Combine culture, desert adventures, and seaside relaxation with this 7-day trip from Marrakech. Wander Marrakech's medina, exploring its souks... Cross the High Atlas mountains and explore Morocco's desert, filled with fortified kasbahs and old caravan routes. Relax in Essaouira as you enjoy fresh seafood and watch the sunset over the seaside ramparts.
The road trip starts by heading towards Kasbah Ait Benhaddou via the highest pass in Africa Tizi N’ Tichka the stunning chain of high Atlas Mountains and witness traditional Moroccan culture and rich history, during the day trip from Marrakech to Ait Ben Haddou across the famous 'Tizi N'Tichka' passes 1412 miles (2260 meters) high, the highest in the whole of Africa. On the way, visitors would enjoy the superb views of the giant High Atlas Mountains with the panoramic Berber villages. The journey continues its track to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Aït Benhaddou. The latter is situated on a hill along the Ouarzazate River, Such a stunning example of southern Moroccan architecture has been used a lot as a backdrop for international famous movies. Visitors with their guide “s” pass by Ouarzazat one major Berber city in southern Morocco known as the Hollywood of Africa and by the rose valley and overnight would be spent in a hotel in the Dades Gorges.
After having breakfast in the pre-stated hotel, the journey group leaves the Dades gorges and heads to Todra gorges Gorge via Tinghir and the lush valley of Todra where they would have a short hike along the narrow and high cliffs of Todra. Aftward, the journey resumes its way to Merzouga via the amazing stony desert and the palm trees of Erfoud (capital of the fossils and best qualities of dates) and Rissani which is known for its traditional market in the south. In the afternoon visitors arrive at Merzouga desert where they get ready -accompanied of course by a camel guide - to go for an authentic camel trek experience of around 90 minutes where they could catch the sunset in the heart of the Erg Chebbi dunes and spend a memorable night with millions of shining stars, enjoy a Berber dinner, and ultimately sleeping in a traditional and well-prepared nomadic tent.
After getting up early and seeing the sunrise, visitors would ride their camels going back to their hotel for taking a shower and eat breakfast. Afterward, we take our 4×4 to drive around the mystic Erg Chebbi dunes and stop for tea with a nomadic desert family and get to know their simple life. Then resume to visit “Khamlia” a small village inhabited by black people to listen to their traditional Gnawa music, then another visit is to be paid to “Rissani” to bustle and bargain in its traditional Souk, visit some of the Kasbah and Ksour –fortified villages- in the area and have lunch with our family and friends. Free afternoon in the desert and overnight would be spent in our hotel.
Departure would take place at 9 am from the desert driving towards “Agdz” through the range of the dramatic Anti-Atlas mountains and the fantastic views of the rocky desert passing by a town called “Alnif” which is famous for the Henna groves. After having lunch in a town called “Nekkob” we arrive at “Agdz” a small town located at the shore of the Draa River that is considered the longest in Morocco. Overnight would be spent in a hotel in “Agdz”.
The journey visitors accompanied with the drivers would depart from “Agdz” straight after having breakfast via the dramatic Anti-Atlas mountains to reach the town of “Taznakht”, known for its colorful Berber rugs made by local women from the area, then the journey continues its way to have lunch in “Taliouin” where the pure Safran of Morocco grows. Afterward, the arrival is to be to“Taroudant”, or Marrakech. Free time is given to visitors to explore this fortified town with its ancient medina and traditional souks. Overnight would be spent in a Riad in Taroudant.
Directly after breakfast, the journey would head towards Essaouira while enjoying the stunning views of the Argan trees being scaled by goats to get their food. The trip continues further west to reach the Atlantic coastline passing by Agadir a modern Berber city and tourist resort. After lunch in one of the coastal towns along the Atlantic ocean the journey group head to Essaouira. Overnight would be spent in a riad in Essaouira.
Visitors are expected to dedicate half day to explore the beauty of the Atlantic Ocean and the charming seaside which is regarded as a haven of the city, also to explore its port and to enjoy the freshest a most fresh seafood lunch; also visitors would be devoted to bathing and relaxing on the beach of this coastal city. On the fortifications of the old town they would be able to trace Portuguese, French and Berber architecture. Its whitewashed houses, cool breezes, relaxed atmosphere along with its friendly cafés, numerous craftsmen and the delicious fresh seafood would make this an amazing place one of your highlights. Approximately 2 hours and a half driving would bring the group back to Marrakech where the tour ends. Drop off at your previously selected accommodation.
