Itinerary

1. Day 1: Welcome to Morocco and on to Ait Benhaddou

   • Greetings from Morocco! When you arrive at the Marrakech Menara International Airport, your driver and guide will be waiting to greet you. Drive across the Atlas Mountains from the airport to the renowned desert citadel of Ait Benhaddou. Many well-known films and TV shows, including Game of Thrones, have used the city as their setting.
   • When you get there in the evening, you and your guide can walk around the defences. An impressive illustration of southern Moroccan architecture can be found at this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The majority of the fort's structures are homes, and it is encircled by strong defensive walls that are bolstered by angled towers and an armoured gate. Visit the location to get a complete view of pre-Saharan earthen construction methods.
   • After that, check into your quaint and cosy hotel, take in your first Moroccan meal, and then get some well-earned rest.

2. Day 2: ATVs, Camels, and Saharan Skies

   • ATV tours of the Kasbah Ait Benhaddou will get your heart rate up this morning. Visit the film studios to find out why Ouarzazate is referred to as the "Hollywood of Morocco." Drive into the Sahara desert later on in the day.
   • Leave the paved road behind and ride in a caravan of camels into the desert at the end of the drive. In the evening, arrive at camp in time for dinner, which will be served to traditional music. 
   • Before unwinding for the night in the comfort of your opulent tent, take in views of the starry night sky.

3. Day 3: The Sahara to Marrakech

   • For today's sunrise over the sand dunes, get up early. Spend the morning exploring the surrounding desert after breakfast at the camp. Sandboarding down the dunes might be fun, or you could just relax and take in the silence.
   • After that, drive to Marrakech while traversing the stunning and inaccessible desert plains and the snow-capped Atlas Mountains. Arrive in Marrakech in the late afternoon after stopping for lunch along the way in a Berber village.
   • After settling into your opulent riad in the heart of Marrakech's medina, savour a fine Moroccan meal.

4. Day 4: Sights and Souks of Marrakech

   • Before leaving for a full-day tour of Ochre City, have breakfast at your riad. In order to see traditional Moroccan architecture and tile mosaics, start by visiting the well-known Koutoubia Mosque. Then, move on to the Bahia Palace and Saadian Tombs. Visit the Mellah to discover more about Morocco's important but little-known Jewish heritage. 
   • On a terrace with a view of the spice markets, pause for a midday meal. Try the tagine and a cup of cooling mint tea before venturing out for the afternoon to explore the souks, or markets, that are spread throughout the medina's narrow lanes. The shops offer a wide range of Moroccan-made gifts and souvenirs, as well as everything from clothing to spices and household items.
   • Make your way to the expansive Djema El Fna Square in the evening to witness a vibrant medley of street entertainers, fortune tellers, musicians, and food vendors.

5. Day 5: Majorelle Gardens and Tagine Time!

   • Explore Majorelle Gardens, a one-hectare (two-acre) botanical garden and artist's landscape garden in Marrakech, Morocco.

6. Day 6: Ochre City to the Ocean

   • Take a hot air balloon ride over the palm oases and tiny Berber villages that surround Marrakech in the early morning.
   • Visit an Argan oil cooperative en route; this ingredient has become increasingly popular in cosmetic and beauty products worldwide. To extract 2.2 lbs (1 kg) of oil, approximately 88 lbs (40 kg) of backbreaking labour are needed, performed by a workforce that is primarily made up of women. The argan trees are unfortunately exploited because of the high demand and labour-intensive process.
   • After that, have lunch and sample some local wines at Val D'Argan, a nearby vineyard. After arriving in Essaouira late in the day, spend the evening lounging by the sea.

7. Day 7: Exploring Essaouira

   • Head out for a guided tour of the city's historic neighbourhoods after breakfast, starting with the medina, artisan cooperatives, and Jewish heritage sites. Essaouira exudes a laid-back coastal vibe thanks to its stunning blue and white architecture, easygoing coastal charm, and lovely beaches. Learn about the city's Carthaginian, Roman, and Portuguese past throughout the day.
   • Discover the woodworking shops, artist communities, and quiet alleyways that line the city's old town, as well as the sea walls from the 18th century. After watching fishermen unload their day's catch along the harbour, take a break for a delicious seafood lunch in a sidewalk cafe.
   • Take the remainder of the afternoon to explore the city. Enjoy browsing the relaxed market and medina for pottery, wood carvings, and other gifts. Try kitesurfing or another water sport if you enjoy the adventure.

8. Day 8: Departure Day

   • After saying goodbye to your driver and guide, who has by this point become lifelong friends, go to the Casablanca Airport to catch your next flight home. Travel safely!