8-Day Tour: Marrakech, Southern Morocco & Berber Villages
8-Day Tour: Marrakech, Southern Morocco & Berber Villages
Day 1: Arrival in Marrakech
Upon your arrival, you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your traditional riad located in the heart of the Marrakech medina, just a two-minute walk from the famous Jemaa el-Fnaa Square. In the afternoon, take time to explore the medina at your own pace. As evening falls, Jemaa el-Fnaa comes alive with storytellers, acrobats, musicians, snake charmers, henna artists, and more. Overnight stay in your charming riad.
Day 2: Marrakech – High Atlas Mountains – Telouet Kasbah – Aït Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate
We depart at 8:30 AM in a private 4×4 vehicle, crossing the spectacular High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi N’Tichka pass (2,260 m), the highest road pass in Morocco. Enjoy stunning scenery with several photo stops along the way, including traditional Berber villages.
We then detour to visit the lesser-known yet beautiful Telouet Kasbah, former residence of the Glaoui family. Afterward, enjoy lunch in the town before continuing through the scenic Ounila Valley, dotted with mud-brick Berber homes.
In the afternoon, we arrive at Aït Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and filming location for movies like Gladiator, The Mummy, and Sahara. After exploring the site, we continue to Ouarzazate, also known as “The Gate of the Desert.” Dinner and overnight at a local hotel.
Day 3: Ouarzazate – Draa Valley – Nkob – Merzouga Desert – Camel Trek & Berber Camp
After breakfast, we drive through the lush Draa Valley, Morocco’s longest river oasis, stopping to photograph traditional kasbahs and palm-filled landscapes. We pass through Nkob or Alnif, where you’ll have free time for lunch.
In the afternoon, we reach the towering dunes of Erg Chebbi in Merzouga. There, we trade our vehicle for camels and journey into the heart of the desert. At the camp, you’ll settle into traditional Berber tents made of camel hair, just like the nomads use. Dinner and overnight under the starry desert sky.
Day 4: Merzouga – Nomadic Villages – Tissardmine Oasis – Khamlia – Erg Chebbi Exploration
Today is dedicated to discovering the life and landscapes of the desert.
Wake early to witness a magnificent sunrise over the dunes, followed by breakfast at the camp. We’ll then travel around the base of Erg Chebbi, including a stop at Tissardmine Oasis, known for its fossil quarries.
Meet nomadic families living in the region and learn about their unique lifestyle. Later, we stop at a viewpoint offering panoramic views of the Erg Chebbi dunes.
In Khamlia Village, inhabited by descendants of Sub-Saharan Africans, enjoy traditional tea and a live performance of Gnawa spiritual music. Return to your accommodation in Merzouga. Free time in the afternoon to relax or watch the sunset. Dinner and overnight at a desert hotel.
Day 5: Merzouga – Rissani – Erfoud – Todra Gorges – Dades Valley
After breakfast, we leave the desert and head to Rissani, the cradle of the Alaouite dynasty. Explore its lively traditional market (open Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays).
Next, we visit Erfoud, known for its fossil workshops, then pass through the palm groves of Touroug and Tinjdad before arriving at the spectacular Todra Gorges, where the Todra River has carved a deep canyon through the cliffs. Enjoy a walk and lunch surrounded by dramatic scenery.
In the afternoon, we drive to the beautiful Dades Valley, often called the Valley of Figs. We stop at the unusual rock formations known as the “Monkey Fingers.” Dinner and overnight in the Dades Gorges.
Day 6: Dades – Rose Valley – Skoura Palm Grove – Ouarzazate – Marrakech
After breakfast, enjoy one of the best panoramic views of the Dades Valley from a high mountain lookout, where you can see numerous kasbahs scattered across the valley.
Continue along the scenic Road of a Thousand Kasbahs, stopping in the Rose Valley and Skoura Palm Grove before arriving in Ouarzazate. Visit the historic Taourirt Kasbah, once the residence of the Glaoui Pasha of Marrakech. Optional visits to the Atlas Film Studios or the Cinema Museum.
After lunch, we begin our journey back to Marrakech via the Tizi N’Tichka Pass, stopping to admire the landscape changes along the way. Arrival in Marrakech around 6:00 PM. Overnight stay in a hotel.
Day 7: Marrakech Guided Tour
After breakfast, enjoy a guided tour of Marrakech with a certified local guide.
We begin with the Koutoubia Mosque, a symbol of the city and sister to Seville’s Giralda. Then visit the ornate Saadian Tombs, the opulent Bahia Palace, and the Majorelle Gardens, once owned by Yves Saint Laurent. The tour ends at Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, where the atmosphere is completely different during the daytime.
In the afternoon, enjoy free time to explore the souks, perfect your haggling skills, or uncover hidden gems in the medina. Overnight in your riad.
Day 8: Marrakech – Departure
After breakfast, enjoy free time until your airport transfer. We’ll assist with your luggage and guide you to the departure area.
End of our services.