Itinerary

1. Day 1: Arrival in Marrakech

   • Arrive in Marrakech and transfer to the hotel in Marrakech.

   • The rest of the day is free for you to explore Marrakech.

2. Day 2: Ait Ben Haddou

   • This morning, journey along mountain roads and over Morocco's highest pass, Tizi n'Tichka (2260 metres), to Ait Benhaddou on the edges of the Sahara (approximately 6 hours). Perched on a hilltop and almost unchanged since the 11th century, Ait Benhaddou is one of Morocco's most iconic sites. It was once an important stop for caravans passing through as they carried salt across the Sahara, returning with gold, ivory, and slaves. The town has a long list of film and TV credits, including Lawrence of Arabia, Game of Thrones, and Gladiator.

   • Enjoy a guided walk through the winding streets of Old Town, making your way to the top of the hill, from where you can enjoy the views across the surrounding plains.

   • The evening is free, with the option of partaking in a local cooking demonstration and meal of Morocco's most famous dishes: couscous and tagine. 

   Accommodation: Hotel/Riad

3. Day 3: Ouarzazate to Zagora

   • This morning, you'll journey south towards the Sahara, stopping in the regularly used film location of Ouarzazate along the way (approximately 5 hours in total).

   • Continue to travel through the lush Draa Valley to Zagora, a small oasis town on the Sahara fringe that is perfect for an overnight stop.

   • On arrival, take a stroll through the palm groves, explore the ksars and wander around the surrounding countryside. 

   Accommodation: Hotel

4. Day 4: Erg Chegaga Sahara

   • Drive along the rugged and desolate Jbel Tadrart ranges and through seas of sand and past the occasional desert oasis of date palms to the township of Tamegroute.

   • On arrival, visit an intriguing library filled with ancient scripts of science, literature, the Koran, and stories of the prophet Mohammed (subject to unregulated opening times).

   • Afterward, join a local guide to uncover the underground Kasbah.

   • Carry on driving to the frontier town of M'Hamid (approximately 1 hour).

   • From here, take a short camel ride through the dunes, then jump into 4WD vehicles and drive to the massive Erg Chigaga dunes.

   • Arrive in the late afternoon.

   • Enjoy a night under the stars at your desert camp. 

   Accommodation: Desert Camp

5. Day 5: Taroudant

   • Travel to the market town of Oulad Berhhil by minivan. The journey should take around 8 hours in total, including several stops. This drive goes through desert scenery and along a route that is a reserve for the indigenous argan trees. If you're lucky, the group might come across the famous image of goats climbing these trees in search of nuts.

   • Arrive at your accommodation by the early evening and relax after a long day of travel. 

   Accommodation: Riad/Hotel

6. Day 6: Taroudant to Essaouira

   • In the morning, take to the souqs and haggle with local traders for silver jewellery or colourful Moroccan ceramics and mosaics.

   • Afterward, head west to the coastal town of Essaouira (approximately 5 hours). The name Essaouira means image, which is appropriate since it is such a picturesque town. Its charm is undeniable; within the stone ramparts, you'll find whitewashed houses with bright blue shutters, art galleries, and wood workshops.

   • You will arrive in the early evening, so there won’t be much time to look around today. 

   Accommodation: Riad

7. Day 7: Essaouira to Marrakech

   • Today, join a local guide for a walking tour through the old medina, Jewish mellah, port, and skala (sea wall).

   • Afterward, enjoy free time for the rest of the day. Maybe grab a freshly-cooked plate of the day's catch at the port, or browse the plentiful shops and intriguing art galleries.

   • In the afternoon, transfer to Marrakech. 

   • Enjoy free time on arrival to explore or partake in optional activities. Maybe check out the Palais Bahia, a superb example of Muslim architecture, or the ruins of the Palais Badi. 

   Accommodation: Hotel

8. Day 8: Marrakech to Airport

   • Finally, your adventure ends after breakfast with a transfer to Marrakech Airport.