Grand tour from Marrakech in 9 days

Itinerary Tour from Marrakech:

Day 1: Arrival in Marrakech

You will be transferred to your hotel/residence upon arrival in Marrakech.

Day 2: Marrakech sightseeing

The tour takes in Marrakech’s most exotic sights, the famous Jamaa el Fna Square, the Koutoubia Mosque, the Majorelle Gardens, the Saadian tombs, the maze of narrow medina streets, and the famous colored souks.

Day 3: Marrakech – Ait Benhaddou Kasbah – Ouarzazate – Dades Valley

From Marrakech, we enter the Dades Valley and cross the mysterious Tizi-n-Tikka pass, with its spectacular views of the Atlas Mountains and traditional Berber villages, to the World Heritage Site of Ait Benhaddou. This is an impressive fortified village (Zar). After lunch, head to Ouarzazate, the Hollywood of Africa, to reach the Dades Gorge. Overnight in a riad/hotel in the Dades Gorge.

Day 4: Dades Gorge – Todga Gorge – Erfoud – Rissani – Merzouga

After breakfast, we drive to Dades Valley to admire the rock formations and take a break in one of the most beautiful gorges. We leave Dades valley in the direction of Tinrgir and Todra valley and have a great view of the old clay Berber villages with palm groves dominating the valley. Arriving at Todra Gorge, we will pass under a high red cliff overlooking the narrowest part (300m). Continue to Erfoud and Rissani, which was once called Sijilmassa (the foundation of the Alawite dynasty, the current ruling family), then proceed to Merzouga Upon arrival you will be warmly welcomed with a cup of tea and then spend the night at a hotel/riad.

Day 5: Merzouga and camel ride

After breakfast, head out to explore the surrounding area. First, we’ll visit a black Malian village to learn about their music and life, then we’ll head to the Miffis mines to find out how they work there before getting to work. Beyond the dunes, in a desert full of enchanting scenery, you’ll sit with Berber Bedouins (who live in tents) over a cup of tea, meet their family members, and learn more about their way of life before returning to camp. After preparation, local guides will show you how to mount and dismount your camel and give you other practical advice on camel safety before you start exploring the mysterious sandy sea of Erg Chebbi (camel trek for about 1h30m). Spend the night at a Berber tent.

Day 6: Merzouga – Rissani – Agdez – Ouarzazate

Wake up early to see the most beautiful sunrise of your life, casting different shadows and colors on the sea of Morocco’s highest sand dunes, before returning to your hotel in the desert. After breakfast and a shower, drive to Rissani. If you wish to explore Lissani’s large market, head to Agdez and continue your journey through Arnif and Tazarine to the enchanting Draa Valley and Ouarzazate. Overnight at Hotel/Riad.

Day 7: Ouarzazate – Pass – Tizi n’Tichka – Marrakech

After breakfast at the hotel, depart for Marrakech. Visit the Atlas Film Studios in Kasbah Taurirt, then continue to Marrakech via the majestic Tizi N’Tichka Pass (2260m). Overnight in a hotel/riad.

Day 8: Day trip from Essaouira to Marrakech.

After breakfast, drive to the small fortified town of Essaouira. Formerly known by its old Portuguese name ‘Mogador’, washed by the Atlantic Ocean and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001, it is traditionally known as the ‘Pearl of the Atlantic’. During your stay in Essaouira, you will visit the port, the Rock, the municipal market, the Jewellery Quarter and the Handicrafts Complex. You will enjoy walking along the beach, the city walls and the medina. Lunch and return to Marrakech in the afternoon.