Highlights
- Hike through the Atlas Mountains and meet local Berber villagers
- Explore Sahara Desert kasbahs at Aït Benhaddou and Ouarzazate
- Taste traditional Moroccan food at a private cooking class in Essaouira
- Enjoy a relaxing hammam and spa experience in Marrakech
Brief Itinerary
Day | Highlights | Overnight |
---|---|---|
Day 1 | Arrive in Marrakech | Marrakech |
Day 2 | Explore Marrakech, the "Red City" | Marrakech |
Day 3 | Mountain Hike in Imlil & Lunch with a Local Family | Imlil |
Day 4 | Guided Hike in Imlil Valley | Imlil |
Day 5 | Transfer to Aït Benhaddou, Free Time in Aït Benhaddou Kasbah | Aït Benhaddou |
Day 6 | Hike & Lunch with a Local Family in Dadès Valley | Boumalne Dades |
Day 7 | Travel to Merzouga via Tinghir & Rissani, Enjoy a Sunset Camel Ride | Merzouga |
Day 8 | Desert Adventures around Erg Chebbi | Merzouga |
Day 9 | Drive to Zagora via the Saghru Mountains & Draa Valley | Zagora |
Day 10 | Explore Ouarzazate on a Self-Guided Tour | Ouarzazate |
Day 11 | Explore Taroudant on a Self-Guided Tour | Taroudant |
Day 12 | Transfer to Essaouira | Essaouira |
Day 13 | Private Morning Cooking Class in Essaouira | Essaouira |
Day 14 | Traditional Hammam Experience & Private Food Tour in Marrakech | Marrakech |
Day 15 | Depart Marrakech |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Marrakech

Day 2: Explore Marrakech, the "Red City"

Marrakech is Morocco's second-largest metropolis and is known as the "Red City" thanks to the natural red pigment of its walls. As you wander through its bustling center on a self-guided tour, you'll experience the city's vibrant sights, smells, and sounds. First, get your bearings at Jemaa el-Fna Square, the city's landmark plaza filled with markets, street food, and performers. You can explore the souks (markets) to the north, the Koutoubia Mosque & Gardens to the west, and the Kasbah area with the Saadian Tombs, Bahia Palace, and El Badi Palace to the south.
Once you've seen the center's main sites, head to Majorelle Gardens to stroll among its sub-tropical plants, bamboo, lilies, and palms. If you have time, you could also visit the Almoravid Koubba, the Marrakech Museum (housed in the 19th-century Dar Mnebhi Palace), or the Museum of Moroccan Arts.
Day 3: Mountain Hike in Imlil & Lunch with a Local Family

Next, you'll drive between the hills of the Atlas Mountains and the Moulay Brahim Gorge. Enjoy the impeccable scenery on this stretch. Your next stop is the village of Imlil in the heart of Toubkal National Park. Once you arrive, sip a glass of mint tea with your guide before starting your easy hike to Armed, the highest and the biggest village in Imlil Valley. Armed is a traditional Berber village with authentic farming techniques and building structures. Spend some time with a Berber family as you hike down through the village of Aït Souka.
Day 4: Guided Hike in Imlil Valley

Day 5: Transfer to Aït Benhaddou, Free Time in Aït Benhaddou Kasbah

Head up and over the High Atlas Mountains and enjoy plenty of views of Mount Toubkal. Near the top of the Tizi n'Tichka Pass, panoramic vistas over the mountain range and the road twists down the mountainside.
After crossing into the desert, you'll reach the medieval Aït Benhaddou Kasbah, Morocco's most famous kasbah and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Once you've settled into your accommodation, explore the old town's empty alleys and passageways. Stop into shops, grab a bite to eat, or sip a cup of mint tea. Then, hike up to the old granary to view the kasbah, surrounding areas, and historical caravan routes. The Aït Benhaddou Kasbah has been used as the backdrop in nearly two dozen Hollywood movies, and most recently, the old town hosted the "Game of Thrones" TV series.
Day 6: Hike & Lunch with a Local Family in Dadès Valley

Enjoy a comfortable private transfer from Aït Benhaddou to Boumalne Dades. Along the way, you'll see some beautiful desert scenery. You'll pass through the Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs and near Kalaat M'Gouna, which is named after the nearby Mount M'Goun and located in an area known as the Valley of the Roses. The traditional mud kasbahs and red-orange rocks contrast perfectly with the verdant stretch following the Dades River.
Once you've arrived, head off on a leisurely walking tour, where you'll get the chance to interact with some local Berber families. Admire the unique architecture, listen to stories about regional history, partake in fun activities, observe traditional farming techniques, enjoy live entertainment, and more. In the afternoon, join a family in their traditional house for a lunch of Berber and Moroccan cuisine. End your meal with an authentic tea ceremony, then drive back to your accommodation in Boumalne Dades.Day 7: Travel to Merzouga via Tinerhir & Rissani, Enjoy a Sunset Camel Ride

Next, you'll make your way to Rissani, entering its impressive gate. Spend some time observing the donkey "parking lot" and walking around the town's popular market. Upon arrival near Merzouga, take a short break to prepare for a camel ride through the dunes, reaching your camp just before sunset. After settling into your tent, climb up the nearest dune to watch the sunset display its color show across the sands. Head back to camp for dinner and a night by the campfire, enjoying traditional Berber music from the locals. Alternatively, you can opt for a comfortable hotel or auberge in Merzouga.
Day 8: Desert Adventures around Erg Chebbi

Day 9: Drive to Zagora via the Saghru Mountains & Draa Valley

You'll follow a similar route, passing through Saghro and the mountain town of N'kob. Then, continue toward the verdant Draa Valley, known for its "million palm trees" that stretch the length of the Draa River. The surrounding landscape will turn lush and green as you pass palmeries, fruit trees, and farms. After settling into your accommodation in Zagora, enjoy an evening among the palms.
Day 10: Explore Ouarzazate on a Self-Guided Tour

Ouarzazate has gained its fame thanks to the film industry, so you can opt to tour a movie studio (Atlas Corporation Studios or CLA Studios) or visit the Musée du Cinema. Learn about the films produced in the region by getting an up-close look at props and sets from blockbusters like "Black Hawk Down," "Prometheus," "American Sniper," and "Game of Thrones." Ouarzazate also has an important mellah (Jewish quarter) with an old synagogue and plenty of lively souks to peruse.
Day 11: Explore Taroudant on a Self-Guided Tour

Stop for a bite to eat at one of the restaurants or cafés, or sip on a glass of mint tea in one of the hotel gardens. If you'd like to explore a bit outside of Taroudant, you can visit Agadir Tasguent. An easy hike takes you to an old fortress with exceptional views. Or visit the Palais Claudio Bravo. Now a hotel and restaurant, it was once the home of Claudio Bravo, a Chilean artist. There, you'll have the chance to see artifacts, interesting interiors, serene gardens, and some of the artist's paintings.
Day 12: Transfer to Essaouira

Day 13: Private Morning Cooking Class in Essaouira

Discover Morocco's flavorful cuisine with a cooking class at a traditional riad (house with a garden/courtyard) in Essaouira. Together with a local chef and culinary enthusiast, you'll learn how to prepare one of Morocco's most popular and authentic dishes: tagine. This dish is named after the signature ceramic pot used to cook it. Typically, tagine features meats, vegetables, and/or fruit, such as dates or apricots, to add sweetness to its savory flavors. This hands-on experience ends with a delicious lunch and conversation with your host and a cup of traditional mint tea.
You'll have the rest of the afternoon free to explore the charming and historic city of Essaouira on your own. If you'd like to include an additional activity, you can spend this time on an ATV/quad bike adventure, horseback ride, or windsurfing/kitesurfing lesson.Day 14: Traditional Hammam Experience & Private Food Tour in Marrakech

In Marrakech, you'll enjoy a relaxing and refreshing spa experience at a Moroccan hammam (public bath). Traditionally, visitors partake in a steam session followed by a scrub based on historical Roman bath practices. After your bathing experience, you'll enjoy a relaxing massage using argan and essential oils to soothe and soften the skin. Hydrate by sipping on mint tea or herb-infused water, before returning to the bustle of Marrakech for a private food tour through the city's medina. You'll taste 10 traditional delicacies, ranging from Morocco's unique sweets to an authentic and savory tagine. Learn about the country's essential ingredients, cooking techniques, and culinary culture.
Day 15: Depart Marrakech
