This comprehensive 12-day, 11-night journey offers a total immersion into Morocco’s diversity, combining the Atlas Mountains, the depths of the Sahara Desert, and the fresh breeze of the Atlantic coast.
The adventure begins in Marrakech, crossing the High Atlas via the Tizi n’Tichka pass to explore the ancient Kasbahs of Telouet and Ait Ben Haddou. The journey continues south through the Drâa Valley to the majestic dunes of Erg Chebbi and Chegaga, where you will live an authentic nomadic experience. After the desert, you will head to the coast to discover “Little Marrakech” (Taroudant), the modern city of Agadir, and the historic charm of Essaouira, before completing the loop back in Marrakech.
Day 1: Marrakech Airport
Arrival: Arrival at the airport and transfer to your Riad/Hotel in the Medina.
Evening: Free time for a first glimpse of the city and dinner at the Riad.
Day 2: Marrakech to Skoura Palm Grove (via Telouet & Ait Ben Haddou)
Morning: Departure at 9:00 AM towards the High Atlas via the Tizi n’Tichka pass (2270 m).
Visits: Visit the Telouet Kasbah and cross the Ounila Valley. Visit the famous Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah (UNESCO).
Overnight: Night in the Skoura palm grove.
Distance: 255 km (approx. 4h).
Day 3: Skoura – Ouarzazate – Agdz – Zagora
Visits: Visit Ouarzazate and the Taourirt Kasbah.
Journey: Drive along the “Route of the Thousand Kasbahs” via the Drâa Valley, lined with palm groves and fortified villages.
Evening: Dinner and overnight in Zagora.
Distance: 200 km (approx. 4h).
Day 4: Zagora – Tamegroute – M’hamid – Chegaga
Culture: Stop in Tamegroute to visit the Quranic library and pottery workshops.
Adventure: Lunch in M’hamid, the “Gateway to the Desert,” then a 4×4 drive towards the Chegaga dunes.
Sunset: Camel ride and sunset over the dunes.
Overnight: Night in a desert camp (bivouac) under a tent.
Distance: 150 km (approx. 3h).
Day 5: Erg Chegaga (Free Day in the Sahara)
Relaxation: A day dedicated to relaxation and discovering the desert: sunrise yoga, walking in the dunes, visiting a nomad family, or sandboarding.
Overnight: Night at the camp.
Day 6: Chegaga – Foum Zguid – Taznakht – Taroudant
Journey: Depart via the Lake Iriqui off-road track (fossils) towards Foum Zguid.
Culture: Route via Taznakht (famous for carpets) and Taliouine (the saffron capital).
Arrival: Arrival in Taroudant, nicknamed “Little Marrakech,” for the night in a Riad.
Distance: 370 km (env. 5h).
Day 7: Taroudant – Agadir – Essaouira
Morning: Visit Taroudant in the morning, then drive to Agadir for a panoramic lunch.
Coast: Drive along the Atlantic coastal road towards Essaouira (UNESCO), crossing Argan tree landscapes.
Overnight: Night in a Riad in Essaouira.
Distance: 260 km (approx. 4h).
Day 8: Essaouira to Marrakech
Morning: Free morning to explore the Medina, the port, and the Skala of Essaouira.
Return: Transfer to Marrakech in the afternoon with a stop at an Argan oil cooperative.
Overnight: Night in a Riad in Marrakech.
Distance: 170 km (approx. 3h).
Day 9: Marrakech (Guided Tour)
Full Day: Full day with a guide to visit historic monuments: Bahia Palace, Koutoubia, Saadian Tombs, and the Souks.
Evening: Evening on Jemaa el-Fna square and dinner in the Medina.
Days 10 & 11: Marrakech (Options & Relaxation)
Discovery: Continue discovering Marrakech or choose from available options.
Suggested Option: Day trip to a Berber family with a cooking class in the mountains.
Day 12: Departure from Marrakech
Departure: Breakfast, free time, and transfer to the airport according to your flight schedule.
Accommodation:
11 nights in Hotel / Riad / Camp.
Meals:
11 Breakfasts and 11 Dinners.
Transport:
Air-conditioned vehicle with English-speaking driver/guide.
Activities & Visits:
Visits to the Kasbahs (Ait Ben Haddou, Telouet, Taourirt).
Visit to the Marrakech and Essaouira Medinas.
Visit to the Tamegroute library and pottery workshop.
Visit to a women’s Argan oil cooperative.
Camel ride in the Sahara.
Visit to the Chegaga sand dunes.
