Embark on a captivating 7 days journey through the heart of Morocco, where ancient traditions and breathtaking landscapes come together to create an unforgettable experience. This tour offers a perfect blend of adventure, cultural exploration, and relaxation as you traverse the stunning High Atlas Mountains, explore the vast desert dunes, and wind down in the charming coastal town of Essaouira. Along the way, you will visit UNESCO World Heritage sites, traditional Berber villages, ancient kasbahs, and bustling medinas. From camel rides through golden sand dunes to discovering the rich history of the fortified cities, each day will bring new and exciting experiences. The itinerary has been carefully designed to offer a balance of guided tours, cultural immersion, and free time to enjoy Morocco at your own pace. As you journey through Morocco’s diverse landscapes, you’ll experience the warm hospitality of the locals, savor delicious Moroccan cuisine, and enjoy stays in a mix of traditional guesthouses, desert camps, and boutique riads. Whether it's watching the sunrise over the Sahara or strolling through the lively markets of Essaouira, this adventure promises to leave you with lasting memories of Morocco's rich heritage and natural beauty. Whether you're an adventure enthusiast, a history lover, or simply seeking a unique cultural escape, program offers something for everyone.
Atlas and Sahara to the Coast
Overview
Included
Excluded
Highlights
Itinerary
You will be picked up by a professional driver at 8 a.m. local time from your accommodation in Marrakech. You will cross the High Atlas Mountains via Tizi n'Tichka pass and reach the famous kasbah Telouet. You will then continue driving towards Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site and famous ksar (fortified village). After a nice break, continue to drive through the valley of Ounila, typical Berber villages to reach Ouarzazate, known as the "Hollywood of Africa" for its film studios where you can visit the museum of movies and take pictures of the kasbah Taourirt. Afterwards, you will proceed to the Valley of Fint, a hidden oasis with palm groves and traditional villages. You will then stay overnight in a local guesthouse in the Valley of Fint.
Accommodation: Local guesthouse in the Valley of Fint
Meals: Lunch and dinner
Guided Tours: Kasbah Telouet, Ait Ben Haddou, Ouarzazate
You can enjoy a guided morning walk in the Valley of Fint before driving to Erg Lihoudi through the Draa Valley, an amazing and historical valley lined with palm oases and along the road of "Tamnougalt", known for its prime example of Berber architecture. You will be visiting a kasbah Timidert before continuing to Tamgroute where you will visit an old Coran library and a subterranean kasbah with a guide. Once you arrive at Erg Lihoudi, known for its golden sand dunes, you can settle down for the desert camp, you can enjoy a nice dinner.
Accommodation: Desert camp at Erg Lihoudi
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included
Guided Tours: Valley of Fint, Kasbah Timidert, Tamgroute’s Quranic library, and subterranean kasbah
In the morning after breakfast, you will be visiting the kasbah Bono and enjoy Moroccan tea with the locals before driving to M'hamid, the very gate to the desert and the end of the paved road. That is where your off-road adventure will start, across various breathtaking desert landscapes incl. pic nic lunch to reach the desert camp Chegaga. Chegaga has one of Morocco's highest dunes, offering the Sahara experience in the true sense. In the afternoon you can go on a camel ride before enjoying the spectacular sunset on the dunes. You will be having dinner in a standard desert camp and stay there overnight, enjoying the immense starry sky.
Accommodation: Desert camp in Chegaga
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner included
Guided Tours: Kasbah Bono
Activities: Camel ride
Wake up early morning to witness the sunrise from the top of the dunes of Chigaga. After breakfast, you will drive approx. 90km in the desert with varying unique sceneries; the natural dried lake of Iriqui. Before taking the asphalted road in the direction of the small town of Foum Zguid, the first town after desert. We will continue north to Taznakht, which is one of the biggest centers of carpets in the kingdom. Stop for about an hour for lunch. After lunch, we will cross two passes: Tizi-n-Ikhsane and Tizi-n-Tighatine to arrive to Taliouine, the heart of the saffron growing region. Here, we will visit a government-run museum to learn about the saffron agriculture. Afterwards, we will continue our journey to Taroudante. Check into your hotel and spend a free evening.
Accommodation: Hotel in Taroudant
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Guided Tours: Taliouine saffron museum
After breakfast, depart from the historic walled town of Taroudant and journey towards the coastal city of Essaouira. The scenic route takes you through Agadir, where you can enjoy a stroll along the beach, and the surf town of Taghazout, known for its relaxed vibe and stunning beaches. As you approach Essaouira, the landscape shifts to rolling dunes and windswept beaches. Upon arrival, explore the UNESCO-listed medina, stroll through the bustling harbor, and visit the Skala de la Kasbah. End your day with a walk along the beach or a fresh seafood dinner at a local restaurant.
Accommodation: Hotel or riad in Essaouira
Meals: Breakfast in Taroudant, lunch along the way, dinner in Essaouira
Guided Tours: Essaouira medina, Skala de la Kasbah, harbor
After breakfast, head to the peaceful village of Sidi Kaouki, known for its wide, tranquil beaches and relaxed atmosphere. Enjoy a camel ride along the beach and take some time to unwind in this serene coastal setting. After lunch, return to your accommodation in Essaouira. Spend the rest of the day exploring Essaouira at your own pace, wandering through its charming UNESCO-listed medina with whitewashed buildings and vibrant artisan shops. Visit the bustling harbor, watch the fishermen at work, or enjoy panoramic views of the Atlantic from the historic ramparts.
Accommodation: Guesthouse or hotel in Essaouira
Meals: Breakfast at your accommodation, lunch in Sidi Kaouki, dinner at a local restaurant in Essaouira
Guided Tours: Harbor, and ramparts (self-guided or optional guided tour)
Activity: Camel ride on the beach in Sidi Kaouki
After breakfast, return to Marrakech, marking the end of your adventure.
Meals: Breakfast