A private circuit through the High Atlas, Dades, the Erg Chebbi dunes, Ouarzazate, Essaouira and Marrakech, starting and finishing in the Red City.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1
Marrakech – High Atlas – Ait Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate – Dades Valley
At the confirmed time, our Spanish-speaking driver will collect you from the airport, your accommodation or the exact agreed Marrakech location. Travel is in a comfortable private air-conditioned vehicle suited to the group size, with Viajes Almoravid assistance throughout the circuit.
We cross the High Atlas through the Tizi n’Tichka pass at more than 2,200 metres, stopping at viewpoints and near Amazigh villages for mountain scenery and photographs. Beyond the pass we visit the UNESCO-listed ksar of Ait Ben Haddou, an outstanding fortified adobe settlement. Paid entrances are optional.
After lunch at your own expense, the journey continues through Ouarzazate and the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs, passing the Skoura palm grove and Rose Valley. In the late afternoon we reach Dades Valley for dinner and an overnight stay in a selected riad or hotel.
Day 2
Dades Valley – Todra Gorge – Erfoud – Merzouga – Erg Chebbi
After breakfast we travel through the Dades landscapes towards Todra Gorge. There is time to walk beneath its high rock walls and experience the canyon shaped by the river. We continue through Tinghir, Tinjdad and Touroug to Erfoud, known for fossils and stone workshops. Lunch is at your own expense.
In the afternoon we arrive in Merzouga at the foot of the Erg Chebbi dunes. We exchange the vehicle for camels, normally one per traveller, to enjoy sunset and reach camp. Guests who prefer not to ride may request a 4x4 transfer in advance, subject to the confirmed package.
Dinner, traditional music when scheduled and a night beneath the Sahara sky complete the day. Breakfast the following morning is included. The tent category and availability of a private bathroom and shower will be clearly stated in the quotation before booking.
Day 3
Merzouga – Rissani – Alnif – Tazarine – N’Kob – Draa Valley – Ouarzazate
Guests who wish may rise early to watch sunrise over Erg Chebbi. After breakfast and time to freshen up, we return to Merzouga by camel or 4x4 according to the booked service and rejoin the private vehicle.
The first stop is Rissani, the former capital of Tafilalet. When the market is open and timing allows, there may be time to experience its traditional atmosphere. We continue through Alnif, Tazarine and N’Kob among plateaus, palm groves, farmland and adobe villages. Lunch is at your own expense.
Farther west we reach the Draa Valley and follow its vast palm grove through Agdz. The day ends in Ouarzazate, with dinner and an overnight stay in a selected riad or hotel. Travel time depends on the stops and road conditions.
Day 4
Ouarzazate – Taourirt Kasbah – High Atlas – Marrakech – Essaouira
After breakfast we visit Taourirt Kasbah, one of Ouarzazate’s best-known historic sites. Interior admission is optional and paid directly. We then begin the journey towards the Atlantic coast.
The route crosses the High Atlas through Tizi n’Tichka and passes the Marrakech area without a city visit on this day. We continue to Essaouira as the scenery changes from mountain landscapes to the Atlantic plain, with reasonable stops for rest and lunch at your own expense.
This is a long travelling stage and arrival time may change because of traffic, weather and stops. In the late afternoon or early evening we reach the selected Essaouira riad. Breakfast is included; dinner is at your own expense.
Day 5
Essaouira – Atlantic coast – Marrakech
After breakfast, the morning and early afternoon are free to discover Essaouira at your own pace. You may walk through the UNESCO-listed medina, explore the fishing harbour, see the ramparts and enjoy the beach or local food.
The visit is self-guided. An official local guide or water activity can be requested in advance as an additional service, subject to availability. Admission fees, lunch and activities are not included.
We meet at approximately 4:00 pm, or at the agreed time, for the private drive back to Marrakech. Arrival is expected in the late afternoon or evening, and the driver will drop you at the selected riad for an overnight stay with breakfast.
Day 6
Marrakech – guided visit and free afternoon
After breakfast, an official Spanish-speaking local guide leads the Marrakech visit. The morning programme is adapted to opening times and may include Bahia Palace, the Saadian Tombs, the Koutoubia area, the souks and Jemaa el-Fna square.
Monument admission is not included and is paid directly. The guide coordinates the route to make good use of the available time while explaining the history, architecture and everyday life of the medina.
The afternoon is free for shopping, rest or optional additions such as Majorelle Garden, subject to availability and advance booking. You return to the same riad for the second Marrakech night; dinner is at your own expense.
Day 7
Marrakech – airport transfer
After breakfast and check-out, the available time depends on the departure schedule. When the flight allows, you may make final purchases, take a short walk or rest until collection.
Our driver will collect you with sufficient time for the private transfer to Marrakech airport. If departure is from the station or another city location, the service is adapted to the point confirmed in advance.
This transfer completes the seven-day circuit through the Atlas, Merzouga desert, Ouarzazate, Essaouira coast and Marrakech. The Viajes Almoravid team wishes you a pleasant journey home and hopes to welcome you back to Morocco.
Included services
- Private pickup and transfers from and to Marrakech airport or the agreed location
- Comfortable private air-conditioned vehicle throughout the circuit
- Professional Spanish-speaking driver
- Viajes Almoravid assistance before and throughout the tour
- One night in a selected Dades Valley riad or hotel, with dinner and breakfast
- One night in a selected Merzouga desert camp, with dinner and breakfast
- One night in a selected Ouarzazate riad or hotel, with dinner and breakfast
- One night in a selected Essaouira riad, with breakfast
- Two nights in a selected Marrakech riad, with breakfast
- Return camel ride, normally one camel per person
- 4x4 transfer available instead of camels when requested in advance and included in the booked package
- Official Spanish-speaking local guide for the Marrakech visit
Not included
- International flights
- Lunches and drinks
- Dinners in Essaouira and Marrakech
- Museum and monument tickets and optional visits
- Local guide in Essaouira unless expressly booked
- Tips and personal expenses
- Travel insurance unless expressly stated as included in the quotation
Would you like to adapt this tour?
Tell us your dates, number of travellers and preferred travel style. We will prepare a personalised proposal with all services and the final price clearly confirmed.