Marrakech → Merzouga → Taghazout → Essaouira → Marrakech Tour

Marrakech → Merzouga → Taghazout → Essaouira → Marrakech Tour

Discover the best of Morocco in one unforgettable journey, from the vibrant streets of Marrakech to the golden dunes of Merzouga, the relaxed surf town of Taghazout, and the charming coastal city of Essaouira. This private Morocco tour combines desert adventure, Atlantic coast relaxation, and cultural discovery—perfect for travelers who want to see it all.

11 days / 10 nights
5 people
Marrakech-Desert-Taghazout
4.8 (117 reviews)

Photo Gallery

Marrakech → Merzouga → Taghazout → Essaouira → Marrakech Tour gallery 1
Marrakech → Merzouga → Taghazout → Essaouira → Marrakech Tour gallery 2
Marrakech → Merzouga → Taghazout → Essaouira → Marrakech Tour gallery 3
Marrakech → Merzouga → Taghazout → Essaouira → Marrakech Tour gallery 4
4.8
(117 reviews)
0
Duration:11 days / 10 nights
Group size:5 people
Difficulty:Easy

Overview

🌟Dream trip in Morocco🌟 🏞🌴, start from Marrakech to Merzouga to explore the desert 🌄🐫, then head to Taghazout to enjoy the beach 🌊🌴, then to Essaouira to discover the blue city 🏯💙, and finally return to Marrakech 🌟🏙, an unforgettable trip ✨🏃‍♂.

Trip Highlights

Desert
Historical citadels
Marrakech
Taghazout
Essaouira
Boumalne Dades
Ouarzazat
Ait benhaddou

Day by Day Itinerary

1

Arrival in Marrakech – Medina Discovery & Jemaa el-Fnaa Square

Upon arrival at Marrakech Menara Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our team and transferred to your riad or hotel in the heart of the Marrakech Medina. After check-in, enjoy free time to relax or begin exploring one of Morocco’s most iconic cities. In the afternoon, discover the vibrant atmosphere of Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, the cultural and social heart of Marrakech and a UNESCO World Heritage site. This legendary square comes alive with traditional market stalls, street performers, musicians, snake charmers, henna artists, and food vendors, offering an authentic introduction to Moroccan life. Nearby, you can admire the Koutoubia Mosque, stroll through the traditional city markets (souks), and visit historical landmarks such as the Bahia Palace and the Marrakech Museum, showcasing Moroccan architecture, art, and history. In the evening, the square transforms into an open-air food market. If you wish, we will recommend the best local restaurants and food stalls where you can taste traditional Moroccan dishes and enjoy the lively nightlife of the Medina. Overnight stay in a comfortable riad or hotel near the Medina, allowing easy access to Marrakech’s main attractions.

Activities

  • Jemaa el-Fna Square
  • Koutoubia Mosque
  • Bahia Palace
  • Marrakech Medina & City Souks
  • Marrakech Museum

Meals

  • Tanjia Marrakchia
  • Snail Shell Soup (Babbouche)
  • Harira Soup

Accommodation

Riad or Hotel (near the Medina)

2

Marrakech – High Atlas Mountains – Ouarzazate – Aït Ben Haddou – Todra Gorge

After breakfast at your hotel or riad, depart Marrakech and begin your scenic journey toward the Todra Gorge, traveling through the majestic High Atlas Mountains. Drive along winding mountain roads, passing traditional Berber villages, rocky landscapes, and panoramic viewpoints overlooking the Atlas range. Your first major stop is Ouarzazate, often called the “Hollywood of Africa” due to its role as a filming location for many international productions. Here, you will have the opportunity to visit the famous Atlas Film Studios, where movies and series such as Gladiator, Lawrence of Arabia, The Mummy, Pearl of the Nile, and Game of Thrones were filmed. Continue to the legendary Aït Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most iconic fortified villages in Morocco. Explore its unique adobe architecture, narrow alleyways, and hilltop views while learning about its historical and cinematic importance. Along the route, stop for lunch at a local Moroccan restaurant, enjoying regional flavors before continuing east through desert landscapes and palm-filled valleys. In the evening, arrive at the spectacular Todra Gorge, known for its towering canyon walls and dramatic scenery. Check in to your cozy accommodation and relax after a full day of exploration.

Activities

  • Scenic drive through the High Atlas Mountains (Toubkal region)
  • Visit to Ouarzazate & Atlas Film Studios
  • Guided visit of Aït Ben Haddou Kasbah (UNESCO)
  • Exploration of Todra Gorge

Meals

  • local restaurants
  • Breakfast

Accommodation

Hotel or Riad near Todra Gorge

3

Todra Gorge – Merzouga Desert – Camel Trek & Luxury Desert Camp

After breakfast at your hotel, continue your Morocco desert tour toward Merzouga, passing once again through the breathtaking landscapes of the Todra Gorge, one of the most spectacular natural sites in southern Morocco. Along the route, stop at a traditional Berber shop, where you can discover local handicrafts and desert culture. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to try Berber clothing, purchase handmade scarves, and enjoy traditional henna art, perfect for memorable photos and cultural immersion. After lunch at a local restaurant, arrive in Merzouga, the gateway to the Sahara Desert and home to the famous Erg Chebbi sand dunes. From here, your desert adventure continues on camelback, as you ride across the golden dunes toward your camp. Pause atop the dunes to watch a magical sunset over the Sahara Desert, offering panoramic views across the endless sea of sand—one of the highlights of any Merzouga desert trip. In the evening, arrive at your luxury desert camp in Merzouga, featuring comfortable tents with private bathrooms. Enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner, then gather around the campfire for Berber music, drumming, and storytelling under a spectacular star-filled desert sky. Overnight stay in a desert camp inside the Erg Chebbi dunes, an unforgettable Sahara experience.

Activities

  • Visit to traditional Berber craft shops
  • Scenic drive through Todra Gorge
  • Camel trekking in Merzouga
  • Sunset over the Erg Chebbi dunes
  • Overnight stay in a luxury Sahara desert camp
  • Berber music & campfire experience

Meals

  • local restaurants
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

Accommodation

Luxury desert camp inside the Merzouga sand dunes

4

Merzouga Desert – Nomadic Families – Khamlia Village & Gnawa Music

Early risers have the opportunity to admire a breathtaking sunrise over the Erg Chebbi dunes, a peaceful and unforgettable Sahara moment. After breakfast at the desert camp, continue your Merzouga desert exploration with immersive cultural experiences. Your first stop is a visit to a nomadic Berber family, where you will gain insight into their traditional desert lifestyle. Enjoy a warm welcome with Moroccan tea while learning about daily life in the Sahara. Guests who wish may bring donations such as clothing or food, supporting a respectful and optional community charity experience. Continue to the village of Khamlia, located near Merzouga and known as the home of Gnawa music in the Moroccan desert. Once an important stop on historic trade routes, Khamlia today is famous for its vibrant musical heritage. Locals will welcome you with live Gnawa rhythms, singing, and drumming, often inviting visitors to join in a traditional dance. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant serving regional dishes before returning to your desert accommodation in the afternoon. The rest of the day is free to relax or enjoy optional activities, including: Quad biking in the Sahara (€50 per person / hour) Buggy tour in the dunes (€160 for 2 people / hour) Relaxing by the hotel swimming pool In the evening, enjoy dinner and an overnight stay in an authentic desert lodge or riad near Merzouga, offering comfort and tranquility surrounded by desert landscapes.

Activities

  • Sunrise over the Erg Chebbi dunes
  • Visit to a nomadic Berber family
  • Cultural experience in Khamlia village
  • Live Gnawa music and dance
  • Free time in the Merzouga desert

Meals

  • local restaurants
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

Accommodation

Authentic desert lodge, riad, or hotel near Merzouga

5

Merzouga – Todgha Gorge – Boumalne Dades – Atlas Mountains

Breakfast at the hotel. Early risers have the opportunity to watch another sunrise. Departure back to Marrakech, stopping en route in Boumalne Dades. We spend the night in the mountains (Accommodation with breakfast and dinner)

Activities

  • Todgha Gorge
  • Atlas Mountains

Meals

  • local restaurants

Accommodation

Riad or Hotel

6

departure to Marrakech

After breakfast, departure for the red city. On the way, we cross the picturesque Atlas Mountains, which offer breathtaking panoramas. We pass the iconic Tizi n’Tichka pass, where you are guaranteed to be recharged by the fresh mountain air and stunning views. Berber villages hidden among the mountains offer an authentic sight where we can get to know the life of the locals. On the way to Marrakech, the landscape is constantly changing: barren mountain slopes, lush oases and small villages alternate. After arriving in the vibrant city of Marrakech, you will have time for another exciting discovery in the market or in the Djemaa el Fna square. (Accommodation with breakfast)

Activities

  • Visit the city of roses
  • flower derivatives stores

Meals

  • local restaurants

Accommodation

Riad or Hotel

7

Taghazout (Ouaddar) a pearl on the Atlantic coast

After breakfast, we set off for Taghazout, a picturesque seaside town. Located on the Atlantic coast, Taghazout is a paradise for surfers, but also an ideal destination for those looking for a calm, authentic atmosphere. The town is famous for its golden sandy beaches, crystal clear waters and stunning sunsets. While walking, we can discover the simple yet charming harbor of local fishermen, or taste fresh seafood in one of the coastal restaurants. We spend 2 nights Here (Accommodation with breakfast) (In case of lack of accommodation, Agadir)

Activities

  • surfing
  • beaches
  • horseback riding
  • boat ride

Meals

  • grilled fish
  • seafood
  • local restaurants

Accommodation

Riad or Hotel

8

Taghazout

Free day to enjoy the beach and the marine atmosphere

Activities

  • surfing
  • boat ride
  • Yuga

Meals

  • local fish restaurants

Accommodation

Riad or Hotel

9

Travel to Essaouira

After breakfast, departure to the coastal city of Essaouira. Upon arrival in Essaouira, you can explore the pier and the beach and wander the narrow, cozy streets of the city Essaouira is a fishing town famous for its fresh fish; it is worth tasting the local restaurants. The special historical atmosphere of the city attracted hippies in the 60s and 70s, including Jimi Hendrix, who made the city famous after his legendary visit. We spend the night in the city (Accommodation with breakfast)

Activities

  • Visit the historic cannons in Essaouira Castle
  • Gnawa in the city streets
  • traditional boat port

Meals

  • local restaurants

Accommodation

Riad or Hotel

10

Essaouira – Marrakech (Ourika Valley visit)

After breakfast, we say goodbye to the blue and white streets of Essaouira and head back to Marrakech. On the way, we stop in the Ourika Valley, one of the most picturesque regions of the Atlas Mountains. The lush green landscape, small villages and winding roads along the river provide a stunning contrast to the desert and ocean experiences of the previous days. Walk in the valley, where you will have the opportunity to admire the local Berber houses and small waterfalls. In the afternoon, we continue our journey back to the red city, where the rest of the day is free. (Accommodation with breakfast)

Activities

  • Atlas Mountains
  • Waterfalls

Meals

  • local restaurants
  • tajin

Accommodation

Riad or Hotel

11

End of tour

Transfer to the airport according to the plane

Activities

    Meals

      Accommodation

      What's Included

      • Local airport transfers upon arrival and departure
      • Local official drivers
      • Accommodation in riads and/or hotels each night
      • 10 breakfasts and 3 dinners at the specified times
      • Overnight stay in desert camp
      • Nomad and cultural visits
      • Ourika Valley excursion
      • Ait Benhaddou fortress excursion

      What's Not Included

      • Flight tickets
      • Travel insurance (highly recommended for condolences)
      • Lunches (approx. €12–15/person)
      • Dinners except on designated days
      • Drinks, soft drinks, at accommodation, during meals
      • Entrance fees, for optional programs e.g. museums, quad,
      • Tips/service charge

      Frequently Asked Questions

      Do I need a visa to enter Morocco?

      If you're coming from Spain, Mexico, Argentina, Chile, the US, or the EU, you don't need a visa for 90 days.

      Is it safe to travel to Morocco?

      Yes, it is safe. Just take care of your belongings and respect local customs.

      What is the best time to travel?

      Spring and autumn are ideal. Avoid the extreme heat of summer and the cold of winter in the Atlas Mountains.

      Can I drink tap water?

      It's better not to. Drink bottled water to avoid stomach problems.

      What language is spoken in Morocco?

      Arabic and French are spoken. In tourist areas, you can communicate in English without any problem.

      What is the official currency?

      The Moroccan dirham (MAD). You can exchange money at exchange offices or use ATMs.

      Do we need to be vaccinated?

      No vaccinations are required to travel to Morocco.

      Is tipping allowed in Morocco?

      Yes. A small tip is expected in restaurants, hotels, and services.

      What is the best time to go to the desert in Morocco?

      The best time to go to the desert in Morocco is during the fall (September to November) or spring (March to May), when temperatures are moderate and comfortable.

      What activities can be done on desert trips?

      Activities can be done such as camel riding, sandboarding, trekking in oases, and camping under the stars

      What is the cost of a desert trip in Morocco?

      The cost of a desert trip in Morocco varies depending on the type of trip and length of stay,

      What are the security measures on desert trips?

      Security measures on desert trips include the presence of qualified tour guides, the use of vehicles suitable for desert roads, and the provision of necessary safety equipment.

      What are the best places to visit in the Moroccan Sahara?

      The best places to visit in the Moroccan Sahara include Merzouga, Zagora, and the desert road between Marrakech and Zagora.

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