Moroccan Explorer: Essaouira
5 - Day Itinerary
Start: Essaouira | End: Ouarzazate or Marrakech
Day 1
Begin your Moroccan adventure with a full day to unwind and explore Essaouira, a peaceful port town known for its relaxed atmosphere, coastal breeze, and rich artisan culture.
Wander the blue-and-white medina, browse local art galleries and silver shops, and stroll along the historic Skala ramparts overlooking the ocean. Be sure to visit the fish market or enjoy grilled seafood right at the port. Don’t miss shopping for freshly pressed argan oil, as Essaouira is located near Morocco’s top argan-producing farms.
Overnight in Essaouira
Included: Dinner
Day 2
Leave Essaouira behind and drive 3 hours inland to Marrakech, passing argan tree groves along the way. If you didn’t buy your argan oil yet, you’ll still find quality cooperatives en route. Arrive in Marrakech by midday and explore its cultural icons: the Jemaa el-Fnaa square, Koutoubia Mosque, and colorful souks. You may also visit the elegant Majorelle Garden or Bahia Palace before enjoying dinner at a traditional restaurant.
Overnight in Marrakech riad
Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 3
After breakfast, leave the Red City behind and cross the High Atlas Mountains via the winding Tizi n'Tichka Pass — one of Morocco’s most dramatic roads, offering breathtaking views of valleys and Berber villages. Stop along the way for scenic photos and mint tea.
Arrive at the legendary Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO-listed ksar made of earthen clay. Walk its ancient alleys, climb to panoramic viewpoints, and discover why it’s been featured in movies like Gladiator and Game of Thrones. Continue through the cinematic town of Ouarzazate and the fragrant Valley of Roses, eventually reaching the dramatic landscapes of the Dades Valley.
Overnight in Dades Valley
Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Optional Add-On: Walk to the Monkey Fingers rock formations before sunset
Day 4
Today, the landscape shifts as you venture deeper into Morocco’s desert frontier. Start with a scenic drive through the Todra Gorge, where 300-meter-high cliffs frame a beautiful walking path along a shallow riverbed.
After lunch in a local oasis town, continue past Erfoud, famous for fossils and date palms. By late afternoon, arrive at the edge of the Sahara in Merzouga. Mount your camel and ride into the Erg Chebbi dunes, catching sunset from the top of a golden ridge. Settle into your luxury desert camp, where Berber music, stargazing, and a warm fire welcome you.
Overnight in Luxury Desert Camp
Included: Dinner & Breakfast
Day 5
Wake up early to catch sunrise over the dunes. After breakfast, enjoy a short 4x4 desert loop with stops in Khamlia village (for live Gnawa music) and a nomadic family tent for tea and cultural exchange.
Drive north through the impressive Ziz Valley, filled with palm groves and traditional mud villages. Stop for lunch in Midelt, nestled in the High Atlas foothills, then continue through cedar forests near Azrou, where you might spot wild Barbary macaques.
Drop-off in Ouarzazate with departure or Marrakesh departure with overnight in Ouarzazate
Price Includes
Price Excludes
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Private air-conditioned vehicle with fuel and experienced driver-guide
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Pick-up in Essaouira and drop-off in Marrakesh(flexible alternative arrangements available)
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4 nights accommodation in hand-picked riads, kasbah lodges, and a luxury desert camp
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4 breakfasts and 4 dinners
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Camel ride into the Erg Chebbi dunes at sunset (one camel per person)
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4x4 transfer to and from the desert camp (optional in place of camel)
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Guided visit of Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah
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Visits to key natural sites: Tizi n’Tichka Pass, Todra Gorge, Ziz Valley, and Cedar Forest
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Cultural stops in Khamlia village and nomadic tea experience
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Argan oil shopping guidance in Essaouira medina
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Bottled water in vehicle and flexible scenic/photo stops
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Lunches
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Drinks
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Tipping (Optional)
5 Day Trip Highlights
Visit the charming surf town of Taghazout and shop for fresh-pressed argan oil in Essaouira’s medina, just minutes from the farms
Cross the mighty High Atlas Mountains, winding past Berber villages and panoramic lookouts
Wander the lively medina of Marrakech, from the buzz of Jemaa el-Fnaa to serene garden hideaways
Ride camels into the Sahara Desert, then sleep under the stars in a luxury camp after a night of drumming and sandboarding
Discover the stunning Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO treasure and film location for epic adventures
Drive through the Ziz Valley and Middle Atlas, stopping to greet wild monkeys in cedar forests before finishing in Fes
