Itinerary

1. Day 1: Arrival in Marrakech

   • Arrival at Marrakech Menara Airport.

   • Welcome and transfer to your hotel in the city.

   Overnight stay at a Marrakech hotel.

2. Day 2: Marrakech – Telouet – Ait Benhaddou (181 km)

   • Depart south via the Tichka road, the highest road crossing in Morocco and North Africa.

   • Visit Telouet Kasbah, which controlled caravan passages for five centuries.

   • Continue to Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

   • Optional walk through narrow streets of the old town and visit traditional houses.

   Dinner and overnight stay at Ait Benhaddou hotel.

3. Day 3: Ait Benhaddou – Dades – Tinghir (190 km)

   • Descend to Ouarzazate.

   • Head east to the Dades Gorges.

   • Hike through the Dades Gorges and admire geological curiosities (e.g., "Monkey Fingers" and Valley of Human Bodies).

   • Visit Todgha Gorges, with rock walls reaching 300 meters high.

   • Stop at a pottery workshop in El-Hart village.

   Dinner and overnight stay at Tinghir hotel.

4. Day 4: Tinghir – Merzouga (195 km)

   • Pass through Sijilmassa, the ancient hub of trans-Saharan trade.

   • Visit the Tafilalet palm grove and arrive in Erfoud.

   • Transfer to Merzouga for a desert adventure.

   • Watch the sunset over the dunes at your bivouac.

   Dinner and overnight stay at Merzouga Camp.

5. Day 5: Merzouga – Ouarzazate (360 km)

   • Wake up early to watch the sunrise over the desert.

   • Depart for Rissani, the capital of the ancient Alaouite sultans.

   • Continue to Alnif, Tazarine Oasis, and N'Kob.

   • Arrive in Ouarzazate.

   Dinner and overnight stay at Ouarzazate hotel.

6. Day 6: Ouarzazate – Marrakech (219 km)

   • After breakfast, head to Marrakech via Tizintichka.

   • Afternoon optional activities in Agafay (e.g., quad biking, camel riding).

   Dinner and overnight stay at a Marrakech hotel.

7. Day 7: Marrakech – Essaouira (171 km)

   • Depart for Essaouira, a 2.5-hour drive along the coastal road.

   • See families of goats perched on argan trees.

   • Visit an argan oil cooperative.

   • Explore Essaouira’s ramparts and gates of two different architectural styles.

   Overnight stay in Essaouira.

8. Day 8: Essaouira

   • Free day to explore Essaouira.

   • Visit Skala of the Kasbah, an 18th-century fortress facing the Atlantic Ocean.

   • Discover the Gates of Essaouira, showcasing different architectural styles.

   Overnight stay in Essaouira hotel.

9. Day 9: Essaouira – Marrakech (175 km)

   • After breakfast, transfer back to Marrakech.

   • Afternoon guided tour of Marrakech, exploring its rich history and dynastic remains.

   • Visit Koutoubia Mosque gardens, Saadian Tombs, Bahia Palace.

   • Explore Jemaa el-Fna Square with street performers and artists.

   Overnight stay at a Marrakech hotel.

10. Day 10: Marrakech Cooking Class

    • Join a 4-hour cooking class to learn Moroccan culinary traditions.

    • Begin with fresh mint tea while meeting other participants.

    • Learn cooking techniques for preparing traditional dishes (e.g., tagines).

    • Discuss Moroccan culture, history, and traditions during the class.

    • Taste and enjoy the dishes you prepare.

    • Free time afterward.

    Overnight stay at a Marrakech hotel.

11. Day 11: Marrakech

    • Transfer to Marrakech airport for departure.