12 Days Morocco Tour: Southern Desert & High Atlas and Atlantic Coast

Upon arrival at Marrakech airport, you will be greeted by your private driver. After a warm welcome, your driver will provide a brief overview of your upcoming journey and answer any questions you may have. You will then be transferred to your hotel in Marrakech for check-in. Enjoy a relaxing evening with dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast, meet your expert local guide for a full-day discovery of Marrakech, the “Red City.” Begin with a visit to the iconic Koutoubia Mosque, a masterpiece of Almohad architecture whose towering minaret inspired world-famous monuments such as the Giralda in Seville and the Hassan Tower in Rabat. Continue to the exquisite Bahia Palace, renowned for its intricate architecture and lush gardens, and explore the historic Saadian Tombs. Dating back to Sultan Ahmad al-Mansur in the 16th century, these beautifully decorated mausoleums—rediscovered in 1917—are the final resting place of the Saadian Dynasty.

After lunch, immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the legendary Jemaa el Fna Square, where storytellers, snake charmers, musicians, and food stalls bring the city to life. No trip to Marrakech is complete without wandering its bustling souks, a maze of alleys filled with colorful handicrafts, spices, and traditional goods.

After breakfast, depart from Marrakech towards the south. Along the way, stop at Asni, a charming village known for its bustling weekly market every Saturday, where locals gather to trade fresh produce, livestock, and traditional goods. From here, continue to Imlil (1,740m), nestled in the upper foothills of the High Atlas Mountains. Imlil is the main starting point for treks into the Toubkal Massif, with trails winding in every direction through dramatic landscapes.

Upon arrival, enjoy a welcome glass of refreshing mint tea in the village before meeting your local mountain guide. Begin your walking tour heading south toward the traditional Berber village of Aroumd, set against the rugged backdrop of the Toubkal peaks. As you walk, admire the ancient terraced fields of barley, corn, and vegetables, framed by almond and walnut groves that flourish in this fertile valley.

After about an hour and a half of gentle trekking, arrive at the village of Achayn where you’ll be warmly hosted by a Berber family for a traditional homemade lunch—a unique opportunity to share stories and experience authentic mountain hospitality. In the afternoon, retrace your steps along the opposite side of the valley, soaking in panoramic views, before returning to Imlil. Dinner and overnight stay will be arranged in a cozy Berber family house, offering a memorable evening in the heart of the High Atlas.

After breakfast, set out on a memorable day of exploration in the High Atlas. Enjoy the fresh mountain air and sunshine as you trek through flourishing valleys dotted with traditional Berber villages. Along the way, you’ll meet local people and discover the authentic rhythm of daily life in the mountains.

After a few hours of hiking, pause for a relaxing field picnic lunch under the shade of walnut groves, with the gentle sounds of the river nearby. In the afternoon, continue your walk along scenic trails offering breathtaking views over the Imlil Valley and the snow-capped summit of Mount Toubkal—the highest peak in North Africa.

Dinner and overnight stay await in a charming Berber-style guesthouse, where you’ll experience warm hospitality and authentic mountain traditions

After breakfast, set out on a spectacular drive through the High Atlas Mountains via the famous Tizi n’Tichka Pass at 2,260 meters. The winding road offers breathtaking views over valleys, Berber hamlets, and rugged peaks, making it one of Morocco’s most beautiful journeys. Arrive in Ouarzazate, often called the “Hollywood of Africa,” where many iconic films such as Alexander the Great, The Mummy, The Jewel of the Nile, and Kingdom of Heaven were shot.

Continue to the fortified village of Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Morocco’s most impressive kasbahs. This centuries-old ksar once served as a trading post along the caravan route and has been featured in numerous international films. After exploring the kasbah, enjoy lunch in Ouarzazate.

In the afternoon, your journey takes you through the Valley of Roses, a fragrant region famous for its Damascus rose harvest and annual Rose Festival held in May. By evening, arrive in the dramatic Dades Valley, where dinner and an overnight stay await in a charming guesthouse or kasbah surrounded by stunning red cliffs and lush valleys

After breakfast, depart from the Dades Valley and continue towards the dramatic Todra Gorges, a paradise for rock climbers and nature lovers. Stroll through this impressive canyon with its sheer cliffs that rise up to 300 meters, carved by the Todra River over centuries.

From here, the journey follows ancient Bedouin trading routes running parallel to the Middle Atlas, passing through fortified villages that showcase remarkable pre-Saharan architecture. The landscapes shift from lush valleys to arid plateaus, offering breathtaking contrasts.

Arrive in Erfoud, a desert town built by the French as an administrative center. Erfoud is famous for its rich fossilized black marble, sculpted into everything from decorative pieces to furniture.

Your adventure then continues south to the majestic sand dunes of Merzouga, marking the gateway to the Sahara Desert. Here, swap your vehicle for camels and trek into the golden dunes to reach your Berber camp. Witness the magic of the desert at sunset, and for the adventurous, try sandboarding down the dunes.

After dinner, gather around the campfire under a canopy of stars, enjoying traditional Berber drumming and stories for an unforgettable Sahara night. Overnight in a nomadic-style desert camp

Rise early to witness the breathtaking sunrise over the golden dunes of Merzouga, an unforgettable highlight of the Sahara. After breakfast at the desert camp, begin your journey toward Rissani, the birthplace of the Alaouite dynasty and a bustling trade hub linking Sub-Saharan Africa with northern Morocco. Take some time to discover its lively market, a center of traditional commerce that still thrives today.

Continue driving through dramatic desert landscapes, passing the village of Tazzarine—famously featured in the film Babel—and winding through rugged mountains and small Berber settlements. Pause for a traditional lunch in the village of N’kob, known for its kasbahs and desert charm.

In the afternoon, travel along the ancient caravan route through Tanasikht, tracing the path once used by merchants crossing the Sahara. The journey unfolds into the lush Draa Valley, with its endless palm groves and striking clay kasbahs that contrast beautifully with the surrounding desert scenery.

By evening, arrive in Zagora, the legendary desert town once known as the “gateway to Timbuktu.” Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay in your hotel or riad

After breakfast at the hotel, depart from Agdez and travel towards Taznakht, a traditional Berber village renowned as a key center for carpet weaving. Here you can admire the craftsmanship of local artisans before stopping to enjoy lunch.

In the afternoon, continue to Taliouine, Morocco’s saffron capital. Depending on the season, you may visit a saffron cooperative to learn about the cultivation of this “red gold” or, if traveling in October, experience the vibrant Saffron Harvest Festival.

The road then leads to Taroudant, a historic city often referred to as the “Grandmother of Marrakech.” Enclosed by impressive ochre-colored walls, Taroudant offers charming souks, narrow alleyways, and a timeless Moroccan atmosphere.

Dinner and overnight stay at your hotel in Taroudant

After breakfast at the hotel, begin the day with a visit to the historic town of Taroudant, often called the “Grandmother of Marrakech” for its impressive ramparts and vibrant souks. Wander its narrow streets, browse the bustling markets, and admire the town’s old-world charm before continuing your journey.

From here, head north to the coastal city of Agadir, famous for its golden beaches and lively corniche. Enjoy a leisurely lunch overlooking the Atlantic and take in the relaxed seaside atmosphere.

In the afternoon, continue to Essaouira, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed coastal town known for its unique blend of Phoenician, Berber, Portuguese, Jewish, and French influences. Explore the enchanting medina, stroll along its fortified walls, and wander through serene squares lined with artisan shops and galleries. Discover handicrafts made of thuya wood, found only in Morocco, or visit the bustling port to watch fishermen bring in the day’s catch.

Dinner and overnight stay in Essaouira, where the charm of the ocean breeze and cultural heritage make for a perfect evening

Today is free to enjoy the laid-back charm of Essaouira at your own pace. Wander through the medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where narrow alleyways open into lively squares filled with artisans’ workshops and colorful souks. Discover the Mellah, the historic Jewish quarter, which offers a fascinating glimpse into the city’s multicultural past.

Take time to browse the city’s renowned handicrafts, particularly the intricate carvings made from local Thuya wood, unique to the region. Pause to savor a refreshing glass of Moroccan mint tea in one of the traditional cafés, soaking up the relaxed coastal atmosphere.

Later, stroll along the wide sandy beach, where the Atlantic breeze and crashing waves make for a refreshing escape. Dinner and overnight stay at your hotel in Essaouira.

After breakfast, you may choose to spend the morning soaking in the relaxed charm of Essaouira, with its whitewashed houses, vibrant medina, and breezy Atlantic shoreline. Alternatively, begin your journey back to Marrakech, the vibrant heart of Morocco and the starting point of your adventure.

Upon arrival, the afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure. Venture into the legendary Jemaa el-Fnaa square, where the energy of Marrakech truly comes alive. Watch as fortune tellers, henna artists, snake charmers, fire eaters, Gnawa musicians, storytellers, and acrobats transform the square into a living theatre of Moroccan culture

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After breakfast, transfer to Marrakech airport for your return flight. Carry with you unforgettable memories and countless stories of your journey through Morocco—tales of desert nights under the stars, lively souks, historic imperial cities, and warm Berber hospitality.

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