7-Day Sahara and Coastal Discovery: Agadir, Essaouira, and Desert Escapes
Your 7-day itinerary in Morocco is designed to offer a blend of cultural exploration, desert adventure, and coastal relaxation. Here's a detailed breakdown of your plan:
Day 1: Marrakech - Atlas Mountains - Dades Valley
- Departure from Marrakech: Start your day early in the morning to head towards the Atlas Mountains. The scenic drive through Tizin'Tichka Pass offers spectacular views of the mountain range and traditional Berber villages.
- Stop in the Atlas Mountains: Consider a short stop in one of the Berber villages or at Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where you can explore the famous earthen ksar (fortified village).
- Continue to Dades Valley: Drive to Dades Valley, a picturesque area with stunning rock formations, palm groves, and small Berber villages. Explore the Dades Gorge and the famous Monkey Fingers rock formations.
- Overnight in Dades Valley: Enjoy a peaceful night in a traditional guesthouse or hotel, surrounded by the valley's natural beauty.
Day 2: Dades Valley - Todra Gorge - Merzouga Desert
- Visit Todra Gorge: After breakfast, head to Todra Gorge, a narrow canyon with towering 300-meter cliffs. It's a great spot for a hike, or simply to admire the dramatic landscape.
- Drive to Merzouga Desert: Continue your journey to Merzouga, the gateway to the Erg Chebbi dunes. The desert is a true highlight of the trip.
- Camel Ride and Sunset: Once in Merzouga, embark on a camel ride through the dunes to your desert camp. Watch the mesmerizing sunset over the golden sands, an unforgettable experience.
- Overnight in Desert Camp: Spend the night in a traditional Berber camp, where you can enjoy a delicious dinner and experience stargazing, music, and the tranquil desert atmosphere.
Day 3: Merzouga - Rissani Market - Draa Valley - Ouarzazate
- Sunrise over the Desert: Start early with a sunrise camel rideover the dunes, followed by a return to Merzouga.
- Visit Rissani Market: From Merzouga, drive to Rissani, a small town known for its vibrant and authentic market. Here, you can experience local life, shop for spices, carpets, and traditional goods.
- Drive through Draa Valley: Continue your journey along the Draa Valley, famous for its palm groves and kasbahs. This picturesque route will take you through several small villages with stunning views of the valley.
- Arrival in Ouarzazate: Reach Ouarzazate, known as the "Gateway to the Sahara," where you’ll have time to explore the town.
- Overnight in Ouarzazate: Stay in a local hotel or guesthouse in Ouarzazate, resting for the night.
Day 4: Ouarzazate - Taznakht - Taroudant - Agadir
- Visit Ouarzazate Film Studios: Start your day by visiting the Atlas Film Studios, where famous movies like Gladiator and Lawrence of Arabia were filmed. You can tour the sets and learn about the filmmaking history of the region.
- Drive to Taznakht: Continue your journey to Taznakht, a town famous for its production of Berber carpets. You can visit local workshops to see how these carpets are made.
- Continue to Taroudant: After Taznakht, head to Taroudant, a charming town often referred to as "Little Marrakech." You can explore its old city walls, souks, and vibrant markets.
- Arrival in Agadir: Continue your drive to Agadir, a coastal city known for its beaches, resorts, and pleasant climate.
- Overnight in Agadir: Check into your hotel or resort and enjoy an evening by the beach.
Day 5: Agadir - Taghazout - Imouzzer - Essaouira
- Explore Agadir's Beaches: Spend the morning relaxing or strolling along Agadir's beautiful beaches. You can also visit the Agadir Kasbah for panoramic views of the city and coastline.
- Drive to Taghazout: Head north along the coast to Taghazout, a famous surf town known for its laid-back vibe. Take time to explore or relax at one of the beaches.
- Visit Imouzzer: Continue your journey to Imouzzer, a mountain village known for its stunning waterfalls and terraced landscapes. It's a great place for a peaceful stop and to enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
- Arrival in Essaouira: After exploring the surrounding area, head towards Essaouira, a charming coastal town known for its Medina, beaches, and seafood.
- Overnight in Essaouira: Check into your accommodation in Essaouira and enjoy the evening exploring the historic Essaouira Medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Day 6: Explore Essaouira
- Explore the Medina: Spend the day wandering the narrow streets of the Essaouira Medina. Visit the Skala de la Ville, a historic sea-facing fortress, and the Mellah (Jewish quarter).
- Beach and Seafood: Relax at the beach or enjoy fresh seafood at one of the seaside restaurants in Essaouira’s bustling harbor. Essaouira is famous for its seafood, so it’s a great place to indulge in local dishes.
- Local Art and Culture: Essaouira is also known for its vibrant arts scene. You can visit local galleries or take a stroll through the souks to shop for handcrafted goods, from wooden carvings to traditional textiles.
- Overnight in Essaouira: Spend another night in Essaouira, soaking in the town’s laid-back atmosphere.
Day 7: Essaouira - Marrakech Airport
- Morning in Essaouira: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and perhaps a final stroll along the beach or through the Medina.
- Drive to Marrakech: After your time in Essaouira, drive back to Marrakech, which takes about 2.5 to 3 hours.
- Arrival at Marrakech Airport: Depending on your flight schedule, you will either head directly to the airport or spend a bit more time in the city before departing.
This itinerary combines the best of Morocco’s diverse landscapes—from the Atlas Mountains and Sahara Desert to the Atlantic coast—giving you a well-rounded experience of the country’s culture, history, and natural beauty. Each day is packed with adventure, relaxation, and discovery!
Included:
- Private luxury car
- Fuel
- Airport transfer
- English-speaking driver Local guides in Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou,Oasis Todra
Excluded:
- Hotel accommodation (the customer can book directly based on their budget)
- Accommodation advice (our travel agent can provide recommendations)
- Monument ticket payments
- Food and drinks
- Tips
- Extra activities (these can be booked separately)