Desert & Essaouira

If you’re seeking a unique experience in Morocco, we recommend our fully customized 7-day itinerary. This route offers great contrasts to the traveler, allowing you to explore the city of Marrakech in all its splendor, the coastal town of Essaouira with its picturesque alleyways of the souk, and an exciting journey through the Atlas Mountains to discover vastly different landscapes. Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy the Sahara Desert and dinner under the stars while learning firsthand about Berber culture, one of the trip’s most remarkable experiences.

Tour DETAILS

Duration
7 days
arrival
marrakech
departure
Marrakech
season
all year
group size
exclusive

Itinerary

  • We will pick you up at Menara Marrakech Airport based on your arrival time and transfer you to the riad in the city center.
  • You will have a free day to rest.
  • The Riad is located in the heart of the medina; you can briefly visit the medina and have dinner at the famous Marrakech square, «Jamaa El Fnaa.»
  • Accommodation with breakfast at the riad
  • Pick-up at 09:00 from the Riad in a private vehicle heading towards Ouarzazate, crossing the High Atlas Mountains through the Tizi Ntichka pass, which reaches an altitude of 2,260 meters, making it the highest point in the country.
  • Along the way, we will be mesmerized by the incredible landscapes and make several stops to capture photos of the Berber villages.
  • We will then detour through a scenic road, enjoying the beautiful surroundings, until we reach the Kasbah of Telouat. Here, we will visit the Kasbah and indulge in a typical village meal. In the afternoon, we will continue through the Ounila Valley, passing by Berber villages where families live in adobe houses nestled in the mountains until we reach the fortified town of Ait Ben Haddou.
  • We explore its famous Kasbah, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1986. This spectacular setting has been a backdrop for several notable films, including Gladiator, Obelix, Sahara starring Penélope Cruz, and more. After visiting the Kasbah, we will head towards Ouarzazate, known as the gateway to the desert
  • Dinner and accommodation at a hotel/riad
  • After breakfast, we will head to the famous Draa Valley, where we will see one of the longest rivers in Morocco.
  • We will make several stops to admire the beautiful adobe kasbahs and Berber villages that dot the route and the wonders of the Draa Valley.
  • After lunch in Nkob or Alnif, we will continue on a 2-hour route until we reach the stunning dunes of Merzouga. The fine sand desert where we will exchange the car for other means of transportation, camels, to enter the heart of the dunes and witness an unforgettable sunset.
  • We will arrive at the camp, where we will stay in nomad tents made of camel hair, like those used by desert nomads.
  • Dinner and night we spend in nomad tents in the heart of the desert under a spectacular blanket of stars.
  • After a delicious breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to the desert and embark on our journey toward Rissani.
  • At Rissani, we will visit the vibrant market (if we are lucky and it falls on market days: Tuesday, Thursday, or Sunday)
  • We will then continue our route to Erfoud, where there is also an opportunity to visit the fossilized marble factory before heading towards the palm groves of Touroug and Tinjdad.
  • An hour later, we will arrive at one of the highlights of the High Atlas Mountains: the Todra GorgesThe Todra River has carved a magnificent gorge with towering vertical walls, creating a paradise for climbers and a truly unique place of natural beauty.
  • We will have lunch at the site, and a recommended half-hour walk will allow us to appreciate the gorges in all their detail and splendor.
  • In the afternoon, we will continue our journey toward the Dades Valley, also known as the Valley of Figs. We will stop at the “monkey fingers” rock formations in Boumalne Dades along the way.
  • Dinner and overnight stay in the Dades Gorges.
  • After breakfast, we can enjoy one of the best views of the Dades Valley.
  • From one of the strategic points in the mountains, we can admire the multitude of kasbahs and the picturesque nature of each one. We will then set off on the road dotted with various kasbahs of great interest.
  • Making several stops to admire the Thousand Kasbahs Routethe Rose Valley, and the vast palm grove of Skoura, we will arrive at Ouarzazate. Here, we will visit the Taourirt Kasbah, the former residence of the Glaoui or Pasha of Marrakech, as well as the Cinema Studios and the Cinema Museum if you are interested.
  • Lunch will be served in the village, and the afternoon, we will continue our journey back to Marrakech, crossing the Tizi Ntichka mountain pass with stops for photos along the way. We will leave behind the lunar landscape, giving way to the predominant colors of green, ochre, and more.
  • We expect to arrive in Marrakech around 6:00 p.m., where we will transfer you to your riad to rest and recharge.
  • After breakfast at the riad in Marrakech, we will head towards Essaouirathe Pearl of the Atlantic. This city declared a UNESCO World Heritage site, maintains the charm and authenticity of a land lost in time. Essaouira has become an essential stop on any journey to Morocco.
  • The adventurous explorer will be fascinated by the warm hospitality of the people in this city, which is not surprising considering they have been living at the crossroads of cultures, civilizations, and religions for centuries.
  • You will have the afternoon free to wander around the medina
  • The accommodation we will provide in Essaouira.
  • After breakfast at the riad, you can stroll through the medina, visit the port, and then enjoy a grilled fresh fish lunch at the local restaurants by the harbor.
  • If you wish, we can arrange for a local guide to give you a tour of the city, although we recommend exploring at your own pace as it is the best way to experience this charming town.
  • In the afternoon, we will return to Marrakech. If you’re interested, we can stop at a women’s cooperative to witness a demonstration of the local women preparing argan oil.
  • Finally, we will transfer you to the airport according to your flight schedule, marking the end of our services.

Tour Highlights

What's Included / not included

Overview

This journey through Morocco offers a plenty of cultural experiences, scenic landscapes, and historic sites. You will begin your adventure in Marrakech, where you will be transferred to a riad in the heart of the medina. After some rest, you can explore the bustling streets and dine at the famous Jamaa El Fnaa square.

The trip takes you through the stunning High Atlas Mountains, crossing the Tizi Ntichka pass, and visiting the ancient Kasbah of Telouat and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Ben Haddou. Along the way, you’ll be immersed in breathtaking landscapes and stop in Berber villages to admire their unique architecture.

In Ouarzazate, known as the gateway to the desert, you’ll discover more kasbahs before heading to the expansive Draa Valley. Continuing your adventure, you’ll arrive in Merzouga to experience a camel trek through the dunes, culminating in a night spent in traditional nomadic tents under a starry desert sky.

Leaving the desert, you’ll visit the Rissani market and the spectacular Todra Gorges, a natural wonder perfect for hiking and photography. As you journey through the Dades Valley and Rose Valley, you’ll marvel at the lush palm groves and ancient kasbahs before returning to Marrakech.

The trip concludes with a visit to Essaouira, a charming coastal city on the Atlantic Ocean. You’ll have time to explore its medina, port, and nearby markets before enjoying a fresh fish lunch by the harbor. The experience ends with a return to Marrakech and transfer to the airport.

Essential Information

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