Day 1: Marrakech Arrival
Welcome to Morocco!
On your arrival at Marrakech Menara Airport, we welcome you and transfer you to a comfortable hotel. Or if you’re already in Morocco, we meet you at the hotel.
The rest of the day is free to discover the impressive ‘red city’ Marrakech on your own.
Day 2: Marrakech to Aroumd (High Atlas Mountains)
After a good night’s sleep, we leave Marrakech and drive with our own mini-bus to Imlil village (approximately 2 hours drive).
From there on we walk for about 1 hour to the village Aroumd. Your luggage will be packed on mules that will accompany us during the walk. The muleteers will take care of them. If the walking is too much, you can ride on a mule yourself.
You spend the night in a gite (rural Moroccan home), with great views of the overwhelming Mount Toubkal.
Day 3: Imlil High Atlas to Ait Benhaddou kasbah
Today after breakfast, we will drive to Ait Benhaddou.
In the old days, the fortified kasbah Ait Benhaddou was a trading place on the Sahara routes. Nowadays it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and location for movies like The Gladiator and the series Game of Thrones.
We will roam through its small streets and experience a glimpse of history. We will stay in a hotel nearby.
Day 4: Ait Benhaddou to Zagora Desert
Today our journey continues with the ride to Zagora today.
This brings us in the direction of the Sahara Desert; We have a 5-hour drive today. Because we have the comfort of our own mini-bus, we can stop wherever we want. For example, to admire the view and take pictures or to stretch our legs, drink some Moroccan tea and check the souvenirs that are being sold along the road.
We also stop at the film location of Ouarzazate along the way. It’s fascinating to see all the film sets and stroll from ancient Egypt to the narrow streets of Jerusalem.
Afterward, we continue our journey through the Draa Valley to Zagora, and take a stroll through the palm groves, explore the kasbahs and wander around the surrounding countryside. We stay in a hotel in Zagora.
Day 5: Sahara Desert camp - Camel ride Experience
Today we continue the trip and make a stop at Tamegroute.
Tamegroute is known for its famous green pottery. Here we visit an old library and the underground Kasbah. We continue the drive till the end of the road at the frontier town of M’Hamid (about a 1-hour drive). From here, you can take a short camel ride through the dunes, where you’ll jump into 4WD vehicles.
We reach the Erg Chigaga dunes in the late afternoon. Tonight, we spend the night in a fairly basic camp (bedding, mattresses, and toilet facilities). During the winter months of November to March, it can get very cold at night, so it’s a good idea to bring base layers and a warm sleeping bag.
Over here you can indulge in some star-gazing in the desert night until you fall asleep.
Day 6: The Sahara Desert to Taroudant
We’ll start early this morning to witness the breathtaking sunrise in the Sahara Desert.
Next, we’ll take a 6-hour drive to Taroudannt. Taroudant is also known as ‘little Marrakech’ and with good reason! It has the same charm and atmosphere as Marrakech but is smaller and less known, which makes it a more authentic place.
You'll enjoy wandering through the narrow streets of the medina and visiting the souks. The riad (Moroccan guest house) for tonight is 45 kilometers outside of Taroudannt, has a pool and a steamed bath (hammam) where you can relax and enjoy.
Day 7: Essaouira – a beach town
We start today by exploring beautiful, picturesque Taroudannt and after that, ride out of High Atlas Mountains.
We head to the coast; to Essaouira (a 5-hour drive). This laidback artists’ town is a former Portuguese trading colony and was once home to sizeable British and Jewish populations.
We arrive in the early evening. You can enjoy a dinner with fresh fish and other delicious Moroccan food. Our stay will be in a riad.
Day 8: Explore Essaouira City Tour
Rise and shine to do a guided city tour to discover beautiful Essaouira and its rich history. This small city oozes history and cultural heritage.
In the afternoon, you have free time to enjoy and relax – you can roam the city or relax at the beach.
Day 9 – Essaouira to Marrakech
In the morning, you have free time to enjoy Essaouira and buy your last souvenirs there. In the afternoon, we return to bustling Marrakech (a 3-hour drive). Time for your last dinner with the group.
The night will be spent in a hotel in Marrakech.
Day 10 – Marrakech
You have free time in Marrakech and we transfer you to the airport for your flight home.
Or you have the option to book extra nights and spend some more time in magical Morocco as an extension to your Desert, Mountains, and beach: South Morocco tour.
Best of Morocco 10-day Tour Highlights:
- A 10-day fully organized tour that shows you the best of Morocco
- Start in Marrakech and visit the High Atlas Mountains, Air Ben Haddou, the Sahara Desert, Taroudannt, Essoauira and return to Marrakech.
- Stay at the immense Sahara. Spend the night in a basic desert camp
- Visit impressive UNESCO World Heritage Kasbah, Ait Benhaddou
- Roam around in the souks of Taroudannt (also known as 'little Marrakech')
- Visit Tamegroute; home of the famous pottery and an impressive library
- City tour in Essaouira, the famous picturesque harbor city with the blue boats
Private groups:
- Please contact us directly to discuss your wishes and preferred departure dates
What to expect?
- Stays: 9 nights in 3-star hotels and a basic Sahara desert camp
- Full Escort: Fully escorted by an official, local guide. English speaking, who love to tell you all about his country.
- Meals: Lunch and dinner in Aroumd, dinner in the Sahara desertLunch and dinner in Aroumd, dinner in the Sahara desert
- Transport: Minibus or 4×4 transfers from and to the Airport and during the trip
- camel ride in the Sahara desert
- City tour in Essaouira