Marrakech, Atlas Mountains, desert & beach
7 Days Morocco Desert and the Coast Tour from Marrakech
Carefully selected hotels, Kasbahs, Riads. Includes one night in a traditional Berber camp
Qualified multilingual local guides / drivers.
Air-conditioned 4WD vehicle(s), mini bus or motor-coach
Marrakech, Atlas Mountains, Ait Benhaddou, Ouarzazate, Skoura, Roses Valley, Todra Canyon, Roses valley, Erfoud, Erg Chebbi dunes, night in Sahara, Rissani, Draa Valley, Draa Valley, Agdz, Essaouira
Conducting preliminary research on flights from your nearest airport to find the most cost-effective options for landing in and departing from Morocco would be valuable. Please note that our tours are flexible, and we can commence from any city that aligns with your schedule.
Upon your arrival to Marrakech airport we will meet you and take you to your hotel in the center of the city. Afterwards you will be free to wander into the chaos and color of Djemaa el Fna, the vibrant marketplace in the center of the medina which comes alive at night.
Your Best Travel guide and driver will pick you up directly from your accommodation or port of entry before escaping the hustle and bustle of Marrakech. We will cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n'Tichka Pass, which reaches an altitude of 2,260 meters (7,415 feet) and is the highest mountain pass in North Africa. The road passes through various villages typical of the northern slopes of the Atlas, where corn can be seen ripening in the sun on the packed-earth roofs of the stone houses.
We will continue across the territory of the powerful Glaoua tribe where a number of ancient kasbahs and fortified granaries can be seen dotting the countryside before we reach Ait Benhaddou, a fortified village classified by UNESCO as one of the world's cultural treasures. At Ait Benhaddou we will stop for lunch and to give you some time to explore the kasbah for yourself.
Our journey will continue towards the Skoura Oasis, filled with dense palm groves crossed by a network of tracks running between kasbahs, ksours, and farms. We will head towards the Roses Valley and into the Dades Valley on the "Road of a Thousand Kasbahs", passing the fortresses of M'Goun and the countless traditional Berber adobe houses that perch along the riversides, sometimes barely distinguishable from the rocks themselves. We will spend the night in the Dades Valley.
Distance: 205 miles- 331 km
Average Driving Time: 6 hours ( excluding the stops )
After having breakfast and checking out of our hotel, we will drive to Tinghir, a former military outpost on the banks of the Oued Todra, where olive, pomegranate, and orange trees flourish. The road through the Todra Gorges follows the right bank of the river, which is covered with palm trees and is one of the most beautiful oases in Morocco. We will continue farther east into the narrowest and most spectacular section of the gorges, where we will take some time to wander among the towering rock walls and narrow corridors.
That afternoon we will leave for Erfoud, crossing the palm grove of Tinjdad and Touroug, and visit a workshop where local fossils are produced. Afterwards we will continue straight to the desert village of Merzouga, which lies right on the edge of the Erg Chebbi sand dunes. You will have a chance to leave all unnecessary luggage behind in safe rooms at a hotel before mounting your camel and riding into the Moroccan Sahara. Your one and a half hour camel trek will take you to a Berber camp in the middle of the Erg Chebbi sand dunes, the highest in North Africa, with some dunes rising to 820 feet.
The camp features three comfortable Berber tents equipped with mattresses, linens, toilets, a restaurant, and a kitchen. The evening will consist of stargazing and a Moroccan dinner followed by a traditional music show. We will spend the night in the silence of the desert, and you can relax outside and marvel at the Milky Way spreading across the pitch-black night sky.
Distance: 164 miles- 265 km
Average Driving Time: 4 hours ( excluding the stops )
If you would like, your camel guide will wake you up early so that you can watch the spectacle of sunrise, when the color of the sand contrasts beautifully with the play of shadows on the dunes. After a cup of tea, we will ride the camels back to the kasbah, where we will be able to freshen up before heading into the Draa Valley. Besides the natural, historical, and architectural wonders found in the valley, there are also countless villages that seem to have remained untouched by the modern world. Fully veiled women can be seen washing clothes on the riverbanks and the men seem watchful and unaccustomed to foreign visitors. These local people, besides speaking a vernacular Arabic dialect, also speak Imazighen, the language of the Berber or Tamazight people, the indigenous inhabitants of North Africa for thousands of years.
Our route will continue along the "Road of 1000 Kasbahs", which will take us to Ouarzazate (pronounced Warzza-zat), a city in the middle of a barren plateau at an altitude of 1160 meters, established at the crossroads of all routes going north, south, east, and west. Its geographical position has made it a key trading post since ancient times. The capital of a large province, the town's northern limits run along the foothills of the High Atlas, and its southern borders disappear into the vastness of the Sahara Desert. The area is still mostly populated by the Berber people, who were the original builders of the numerous fortified kasbahs and dwellings for which the region is famous. After checking in at our hotel, you can enjoy an afternoon beside the swimming pool and enjoy the clean desert air.
Distance: 119 miles- 193 km
Average Driving Time: 4 hours ( excluding the stops )
After breakfast you will have the option to go quad biking over the desert plains or to visit the Ouarzazate's famous film studios. Known as the "Hollywood of Morocco", Ouarzazate's studios have produced films including "Lawrence of Arabia", "Alexander the Great", "The Last Temptation of Christ" and "The Living Daylights". Afterwards we will take a trip to the nearby Kasbah Ait Benhaddou, the most famous kasbah in Morocco, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the backdrop for many of Ouarzazate's films. In the afternoon we'll drive north across the High Atlas Mountains. The road, completed by the French Foreign Legion in 1936, winds up over the Tizi n'Tichka Pass and offers stunning views over the mountains before descending past Berber villages to the plains surrounding Marrakech. We will continue for the seaside town of Essaouira.
A relaxing drive through lush valleys filled with orange groves, ancient olive trees, and argan oil cooperatives will take you to this UNESCO World Heritage listed city. This windswept fishing port, with broad beaches and an ancient walled medina has long been a popular destination where many of the country's wood carvers and artists have made their home. Stroll along the ramparts and beach as you take in the relaxed vibe of the small but lively medina, or visit the port to see the catch of the day. Essaouira also hosts the Gnaoua Music Festival every June. We will have dinner in Essaouira and spend the night in a tranquil local hotel.
Distance: 237 miles- 383 km
Average Driving Time: 7 hours ( excluding the stops )
After breakfast, we will leave the Atlantic coast and head back to Marrakech; Even today, the name Marrakech conjures up imagery right out of Arabian Nights - alleyways, souks, and market stalls. This remarkable city, with the graceful architecture of the renowned Koutoubia Minaret dominating the skyline and dating from the 11th century, never fails to satisfy the curiosity of adventurous travelers; So, we will explore the world-famous city of Marrakech, the second oldest imperial city, known as the "Southern Pearl" of Morocco, which has for centuries been an important stop for both traders and travelers. A guided tour will lead you through the labyrinth of Marrakech's winding streets and past hidden gardens and souks.
You will continue to the Djemaa el Fna, which is one of the main cultural spaces in Marrakech and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with the minaret of the Koutoubia Mosque towering alongside. In the evening this square overflows with food stalls, dancers, acrobats, fortune tellers, musicians, and henna artists. You will have a chance to relax at one of the many cafes surrounding the square to take in all the sights. You can spend the afternoon at leisure, pampering yourself at a local hammam or exploring the souks of the medina for yourself.
Distance: 109 miles- 176 km
Average Driving Time: 3 hours ( excluding the stops )
Today we will make as much use of our time as possible, wandering around the souks of Marrakech and finding souvenirs or last- minute gifts for friends before we take you to Marrakech Menara airport with plenty of time to catch your departure flight.
Upon your arrival, our guide will greet you and smoothly transport you to your selected hotel/riad. A briefing will acquaint you with your upcoming Moroccan adventure. The afternoon is yours to savor at your leisure, allowing you to explore the vibrant city at your own pace. Embrace the rich tapestry of Marrakech's culture, from bustling markets to historical landmarks, or simply unwind in the unique charm of your accommodation. This flexible afternoon sets the stage for an unforgettable Moroccan experience tailored to your preferences.
Your guide will pick you up directly from your accommodation in Marrakech. You will escape the hustle and bustle of the red city and cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n'Tichka Pass, which reaches an altitude of 2,260 meters (7,415 feet) and is the highest mountain pass in North Africa. The road passes through various villages typical of the northern slopes of the Atlas, where corn can be seen ripening in the sun on the packed-earth roofs of the stone houses.
You will continue across the territory of the powerful Glaoua tribe where a number of ancient kasbahs and fortified granaries can be seen dotting the countryside before we reach Ait Benhaddou, a fortified village classified by UNESCO as one of the world's cultural treasures. At Ait Benhaddou we will stop for lunch and to give you some time to explore the kasbah for yourself. Our journey will continue towards the Skoura Oasis, filled with dense palm groves crossed by a network of tracks running between kasbahs, ksours, and farms.
Next, towards the Roses Valley and into the Dades Valley on the "Road of a Thousand Kasbahs", passing the fortresses of M'Goun and the countless traditional Berber adobe houses that perch along the riversides, sometimes barely distinguishable from the rocks themselves. You will spend the night in the Dades Valley.
If you would like, your camel guide will wake you up early so that you can watch the spectacle of sunrise, when the color of the sand contrasts beautifully with the play of shadows on the dunes. After a cup of tea, we will ride the camels back to the kasbah, where we will be able to freshen up before heading to Ouarzazate (pronounced Warzza-zat)via nkob the 45 kasbahs village and the Draa Valley. Besides the natural, historical, and architectural wonders found in the valley, there are also countless villages that seem to have remained untouched by the modern world. Fully veiled women can be seen washing clothes on the riverbanks and the men seem watchful and unaccustomed to foreign visitors. These local people, besides speaking a vernacular Arabic dialect, also speak Imazighen, the language of the Berber or Tamazight people, the indigenous inhabitants of North Africa for thousands of years. The area is still mostly populated by the Berber people, who were the original builders of the numerous fortified kasbahs and dwellings for which the region is famous. After checking in at our hotel, you can enjoy an afternoon beside the swimming pool and enjoy the clean desert air.
We will start our captivating day through the enchanting landscapes of Morocco in Ouarzazate. From there, we'll explore the Atlas Mountains, a breathtaking range offering panoramic views and traditional Berber villages.
Continuing our adventure, we'll visit the historic Telouet Kasbah, boasting intricate architecture and rich history.
Next stop is the fascinating Salt Mine, where ancient mining techniques reveal a captivating glimpse into Morocco's past.
Finally, we'll conclude our journey in Essaouira, a coastal gem known for its charming medina, vibrant arts scene, and picturesque beaches.
We exclude the entrance fees to monuments and cultural sights from the tour total cost in order to not charge you for things you might not be interested in visiting, Please let us know if you need a list of all the monuments that require a fee for entry.
Our tours are designed to be flexible and accommodating. Our knowledgeable guide will offer various options ( both paid and unpaid worth to visit ) for objectives and sights not only in each city but also along the way. Additionally, we're committed to offering the best possible experience for our clients.
We intentionally exclude dinners in urban areas or big cities for two main reasons. Firstly, dining at Riads or hotels in city settings tends to be relatively expensive. Secondly, the presence of a variety of restaurant options in cities allows our clients to choose according to their budget and preferences.
We can arrange cooking classes/ Hammam & SPA / Hot air balloon / ATV Quads / Dune buggies and any additional activiy available in any destination upon request.
We have over 20 years of experience crafting a Moroccan experience perfectly tailored to our guests needs. These are our most common itineraries, to be used as starting points in developing yours.
Upon your arrival to Marrakech airport we will meet you and take you to your hotel in the center of the city. Afterwards you will be free to wander into the chaos and color of Djemaa el Fna, the vibrant marketplace in the center of the medina which comes alive at night.
Your Best Travel guide and driver will pick you up directly from your accommodation or port of entry before escaping the hustle and bustle of Marrakech. We will cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n'Tichka Pass, which reaches an altitude of 2,260 meters (7,415 feet) and is the highest mountain pass in North Africa. The road passes through various villages typical of the northern slopes of the Atlas, where corn can be seen ripening in the sun on the packed-earth roofs of the stone houses.
We will continue across the territory of the powerful Glaoua tribe where a number of ancient kasbahs and fortified granaries can be seen dotting the countryside before we reach Ait Benhaddou, a fortified village classified by UNESCO as one of the world's cultural treasures. At Ait Benhaddou we will stop for lunch and to give you some time to explore the kasbah for yourself.
Our journey will continue towards the Skoura Oasis, filled with dense palm groves crossed by a network of tracks running between kasbahs, ksours, and farms. We will head towards the Roses Valley and into the Dades Valley on the "Road of a Thousand Kasbahs", passing the fortresses of M'Goun and the countless traditional Berber adobe houses that perch along the riversides, sometimes barely distinguishable from the rocks themselves. We will spend the night in the Dades Valley.
Distance: 205 miles- 331 km
Average Driving Time: 6 hours ( excluding the stops )
After having breakfast and checking out of our hotel, we will drive to Tinghir, a former military outpost on the banks of the Oued Todra, where olive, pomegranate, and orange trees flourish. The road through the Todra Gorges follows the right bank of the river, which is covered with palm trees and is one of the most beautiful oases in Morocco. We will continue farther east into the narrowest and most spectacular section of the gorges, where we will take some time to wander among the towering rock walls and narrow corridors.
That afternoon we will leave for Erfoud, crossing the palm grove of Tinjdad and Touroug, and visit a workshop where local fossils are produced. Afterwards we will continue straight to the desert village of Merzouga, which lies right on the edge of the Erg Chebbi sand dunes. You will have a chance to leave all unnecessary luggage behind in safe rooms at a hotel before mounting your camel and riding into the Moroccan Sahara. Your one and a half hour camel trek will take you to a Berber camp in the middle of the Erg Chebbi sand dunes, the highest in North Africa, with some dunes rising to 820 feet.
The camp features three comfortable Berber tents equipped with mattresses, linens, toilets, a restaurant, and a kitchen. The evening will consist of stargazing and a Moroccan dinner followed by a traditional music show. We will spend the night in the silence of the desert, and you can relax outside and marvel at the Milky Way spreading across the pitch-black night sky.
Distance: 164 miles- 265 km
Average Driving Time: 4 hours ( excluding the stops )
If you would like, your camel guide will wake you up early so that you can watch the spectacle of sunrise, when the color of the sand contrasts beautifully with the play of shadows on the dunes. After a cup of tea, we will ride the camels back to the kasbah, where we will be able to freshen up before heading into the Draa Valley. Besides the natural, historical, and architectural wonders found in the valley, there are also countless villages that seem to have remained untouched by the modern world. Fully veiled women can be seen washing clothes on the riverbanks and the men seem watchful and unaccustomed to foreign visitors. These local people, besides speaking a vernacular Arabic dialect, also speak Imazighen, the language of the Berber or Tamazight people, the indigenous inhabitants of North Africa for thousands of years.
Our route will continue along the "Road of 1000 Kasbahs", which will take us to Ouarzazate (pronounced Warzza-zat), a city in the middle of a barren plateau at an altitude of 1160 meters, established at the crossroads of all routes going north, south, east, and west. Its geographical position has made it a key trading post since ancient times. The capital of a large province, the town's northern limits run along the foothills of the High Atlas, and its southern borders disappear into the vastness of the Sahara Desert. The area is still mostly populated by the Berber people, who were the original builders of the numerous fortified kasbahs and dwellings for which the region is famous. After checking in at our hotel, you can enjoy an afternoon beside the swimming pool and enjoy the clean desert air.
Distance: 119 miles- 193 km
Average Driving Time: 4 hours ( excluding the stops )
After breakfast you will have the option to go quad biking over the desert plains or to visit the Ouarzazate's famous film studios. Known as the "Hollywood of Morocco", Ouarzazate's studios have produced films including "Lawrence of Arabia", "Alexander the Great", "The Last Temptation of Christ" and "The Living Daylights". Afterwards we will take a trip to the nearby Kasbah Ait Benhaddou, the most famous kasbah in Morocco, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the backdrop for many of Ouarzazate's films. In the afternoon we'll drive north across the High Atlas Mountains. The road, completed by the French Foreign Legion in 1936, winds up over the Tizi n'Tichka Pass and offers stunning views over the mountains before descending past Berber villages to the plains surrounding Marrakech. We will continue for the seaside town of Essaouira.
A relaxing drive through lush valleys filled with orange groves, ancient olive trees, and argan oil cooperatives will take you to this UNESCO World Heritage listed city. This windswept fishing port, with broad beaches and an ancient walled medina has long been a popular destination where many of the country's wood carvers and artists have made their home. Stroll along the ramparts and beach as you take in the relaxed vibe of the small but lively medina, or visit the port to see the catch of the day. Essaouira also hosts the Gnaoua Music Festival every June. We will have dinner in Essaouira and spend the night in a tranquil local hotel.
Distance: 237 miles- 383 km
Average Driving Time: 7 hours ( excluding the stops )
After breakfast, we will leave the Atlantic coast and head back to Marrakech; Even today, the name Marrakech conjures up imagery right out of Arabian Nights - alleyways, souks, and market stalls. This remarkable city, with the graceful architecture of the renowned Koutoubia Minaret dominating the skyline and dating from the 11th century, never fails to satisfy the curiosity of adventurous travelers; So, we will explore the world-famous city of Marrakech, the second oldest imperial city, known as the "Southern Pearl" of Morocco, which has for centuries been an important stop for both traders and travelers. A guided tour will lead you through the labyrinth of Marrakech's winding streets and past hidden gardens and souks.
You will continue to the Djemaa el Fna, which is one of the main cultural spaces in Marrakech and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with the minaret of the Koutoubia Mosque towering alongside. In the evening this square overflows with food stalls, dancers, acrobats, fortune tellers, musicians, and henna artists. You will have a chance to relax at one of the many cafes surrounding the square to take in all the sights. You can spend the afternoon at leisure, pampering yourself at a local hammam or exploring the souks of the medina for yourself.
Distance: 109 miles- 176 km
Average Driving Time: 3 hours ( excluding the stops )
Today we will make as much use of our time as possible, wandering around the souks of Marrakech and finding souvenirs or last- minute gifts for friends before we take you to Marrakech Menara airport with plenty of time to catch your departure flight.
We are experts at creating a Moroccan experience perfectly tailored to our guests needs. These are some of our most popular itineraries, and they may be customized to the utmost extent of your imaginations.
+212 677 365 421 (WhatsApp)
+212 661 469 661
hello@besttravelmorocco.com
Angle boulevard Emile Zola et Rue Rethel
7éme Étage N°20
Casablanca 20300 Morocco
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