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The Atlas, Sahara & Coast : 9-Day Morocco Expedition
TRIP SUMMARY
Explore Morocco’s diversity on a 9-day journey from the M’Goun UNESCO Geopark and Aït Bougmez Valley to the Zagora Desert and Essaouira.
Experience the absolute diversity of the Kingdom on this grand 9-day circuit through Morocco's most storied landscapes. This curated journey transcends the standard tourist trails, leading you from the vibrant energy of Marrakech into the ancient, silent heart of the M’Goun UNESCO Global Geopark. Witness the thunderous power of the Ouzoud Waterfalls and the sapphire-blue serenity of Bin El Ouidane before ascending into the emerald "Happy Valley" of Aït Bougmez.
As you cross the rugged High Atlas, you will navigate the dramatic vertical walls of the Dades Gorges and descend into the palm-fringed Draa Valley, culminating in an unforgettable night under the desert stars in Zagora. Your adventure then turns west toward the Atlantic, traversing the fertile Souss Valley to reach the "Little Marrakech" of Taroudant and the bohemian, salt-aired ramparts of Essaouira. This odyssey offers an unparalleled fusion of alpine heights, Saharan majesty, and coastal calm, revealing the authentic soul of Morocco at every turn.
Trip Length
9 Days
Trip Type
Adventure, Culture, Nature, Family
Ideal Season
All Year Around
ITINERARY BREAKDOWN
Day 1: Arrive to Marrakech
Transfer 15 min
Welcome to Morocco! Your specialist will await your arrival in Marrakech and transfer you to your cozy riad, where you'll spend the night.
After you check in, your tour manager will make help you get settled; you can unwind at your riad or hit the streets of Marrakech to explore at your leisure. If you'd like some ideas of what to see today, would like dinner recommendations, or help with reservations, just let your specialist know!
Day 2: Explore Marrakech
Transport, Breakfast, Majorelle Gardens, Bahia Palace, Madrassa Ben Yousef & Guides Tour
Your personalized journey begins as your certified local expert meets you in your hotel lobby for a seamless start to your Private Marrakech City Tour. The morning commences with a visit to the world-renowned Jardin Majorelle in the modern Gueliz district, where you can wander through the botanical sanctuary and iconic "Majorelle Blue" villa that defines the Yves Saint Laurent legacy. After exploring this modern oasis, your private transfer whisks you to the heart of the UNESCO-listed Medina for a deep dive into the "Red City’s" Almoravid origins and the vibrant Amazigh and Andalusian influences that shaped it. Your immersive circuit is fully customizable to your interests whether you wish to marvel at the Bahia Palace’s intricate zellige tilework, explore the scholarly halls of the Ben Youssef Madrasa, or navigate the legendary souks to witness master ironmongers and weavers practicing their ancestral craftsmanship. By combining the tranquility of the gardens with the hidden gems of the ancient labyrinth, your guide serves as a cultural bridge, offering an in-depth look at Moroccan artisanal heritage and the authentic soul of Marrakech like never before.
Day 3: Marrakech to Bin El Ouidan via Ouzoud
Transport (4 hrs) , Breakfast & Dinner
This morning after breakfast, you'll depart from Marrakech and make your way into the High Atlas Mountains to Ouzoud, the home of one of Africa's highest waterfalls. This spectacular multi-step waterfall towers 330 feet (101 m) tall, and its banks are home to the Atlas monkeys (aka Barbary apes), who never cease to entertain. Climb to the top of the falls for a spectacular view, then make your way down to the bottom of the cascade, where you can go for a swim (weather permitting), take a boat ride under the falls, or just enjoy the view from one of the many terraces.
Wander around the beautiful enclave and enjoy lunch, then hit the road to reach today's final destination: The lake Of Bin El Ouidan. you'll check into your riad and dinner.
Day 4: Bin El Ouidane to Dades via Bouguemez
Transport (5-6 hrs) , Breakfast & Dinner
Enjoy breakfast, You will head to the famous valley of Ait Bouguemaz for lunch. After, you'll journey off the beaten path on an epic off-road adventure deep into the High Atlas Mountains to Dadès Valley, where you'll enjoy scenic stops, perhaps with a local nomad family. You'll also have a chance to stretch your legs with some light hiking in this beautiful area of Morocco. You'll arrive at your accommodations in the evening in time for dinner.
Day 5: Dades to Zagora (Desert Camp)
Transport (5-6 hrs) , Breakfast & Dinner
After breakfast, you'll say goodbye to Dades and head over the Saghro Mountains to the Draa Valley, using a road less traveled. On the way, you can stop to visit Kasbah Tamnougalt, a kasbah that dates back to at least the 17th century. Take a tour of the grounds and walk through, then continue to Zagora, where you'll meet your next form of transportation: a camel.
Climb aboard and trek to your desert camp for the night. You'll enjoy dinner under the stars before settling in for the night in a cozy tent.
Day 6: Zagora to Taroudant
Transport (5-6 hrs) , Breakfast & Dinner
Get up early this morning to watch the extraordinary sunrise from your camp in the desert. Soak up the serenity, then enjoy breakfast before leaving your camp. Today you'll make your way through saffron country in the Small Atlas Mountains. If you're visiting in October, you can stop at a local cooperative to learn about this expensive spice's painstaking collection process during the harvest season.
You'll continue to the bustling market town of Taroudant. You'll arrive by early evening; check into your riad, then time at your leisure.
Day 7: Taroudant to Essaouira
Transport (5-6 hrs) , Breakfast
After breakfast, you'll head to the coast to the charming beachside city of Essaouira. Archeological evidence shows that this area has been inhabited since prehistoric times, but the city as it is now was designed in the 18th century by the French engineer Thédore Cornut.
On the way to Essaouira, you will see groves of Argan trees from which Morocco's liquid gold (argan oil) is produced with the unique help of local goats. You will arrive around lunch, just in time to make your way to the shore for an incredible meal of freshly caught local seafood. After, you will have the afternoon to discover this beautiful city and its adjacent beach.
Day 8: Explore Essaouira
Breakfast
Enjoy a relaxing free morning to immerse yourself in the coastal charm of this seaside town at your own pace. You might choose to wander down to the vibrant fishing wharf to hand-pick the "fresh catch of the day" and have it prepared at a local grill for an authentic Moroccan-style lunch, or simply find a seat at a panoramic café to soak in the Atlantic breeze. After a leisurely midday, your private transfer will be ready for your afternoon departure to Marrakech. Before leaving the coast behind, be sure to capture a final view of the historic ramparts where the Atlantic meets the fortress walls. Your specialist remains at your disposal throughout the morning to provide local suggestions or coordinate your comfortable return journey to the Red City.
Day 9: Departure
Transport (15 min), Breakfast
Your Morocco adventure will be coming to an end today. Do plan on having a full three hours at the airport today since customs can be slow. We truly hope you enjoyed your journey with our team!
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Highlights
Explore Marrakech’s history, architecture, and food
Visit Morocco’s tallest waterfall in Ouzoud
Trek through the desert on a camel to sleep under a desert sky
Visit Essaouira, a quaint seaside town and enjoy fresh-caught seafood
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See Morocco On Your Terms
Thousands of people every year come to us for their Luxury Morocco Tour, celebrations, birthdays, weddings, commemorations, and honeymoons. You name it, we’ve created it for them, personalizing every detail.