A seven-day tour ideal for those who want to experience Morocco in all its facets: the vibrancy of Marrakech, the ocean breeze of Essaouira, and the timeless charm of the Sahara Desert. This itinerary combines guided tours, authentic excursions, and moments of relaxation, with a balanced pace that allows you to fully savor each stop.
Highlights
- Complete guided tour of Marrakech
- Day trip to Essaouira
- Discovery of the Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou (UNESCO)
- Crossing the High Atlas and the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs
- Walk in the Todra Gorges
- Sunset camel trek and overnight camp in the Sahara
- Meeting with the nomads and listening to Gnawa music in Khamlia
- Return via the Draa Valley
Detailed Itinerary – 7 Days from Marrakech to Merzouga with Essaouira Excursion
Upon arrival at Marrakech airport, you'll be greeted by our driver and escorted to your riad in the heart of the medina. After dropping off your luggage, you'll have free time to immerse yourself in the city's vibrant atmosphere. Evening is the perfect time to explore the famous Jemaa el-Fnaa square , a magical and unique place where musicians, street artists, snake charmers, and street food stalls mingle, creating an unforgettable sensory experience. The scents of spices, traditional sounds, and vibrant colors will accompany you on this first stroll through the city. Overnight stay in Marrakech.
This day will be dedicated to an in-depth exploration of Marrakech with an expert local guide. You will visit the city's most iconic monuments: the Koutoubia Mosque , with its elegant minaret, a symbol of Marrakech; the Bahia Palace , famous for its decorated courtyards and splendid Moorish-style rooms; and the Saadian Tombs , dating back to the 16th century and a testament to the greatness of the Saadian dynasty. Strolling through the lively souks , you will admire carpets, lanterns, fabrics, and intensely scented spices. In the afternoon, you will have free time to visit the Majorelle Gardens , purchase local crafts, or relax in a traditional hammam . Overnight stay at the same riad in Marrakech.
Depart in the morning for a full-day excursion to the coastal city of Essaouira , famous for its Portuguese walls and picturesque fishing port. Strolling through the narrow streets of the medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you'll admire the artisan workshops, art galleries, and fresh fish markets. Enjoy a free lunch featuring local products and time to photograph the breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. In the afternoon, return to Marrakech, arriving in the evening and spending the night.
Early in the morning, depart south across the Tizi n'Tichka Pass (2,260 m), a breathtaking route through mountains, valleys, and small Berber villages. Along the way, scenic stops will allow you to take photographs and experience local life. A guided visit to the Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou , a UNESCO site famous for its adobe architecture and a filming location for international films such as Gladiator . After lunch in Ouarzazate, known as the "Hollywood of Africa," the journey continues along the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs , crossing the Skoura palm grove and the evocative Valley of the Roses, until reaching the Dades Valley , with its spectacular rock formations known as "monkey fingers." Dinner and overnight stay in a traditional riad.
After breakfast, depart for the Todra Gorges , impressive canyons with rock walls over 300 meters high. A hike will take you to admire the spectacular natural formations and breathe in the pure mountain air. We then continue to Erfoud and Rissani, where you can admire or purchase fossils and local products in the traditional markets. In the afternoon, arrive in Merzouga , at the gateway to the Sahara, where an exciting camel trek will take you through the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi to admire the sunset. The evening concludes with a Berber dinner and an overnight stay in a luxury tented camp , under an incredibly clear and evocative starry sky.
A full day dedicated to exploring the desert. After breakfast, a 4x4 excursion will explore the surrounding area: visit the village of Khamlia , famous for its Gnawa music, the fossil mines, and meet nomadic families who still live according to ancient traditions. In the afternoon, free time to relax among the dunes, go sandboarding , or simply enjoy the peace and quiet of the Sahara. At sunset, another camel ride or on foot to watch the sky change colors, before spending the second night in the tented camp.
Wake up at dawn to admire the golden hues of the desert as the sun illuminates the dunes of Erg Chebbi. After breakfast, return by camel to Merzouga and depart for Marrakech, crossing the long and evocative Draa Valley , famous for its palm groves, traditional ksars, and Berber villages. Stop in Agdz and then continue to Ouarzazate, before returning to Marrakech in the late afternoon or evening, with transfer to your riad or airport, concluding an unforgettable journey of culture, sea, and desert.
Included
- Private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle throughout the tour
- Professional driver speaking Italian/English/French
- Pick-up and drop-off at the airport or riad in Marrakech
- 2 nights in a riad/hotel in Marrakech (breakfast included)
- 1 night in a riad/hotel in the Dades Valley (half board)
- 2 nights in a luxury tented camp in Merzouga (half board)
- 1 night in a riad/hotel in Ouarzazate (half board)
- Camel trekking in the Erg Chebbi desert (1 camel per person)
- 4x4 excursion to Merzouga and its surroundings (Khamlia, fossil mines, nomadic villages)
- Guided tour of Marrakech and its main monuments (Bahia Palace, Saadian Tombs, Koutoubia Mosque)
- Essaouira Day Trip with a Local Guide
- Desert activities: sandboarding, Berber music, sunsets and sunrises in the dunes
Excluding
- Lunches and drinks not mentioned
- Entrance tickets to monuments, museums, and gardens (Majorelle, Ait Ben Haddou, etc.)
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
- Tips for guide and driver