Marrakech, Atlas Mountains & desert

Upon your arrival at Marrakech Airport, our dedicated team will be waiting to greet you warmly, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free transition from the bustling airport to the heart of the city. We'll handle your luggage and escort you via a comfortable private transfer to your centrally located hotel, where you can settle in and freshen up amidst the historic charm of Marrakech's medina. This journey typically takes about 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic, giving you a first glimpse of the city's vibrant streets lined with palm trees and traditional architecture. Once checked in, you'll have the afternoon and evening at your leisure to immerse yourself in the enchanting chaos and color of Djemaa el Fna, the iconic main square and vibrant marketplace at the center of the medina. This UNESCO World Heritage site transforms into a lively spectacle as dusk falls, with street performers, acrobats, and musicians captivating crowds under the glow of lanterns. Wander through stalls offering everything from fresh orange juice and spiced tagines to intricate handicrafts and exotic spices, soaking in the sensory overload of sights, sounds, and aromas that define Marrakech's soul. Whether you're exploring hidden souks, sampling local delicacies, or simply people-watching, this free time allows you to experience the medina's timeless energy at its most authentic. If desired, our guides can provide recommendations for nearby attractions like the Bahia Palace or a relaxing hammam experience to enhance your evening.

Your Best Travel guide and driver will pick you up directly from your accommodation before escaping the hustle and bustle of Marrakech. We will cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n'Tichka Pass, which reaches an altitude of 2,260 meters (7,415 feet) and is the highest mountain pass in North Africa. The road passes through various villages typical of the northern slopes of the Atlas, where corn can be seen ripening in the sun on the packed-earth roofs of the stone houses. We will continue across the territory of the powerful Glaoua tribe where a number of ancient kasbahs and fortified granaries can be seen dotting the countryside before we reach Ait Benhaddou, a fortified village classified by UNESCO as one of the world's cultural treasures. At Ait Benhaddou we will stop for lunch and to give you some time to explore the kasbah for yourself. Our journey will continue towards the Skoura Oasis, filled with dense palm groves crossed by a network of tracks running between kasbahs, ksours, and farms. We will head towards the Roses Valley and into the Dades Valley on the "Road of a Thousand Kasbahs", passing the fortresses of M'Goun and the countless traditional Berber adobe houses that perch along the riversides, sometimes barely distinguishable from the rocks themselves. We will spend the night in the Dades Valley.

‍Dades Valley → Todra Gorge → Rissani - Merzouga → Camel Trekking into the Erg Chebbi Sand Dunes After having breakfast and checking out of our hotel, we will drive to Tinghir, a former military outpost on the banks of the Oued Todra, where olive, pomegranate, and orange trees flourish. The road through the Todra Gorges follows the right bank of the river, which is covered with palm trees and is one of the most beautiful oases in Morocco. We will continue farther east into the narrowest and most spectacular section of the gorges, where we will take some time to wander among the towering rock walls and narrow corridors. That afternoon we will leave for Erfoud, crossing the palm grove of Tinjdad and Touroug, and visit a workshop where local fossils are produced. Afterwards we will continue straight to the desert village of Merzouga, which lies right on the edge of the Erg Chebbi sand dunes. You will have a chance to leave all unnecessary luggage behind in safe rooms at a hotel before mounting your camel and riding into the Moroccan Sahara. Your one and a half hour camel trek will take you to a Berber camp in the middle of the Erg Chebbi sand dunes, the highest in North Africa, with some dunes rising to 820 feet. The camp features three comfortable Berber tents equipped with mattresses, linens, toilets, a restaurant, and a kitchen. The evening will consist of stargazing and a Moroccan dinner followed by a traditional music show. We will spend the night in the silence of the desert, and you can relax outside and marvel at the Milky Way spreading across the pitch-black night sky.

Merzouga → Rissani → N'Kob → Tazarine → Draa Valley → Agdz → Ouarzazate A refreshing shower and breakfast before starting our journey into the Draa Valley. Besides the natural, historical, and architectural wonders found in the valley, there are also countless villages that seem to have remained untouched by the modern world. Our road will take us through the millions of palm trees of the Draa Valley and Agdz, a village on the ancient caravan route that linked Marrakech to Timbuktu. In the afternoon we will arrive in Ouarzazate (pronounced Warzza-zat), a city in the middle of a barren plateau at the crossroads of all routes going north, south, east, and west, a geographical position which has made it an important trading post since ancient times. Known as the "Hollywood of Morocco", the film studios of Ouarzazate have produced films including "Alexander the Great", "The Last Temptation of Christ" and "The Living Daylights". After checking in at our hotel, you can enjoy an afternoon beside the swimming pool and enjoy the clean desert air before spending the night in Ouarzazate.

Ouarzazate → Ait Benhaddou → Tizi n'Tichka → Essaouira

After breakfast, we'll drive north across the High Atlas Mountains. The road, completed by the French Foreign Legion in 1936, winds up over the Tizi n'Tichka Pass and offers stunning views over the mountains before descending past Berber villages to the plains surrounding Marrakech. We will continue for the seaside town of Essaouira.

A relaxing drive through lush valleys filled with orange groves, ancient olive trees, and argan oil cooperatives will take you to this UNESCO World Heritage listed city. This windswept fishing port, with broad beaches and an ancient walled medina has long been a popular destination where many of the country's wood carvers and artists have made their home.

Stroll along the ramparts and beach as you take in the relaxed vibe of the small but lively medina, or visit the port to see the catch of the day. Essaouira also hosts the Gnaoua Music Festival every June. We will have dinner in Essaouira and spend the night in a tranquil local hotel.

Essaouira → Marrakech ( city sightseeing with local guide in the afternoon )

After breakfast, we will leave the Atlantic coast and head back to Marrakech; Even today, the name Marrakech conjures up imagery right out of Arabian Nights - alleyways, souks, and market stalls. This remarkable city, with the graceful architecture of the renowned Koutoubia Minaret dominating the skyline and dating from the 11th century, never fails to satisfy the curiosity of adventurous travelers; So, we will explore the world-famous city of Marrakech, the second oldest imperial city, known as the "Southern Pearl" of Morocco, which has for centuries been an important stop for both traders and travelers. A guided tour will lead you through the labyrinth of Marrakech's winding streets and past hidden gardens and souks.

You will continue to the Djemaa el Fna, which is one of the main cultural spaces in Marrakech and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with the minaret of the Koutoubia Mosque towering alongside. In the evening this square overflows with food stalls, dancers, acrobats, fortune tellers, musicians, and henna artists. You will have a chance to relax at one of the many cafes surrounding the square to take in all the sights. You can spend the afternoon at leisure, pampering yourself at a local hammam or exploring the souks of the medina for yourself.

Today, with Marrakech at your leisure, we'll make the most of your final hours in this vibrant city. Start with a relaxed morning at your hotel, enjoying a traditional Moroccan breakfast of pastries and fresh fruit. As the day unfolds, explore the bustling souks of the medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with colorful stalls. Hunt for unique souvenirs like spices, lanterns, jewelry, or textiles—ideal last-minute gifts—while bargaining with friendly vendors in a lively atmosphere. For added depth, consider optional visits to the Saadian Tombs for stunning Islamic architecture or a relaxing hammam session. In the afternoon, we'll arrange a smooth private transfer to Marrakech Menara Airport, taking about 30-45 minutes with plenty of time (2-3 hours before flights) for check-in and security. Our team handles luggage and logistics, ensuring a stress-free departure. Let us know if you'd like to add a farewell mint tea or other personal touches!