8-Day Tour From Marrakech

1. Marrakech’s bustling medina & historic sites

2. Stunning Atlas Mountains & film-famous Ait Ben Haddou

3. Camel trek & luxury desert camp in the Sahara

4. Dramatic Todra Gorge landscapes

5. Authentic Berber culture & nomadic experiences

Day 1: Arrival in Marrakech

• Arrive at Marrakech Menara Airport

• Transfer to your riad (traditional Moroccan guesthouse)

• Free time to relax or explore nearby

• Optional evening walk in Jemaa el-Fnaa square

Day 2: Exploring Marrakech

• Guided tour of Marrakech’s highlights:

  • Koutoubia Mosque (exterior)

  • Bahia Palace & Saadian Tombs

  • Ben Youssef Madrasa (historic Islamic school)

  • Explore the souks (markets) for spices, textiles & handicrafts

• Afternoon free for more sightseeing or a relaxing hammam (spa)

• Dinner at a rooftop restaurant with city views

Day 3: Marrakech → Atlas Mountains → Skoura → Dades Valley

• Drive through the High Atlas Mountains via Tizi n’Tichka Pass

• Stop at Ait Ben Haddou (UNESCO-listed kasbah, famous for films)

• Lunch in Ouarzazate ("Hollywood of Morocco")

• Visit Skoura’s palm groves & Amridil Kasbah

• Continue to Dades Valley, known for its dramatic rock formations

• Overnight in a hotel with valley views

Day 4: Dades Valley → Todra Gorges → Merzouga (Sahara Desert)

• Morning visit to Todra Gorge, a stunning canyon for short hikes

• Drive to Merzouga, gateway to the Erg Chebbi dunes

• Switch to camels for a sunset ride into the desert

• Arrive at a luxury desert camp for the night

• Enjoy Berber music, a campfire, and a sky full of stars

Day 5: Full Day in Merzouga (Sahara Desert)

• Sunrise over the dunes (optional early wake-up)

• Visit a nomadic family to learn about desert life

• Explore the area by 4x4, visiting Khamlia village (Gnawa music)

• Optional sandboarding on the dunes

• Second night in the desert camp or a nearby hotel

Day 6: Merzouga → Draa Valley → Ouarzazate

• Sunrise camel ride back to Merzouga

• Drive through the scenic Draa Valley with palm oases

• Stop in Agdz or N’kob for lunch

• Arrive in Ouarzazate, visit Atlas Film Studios (if time allows)

• Overnight in Ouarzazate

Day 7: Ouarzazate → Ait Ben Haddou → Marrakech

• Morning visit to Ait Ben Haddou (if not seen on Day 3)

• Cross the Atlas Mountains back to Marrakech

• Free afternoon for last-minute shopping or relaxation

• Farewell dinner in Marrakech

Day 8: Departure from Marrakech

• Transfer to the airport for your flight home

2 - 3 People: $2150 Per Person

4 -5 People: $1950 Per Person

6 - 8 People: $1860 Per Person

9 - 12 People: $1780 Per Person

13 - 15 People: $1745 Per Person

• Private transport

• Fuel

• Expert local driver/guide

• Hotels (Dinner & Breakfast)

• Desert Camp (Dinner & Breakfast)

• Camel ride

• Local guides

• Flights

• Lunches

• Entrance fees

• Tips

Traveling Time

• Day 3 (Marrakech → Dades Valley): ~6-7 hours of driving with stops. The Tizi n’Tichka Pass is winding but scenic—take motion sickness pills if needed.

• Day 4 (Dades → Merzouga): ~5 hours, including stops at Todra Gorge. Roads are well-paved but remote after Erfoud.

• Day 6 (Merzouga → Ouarzazate): ~5-6 hours through Draa Valley. Expect long stretches with few services—pack snacks.

• Day 7 (Ouarzazate → Marrakech): ~4 hours. The return trip over the Atlas Mountains is easier since it’s mostly downhill.

Tip: Start early each day to maximize daylight for sightseeing.

What to Expect

• Marrakech: Crowded medina, persistent vendors, and intense heat in summer. Dress modestly, haggle in souks (start at 1/3 of the asking price), and watch for motorbikes in narrow alleys.

• Atlas Mountains & Ait Ben Haddou: Cooler temperatures. The kasbah involves climbing uneven stairs—wear sturdy shoes.

• Sahara Desert (Merzouga): Extreme temperature swings (hot days, cold nights). Pack layers, a scarf for sand, and closed-toe shoes for camel riding. Camels can be bumpy—stretch afterward!

• Todra Gorge & Dades Valley: Rocky terrain; good hiking shoes are a must. Toilets may be basic outside hotels.

• Ouarzazate: Feels like a quiet desert town. Atlas Studios is interesting for film buffs but skip if short on time.

Practical Tips

• Dress Code: Cover shoulders/knees (especially for women) outside tourist areas. Loose, breathable fabrics work best.

• Money: ATMs are scarce in the desert—withdraw cash in Marrakech/Ouarzazate. Small bills (10-50 dirhams) are useful for tips.

• Food & Water: Stick to bottled water. Tagine and couscous are staples. Vegetarian options are widely available.

• Desert Camp: Luxury camps have proper beds and toilets, but electricity may be limited. Bring a power bank.

Packing Essentials

✔️ Clothing: Lightweight long sleeves, wide-brim hat, warm jacket (for desert nights), scarf (for sun/sand).
✔️ Footwear: Sturdy sandals for cities, closed-toe shoes for hiking/camel rides.
✔️ Gear: Sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm, flashlight/headlamp (for desert camp), reusable water bottle.
✔️ Extras: Hand sanitizer, toilet paper (for remote stops), motion sickness pills (if needed).