7 Days Morocco desert Tour from Marrakech with Casablanca Excursion

Your journey begins early in the morning as you leave Marrakech behind, driving south through the High Atlas Mountains. The road over the Tizi n’Tichka Pass is an adventure in itself, winding through high peaks, terraced farmland, and small Berber villages. The panoramic views are breathtaking, giving a glimpse into mountain life and Moroccan landscapes at their most dramatic. Your first major stop is the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Ben Haddou, an iconic kasbah built entirely of clay and straw. Wandering through its narrow alleys and fortified walls, you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped back in time to ancient Morocco, while also seeing locations featured in international films like Gladiator and Game of Thrones. After exploring the kasbah, continue to Ouarzazate, often called the “Hollywood of Africa,” where you can visit the Taourirt Kasbah or the Atlas Film Studios, famous for many major productions. From here, the road continues through the lush Skoura Oasis, where palm groves and small kasbahs dot the landscape, and into the fragrant Valley of Roses, renowned for its seasonal blooms. The day ends in the Dades Valley, famous for its twisting roads and towering cliffs. Enjoy dinner and overnight stay in a riad or hotel with panoramic views of the valley, where the quiet mountains and dramatic scenery set the tone for the adventure ahead.

After breakfast, continue along the scenic “Road of a Thousand Kasbahs,” lined with palm groves and ancient adobe buildings. The landscape is dotted with small Berber villages, giving travelers a sense of the rich cultural heritage of this region. Your first stop is the Todra Gorges, a breathtaking canyon with sheer cliffs rising over 300 meters. Take a walk through the gorge floor to appreciate the contrast of the towering rock walls and the lush oasis that runs along the river. After enjoying the gorges, the journey continues toward the edge of the Sahara Desert, passing through Tinghir, Tinjdad, and Erfoud, a town famous for its fossils and traditional date markets. In the afternoon, arrive in Merzouga, where your camels await to take you on a sunset trek across the golden Erg Chebbi dunes. Riding a camel as the sun sets over the endless sand is a magical experience, with the shifting dunes bathed in shades of gold and orange. Arrive at your desert camp to enjoy traditional Moroccan tea, a delicious dinner, and Berber music around the campfire. Spend the night under the star-filled sky, enveloped by the silence and vastness of the Sahara.

Wake early to watch the unforgettable sunrise over the dunes, as the first rays of sunlight illuminate the desert in pinks and golds. After breakfast, set off on a 4x4 excursion to explore the desert and surrounding villages. Visit nomadic Berber families living in traditional tents, learning about their simple yet resilient way of life, including herding goats, cooking over open fires, and surviving in the harsh desert environment. Next, visit Khamlia Village, known for its vibrant Gnawa community. Experience the hypnotic rhythms and music that have been passed down through generations, offering an authentic cultural encounter in the heart of the desert. After lunch, continue to Tafraout Sidi Ali, a serene desert oasis surrounded by red dunes and rocky landscapes. Unlike a typical desert camp, you will stay in a local hotel, providing comfort while maintaining an authentic desert atmosphere. Take a stroll around the oasis, enjoy the peaceful scenery, and watch the sun dip behind the dunes. Dinner is served at the hotel, allowing you to relax and enjoy traditional Moroccan cuisine while absorbing the tranquility of this remote location.

After breakfast, begin the return journey to Marrakech, driving through the Draa Valley, Morocco’s longest palm valley. The valley is dotted with thousands of date palms, kasbahs, and small Berber villages, offering countless photo opportunities and moments to appreciate traditional Moroccan life. Stop along the way to explore a village or take in the vast green landscapes framed by the surrounding mountains. Continue through Agdz and the Anti-Atlas Mountains, crossing rugged terrain before arriving in Ouarzazate for a short break or lunch. From there, traverse the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, enjoying sweeping panoramas as the terrain gradually changes from rugged mountains to fertile plains. Arrive in Marrakech in the evening, where you will check into your riad or hotel and spend the night at leisure, reflecting on the incredible landscapes you have seen.

Spend a full day exploring the vibrant city of Marrakech, beginning with Jemaa el-Fna Square, the heart of the city. Here, storytellers, musicians, and food vendors bring the square to life, offering a sensory overload of sights, sounds, and smells. Wander through the bustling souks, discovering spices, textiles, lanterns, and handicrafts, and visit Bahia Palace, a stunning example of Moroccan architecture, followed by the historic Saadian Tombs. Don’t miss the Majorelle Garden, with its striking cobalt blue buildings and exotic plant collection. The afternoon is free to explore more of the medina, enjoy a traditional Moroccan tea, or relax at your riad. Overnight in Marrakech

Take a full-day excursion to Casablanca, Morocco’s largest city and economic hub. Visit the majestic Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world, situated along the Atlantic Ocean with spectacular views. Explore the modern city center, the Corniche, and historical landmarks, observing Casablanca’s unique blend of contemporary architecture and traditional Moroccan elements. Stop for lunch at a local restaurant and enjoy the coastal atmosphere before returning to Marrakech in the late afternoon. Evening at leisure and overnight stay in Marrakech.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and free time in Marrakech before your departure. Depending on your schedule, you can visit remaining sights in the medina, take a traditional hammam spa experience, or shop for souvenirs. Transfer to the airport or continue your Moroccan journey, concluding an unforgettable 7-day adventure through mountains, desert, and city life.