10-Day Morocco Tour: Marrakech, Sahara Desert & Atlas Mountains

Merhaba — welcome to Morocco. Your 16-day adventure begins with your arrival in Casablanca. Our English-speaking driver will welcome you at Casablanca Airport and accompany you on your private transfer to Marrakech.

Upon arrival in Marrakech, you will settle into your beautiful accommodation in the heart of the historic medina. Depending on your flight arrival time, the remainder of the day is yours to relax, explore your surroundings, or simply take in your first impressions of Morocco.

This first evening is intentionally relaxed, allowing you to recover from your journey and prepare for the extraordinary experiences ahead.

Today is devoted entirely to Marrakech, one of Morocco’s great Imperial Cities and a UNESCO World Heritage destination.

After breakfast, your English-speaking guide will accompany you on a half-day exploration of the most emblematic places of the Red City. Begin with the magnificent Koutoubia Mosque and its celebrated minaret, one of the most recognizable landmarks of Marrakech.

Continue to the Saadian Tombs, Ben Youssef Madrasa and Bahia Palace, discovering the architectural details and history that shaped this extraordinary city.

No visit to Marrakech would be complete without wandering through the souks and artisan quarters of the medina before experiencing the vibrant atmosphere of Jemaa el-Fna Square, recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

The afternoon is free for further exploration. You may choose to visit the Marrakech Museum, Majorelle Gardens, El Badi Palace or simply enjoy the atmosphere of the medina.

Enjoy another day in Marrakech, with time to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace.

You may visit the Menara Gardens, relax in a traditional hammam or spa, or continue discovering the historic Ben Youssef Madrasa and the surrounding medina.

In the morning, enjoy a delicious Moroccan cooking workshop. Discover the ingredients, techniques and traditions behind one of Morocco’s most iconic dishes before preparing your own traditional tajine.

After the workshop, return to your riad and enjoy a relaxed evening in the medina.

After breakfast, leave Marrakech behind and journey through the tranquil landscapes of the Atlas Mountains towards Taroudant.

The route follows the spectacular Tizi-n-Test Road, a historic mountain passage connecting Marrakech and Taroudant. Rising to approximately 2,093 metres, the pass offers remarkable views across the High Atlas landscapes.

Continue towards Taroudant, a charming city known for its impressive walls, vibrant souks and historic atmosphere.

Take some time to stroll through Taroudant before continuing towards Tafraoute.

The journey leads through dramatic Anti-Atlas landscapes, offering a succession of mountain views and distinctive geological formations.

Along the way, discover the unique painted rocks and enjoy the magnificent scenery before arriving in Tafraoute.

Today you will explore Tafraoute with a local English-speaking guide who will introduce you to the history and character of this fascinating town.

After exploring the town, continue into the beautiful Ameln Valley, surrounded by the dramatic landscapes of the Anti-Atlas.

For those who wish to experience the landscape on foot, an optional hike through the valley can be arranged. Later in the afternoon, return to your accommodation for a peaceful evening.

Continue south towards Icht, a historic village situated near an oasis and surrounded by the remote landscapes of southern Morocco.

Explore the narrow alleys and corridors of the village and discover its distinctive earthen architecture. The historic mosque and traditional buildings reflect the deep heritage of this oasis settlement.

The evening is spent in the peaceful surroundings of Icht, providing an authentic introduction to this lesser-visited part of Morocco.

Continue towards Tata through some of southern Morocco’s most authentic and peaceful landscapes.

On arrival, explore Tata’s oasis and ancient ksar, discovering the traditional architecture and palm-filled landscapes that characterize this region.

The surrounding scenery is magnificent, quiet and far removed from the major tourist routes, making Tata an ideal place to slow down and experience southern Morocco.

Today is dedicated to exploring the palm groves and spectacular landscapes surrounding Tata.

You may also visit the magnificent Aït Mansour Gorge, reached along a scenic road leading into a lush palm-filled valley.

The gorge can be explored by vehicle or on foot, with an approximately two-hour walk offering the opportunity to experience the oasis more intimately.

Framed by impressive rock formations and crossed by a seasonal torrent, the palm grove offers a peaceful escape and one of the memorable highlights of southern Morocco.

Continue towards Foum Zguid, a southern Moroccan village that serves as a gateway to the desert and the wider Souss-Massa region.

Located near Jbel Bani, the natural boundary between the Anti-Atlas and the desert, Foum Zguid is surrounded by oases, dunes and historic kasbahs.

More than a simple stopover, the region offers a genuine sense of adventure and an introduction to the landscapes and communities of Morocco’s deep south.

Today the landscape transforms dramatically as you leave Foum Zguid and travel towards the vast and peaceful Erg Chigaga desert.

Journey deeper into the Sahara, surrounded by striking dunes, changing shades of sand and an extraordinary sense of silence.

Your desert camp awaits in the heart of the dunes, offering a memorable evening beneath the vast Moroccan sky.

On arrival, your guide will introduce you to the traditional art of preparing Moroccan Berber tea, followed by a local dessert delicacy and dinner at camp.

Rise early at around 6:00 in the morning and climb a nearby dune to watch the first light of day spread across the Sahara.

A camel ride is included during your desert stay, giving you another memorable way to experience the vast dunes.

After breakfast, leave the desert behind and continue towards Zagora, a city renowned for its date palms and distinctive green pottery traditions.

Today you will explore Tamegroute, famous throughout Morocco for its distinctive green pottery and traditional ceramics.

Discover the workshops and craftsmanship behind these characteristic pieces and learn more about the techniques that have been passed down through generations.

A pottery workshop can be arranged to give you a more personal introduction to this remarkable Moroccan craft.

Return to Zagora for another peaceful evening.

From Zagora, continue towards Agdz along the historic Draa Valley, one of southern Morocco’s most atmospheric landscapes.

Explore the oasis and the historic Tamnougalt Ksar, whose strategic position along the ancient caravan routes between Marrakech and Timbuktu gave it an important defensive role.

The journey also includes the Tinfou Dunes and opportunities to discover the many historic kasbahs scattered throughout the valley.

Tonight, enjoy a peaceful stay in a comfortable ecolodge.

Leave Agdz and continue towards Aït Ben Haddou, one of Morocco’s most celebrated fortified villages and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Explore the ancient ksar, whose earthen architecture and dramatic position have made it a celebrated filming location. Walk through its narrow passages and climb towards the upper viewpoints for sweeping views across the surrounding landscape.

Continue towards the historic Kasbah of Telouet, former residence of the El Glaoui family. Its richly decorated interiors provide a fascinating contrast to the simple earthen architecture found elsewhere along the route.

After exploring Telouet, continue across the High Atlas towards Marrakech for your final night in Morocco.

Enjoy breakfast and some final moments to relax at your riad or take one last stroll through the magical streets of Marrakech.

At the appropriate time, your private transfer will take you from Marrakech to Casablanca Airport for your departing flight.

Your 16-day journey through Morocco comes to an end, leaving you with memories of Imperial cities, mountain roads, remote oases, ancient kasbahs and the silence of the Sahara.