Morocco: Deserts & Beaches

11 days, Marrakech to Marrakech

Map of the route for Morocco: Deserts & Beaches
Day 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Itinerary Notes

Please note that if you are travelling to Morocco between November and February, your tour will have a level of flexibility based off of winter weather conditions on roads in the mountains. Heavy snow is not uncommon, so plan on packing warmer clothing to suit conditions.

When arranging your transportation, such as flights, please take into consideration the below time restrictions for joining and departing from your group. With these times, we have taken into account travel time to/from the airport in the given destination and required time for check-in or baggage collection/immigration.

Your flight must arrive by or before: Arrive at any time.
Your flight must depart no earlier than: 16:00 on Day 11

Itinerary

Day 1Marrakech

Arrive at any time.

After tonight's welcome meeting get ready to channel all of the buzz and excitement of arriving in a new place by opting to head out on the town with your CEO and crew. Take the fun to new heights, grab drinks, kick back at a rooftop bar, and get to know your new travel companions as you prepare for the thrilling journey ahead.

On arrival check the notice board (or ask reception) for the exact time and location of the group meeting. Afterwards, there will be the possibility to go out for a meal as a group in a nearby local restaurant. If you arrive late, no worries, your leader will leave you a message at the front desk.

Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group

Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.

Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends

Connect with new friends on your first night out in a new destination. Only available on 18-to-Thirtysomethings tours.

Accommodation

Below is an example of the hotel we may use in this city. For the actual hotel your specific departure will be using, please check your voucher.

Hotel Gomassine Marrakech (or similar)
Hotel

Day 2Marrakech/Skoura

Depart Marrakech in the morning and transfer to Skoura, one of Morocco’s beautiful oases. While Ouarzazate, further west is now the region’s commercial centre, Skoura’s historic mud-brick castles remain a testament to the past. Explore the area on a guided visit, soak up the atmosphere of this green haven, and listen to the wind catching in the palm trees lining the streets. During your visit you will see different Kasbahs in the area, and learn about their historical and cultural significance. Later, spend free time at the hotel and enjoy a swim in the pool before an included dinner this evening.

Private Vehicle
Marrakech – Skoura4h45m

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle. There will be free time for lunch upon arrival to Skoura.

Valley of One Thousand Kasbahs Guided Visit
Skoura1h

Skoura is a fertile oasis lined with large palm groves and this is where the group will set off on a guided city tour of the Valley of One Thousand Kasbahs. Enjoy the views of the snowcapped Atlas Mountains in the distance alongside a desert landscape. Along the way your guide will offer commentary on Skoura's significance, and provide an overview of the landscape and its defining features. There will be stops along the way at key interest points so that photos can be taken. The walk will start and end at the hotel.

Accommodation

Skoura Lodge (or similar)
Lodge

Meals included:

Breakfast | Dinner

Day 3Skoura/Merzouga

Leave Skoura behind and journey into the vast, golden reaches of the desert. Along the way stop to spend some time walking in Dades Gorge before continuing on to Tinghir for a lunch stop on your own. Later, saddle up and travel by camel to the perfect perch atop the dunes to view the sunset as it paints the sky hues of red, blue, and yellow. Under a canopy of stars, enjoy dinner and an evening of entertainment by the campfire. Let your imagination run wild as you listen to traditional music on the drums alongside stories about the region. We dare you to top this campfire experience!

Private Vehicle
Skoura – Merzouga4h30m-5h

Sit back and enjoy the scenery from your private vehicle, there will be a stop en route to explore the Dades Gorge and a stop for lunch before arriving at the desert camp.

Dades Gorge Visit
Gorges du Dadès1h

Explore the winding Dades Gorge. Take in the dramatic landscape, the rising mountains in the distance, and spend time here stretching your legs on a walk through the gorge. Max elevation 1400m (4593ft) above sea level.

Camel Ride
Merzouga

Hold on and enjoy a ride on this even-toed ungulate, also known as the desert horse. Bring your camera for some fantastic photos of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Local guides will teach you how to mount and dismount and other handy camel-related safety tips.

Accommodation

Camp- Auberge Dunes D'Or Camp (or similar)
Campground

Meals included:

Breakfast | Dinner

Day 4Merzouga

Have breakfast at camp before returning to civilization. Then, opt to spend time further exploring the undulating golden sand of the dunes, and discovering the surrounding communities on a land cruiser desert excursion, or simply relax at the hotel. Later, attend a cooking class to learn about local cuisine and taste your creations. Cap off the day with a sunset sand boarding experience from the highest dunes with the sun turning everything a shining gold!

You can pre-book this optional 4x4 desert excursion when booking your tour on the check-out page.

Sunset Sand Boarding
Merzouga

Enjoy an epic sand boarding experience in the dunes during sunset. As the light turns the undulating hills a deep gold, you will be boarding down the slopes and laughing with your friends!

Cooking Class - Merzouga
Merzouga3h

Attend a cooking class and learn how to make the locally loved dish of Medfouna, and hear stories about traditional dishes and Moroccan cuisine. Medfouna is a regional delicacy in eastern Morocco which is best described as a stuffed pizza sans cheese. Stuff the flatbread with various meats and spices before baking it in a fire pit.

Free Time
Merzouga Afternoon

Spend free time enjoying the dunes on a 4x4 excursion or sit by the pool and cool off in the desert heat.

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Optional Activities - Day 4 HideShow

Merzouga 4x4 Desert Excursion
Merzouga

View the golden dunes of the Sahara desert on a land cruiser excursion. You'll be driven around the sand dunes of Erg Chebbi in land cruiser cars, taking in the views of the seemingly endless sea of sand. Pass a kohl mine en route to the village of Khamlia. Witness the delightful sounds of the African music of Gnawa - played by members of the community - as you enjoy a cup of mint tea with the locals.

Accommodation

Auberge Dunes D'Or (or similar)
Hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 5Merzouga/Aït Ben Haddou

Leave right after breakfast and travel along the Route of 1000 Kasbahs to Ait Ben Haddou, one of the most iconic and beautiful kasbahs and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk through the narrow alleys and admire the uniqueness of this place both in traditional architecture and historical significance. At the end of the visit, climb to the highest point of the kasbah and witness the views of the surrounding desert and the Ounila River around golden hour and sunset. In the evening, you can choose to join an optional cooking class to make tajine. Otherwise, dinner will be on your own.

Private Vehicle
Merzouga – Aït Ben Haddou6h

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Aït Ben Haddou Kasbah Tour
Aït Ben Haddou2h-3h

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site and kasbah of Aït Ben Haddou, the most famous ksar in the Ounila Valley, located in the foothills of the southern slopes of the High Atlas Mountains. Of all the remaining kasbahs in Morocco, the walls and interior of this area are the most intact. It's a collective grouping of dwellings inside defensive walls and was once one of the many trading posts on the route linking Sudan to Marrakech. The kasbah still houses a few families, but many now live in the adjacent village. Like many of the earthen built fortresses in Ouarzazate, Aït Ben Haddou has been used in many film and television productions like Gladiator, Babel, and Game of Thrones.

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Optional Activities - Day 5 HideShow

Tagine Cooking Demonstration
Aït Ben Haddou
120MAD per person

Learn all about the quintessential Moroccan dish — tagine. Learn about the tagine itself (a clay pot) and different ingredients and spices. Enjoy the fruits of your labour for dinner.

Accommodation

Auberge La Baraka (or similar)
Hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 6Aït Ben Haddou/Marrakech

Journey to the "Red City," Marrakech. Unlock the many secrets this ancient city has to offer in its maze-like alleys, ornate palaces, and lush gardens. Enjoy a guided visit of the medina and see the Saadian Tombs, Bahia Palace, and Jamaa el Fna square. End the day with an optional group dinner in the famous food stalls of Djemaa el Fna.

Private Vehicle
Aït Ben Haddou – Marrakech4h30m

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Marrakech Medina Guided Tour
Marrakech

Head into the maze of tiny streets and alleyways of the ancient medina to really get a taste of everyday life in Marrakech. Shop to your heart’s content in the souk and search out spices, traditional jalabas and slippers, or the famous Moroccan lanterns. Visit the Saadian Tombs - a complex of sepulchers and mausoleums that house the remains of Saadian Sultan Ahmed Al Mansour Ed Dahb. The tombs were sealed off until their re-discovery in 1917. Tour the grounds of the Bahia Palace, marvelling at the intricate decoration, and experience the sights and sounds of the bustling Jemaa el-Fnaa square.

Accommodation

Hotel Gomassine Marrakech (or similar)
Hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 7Marrakech

Take advantage of more free time in Marrakech to wander the Djeema el Fna square in the heart of the medina. Try to keep up with the ever-changing market as it switches up its offerings throughout the day. In the evening, welcome new friends to the group and join your CEO and fellow travellers for a night out on the town. Cheers to the next several days of making memories!

Your Big Night Out Moment:

Celebrate late into the night with your new best friends.

Your Discover Moment
Marrakech Full Day

There's plenty to see and do in Marrakech, and we wanted to make sure that you had some time to take it all in. Feel free to relax or try optional activities like practice your barter skills with a local merchant, get lost in the medina, and explore the gardens of Jardin Majorelle. Your CEO has more ideas if you need them. Just ask!

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Optional Activities - Day 7 HideShow

Djemaa el Fna Market Square Visit
Marrakech1h-3h
Free

Wander past fresh orange juice stalls and water sellers in colourful costumes reminiscent of an era past. See storytellers, magicians, and peddlers of traditional medicines as the day progresses. When the sun sets, the square fills with dozens of food stalls, and is packed with locals, entertaining chefs, and waiters. Grab a spot on a bench with other diners and try the “tanjia” (slow cooked lamb), harira soup, grilled seafood, famous Moroccan couscous, tajine, snails, or even sheep’s head (for the truly adventurous). Wash it all down with some spiced tea.

Accommodation

Hotel Gomassine Marrakech (or similar)
Hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 8Marrakech/Taghazout

Today we make our way through the High Atlas Mountains and visit the market town of Taroudant. Concealed within striking red walls, Taroudant is often called “Little Marrakech.” Wander through the old town at leisure and browse its lively markets before continuing on to the fishing village of Taghazout.

Private Vehicle
Marrakech – Taroudant

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Free Time
Taroudant

Spend your free time exploring the sights and sounds of the markets of Taroudant.

Private Vehicle
Taroudant – Taghazout

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

1

Optional Activities - Day 8 HideShow

Amazigh Villages Visit

Explore the picturesque villages of Aourir, Imouzzer and Izourki Oufella. Begin with a drive through the banana plantation village of Aouir. Visit the small town of Imouzzer, a small picturesque town with white houses, surrounded by almond, olive, and argan trees. See Izourki Oufella, known for producing a highly refined form of honey using thyme, orange blossom, and cactus.

Accommodation

Dar Surf (or similar)
Lodge

Accommodations at this property are multi-share.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Dinner

Day 9Taghazout

Wake to the soft tones of waves crashing along the shoreline, then suit up for a surf lesson. Hit the waves for a free afternoon of surfing or swimming. Prefer land surfing? Opt to go hiking or do yoga. After a day of embracing your wild side, what could be more fitting than gathering around a bonfire on the beach as the sun kisses the horizon goodnight?

Surf Lesson
Taghazout

Never surfed before? No worries! Learn the basics from a qualified surf instructor and get ready to ride the waves!

Sunset Beach Bonfire
Taghazout

Beach sunsets are always epic. Beach sunsets by a bonfire are even better!

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Optional Activities - Day 9 HideShow

Yoga
Taghazout

Learn various stretches, postures, and breathing exercises during a yoga class on the coast.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 10Taghazout/Essaouira

Take coastal living northward to colourful, sun-drenched Essaouira. After an orientation walk around the city, enjoy free time to get to know the ramparts and rocky beaches of Essaouira further. No rest for the weary? Not true here — opt to pre-book the Traditional Hammam Experience and enjoy a spa experience that is ritual for the many of the locals.

Essaouira Orientation Walk
Essaouira

Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.

Free Time
Essaouira

Don't waste a minute — get going and explore this seaside city.

2

Optional Activities - Day 10 HideShow

Shopping
Essaouira1h-2h

Pop into brightly coloured shops selling leather shoes and purses, slippers, scarves, Moroccan lanterns, and mosaics...you name it. Visit an artists' co-op and shop for handmade silver jewellery. Try not to get overwhelmed by choice – with dozens of shops lining the narrow winding streets, there's a lot to choose from.

Traditional Hammam Experience in Essaouira
Essaouira

Visit a hammam, a great way to get squeaky clean and soothe sore muscles. Enjoy a body scrub and massage in a traditional Moroccan bathhouse. Begin with a dry or hot room to prepare your skin and body, followed by a hot steam room. Enjoy a body scrub and massage followed by a traditional mint tea.

Accommodation

Hotel Cap Sim (or similar)
Hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 11Essaouira/Marrakech

Hit the road one final time and return to Marrakech. Even though your trip ends on arrival, make sure you take the time to take plenty of photos with newfound friends to commemorate the memories made. (Morocco scrapbook, anyone?)

This tour will end upon arrival in Marrakech at approximately 12pm. We suggest booking any onward travel after 4pm.

Private Vehicle
Essaouira – Marrakech3h190km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Morocco: Deserts & Beaches

| 11 days - Marrakech to Marrakech - from $807 USD