Discover Morocco from coast to desert on this perfectly balanced journey that begins and ends in vibrant Marrakesh. After exploring the colorful souks and historic charm of the Red City, travel to Essaouira to experience refreshing sea breezes and a relaxed coastal atmosphere.

Continue past the stunning beaches of Agadir to reach Taroudant, often called “Little Marrakesh,” before venturing deep into the Sahara Desert. Spend an unforgettable night beneath the stars in the majestic Erg Chigaga dunes, living like a nomad in a traditional desert camp.

Along the way, discover authentic culture in Zagora with a hands-on pottery workshop, and explore the captivating desert towns of Ouarzazate and the UNESCO-listed ksar of Aït Benhaddou—a true highlight of southern Morocco.

Day 1: Welcome to Morocco – Arrive in Marrakesh

Welcome to Morocco! Upon arrival at Marrakesh Menara Airport, you’ll be greeted by your private driver and guide and transferred to your hotel for check-in. Take time to relax after your journey and recharge for the exciting week ahead, or set out on a short introductory tour to begin discovering the city.

In the early evening, head to Jemaa el-Fna, the iconic heart of Marrakesh. As the sun sets, the square transforms into a vibrant open-air spectacle filled with musicians, storytellers, performers, snake charmers, games, and sizzling food stalls.

Wander through the nearby medina (old town) and explore its lively souks (markets), where colorful stalls brim with spices, handicrafts, and local treasures. For a more relaxed experience, settle into a café overlooking the square and enjoy a delicious Moroccan dinner while taking in the unforgettable atmosphere below.

Pass through one of the medina’s ancient gates and wander its winding alleyways toward the lively souks and hidden riads. With your guide leading the way from Jemaa el-Fna, explore some of the most fascinating markets in the old town. Discover fragrant spice pyramids at Souk el Attarin, browse traditional Moroccan slippers at Souk Smata, and visit Souk des Teinturiers to watch artisans dye and hang colorful cloth and yarn.

Day 2: Sights & Colors of Marrakesh, Secret Gardens Tour

Marrakesh is Morocco’s second-largest city, famously known as the “Red City” for the natural red pigment that colors its historic walls. Begin today’s guided tour at the stunning Bahia Palace, where you’ll explore elegant courtyards, lush gardens, and beautifully decorated rooms featuring intricate woodwork and ornate ceilings.

Continue to the Koutoubia Mosque and its surrounding gardens. While non-Muslims cannot enter the mosque, you can admire its impressive exterior and iconic minaret—an enduring symbol of the city.

You may also choose to visit Le Jardin Secret, a peaceful sanctuary in the heart of the medina. This restored palace complex, set within a magnificent Islamic garden, is a remarkable example of traditional art and architecture. Enjoy refreshments here and take a relaxing break from sightseeing.

If you prefer a slower pace today, opt for a visit to a traditional Moroccan hammam (spa). Indulge in steam rooms, a revitalizing body scrub, a soothing argan oil massage, and refreshing mint tea in a tranquil setting.

In the evening, consider an optional private food tour through the medina. With its picturesque alleyways and lively squares, Marrakesh is the perfect place to follow your senses—sampling local delicacies and discovering authentic flavors at every turn.

Day 3: Transfer to Essaouira

Depart Marrakesh this morning and travel west across vast rolling plains toward the Atlantic coast. Along the way, pass through forests of argan trees—native to this unique region of Morocco. If you’re lucky, you might spot goats perched in the branches, nibbling on argan fruit. You’ll also have the option to stop at a women-run cooperative to learn about the traditional and ethical production process of argan oil.

Arrive in the relaxed port city of Essaouira, a refreshing contrast to the energy of Marrakesh. Spend the rest of the day at leisure. Stroll along the historic Skala de la Kasbah, the 18th-century seafront ramparts designed by European engineers. Lined with old brass cannons, the walls offer sweeping views over the Atlantic Ocean.

Explore the UNESCO-listed medina of Essaouira, with its whitewashed buildings, blue shutters, artisan workshops, and vibrant markets, before heading to the windswept beach for a peaceful seaside walk. End your day back in town with a delicious dinner of freshly caught seafood at one of the harbor’s inviting restaurants.

Day 4: Enjoy the Beaches & Souks of Essaouira

Enjoy a full day at leisure in Essaouira—the perfect opportunity to explore at your own pace. Wander through the medina’s charming lanes and browse traditional shops in search of unique souvenirs. Stop by the vibrant Spice Souk, where you’ll find herbal remedies, Berber lipstick, aromatic spices, and ghassoul clay used in traditional face masks.

Take time to chat with local artisans as you admire handcrafted ceramics, artwork, leather goods, shoes, jewelry, rugs, and intricate woodwork. Make your way to Mulay el-Hassan Square, the city’s lively central square lined with cafés, restaurants, and boutique hotels—an ideal spot to relax and people-watch.

For those seeking adventure, several optional activities await. Essaouira is famous for kite surfing, thanks to the steady winds sweeping across its bay—perfect conditions for both beginners and experienced surfers. Prefer to stay on land? Try sandboarding on the impressive dunes just outside the city, or enjoy a scenic horseback ride along the beach, trotting beside the Atlantic with refreshing ocean breezes and stunning coastal views.

Day 5: Travel to Taroudant

Your driver will be waiting to take you on a scenic coastal drive along the beaches of Essaouira and Agadir. During this five-hour drive, you’ll stop at the village of Aourir, where you’ll have a seafood lunch by the ocean before heading inland to Taroudant. This walled-market town is well off the beaten path, so you’ll be able to enjoy its authenticity as you explore the city. Once checked into your hotel, you’ll have the remainder of the evening free. Before dinner, wander through its ochre-colored architecture, cobbled streets, and charming souks, and feel like you’ve traveled back in time.

Your driver will be waiting to take you on a scenic coastal drive along the beaches of Essaouira and Agadir. During this five-hour drive, you’ll stop at the village of Aourir, where you’ll have a seafood lunch by the ocean before heading inland to Taroudant. This walled-market town is well off the beaten path, so you’ll be able to enjoy its authenticity as you explore the city. Once checked into your hotel, you’ll have the remainder of the evening free. Before dinner, wander through its ochre-colored architecture, cobbled streets, and charming souks, and feel like you’ve traveled back in time.

Day 6: Explore Taroudant & Souss Massa National Park

You’ll have today to explore friendly Taroudant’s surrounding ramparts and historic medina, the town’s highlight. Admire the old walls and gates like Bab Selsla, Bab Targont, and Bab Ouled Bounouna. Walk or bike around the perimeter of the walled town. Then head into the souks and peruse the artisan shops. You’ll also find tanneries similar to those in Fes and Marrakesh. Stop for a bite to eat at a restaurant or café, or sip mint tea in one of the hotel gardens. Outside of Taroudant, visit Agadir Tasguent. An easy hike takes you to an old fortress with exceptional views.

Later, head to the beautiful beaches, dunes, and forests of Souss Massa National Park, a scenic area just south of Agadir along Morocco’s Atlantic coast. You’ll explore all the park’s highlights, including Youssef Bin Tachfine Reservoir, Massa Valley, and Sidi Rbat Beach. Keep an eye out for unique bird species. The area is home to pink flamingoes, Audouin’s gulls, and the rare and endangered northern bald ibis. On your way back to Agadir, you’ll stop to visit the market town of Tiznit. Enjoy some free time to peruse the shops or savor a delicious Moroccan lunch at a local restaurant.

Day 7: Transfer to Erg Chigaga Desert

Today you will pass a tableau of magnificent desert scenery, little known to tourists. Discover authentic Morocco at the crossroads of the old caravans, which once brought sugar, cotton, and rice across Morocco. You’ll venture to traditional and nomadic souks and have the chance to experience Morocco’s wildest desert, Erg Chigaga. Take an off-road drive by Jeep through Lake Iriqui, a dried-up salt lake in the Iriqui National Park, which becomes a swamp during rainy periods. You’ll then reach the majestic dunes of Chigaga and spend the night in a luxury-tented camp under the starry sky of southern Morocco.

Day 8: Erg Chigaga Desert Adventure

In the heart of the wild regs (desert plateaus), you’ll accompany nomads in their daily task of searching for grazing lands, water, and food preparation. You’ll see how they spend the night beneath wooden tents in the middle of nowhere and get to feed the camels and other animals, learn how to weave a camel wool carpet, and cook using traditional utensils on a wood fire. Following your nomadic experience, you’ll ride your camel again and return to your camp to take in the setting desert sun before dinner and an evening under the stars.

For those looking for more adventure, sandboarding is a thrilling way to discover the dunes of the Erg Chigaga. The larger the dune, the longer the ride down! Rent a sandboard and discover the dunes as you immerse yourself in the vastness of the Sahara Desert. 

Day 9: Visit the Pottery Village of Tamgroute & Transfer to Zagora

It’s time to hit the road again today as your guide takes you to the city of Zagora. Along the way, you’ll stop to explore the desert village of Mhamid El Ghizlane and its surrounding oasis. Visit the small town of Tamegroute, a village located 9 miles (15 km) from Zagora in the south of Morocco, at the gateway to the desert. Discover their pottery, a significant craft activity of the Draa Valley made according to ancient techniques imported from Fes, where you can see how this unusual green pottery is made and manufactured. Afterward, head to the Dunes of Tinfou, two high dunes located 16 miles (25 km) south of Zagora, for a small taste of the desert as you continue your drive to reach Zagora by late afternoon. Upon arrival in the historic crossroads city and its surrounding oasis, you’ll check in to your accommodation and have the evening free to relax.

Day 10: Transfer to Aït Benhaddou via Ouarzazate