After breakfast, embark on a city tour of Marrakech, the legendary “Red City,” brimming with palaces, gardens, bustling markets, and historic mosques. Begin at the Koutoubia Mosque, famed for its 282-foot minaret, an iconic architectural landmark dating back to the late 12th century.

Next, visit the stunning Bahia Palace, built in the 19th century by a powerful vizier for his harem. Marvel at the intricate craftsmanship of local artisans across its 150 rooms, multiple courtyards, interior gardens, a Koranic school, hammams, stables, and the labyrinthine corridors that make this palace so unique.

Continue by exploring the artisan quarters and vibrant souks, where you can experience the authentic daily life of Marrakech’s residents. Then visit the Dar El Bacha Museum of Confluences, constructed in 1910 as the residence of Thami El Glaoui, Pasha of Marrakech. This exquisite example of Riad architecture features Moroccan Zellige tiles, intricate plasterwork, and carved cedar-wood details, offering a glimpse into Morocco’s rich heritage.

As the day winds down, stroll through the famous Jemaa El Fna square, a lively triangular hub at the entrance of the Medina. This magical space comes alive with fortune tellers, henna artists, fire-eaters, snake charmers, dancers, storytellers, acrobats, musicians including authentic Gnaoua performers, and countless street entertainers—a truly unforgettable spectacle.

After the tour, return to your hotel to freshen up before heading to a local restaurant for dinner. End the day with an overnight stay at your hotel.

As you depart Marrakech, the distant haze gradually gives way to the jagged peaks of the High Atlas Mountains, rising abruptly from the plains. Our route traces the ancient caravan path once used to transport gold and precious wood from across the Sahara into Marrakech. Along the way, picturesque villages perched on terraces appear among oak and walnut groves, interspersed with patches of snow, before reaching the Tizi n’Tichka Pass at 2,260 meters.

Beyond the pass, the landscape transforms dramatically into the lunar-like scenery of the Anti-Atlas. We then pass by Ouarzazate, pausing for lunch (own expense). Continuing onward, we enter the lush Skoura Palm Grove, nestled between arid plateaus and desert crests. Our journey proceeds to Kelaa des Mgouna, renowned for the Valley of Roses and its annual Rose Festival. Celebrated over three days, usually in May, the festival crowns a local girl as Rose Queen. The area is famous for eau-de-rose, with two local factories producing and exporting this fragrant product, using roughly 3,000 kilograms of rose petals to yield a single liter of rose oil.

Further along, we reach Boulmane Dades, the gateway to the spectacular Dades Gorges—a lush carpet of greenery set against towering rock formations, a favorite destination for trekking enthusiasts. The day concludes with dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel.

Back on the road, our first stop is Tinghir, known for its extensive palm groves, ksour (fortified villages) perched on rocky hills, and its intriguing, decaying Jewish quarter. For generations, Tinghir has served as a resting place for nomadic Berber tribes traveling from the northern mountains toward the desert. A hidden gem is the 19th-century adobe mosque nestled within the old ksour, offering a perfect spot for photography enthusiasts.

Just 15 km from Tinghir lie the Todra Gorges, a breathtaking spectacle where a crystal-clear river winds through towering cliffs. As the sunlight shifts, the gorge’s massive walls change colors, creating a magical effect. With walls soaring 300 meters high and more than 150 bolted climbing routes, you may even spot rock climbers ascending these gigantic cliffs.

Continuing toward Merzouga, where the paved road ends, we pass through Erfoud and Rissani. In Erfoud, we may stop at the Musée des Oasis if time permits. Rissani was historically the last stop on the southern caravan route, where gold and slave auctions took place in the 1800s. Before that, the legendary city of Sijilmassa, whose ruins lie near Rissani, was Morocco’s key hub for caravan trade. From its gates, explorers like Ibn Battuta and Leo Africanus began their journeys across the Sahara into Africa.

Finally, we arrive in Merzouga, where the first majestic dunes of Erg Chebbi rise in the distance. Embark on a thrilling 4WD Land Rover ride across the vast sandy expanse to reach the desert camp. Conclude the day with dinner and an overnight stay in a traditional Berber tent.

Start the day with a sunrise camel ride across the golden dunes of Merzouga, an unforgettable way to experience the Sahara. Afterward, return to your riad for breakfast before setting off toward Zagora, passing through traditional Amazigh (Berber) villages such as Alnif and Tazarine.

The road to Tazarine is almost traffic-free, offering a scenic journey connecting the Tafilalet region with the Draa Valley. Along the way, the region’s fossils and prehistoric rock carvings provide a fascinating glimpse into its ancient past. As you near Tazarine, the landscape becomes wilder, with a grassy oasis nestled among stark mountains.

Continue onward to Zagora, famed for its expansive palm valley, the largest in Morocco. Conclude the day with dinner and an overnight stay at your hotel.

After breakfast, embark on a tour of Zagora, exploring some of Morocco’s oldest villages. Make a stop in Tamgroute to visit the village’s renowned library, home to ancient Koranic manuscripts dating back to the 12th century. Explore the pottery quarter, where generations of artisans have perfected their craft. The village’s distinctive pottery is celebrated for its unique enamel and vibrant green hues.

Continue the journey along the Draa Valley toward Ouarzazate, pausing in Agdez for lunch (own expense). Arrive in Ouarzazate in the evening for dinner and an overnight stay.

Start the day with a visit to Ouarzazate, a city originally established as a French garrison in the 1920s. Today, it serves as a regional trade hub, renowned for its pottery and carpets. Explore the Taourirt Kasbah, a striking complex of clay houses and crenellated towers, adorned with intricate geometric motifs. Along the way, you may choose to stop at the Film Studios for an optional visit.

Continue to the Ksar of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to some of the region’s most spectacular kasbahs. Perched dramatically on steep slopes, these structures seem to defy gravity and have served as filming locations for movies such as Lawrence of Arabia, Gladiator, and Game of Thrones.

Your journey then takes you over the High Atlas Mountains, offering glimpses of daily life in remote rural villages, before arriving in the vibrant city of Marrakech. Conclude the day with dinner and an overnight stay at your hotel.

After breakfast, we will assist you to Marrakech airport for your return flight.