Landscapes of Morocco: dunes, peaks & shores

Marrakech

Tag 1: Arrival into Marrakech

Welcome to Marrakech, one of Morocco's most popular tourist hubs and a vibrant former imperial city. From the airport, transfer to your accommodation and take time to unwind upon check-in. Then, head out and wander through the city's medina and souks, losing yourself amidst a dizzying haze of goings-on and experiencing your first taste of authentic Moroccan culture. Enjoy a Moroccan welcome dinner in the evening, before returning to your accommodation for an overnight stay.

Marrakech

Tag 2: Soak up the sights of Marrakech

This morning, enjoy a traditional Moroccan breakfast in a local cafe, then venture into the Ensemble Artisanal shopping complex in search of handicrafts and more wonderful trinkets. Spend a while in the Bahia Palace, where you'll tour its intricately-designed rooms and beautiful complex of gardens.

Optionally, you could take an unforgettable excursion into the Agafay Desert to explore its hidden valleys, roam its moon-like terrain, and learn about daily life in Berber villages. Return to Marrakech afterwards, for an overnight stay.

Marrakech - Ait Benhaddou - Ouarzazate

Tag 3: Dive into the history of Aït Benhaddou

After breakfast, depart from Marrakech and head towards Aït Benhaddou, a historic ksar (type of fortified village) located on the old caravan route between Marrakech and the Sahara. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a stunning example of Moroccan architecture, where you can spend forever exploring narrow alleys, traditional houses, and ancient kasbahs.

Continue your journey to Ouarzazate, known as the Hollywood of Morocco due to its prominence as a filming location for many movies and TV shows. Visit the Atlas Film Studio to learn about the local film industry, before dinner and an overnight stay in Ouarzazate.

Ouarzazate - Dades Valley - Tinghir

Tag 4: Into the heart of the Dades Valley

After breakfast, depart from Ouarzazate and drive through the scenic Dades Valley. Be sure to soak up its breath-taking landscapes, from impressive rock formations to picturesque villages.

Stop to visit the Todra Gorge, a majestic canyon with towering cliffs that are particularly popular among rock climbers. Enjoy a walk through the gorge, with plenty of time to marvel at the stunning natural scenery all around you, before continuing to the city of Tinghir for a relaxing overnight stay.

Tinghir - Merzouga

Tag 5: Soak up village life & traditions

After breakfast in Tinghir, pack your bags and depart for Merzouga, a small village located on the edge of the Sahara Desert. Pay a visit to the village of Khamliya to savour the region's celebrated medfouna, best described as a stuffed pizza without the cheese.

Relax and unwind at a local hammam in the evening, then retire to your accommodation in Merzouga for an overnight stay.

Merzouga - Erg Chebbi

Tag 6: Magical desert camp experience

After breakfast, embark on a thrilling camel trek into the heart of the desert, traversing the golden sand dunes. Witness the mesmerising beauty of the desert landscape as you travel through the vast expanse of Erg Chebbi.

Arrive at a desert camp nestled among the dunes, where you'll experience the magic of the Sahara in all its glory. Feast on a traditional dinner under the starry desert sky, accompanied by local music and entertainment, and spend the night in a comfortable tent amidst the tranquillity and serenity of the desertscape.

Erg Chebbi - Agdz

Tag 7: Witness the sand dunes at sunrise

Wake up early this morning, to climb the sand dunes of Erg Chebbi before breakfast; there's no better time to witness the dunes at their most beautiful, as they change colour during sunrise.

Then, after breakfast, bid farewell to the desert and begin your journey towards the town of Agdz. You'll make a stop en-route in N’Kob, to enjoy a restful break and tea with a local family in the heart of the Atlas Mountains.

Arrive into Agdz and take some time to explore the town's charming streets and historic sites. A peaceful evening is on the cards, spent at leisure before retiring to your accommodation for the night.

Agdz - Taroudant

Tag 8: A leisurely day in Taroudant

After breakfast, depart from Agdz and continue your journey towards Taroudant. Often referred to as Little Marrakech due to its similar architecture and bustling souks, this city bursts with life and intrigue. Get to know its historic medina surrounded by impressive city walls, then visit the vibrant local markets to stock up on handicrafts, spices, and traditional Moroccan products.

Take a stroll through the two main squares, admiring the beautiful architecture as you go, and enjoying the chance to people-watch and observe the locals' day-to-day lives. Optionally, take an excursion to the town of Tazenakht, to explore the colourful world of Berber carpets.

In the evening, savour a delicious dinner at a local restaurant and immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of Taroudant. You'll spend the night here, enjoying the authenticity of this hidden gem.

Taroudant - Agadir - Taghazout

Tag 9: Journey to the coast

After breakfast in Taroudant, depart for the coastal city of Agadir. Known for its stunning beaches, vibrant atmosphere and modern amenities, it's home to a buzzing marina where you'll find rows of restaurants, cafes, and shops to explore.

Continue your journey to Taghazout, a charming coastal village that's famous for its excellent surfing conditions. Check into your accommodation here, and take some time to either relax on the beach or explore at your own pace. Come evening, tuck into a seafood dinner at a local restaurant and bask in the laid-back atmosphere of Taghazout.

Taghazout

Tag 10: A blissful day by the beach

Spend the day at leisure in Taghazout! Relax on the beach, soak up the sun, taste your way across cafes and restaurants, and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere of this coastal hideaway - the time is yours to spend however you wish. Overnight in Taghazout.

Taghazout - Essaouira

Tag 11: Explore historic Essaouira

After breakfast, depart from Taghazout and drive to the charming coastal town of Essaouira. Here, take time to tour the UNESCO-listed Medina of Essaouira, known for its whitewashed buildings, blue doors, and bustling souks which date back to the 18th century. From the historic ramparts, you'll have panoramic Atlantic views to enjoy as you soak up the fresh ocean breeze.

Take a stroll along the beach and indulge in fresh seafood at one of the city's restaurants, before settling down for an overnight stay.

Essaouira

Tag 12: One final day in Essaouira

Spend the day at leisure in Essaouira: enjoy the relaxed atmosphere, take a walk along the beach, and soak up the coastal vibes at your own pace. Visit the art galleries and boutiques in the medina, each showcasing excellent local craftsmanship, or take a boat trip to the nearby islands for some birdwatching and fishing.

In the evening, enjoy your final dinner in Morocco - a succulent seafood meal at a local restaurant - before an overnight stay in Essaouira.

Essaouira - Marrakech Airport

Tag 13: Farewell, Morocco!

Sadly, all epic journeys must come to an end. After breakfast, depart from Essaouira and drive back to Marrakech's international airport, where you'll bid farewell to Morocco as you board your onward flight.