8-Day M’Hamid Desert, Marrakech and Essaouira Tour

Welcome to Morocco! Upon arrival at Marrakech Menara International Airport, meet your private driver and begin your journey across the magnificent High Atlas Mountains.

Travel through dramatic mountain scenery and continue toward Ait Ben Haddou, one of southern Morocco’s most celebrated historic sites. This fortified earthen village has appeared in numerous international films and television productions.

Upon arrival, explore the UNESCO-listed ksar with a local guide. Walk through its narrow passages, discover traditional homes and fortified towers, and learn about the earthen construction methods used throughout pre-Saharan Morocco.

Climb to a panoramic viewpoint to admire the surrounding valley before checking into your hotel. Enjoy your first Moroccan dinner and relax after the journey.

After breakfast, begin the day with an exciting guided ATV experience through the landscapes surrounding Ait Ben Haddou. Safety equipment and operating instructions are provided before the activity.

Continue toward Ouarzazate, often called the Hollywood of Morocco, and discover the region’s connection to international cinema. An optional visit to the film studios can be arranged according to opening hours.

Travel south through Agdz and follow the beautiful Draa Valley. Pass palm groves, traditional villages and historic kasbahs before continuing through Zagora to M’Hamid El Ghizlane, the final oasis of the Draa Valley and a gateway to the desert.

Near M’Hamid, meet your camel team and ride across the desert landscape as the afternoon light begins to soften.

Arrive at your camp in time to admire the sunset. Enjoy dinner accompanied by traditional music before spending a peaceful night beneath the Saharan stars in a comfortable private tent.

Wake up early to admire the sunrise over the desert near M’Hamid El Ghizlane. After breakfast at camp, enjoy time to explore the surrounding landscape or try sandboarding when the terrain and weather conditions permit.

Leave the desert and begin the full-day journey to Marrakech. Travel north through the Draa Valley, passing Zagora, Agdz and Ouarzazate.

Stop for lunch and photographs along the route before crossing the spectacular High Atlas Mountains.

Arrive in Marrakech in the evening and check into a beautiful riad in the historic medina. After the long journey, relax at your accommodation and enjoy a Moroccan dinner.

After breakfast, meet your licensed local guide for a full-day exploration of Marrakech, known as the Ochre City.

Begin near the iconic Koutoubia Mosque before visiting Bahia Palace and the historic Saadian Tombs. Admire peaceful courtyards, carved plaster, colourful zellige tiles and traditional Moroccan architecture.

Continue through the Mellah, Marrakech’s former Jewish quarter, and learn about the important contribution of Morocco’s Jewish communities to the city’s history and culture.

Enjoy lunch on a terrace overlooking the medina before exploring Marrakech’s colourful souks. Browse shops selling spices, textiles, carpets, lanterns, leather goods and handmade souvenirs.

Finish the day at Jemaa el-Fna, where musicians, storytellers, performers and food vendors create one of Morocco’s most memorable evening atmospheres.

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before visiting Majorelle Garden, one of Marrakech’s most celebrated attractions.

Walk among exotic plants, bamboo, palm trees, fountains, cacti and distinctive blue architecture. Depending on your selected ticket, you may also visit the Pierre Bergé Museum of Berber Arts inside the garden.

Continue to the nearby Yves Saint Laurent Museum, which celebrates the designer’s creative career and his special connection with Marrakech. Afterwards, browse nearby Moroccan art, fashion and design boutiques.

In the afternoon, join a hands-on Moroccan cooking class. Learn how to prepare a traditional tajine, Moroccan bread, fresh salad and mint tea with guidance from a local cook.

Complete the experience by enjoying the meal you prepared, followed by a traditional Moroccan dessert.

Choose an optional early-morning hot-air balloon flight over the countryside surrounding Marrakech. Admire palm groves, traditional villages and distant views of the Atlas Mountains as the sun rises. The flight is subject to weather and safety conditions.

After breakfast, leave Marrakech and travel west toward the Atlantic coast. Stop at a women’s argan oil cooperative to learn how argan kernels are processed into culinary and cosmetic products.

Continue to a vineyard in the Essaouira region for an optional lunch and tasting of locally produced wines. A traditional lunch and non-alcoholic alternative can be arranged for travellers who do not drink wine.

Arrive in Essaouira during the afternoon, check into your accommodation and enjoy a relaxing evening beside the Atlantic Ocean.

After breakfast, meet your local guide and begin exploring Essaouira, a historic fortified town overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.

Walk through the UNESCO-listed medina and discover artisan cooperatives, traditional workshops and sites connected to the city’s Jewish heritage. Learn about Essaouira’s multicultural history and its role as an important Atlantic trading port.

Visit the eighteenth-century sea ramparts and explore streets lined with wood workshops, art galleries and white-and-blue buildings.

Continue to the fishing harbour, where traditional blue boats fill the port and fishermen unload the daily catch. Enjoy a fresh seafood lunch at a local restaurant.

Spend the afternoon shopping for thuya wood carvings, pottery, textiles and other Moroccan crafts. Travellers seeking additional adventure can arrange a kitesurfing lesson, camel ride, horseback ride or another coastal activity.After breakfast, meet your local guide and begin exploring Essaouira, a historic fortified town overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.

Walk through the UNESCO-listed medina and discover artisan cooperatives, traditional workshops and sites connected to the city’s Jewish heritage. Learn about Essaouira’s multicultural history and its role as an important Atlantic trading port.

Visit the eighteenth-century sea ramparts and explore streets lined with wood workshops, art galleries and white-and-blue buildings.

Continue to the fishing harbour, where traditional blue boats fill the port and fishermen unload the daily catch. Enjoy a fresh seafood lunch at a local restaurant.

Spend the afternoon shopping for thuya wood carvings, pottery, textiles and other Moroccan crafts. Travellers seeking additional adventure can arrange a kitesurfing lesson, camel ride, horseback ride or another coastal activity.

After breakfast, say goodbye to Essaouira and meet your private driver for the journey to Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport.

The transfer normally requires approximately four and a half to five hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. For this reason, a late-afternoon or evening departure flight is strongly recommended.

Your private Morocco tour ends with wonderful memories of Ait Ben Haddou, the Draa Valley, M’Hamid Desert, Marrakech and the Atlantic coast.