Marrakech ~ Boumalne Dades ~ Merzouga ~ Ouarzazate ~ Essaouira ~
Marrakech
Day 1: Arrival in Marrakech
We will meet and greet you at the airport in Marrakech. From here we will escort you to your hotel or riad where you can rest for the day/evening and prepare for tomorrows journey.
Day 2: Marrakech - Boumalne Dades
Today we will set off for the Dades Gorges. Passing through Tizi-n-Tishka in the high Atlas Mountains. This breathtaking view is a wonderful start to your journey. Have a camera in hand, this is a site to capture. After driving through Tishka you will visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ait Ben Haddou. This fascinating Kasbah has been the backdrop for many films including Lawrence of Arabia, Gladiator and Alexander. After touring you will have lunch at a lovely restaurant with a picturesque backdrop. Relax, before taking off for the beautiful natural landscapes and historical monuments of Taourirt Kasbah in Ouarzazate, Skoura and the Valley of the Roses, famous for its annual Festival of Roses. This is a wonderful place to stop and smell the roses. Many little shops that sell all kinds of rose infused beauty products. We will also pass through the Berber villages of El Kelaa des M'Gouna and Boumalene du Dades where we will spend the night.
Day 3: Boumalne Dades – Merzouga
After breakfast, uncovering today’s mysteries will begin by following the road of a thousand Kasbahs, heading to Merzouga dunes. Traveling through Dades, Todra gorges, Tinghir, Tinjdad, Jorf and Erfoud along with a few tiny villages tucked in between before we reach Merzouga. Berber villages, palm oasis and sand dunes are scattered along the way. We will stop along this journey to visit shops and have a bite to eat. When we reach Merzouga you will relax and spend the evening in your hotel/riad.
Day 4: Merzouga - Ouarzazate
After breakfast, your first stop will be Rissani, former economic capital of Morocco. Caravans come and go from this market to barter, donkeys and Berber pharmaceuticals (all natural). After touring the market in Rissani (which is one of my favorite markets) you will have lunch in the small town of Nkoub.
Returning to Ouarzazate, you will pass through the Draa Valley and will make a stop for tea along the way. Spend the night in your Riad. Unwind from a long day. See you in the morning!
Day 5: Ouarzazate - Essaouira
After breakfast, explore the town of Ouarzazate, the Kasbah of Taourirt and the Atlas Studios. This is the largest and most famous film studio in Africa. From here you will visit the most famous Kasbah in Morocco, Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah. The fortified village and Kasbah is situated in the hills along the Ounila River. Ait Ben Haddou has been an UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987. Many films have been produced in the Kasbah including: The Message, The Mummy, Alexander and Then driving back over the winding Tizi-n-Tichka pass to Marrakech. Crossing the High Atlas Mountains with an altitude of 2260 M in the Tichka Pass. Tichka has the most breathtaking views of the Atlas. Have your camera ready. Continue to the coastal city of Essaouira, where you will be able to put your feet up and relax. Rest well!
Day 6: Exploring Essaouira
Good Morning ! Today you will begin your tour in the city of Essaouira, also known as the “Wind City of Africa”, excellent for wind surfing and sailing. You will visit many fascinating sites, including the sea port where the seamen uncover the catch of the day. Stroll the sandy beach that stretches way to the south. Essaouira is a laid-back atmosphere. The dramatic ramparts and the sandy beach have together created an attraction for artisans and hippies for years. Essaouira has a bohemian feel quite different from the rest of the country. Back in the 1950’s Orson Wells stayed at the Hotel des lles during the filming of “Othello”. This hippie town was the home of many other film productions. Jimmy Hendrix’s song “Castles Made of Sand” was written two years prior to his visit to Essaouira. Again, this is a wonderful place to stroll, shop, sip tea and just watch the people pass by. Enjoy the day!
Relax in your Riad or Hotel for the evening.
Day 7: Essaouira - Marrakech
After breakfast, you will drive back to Marrakech. Your journey continues by touring the city of Marrakech in the second half of the day, here you will find amazing architecture and an extraordinary street life that makes it a fascinating stop. You will have time to stroll the many shops and the narrow alleys around the city. In the evening, the center of Djemâa El-Fna Square, will be swarming with, snake charmers, narrators, minstrels, fortune-tellers to entertain amid the stalls of food, fresh orange juice and restaurants. It is an enjoyable way to close your Moroccan journey. Rest well, see you in the morning.
Spend the night in your Riad or Hotel
Day 8: Marrakech
Today is a self-tour day or day to relax. Should you need transportation to explore Marrakech or suburbs of Marrakech, please do not hesitate to contact us. The tour concludes.