Marrakech and Mountains

Welcome to Marrakech, a beautiful city at the foot of the Atlas Mountains with an exciting mix of old and new. It’s filled with history, a place where the sights of snake charmers, fortune tellers, lively bazaars and centuries-old markets overflowing with spices, hookahs and tapestries, can be found around almost every corner. Upon your arrival, private transfer will bring you to your four- or five-star accommodation where you’ll have the rest of the day to enjoy at your leisure.

This morning private transfer will drive you to your hotel in the gateway of the Sahara Desert, Ouarzazate, located south of the High Atlas Mountains. It’s Morocco’s film capital with everything from “Star Wars” to “Lawrence of Arabia” shot here. After checking in and taking time to refresh, you’ll enjoy an afternoon visit to the former el Glaoui palace, the kasbah of Taourirt, a maze of passageways with nearly 300 rooms that reveal one of the country’s most impressive historical legacies.

After breakfast, you’ll be driven by private transfer to Zagora, travelling through the Draa valley’s oases and kasbahs, a succession of spectacular sights, including mountains and deserts bursting with shimmering colours. The mountain that rises up behind Zagora provides a dramatic welcome, along with a popular road sign stating it’s 52 days to Timbuktu, making it a popular photo-op. Check into your hotel then stroll through the city to uncover hidden gems like the vibrant street art that depicts the region.

Follow an inspiring guide for an in-depth look at Zagora on a city tour where you might experience a traditional souk (Moroccan market), the largest in the south, where live animals and produce are sold alongside local handicrafts and traditional clothing. Drive to your hotel in the oasis town of Erfoud via private transfer where you’ll have the option to take a 4X4 excursion to Merzouga to watch a colourful sunset with mountains on one side and dunes on the other.

Meet private transfer this morning for the drive back to your hotel in Ouarzazate, with a stop to visit the remote Todgha Gorge, a massive canyon with steep cliff sides that was carved by the river through the limestone. While the water has dried up, it left behind this series of etches and reliefs. Continuing on to your final destination, you’ll travel through the heart of the Dades Valley, including the oases of Boumalne Dades and El Kelaa Mgouna (Valley of Roses).

Your journey brings you back to Marrakech by private transfer to your hotel where you’ll spend the next two nights. Stop in the historic walled village of Ait Benhaddou which lies along a former caravan route. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s mostly abandoned, filled with crumbling walls and towering kasbahs. In the 1940s there were over 90 families living here but today just five remain within the fortress. The striking visage features 17th-century Moroccan architecture and includes a public square.

Enjoy a guided tour of the city this morning, perhaps visiting highlights like Bahia Palace, the Saadian Tombs and Koutoubia Mosque. This afternoon you’ll take a trip to the souks and famous Djemaa el Fna square, the epicenter of Marrakech in the medina. The lively atmosphere that never slows down generates an exciting buzz accommodating a variety of tastes with everything from monkey tamers to musicians, tattoo artists and merchants with fascinating shops. An optional dinner show can be enjoyed this evening.

Your memorable 7-night tour ends after breakfast this morning. After checking out of your hotel, you’ll be met by private transfer to Marrakech airport to catch your flight home, or for further travels. If you would like to explore more of Morocco or tour another spectacular destination, our travel experts will be happy to create a bespoke addition.