7 Days Itinerary Tour from Marrakech
From
Marrakech
Duration
7 Days
Destination
Merzouga
Experience the best of Morocco in just one week with this immersive 7-day itinerary. Journey through the country’s diverse landscapes, from bustling cities to serene desert dunes, exploring historic kasbahs, majestic gorges, colorful valleys, and the iconic Sahara Desert. Along the way, enjoy cultural encounters, camel rides, panoramic mountain views, and traditional Moroccan cuisine.
- Cross the breathtaking High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi N’Tichka Pass.
- Discover the UNESCO-listed Kasbahs of Ait Ben Haddou and Telouet.
- Explore the dramatic Dades and Todra Gorges.
- Experience a camel trek at sunset in the golden Merzouga dunes.
- Sleep under the stars in the Sahara desert in traditional nomadic tents.
- Visit local Berber villages and learn about nomadic life.
- Drive through the legendary Dakar Rally route and discover remote villages.
- Explore historic kasbahs, lush valleys, and the cinematic city of Ouarzazate.
Day 1: Arrival in Marrakech
Upon arrival in Marrakech, you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel or riad. Depending on your arrival time, you may have the chance to begin exploring the vibrant city. Stroll through the medina, wander the lively souks, and experience the charm of Jemaa el-Fnaa square with its street performers, food stalls, and traditional storytellers. Enjoy a delicious Moroccan dinner and prepare for the adventure ahead. Overnight stay in Marrakech.
Day 2: Marrakech – High Atlas Mountains – Ait Ben Haddou – Dades Valley
Your adventure begins with an early departure from Marrakech, driving through the scenic High Atlas Mountains. As you ascend the Tizi N’Tichka Pass at 2,260 meters, stop to admire the breathtaking panoramic views of snow-capped peaks and remote Berber villages tucked in the valleys.
Next, visit the historic Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a striking UNESCO World Heritage site. This fortified village, with its labyrinth of earthen buildings, has been the backdrop for many famous films and TV series. Continue to the Roses Valley and then to the Dades Valley, renowned for its dramatic landscapes and winding roads. Dinner and overnight stay in the Dades region.
Day 3: Dades Valley – Todra Gorges – Erfoud – Merzouga Desert
After breakfast, journey toward the Todra Gorges, a spectacular canyon with sheer cliffs rising nearly 300 meters. Take a leisurely walk along the gorge and admire its stunning rock formations, a popular destination for climbers and nature lovers alike.
Continue through small Berber villages, experiencing the authentic Saharan lifestyle, before reaching Erfoud, a town known for its date palms and fossils. From here, venture further into the Sahara to reach Merzouga. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay in Merzouga, preparing for your desert adventures.
Day 4: Exploring the Merzouga Desert
Spend the day immersing yourself in the beauty of the Erg Chebbi dunes. Begin with a 4×4 excursion across the desert, visiting remote villages, wild oases, and observing local families living in harmony with this arid landscape. Stop at the village of the Khamlia people, where traditional Gnawa music and a cup of fresh mint tea await.
In the late afternoon, embark on a camel trek into the heart of the dunes. Witness a mesmerizing sunset over the golden sands and watch as the colors shift dramatically with the fading light. Conclude the day with a traditional dinner under a star-filled sky and spend the night in a desert camp, enjoying the serene silence of the Sahara.
Day 5: Merzouga – Dakar Rally Route – Tafraoute Sidi Ali
Depart Merzouga after breakfast and follow the historic Dakar Rally route, offering sweeping views of the desert and its unique vegetation. Stop at Taouz village before visiting Ouzina and Ramlia, small Berber settlements that offer insight into rural life in the region.
Continue toward Tafraoute Sidi Ali, a village known for its mining heritage and unique desert landscapes. Overnight stay in a traditional Berber guesthouse, with dinner and breakfast included.
Day 6: Tafraoute Sidi Ali – Zagora – Agdz – Ouarzazate
After breakfast, travel through the scenic Draa Valley, stopping at Zagora before heading to Agdz. Visit Tamnougalt, an ancient kasbah nestled among date palm groves, with views of the surrounding Atlas Mountains. Continue to Ouarzazate, often referred to as the “gateway to the desert,” known for its film studios and panoramic landscapes. Enjoy dinner and overnight stay in Ouarzazate.
Day 7: Ouarzazate – Ounila Valley – Telouet – Return to Marrakech
On your final day, explore the famous Ouarzazate film studios and learn about Morocco’s cinematic heritage. Drive through the picturesque Ounila Valley and visit the historic Telouet Kasbah, once a key stop on caravan routes connecting Marrakech to the Sahara.
Continue your journey over the Tizi N’Tichka Pass, taking in the dramatic mountain scenery one last time. Arrive in Marrakech in the evening to conclude your one-week Moroccan adventure.
Included
- Comfortable, all-inclusive services throughout the journey
- Private Moroccan driver, fluent in several languages
- Accommodation with daily breakfast and dinner (according to your chosen category)
- Licensed local guides in major cultural and historical cities
- Airport pick-up and drop-off at the start and end of the tour
- Scenic camel ride in the Merzouga desert (for desert tours)
- Overnight stay in a desert camp, with traditional entertainment (for desert tours)
Excluded
- Daily lunch meals
- Beverages and drinks during the trip
- Personal purchases and extra expenses
- International or domestic airfare
