This offer of a 7-day trip from Marrakech to Essaouira Beach and a desert tour combines culture, desert adventure, and seaside relaxation. Wander Marrakech’s medina and explore its souks and fondouks. Cross the High Atlas Mountains and explore Morocco’s desert. It is full of fortified kasbahs and ancient caravan routes. Relax on the beach of Essaouira. Dine on fresh seafood and watch the sun set over the ramparts. let’s start this tour of Marrakech, Essaouira beach and desert in 7 days, with breathtaking landscapes.
Highlights – 7 Days Marrakech, Essaouira Beach & Sahara Desert Tour
- Explore the majestic High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass.
- Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ait Ben Haddou.
- Travel through the scenic Dades Valley and Valley of Roses.
- Walk beneath the towering cliffs of Todra Gorge.
- Experience a camel trek across the golden Erg Chebbi dunes.
- Watch a breathtaking Sahara sunset and sunrise.
- Visit the historic town and local market of Rissani.
- Explore the coastal charm of Essaouira and its historic medina.
- Enjoy free time on Essaouira’s beach and fresh seafood restaurants.
- Visit Bahia Palace, Saadian Tombs, and Jemaa el-Fna Square.
Itinerary: Marrakech Essaouira beach and desert tour in 7 days
Day 1: Marrakech – High Atlas – Ait Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate – Dades Valley
After leaving Marrakech, Our tour starts with energy from day one: our driver/guide will pick you up at Marrakech airport or at an agreed place (e.g., your hotel), and we will set off for the Moroccan desert. To get there, we will have to cross the High Atlas, the great mountain range that forms an imposing backdrop to any panoramic photograph of the city. And we will cross it through the beautiful Tizi n’Tichka pass, at about 2,200 meters above sea level, between Berber villages and snow-capped peaks from autumn to spring.
Already on the other side of this mountain range, a vast desert territory with beautiful ‘spots’ of color opens up to us: they are the fertile valleys through which the famous Route of the Thousand Kasbahs (Valley of the Roses and Dades Valley) runs. As we will see, the Berber adobe fortresses are numerous here. In one of them we will stop to visit it in depth: that of Ait Ben Haddou, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and the shooting location for blockbusters such as Game of Thrones.
Our road trip will continue during the afternoon until we reach a village in the heart of the Dades Valley. There, a picturesque riad awaits us, where we will also enjoy dinner.
Accommodation: Dar Rihana Dades
Day 2: Dades Valley – Todra Gorges – Erfoud – Merzouga
Our second day of the route will begin with a good breakfast at the riad, and then we will hit the road to reach a unique place: the Todra Gorges. It is a set of gorges and rocky walls that exceed 200 meters high in some cases, giving us images that will remain indelible in the memory. We will cross it by road and on foot to immortalize the experience.
After that, we will continue the route by road, via Erfoud, until we reach Merzouga. This town gives its name to one of the most beautiful corners of the Sahara Desert in Morocco: a sea of golden dunes, also known as Erg Chebbi. To reach them we must climb on the back of camels (one per person), as do the Berber nomads since time immemorial.
The ride will take us to the tents camp, where we will have dinner and spend the night. Previously, the desert will have given us a beautiful sunset, as usual. And at the end of the day, a sky full of stars will give us the most special ‘good night.’
Accommodation: Madu Camp
Day 3: Merzouga – Rissani – N’kob – Ouarzazate
On the third day of this circuit, we have to get up early. But it will be worth it: before our eyes will dawn the magic that is customary in this part of the desert. After that, we will return on the backs of camels to go to the village of Merzouga, where a hotel awaits us for breakfast and a restorative shower.
From here, Marrakech and the beach are far away: about 560 km and 700 km, respectively. But the places of interest are so numerous on the way that we will spend the next four days discovering them. To do so, we will head west to discover another section of the Route of the Thousand Kasbahs. The first stop this day will be Rissani, with a historic and very picturesque medina, probably the most interesting in southern Morocco.
Back on the road, the landscape will be giving us pictures of large palm groves between steep hills, humble villages with farmland, and adobe fortresses that tell us of past caravan routes: Alnif, Tazarine, Nkob … and many more. Reached the Draa Valley; it will lead us to Ouarzazate, the main city in the area, where we will have dinner and spend the night.
Accommodation: Riad Tama
Day 4: Ouarzazate – High Atlas – Essaouira
Our fourth day will begin with a delicious breakfast at the riad. After that, we will visit the kasbah of Taourirt, located in this same city and noted for its good state of preservation compared to others nearby.
After this visit, we will cross again the High Atlas towards Marrakech, as usual in our tours in the area. But in this case, we will not stop (for the moment) in Marrakech: the beach awaits us, so we will pass by and head directly to Essaouira. Here we reached 7 days of beach and desert after spending a wonderful time in the dunes of Erg Chebbi, arriving at the end of the afternoon. A charming riad will be your home in this town on the Atlantic coast.
Accommodation: Dar L’Oussia
Day 5: Essaouira – Marrakech
After a refreshing rest in the riad and an energetic breakfast, it’s time to go out to discover Essaouira. This historic city is a beautiful blend of Moroccan atmosphere and Portuguese architecture. The traditional medina and fishermen’s boats are the best example of the former, while its waterfront fortress is the best remaining legacy of the old Mogador, the name by which this place was known when it was a Portuguese colony. You can visit it freely or with a guided tour (consult for details), which will make you understand why it was chosen to shoot scenes of the third season of Game of Thrones… as in Ait Ben Haddou, by the way.
Until the time of our meeting (approximately 16.00), you will be able to visit all this, taste the local gastronomy, enjoy a swim in the sea, or do water activities. Afterwards, we will return to the road to go to Marrakech and spend the last stages of this circuit. Therefore, the rest that awaits you at the riad in Marrakech upon arrival will serve to recharge your batteries for the next day.
Accommodation: Riad Passali
Day 6: Marrakech – visite
You will start the day with a good breakfast at the riad, which will allow you to face your day in Marrakech. Unlike the previous day, the program includes a guided tour of the city during the morning: our official guide will show you the most interesting places, such as the Bahia Palace, the Saadian Tombs, the surroundings of the Kutubia Mosque, and, of course, the Jemaa el-Fna square, a declared World Heritage Site.
The afternoon will be free and therefore a perfect time for shopping or to add some additional cultural visits, such as the Majorelle Gardens or the Marrakech Museum, among many other options. Accommodation will again be in your picturesque riad, located in the heart of the city center.
Accommodation: Riad Passali
Day 7: Marrakech
The last day, which begins with breakfast at the riad and check-out, can still be used for last-minute shopping or sightseeing during the morning, flight schedule permitting. And once the agreed time arrives, our driver will pick you up to transfer you to the airport. At that moment our services in this complete tour will end: after the farewell, Marrakech, the beach, and the Moroccan desert will be part of your memories and, we hope, of your hearts. it’s the end of our tour: Marrakech, Essaouira beach and desert tour in 7 days.
Including:
- Pick up and drop off at the airport
- Comfortable private transportation with air conditioning
- English-speaking driver/tour guide
- Sandboarding in the desert
- Camel ride
Not Including:
- Plane tickets
- Drinks
- Lunches
- Tickets
Is this a private tour?
Yes. This is a fully private tour. Only you, your travel companions, and your professional driver/guide will travel together.
Is airport pickup included?
Yes. We provide pickup from Marrakech Airport or your accommodation at the beginning of the tour. We also include the airport transfer at the end of the trip.
Is the camel trek included?
Yes. One camel per person is included for the sunset and sunrise experience in the Erg Chebbi Desert.
Can I stay in a luxury desert camp?
Yes. You can choose between a standard desert camp or upgrade to a luxury camp with private facilities.
What type of accommodation is included?
You will stay in carefully selected traditional riads, comfortable hotels, and a desert camp during your Sahara experience.
Are breakfasts and dinners included?
Yes. Daily breakfasts are included. Dinners are included during your stays in Dades Valley, the Sahara Desert camp, and Ouarzazate. Lunches and drinks are not included.
How much driving is involved?
Some travel days include long scenic drives. We make regular stops for photos, sightseeing, coffee breaks, and lunch to keep the journey comfortable.
What should I pack?
Bring comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, light clothing for the day, and a warm jacket for the desert evenings, especially between October and April.
Is Essaouira suitable for swimming?
Yes. Depending on the weather, you can enjoy the beach, relax by the ocean, or try activities such as surfing or kitesurfing.
Is the Marrakech city tour included?
Yes. A licensed local guide will take you on a guided tour of Marrakech’s main historical attractions.
Can this itinerary be customized?
Yes. We can tailor the itinerary, accommodation, activities, and pace to match your interests and travel schedule.
What is the best time to take this tour?
The best seasons are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when temperatures are pleasant throughout the desert, mountains, and coast. The tour is available all year round.
