7 Days Tour From Marrakech

Upon arrival at Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK), you will be met by our representative and transferred directly to your accommodation. The afternoon is dedicated to your first taste of the Red City’s energy. We venture into the legendary Jemaa el-Fnaa, the main square and a UNESCO Masterpiece of Cultural Heritage, where you will find yourself amidst a spectacle of snake charmers, acrobats, and street food stalls. Adjacent to the square, we navigate the famous Marrakesh Souks (markets), a sensory delight of textiles, metalwork, fragrant spices, and local crafts.

A full-day guided exploration reveals Marrakesh’s rich history and architectural gems. We begin at the Koutoubia Mosque, admiring its 12th-century minaret, followed by a deeper dive into the historical heart of the Medina and Souks, focusing on various artisan trades. Next, we uncover the hidden Saadian Tombs, a 16th-century royal necropolis, and tour the opulent Bahia Palace, an architectural testament to 19th-century grandeur. In the afternoon, we visit the serene Ben Youssef Madrasa, a former Islamic college known for its stunning cedar wood and mosaic artistry, before concluding the city tour at the tranquil, iconic blue pavilions of the Majorelle Gardens.

We embark on our desert adventure, leaving Marrakesh behind for the mountains. The drive takes us over the daunting Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260m), the highest road passage in North Africa, rewarding us with spectacular panoramic views. Our primary stop is the magnificent Ait Benhaddou Kasbah, a UNESCO-listed ksar (fortified village) famous for its earthen architecture and role as a cinematic backdrop. We briefly pass through Ouarzazate, known as Africa’s “Hollywood,” catching sight of the monumental Kasbah Taourirt. The day concludes as we arrive at the spectacular rock formations and canyons of the Dades Gorges for dinner and the overnight stay.

The day starts with a drive out of the Dades Valley towards the towering river canyons of the Todra Gorges. Here, you will experience the impressive scale of the limestone walls, which soar nearly 300 meters high. After soaking in the gorge atmosphere, we continue our eastward trajectory, stopping in Erfoud, a town known for its vast date palms and its important fossil industry, which is evidence of a prehistoric ocean. By late afternoon, we reach the immense dunes of Erg Chebbi near Merzouga. Your desert adventure begins with mounting a camel for a trek into the Sahara, timed perfectly to reach your nomadic-style camp for a stunning sunset and dinner under the stars.

Following a spectacular desert sunrise over the dunes, you return from your camp for breakfast. The rest of the day is dedicated to a 4×4 exploration of the vast Merzouga area. We visit the nearby Khamlia Village to learn about and listen to the spiritual music of the Gnawa people. We drive through the rugged, less-traveled terrain of the Black Desert (or hamada), known for its volcanic stones. We also make a brief stop at Mefes Town, a historical site once used for lead and mineral extraction. The day concludes back in Merzouga, preparing for the next leg of your journey.

Today, we begin our return journey toward Ouarzazate, utilizing a different, more southern route. Our first stop is at the ancient city of Er-Rissani, a historically vital center of trade, where we explore the local souks (market). The route takes us through the desert towns of Alnif (famous for trilobite fossils) and Nkob, a Berber village nestled in the Saghro mountains. We then enter the breathtaking Draa Valley, Morocco’s longest palm oasis, making a stop in Agdz to admire the extensive palm groves and ancient architecture. We finally arrive back in Ouarzazate for your final dinner and overnight stay.

The final day focuses on the area surrounding Ouarzazate before completing the loop. After breakfast, we visit the expansive Atlas Film Studios, one of the world’s largest cinematic production complexes, where you can tour the impressive movie sets. Our journey then continues back through the dramatic High Atlas Mountains and the Tizi n’Tichka Pass one last time. We arrive back in Marrakesh in the evening, concluding your incredible 7-day desert and mountains tour.