7 Days Desert Tour from Marrakech

Your Moroccan journey begins as soon as you arrive at the Marrakech Menara Airport. You’ll be greeted by our driver and transferred to your riad, nestled in the heart of the ancient Medina. As you step outside, the city instantly awakens your senses — the scent of spices in the air, the rhythm of drums echoing through Jemaa el-Fna square, and the warm colors of red and ochre walls that give the city its nickname: The Red City.

Depending on your arrival time, you can take a leisurely walk through the Medina to get your first taste of Moroccan life. Lose yourself among narrow alleys filled with traditional shops, local craftsmen, and hidden gardens. As night falls, enjoy a delicious Moroccan dinner and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of this legendary city. Overnight in Marrakech.

After breakfast, your local guide will meet you for a full-day tour of Marrakech — a city that harmoniously blends ancient traditions with modern energy. Begin at the Koutoubia Mosque, a masterpiece of Almohad architecture that dominates the skyline. Continue to the Saadian Tombs, resting place of the Saadian dynasty, and admire the intricate details of the Bahia Palace, an elegant example of 19th-century Moroccan craftsmanship.

Next, dive into the heart of Marrakech’s bustling souks, where artisans hammer brass, weave carpets, and craft colorful lanterns. The air is filled with the scent of leather and cedar wood, the sound of bargaining, and the hum of life. In the afternoon, visit the serene Majorelle Garden, designed by French artist Jacques Majorelle and restored by Yves Saint Laurent. The cobalt-blue walls, exotic plants, and peaceful fountains offer a perfect escape from the city’s energy. As evening descends, return to your riad for a relaxing night in Marrakech.

After breakfast, leave behind the bustle of Marrakech and journey through the High Atlas Mountains via the winding Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260 m). The landscape gradually transforms — from green valleys to arid peaks dotted with Berber villages built from red clay. You’ll stop to visit Aït Ben Haddou, Morocco’s most famous ksar and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Walking through its narrow alleys feels like stepping back in time. This ancient fortress has appeared in films like Gladiator and Lawrence of Arabia.

Continue to Ouarzazate, known as the “Hollywood of Africa,” where many famous movies were filmed. You’ll pass through the Road of the Thousand Kasbahs, lined with old fortified homes that once protected caravans crossing the desert. By afternoon, reach the Dades Valley, often called the Valley of Roses, famous for its breathtaking scenery of red rock formations, lush oases, and palm groves. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay in a charming hotel overlooking the Dades Gorges, where the silence of the valley invites peace and reflection.

After breakfast, continue your adventure through the Todra Gorges, a spectacular canyon carved by the Todra River. The towering cliffs reach up to 300 meters, and the light shifting across the rocks creates an ever-changing landscape — perfect for photos or a gentle walk through the gorge. From here, the road leads you deeper into Morocco’s desert region, passing through small towns and oases until you reach Merzouga, the gateway to the Erg Chebbi dunes.

In the late afternoon, trade your 4x4 for a camel and set off across the dunes as the sun begins to set, painting the sand in shades of gold, orange, and pink. The silence of the desert, broken only by the soft steps of your camel, creates a sense of timelessness. When you arrive at your luxury desert camp, you’ll be greeted with mint tea and warm Berber hospitality. After a delicious dinner under the stars, gather around the campfire to enjoy traditional drumming and stories shared by your guides. Fall asleep in your comfortable tent, surrounded by the stillness of the Sahara — a night you will never forget.

Wake up early to witness one of nature’s most magical sights: the sunrise over the Sahara Desert. Watch as the first rays of light illuminate the dunes, creating a breathtaking palette of colors. After breakfast and a shower, you’ll leave the desert behind and head toward Agdz, following the legendary Draa Valley. This fertile valley, lined with thousands of date palms and dotted with ancient kasbahs, was once an important trade route connecting Marrakech with sub-Saharan Africa.

You’ll stop to visit some traditional Berber villages, meet locals, and learn about their way of life. By afternoon, arrive in Ouarzazate, where the Sahara meets the Atlas Mountains. Visit the Taourirt Kasbah, a labyrinth of rooms and passageways that tell stories of Morocco’s noble past. Dinner and overnight in a comfortable riad or hotel in Ouarzazate.

After breakfast, begin the scenic journey back to Marrakech. The drive takes you once again through the High Atlas Mountains, where each turn reveals a new landscape — dramatic valleys, ancient villages, and panoramic views of mountain peaks. You’ll have time to stop for photos or short breaks along the way.

As you approach Marrakech in the afternoon, the city welcomes you back with its familiar energy. Check into your riad and spend your last evening enjoying a farewell dinner. Perhaps visit Jemaa el-Fna one final time to watch the square come alive with music, food, and laughter — the perfect ending to your Moroccan adventure.

Enjoy breakfast at your riad and some free time for last-minute shopping or relaxation before your driver transfers you to Marrakech Menara Airport. As you say goodbye, you’ll carry with you the warmth of the desert sun, the rhythm of Berber drums, and unforgettable memories of your journey through Morocco’s most beautiful landscapes.