15 days from Marrakech to the Sahara & Beyond

Overview

Starting at Marrakech Airport, then traveling to Ouzoud Waterfalls, Aït Benhaddou, Dades Gorge, Merzouga, Tinghir, and Essaouira, before returning to Marrakech Airport.

Day 1: Arrive at Marrakech Menara Airport - Hotel / Riad :

Upon your arrival at Marrakech Menara airport, our team will be there to greet you with a personalized welcome. Look for us holding a sign with your full name in large letters. We'll be waiting for you inside the arrival area.

After a warm welcome, we'll whisk you away to your Hotel / Riad. Overnight at your Hotel

Day 2: Visit Marrakech city ( visit the Medina )

Today, explore Marrakech, the "Pearl of the South," visiting the Saadian Tombs, Koutoubia Mosque, Bahia Palace, and Menara Garden. After lunch, dive into the bustling souks and the lively Djemaa El Fna square, filled with storytellers, acrobats, and snake charmers. End the day at the serene Jardin Majorelle.. Overnight at your Hotel

Day 3 : Marrakech - Marrakech 

Today, enjoy free time or choose activities like a traditional hammam and spa or a quad-biking adventure in Agafay. Overnight at your Hotel

Day 4: Marrakech - Ouzoud Waterfalls

• Morning: Pick up from Marrakech and drive toward the stunning Ouzoud Waterfalls, a journey of approximately 3 hours.
• Afternoon: Explore the waterfalls, take a leisurely hike around the cascades, and enjoy the view of the surrounding nature. You might also spot Barbary macaques in the area.
• Evening: Relax with dinner at a local guesthouse or riad near the waterfalls. Overnight at your Hotel

Day 5: Explore Ouzoud Waterfalls again or go for a hike. Overnight at your Hotel

Day 6 : Ouzoud - High Atlas Mountains - Kasbah Aït BenHaddou 

• Morning: Start your trip from Ouzoud and drive through the High Atlas Mountains.
• Afternoon: Stop at scenic viewpoints along the way, including Tizi n'Tichka Pass.
• Evening: Arrive at the Kasbah Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore its ancient streets at sunset for stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Overnight at Your Hotel

Day 7: Kasbah Ait Benhaddou - Dades Gorge - Merzouga Desert

• Morning: Explore the Kasbah Ait Benhaddou in detail. Learn about its history and admire its unique architecture.
• Midday: Depart for the Dades Gorge, driving through the Valley of Roses and Skoura Oasis. Stop to explore the gorge and enjoy lunch in a local café.
• Afternoon: Continue the drive through Todra Gorge and the Ziz Valley, with scenic views of the dramatic landscapes.
• Evening: Arrive in Merzouga, at the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes. Overnight at your Hotel 

Day 8: Merzouga Desert Adventures 

• Morning: Start the day with a camel ride across the dunes during sunrise.
• Midday: Embark on a 4x4 desert tour to explore nearby oases, Berber villages, and fossil sites.
• Afternoon: Go quad biking over the dunes for an adrenaline-filled adventure.
• Evening: Experience a traditional Moroccan dinner, music, and stargazing at a luxury desert camp. Overnight at Your Hotel

Day 9: Merzouga to Tinghir  

• Morning: Drive to Tinghir (4-5 hours) and check into your hotel or riad.
• Afternoon: Explore the Todra Gorge, a stunning canyon with towering cliffs and hike along the gorge or relax by the river.  
• Evening: Dinner at your accommodation or a local restaurant. Overnight at your Hotel

Day 10: Explore Tinghir, meet Berber locals, and enjoy a relaxing day. Overnight at your Hotel

Day 11: Drive from Tinghir to Essaouira

• Morning: Have breakfast in Tinghir and depart early (around 7–8 AM) for a long drive to Essaouira (~9 hours). Drive through Ouarzazate, stopping at Taourirt Kasbah or Atlas Studios (optional). Continue through the scenic High Atlas Mountains via Tizi n'Tichka Pass.
• Afternoon: Stop for lunch along the way, Continue towards Essaouira, passing through argan tree forests (you might spot goats climbing trees).
• Evening: Arrive in Essaouira and check into your accommodation. Enjoy a seafood dinner at Port de Pêche or a beachfront restaurant. Overnight at your Hotel

Day 12: Explore Essaouira

• Morning: Have breakfast at a café with a sea view (e.g., Pâtisserie Driss). Walk through the Medina of Essaouira (UNESCO-listed) and explore souks selling handicrafts, jewelry, and spices. Visit the Skala du Port for panoramic views of the harbor and fortress walls. Explore the Jewish Quarter (Mellah) to see the historical side of the city.
• Afternoon: Enjoy a fresh seafood lunch at Chez Sam or Le Chalet de la Plage. Walk along the Essaouira beach, try camel or horse riding, or even take a surfing lesson.
• Evening: Relax with a mint tea at Taros Café and enjoy live music. Have dinner at Caravane Café or Umia for a mix of Moroccan and international flavors. Overnight at your Hotel

Day 13: Relaxing Day and Walk in the City

• Morning: Have a slow breakfast at Mandala Society or Gusto Italia. Take a leisurely walk through the ramparts and enjoy the ocean views.
• Afternoon: Visit the Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdallah Museum to learn about Essaouira’s history. Have a relaxing lunch at a rooftop café with a view (e.g., Le Simoun). Spend the afternoon at Essaouira Beach, sunbathing or enjoying a relaxing beach walk.
• Evening: Have a final seafood dinner or try a local Moroccan dish like Rfissa or Tangia. Overnight at your Hotel

Day 14: Drive from Essaouira to Marrakech

• Morning: Have breakfast and depart for Marrakech (~3-hour drive). Stop at an argan cooperative on the way to see how argan oil is made.
• Afternoon: Arrive in Marrakech and check in to your accommodation. Visit Jardin Majorelle & YSL Museum for a peaceful escape in the city. Have lunch at Café Arabe or Nomad in the Medina.
• Evening: Walk through Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, experiencing street performances, snake charmers, and local food stalls. Enjoy dinner at Dar Yacout or Comptoir Darna for a lively Moroccan night. Overnight at your Hotel

Day 15: Marrakech to Menara Airport

Depending on your flight time, Transfer to Marrakech Menara Airport for departure. Overnight at your Hotel