8 Day Tour from Marrakech: Authentic Morocco
A private week-long journey into the heart of Morocco. Begin in the lively souks and historic streets of Marrakech, cross the Atlas Mountains to Ait Ben Haddou and the Skoura oasis, walk the Todra Gorge, and ride a camel across the golden dunes of the Sahara for a night in a desert camp, with music and dinner by the fire under a sky full of stars.
- Duration: 8 days, 7 nights
- Starts and ends: Marrakech
- Route: Marrakech → Tizi n'Tichka → Ait Ben Haddou → Skoura → Dades Valley → Todra Gorge → Merzouga → Draa Valley → Ouarzazate → Marrakech
- Comfort level: Riads, hotels and a luxury desert camp
- Price: from $1,745 per person (see Prices)
- Tour code: AMT78
Highlights
- The bustling medina and historic sites of Marrakech
- The Atlas Mountains and film-famous Ait Ben Haddou
- A camel trek and a night in a luxury Sahara camp
- The dramatic landscapes of the Todra Gorge
- Authentic Berber culture and a visit to a nomad family
Day by Day
Day 1: Arrival in Marrakech
A private transfer takes you from Marrakech Menara Airport to your riad in the medina, a traditional guesthouse with an inner courtyard and intricate tilework. In the evening, stroll to Jemaa el-Fnaa square as it comes alive with performers and food stalls.
Overnight in Marrakech.
Day 2: Exploring Marrakech
A guided city tour of the Koutoubia Mosque (exterior), the Bahia Palace, the Saadian Tombs and the Ben Youssef Madrasa. Explore the souks for spices, crafts and textiles, perhaps relax in a hammam, and end with dinner on a rooftop terrace.
Overnight in Marrakech.
Day 3: Marrakech → Atlas Mountains → Skoura → Dades Valley
Cross the High Atlas by the Tizi n'Tichka pass (2,260 m), passing Berber villages on the hillsides. Stop at Ait Ben Haddou, the UNESCO-listed kasbah seen in Gladiator and Game of Thrones, have lunch in Ouarzazate, then visit the Skoura oasis and the Amridil Kasbah before reaching the Dades Valley.
Overnight in the Dades Valley.
Day 4: Dades Valley → Todra Gorge → Merzouga
Walk the riverbed of the Todra Gorge between towering red rock walls. In the afternoon, drive to Merzouga and swap your vehicle for camels to cross the Erg Chebbi dunes at sunset. Your luxury camp blends Berber design with modern comfort, with music, a campfire and stargazing.
Overnight in a luxury desert camp.
Day 5: Full Day in the Sahara
Watch a magical sunrise over the dunes. Visit a nomadic family, drive through the black desert to fossil sites and remote villages, and hear Gnawa music in Khamlia. Try sandboarding or simply relax.
Second night in the desert camp or a nearby hotel.
Day 6: Merzouga → Draa Valley → Ouarzazate
Ride back to Merzouga and head west through the Draa Valley, Morocco's longest river oasis, with lunch in Agdz or N'kob. In Ouarzazate, visit the Atlas Film Studios if time allows.
Overnight in Ouarzazate.
Day 7: Ouarzazate → Ait Ben Haddou → Marrakech
Explore Ait Ben Haddou in depth if you didn't on Day 3, then cross the High Atlas back to Marrakech. Enjoy free time for shopping, mint tea or a spa treatment, and a farewell dinner in a stylish riad.
Overnight in Marrakech.
Day 8: Departure from Marrakech
Enjoy a final Moroccan breakfast before your transfer to Marrakech Menara Airport.
This itinerary can be customised to suit you. You may also like the 8-day tour from Casablanca.
Prices
Prices are per person for a private tour and depend on group size:
- 2 to 3 people: $2,150 per person
- 4 to 5 people: $1,950 per person
- 6 to 8 people: $1,860 per person
- 9 to 12 people: $1,780 per person
- 13 to 15 people: $1,745 per person
Ask for a quote for your dates
Included
- Private transport and fuel
- Expert local driver-guide
- Hotels with dinner and breakfast
- Desert camp with dinner and breakfast
- Camel ride in the Sahara
- Local guides in the cities
Not included: flights, lunches, entrance fees and tips.
Good to Know
- Travel times: Day 3 (Marrakech to Dades) is 6 to 7 hours with stops on a winding mountain road; Day 4 about 5 hours; Day 6 is 5 to 6 hours through remote country, so bring snacks; Day 7 about 4 hours. Early starts make the most of daylight.
- Marrakech: a busy medina with persistent vendors and summer heat. Dress modestly and bargain in the souks.
- Atlas and Ait Ben Haddou: cooler temperatures and uneven stairs, so wear sturdy shoes.
- Sahara: big temperature swings. Pack layers, a scarf for sand and closed-toe shoes for the camel ride.
- Practical tips: ATMs are scarce in the desert, so take cash in Marrakech or Ouarzazate. Drink bottled water. Desert camps have proper beds and toilets but limited electricity, so bring a power bank.
- Packing essentials: light long sleeves, a wide-brim hat, a warm jacket, sunglasses, sunscreen, a headlamp and a reusable water bottle.
Reviews
"This 8-day Morocco tour was magical! Starting in Marrakech with our fantastic guide Aziz, we explored ancient medinas, the Atlas Mountains and the breathtaking Sahara. The desert night was unforgettable, with Berber music and endless dunes." Helen, United Kingdom
"Our group of 15 students had an unforgettable trip! We loved exploring the Atlas Mountains, visiting Berber villages and meeting nomads. The camel ride and overnight desert camp under the stars were magical." Wiliam, United States
"Just back from an incredible 8-day Morocco tour with Morocco Lux Tours! Ali, Said and Mohammed made it unforgettable: smooth booking, safe travels and epic experiences." Mara, New Zealand