Highlights
- Make a grand journey out to the Sahara Desert dunes at Erg Chigaga
- Ride a camel at sunset and spend the night at a luxury desert camp
- Indulge with a traditional hammam experience at a top-rated spa
- Join a private half-day food tour through the medina of Marrakesh
- Feel like royalty with stays at 5-star luxury hotels and riads
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Marrakesh, Dining at Villa des Orangers | Marrakesh |
| Day 2 | Tour Marrakesh, Hammam & Spa Experience | Marrakesh |
| Day 3 | Transfer to Zagora via Ouarzazate & Draa Valley, Fossils Exploration in Zagora | Zagora |
| Day 4 | Transfer to Erg Chigaga, Tamgroute Pottery, Camel Ride | Erg Chigaga |
| Day 5 | Transfer from Erg Chigaga to Ouarzazate via Foum Zguid & Taznakht | Ouarzazate |
| Day 6 | Transfer to Marrakesh via Aït Benhaddou, Marrakesh Food Tour | Marrakesh |
| Day 7 | Depart Marrakesh |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Marrakesh, Dining at Villa des Orangers
Welcome to Morocco! Your luxury vacation begins with a seamless arrival and immigration journey through Marrakesh airport. A personal chauffeur will greet you for your private transfer to one of Marrakesh's most prestigious hotels, Villa des Orangers. Set at the foot of the Koutoubia Mosque, between the Royal Palace and bustling Jemaa el-Fna square, this 5-star hotel is your sanctuary and garden oasis in the heart of the buzzing city. You can choose to step out and explore the energetic streets, take a swim in the tranquil pool, or seek quiet moments of contemplation in the gardens.
Slip into something chic for dinner and venture down to the restaurant. Sit on the shaded patio and enjoy an al fresco evening savoring a fusion of Mediterranean flavors and traditional Moroccan cuisine. Each dish is elevated with a modern twist, from the candied lamb shoulder to the roasted prawns with velvety eggplant caviar. After, you could venture into Jemaa el-Fna, where snake charmers, storytellers, and street vendors take over after dark, or simply call it a night.
Day 2: Tour Marrakesh, Hammam & Spa Experience
Immerse yourself in a whirlwind of sights, sounds, and scents as you discover Marrakesh with a local guide. Your private half-day tour begins at the illustrious Bahia Palace, a masterpiece of intricately carved wooden ceilings, tiled courtyards, and serene gardens. Venture by the Koutoubia Mosque, the symbol of Marrakesh, then follow your guide into the colorful medina—a maze of alleyways lined with riads, souks, and workshops. Explore vibrant textiles, aromatic spices, ornate jewelry, and leather goods before stopping for lunch.
Later this afternoon, experience the art of the hammam at a luxury spa, where a warm ambience transports you to a world of serenity and centuries-old traditions. The traditional hammam bathing experience is deeply rooted in Moroccan culture, and this bathing ritual combines heat, steam, and meticulous body cleansing. A hammam attendant will expertly exfoliate your skin, removing impurities and leaving you with a renewed sense of freshness. You'll emerge feeling brand new!
Day 3: Transfer to Zagora via Ouarzazate & Draa Valley, Fossils Exploration in Zagora
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Cross the Jebel Sarhro mountains through the Tizi-n-Tinififft pass. Visit the legendary Amridil Kasbah, a remarkable fortified structure, then continue through the heart of the Draa Valley oasis to Zagora, a city rich with history, fossils, and dates. This afternoon you'll trace the past with a private guided fossil exploration. This is a rare opportunity to delve into the world of ancient fossils, and you'll discover remnants of long-extinct creatures that once roamed the Earth millions of years ago with interactive activities.
Finally, you'll check in to your luxurious accommodation, Dar Hnini Kasbah. This elegant retreat fuses traditional Moroccan architecture with modern comforts. Take a moment to unwind in the lush gardens amid fragrant flowers and the gentle rustle of palm trees. Take a dip in the swimming pool, book a rejuvenating spa treatment, or simply lounge in the comfort of your well-appointed room ahead of a farm-to-table dining experience at the tranquil estate.
Day 4: Transfer to Erg Chigaga, Tamgroute Pottery, Camel Ride
Follow in the footsteps of the Berber nomads today, starting in Zagora. Explore the historic Jewish Quarter of Amzerou, where the rich culture of the region unfolds. Venture to Tamegroute, a village 9 miles (15 km) south that's known for its pottery. Discover techniques passed down through generations, and witness skilled artisans shaping clay into intricate designs, creating beautiful and functional pieces. While here, visit the Zaouia Naciria, an ancient Quranic library with centuries-old manuscripts that attract ulama (scholars) seeking knowledge and enlightenment.
Continue south to the Dunes of Tinfou. These wind-swept dunes are smaller in size compared to famous destinations like Merzouga or Chebbi but still offer a glimpse into the captivating world of the desert. Feel the soft sand and soak in the serenity before continuing through palm groves to Mhamid, the gateway of the Draa Valley. Switch to sturdy Jeeps for an exhilarating 40-mile (65 km) off-road adventure. Traverse a desert landscape of rolling dunes and vast plateaus, then find solace under the shade of palm trees in the Ras Nkhel oasis.
You'll reach the dunes of Erg Chigaga just before sunset. Ride a camel through the sands as the golden evening light paints the desert in hues of red and yellow. As the day draws to a close, you'll reach the 5-star luxury Azalaï Desert Camp. Feast on traditional Moroccan dishes for dinner, then gather around the campfire where the rhythmic beats of drum music set the tone as you watch the open sky for shooting stars.
Day 5: Transfer from Erg Chigaga to Ouarzazate via Foum Zguid & Taznakht
Wake up early to witness the first rays of sunshine over the desert. Enjoy a sumptuous breakfast prepared by your hosts before jumping into a comfortable 4WD for the return journey. Discover the old Paris-Dakar route to Foum Zguid and cross Lake Irqui, a dried-up salt lake that becomes a swamp during rainy periods. In this unique national park, you'll discover wild animals such as lizards, snakes, gazelles, or even hyenas with a bit of luck.
Your private transfer will pause for lunch in the Berber village of Taznakht. Surrounded by rolling hills and fertile plains, Taznakht is famous for its vibrant Berber rugs and carpets, and you may have the opportunity to witness local artisans skillfully crafting these exquisite works of art. Finally, you'll arrive in Ouarzazate, a town known as Morocco's Hollywood, where you can tour movie studios, visit the Musée du Cinema, and explore history. Check into the 5-star Le Berbere Palace, a kasbah-style hotel that counts a roster of A-list clients who stay while filming nearby.
Day 6: Transfer to Marrakesh via Aït Benhaddou, Marrakesh Food Tour
Today's 3.5-hour journey to Marrakesh takes you through the heart of Morocco, revealing the rich heritage of Berber villages and the grandeur of the mighty Atlas mountains. Your first stop is the legendary Aït Benhaddou, a medieval marvel and UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore the alleys and passageways of this ancient ksar, or climb up to the old granary for breathtaking views of the kasbah and historic camel caravan routes. Continue over the Tizi n'Tichka pass once more and into buzzing Marrakesh, where you'll check into the prestigious Villa des Orangers once more.
This evening, dive deeper into Moroccan cuisine with today's three-hour private guided food adventure. A local foodie will lead you on an aromatic trail through the alleyways of the medina, tasting local treats and sweets along the way. Pass vibrant market stalls brimming with fragrant spices, juicy olives, and temping confections, then taste the tajine, a savory stew prepared in a traditional clay pot. As you go, they'll share stories about the cultural significance of food and communal dining in Moroccan society and share details about traditional cooking techniques.
Day 7: Depart Marrakesh
It's time to wave goodbye to the beautiful land of Morocco. If you have time before your flight today, venture into the souks to shop for last-minute spices, slippers, and souvenirs. At the designated time, a private driver will be waiting at your hotel to escort you to the airport, a short 20-minute drive from the center. Sit back and relax as you reflect on the past week in Morocco and savor a final view of the city. Safe travels home or to your next destination!
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