Welcome to Morocco! Upon arrival in Marrakech, we will meet our driver and be transferred to our hotel for check-in. The driver will provide a brief overview of our entire trip in Morocco. The rest of the day is at our leisure. We may choose to commence our exploration of this exceptional and vibrant city or relax in our lodge and discover its facilities. Overnight in a luxurious riad with local flair, where we also enjoy dinner.

Overnight: Riad Anya/Riad 48 & Spa, Marrakesh (2 nights) (D)

After breakfast, we will be accompanied by a local tour guide to explore the city of Marrakech. Our itinerary will include visits to the main historical monuments, such as the gorgeous Bahia Palace built in the 19th century, the Saadian tombs—a 17th-century Royal necropolis, the Koranic School of Ben Youssef, and the Koutoubia mosque constructed in the 12th century. Additionally, we will have the opportunity to explore the famous souks (traditional markets), ideal for shopping and buying presents for family, friends, or ourselves. We can take a moment to relax in the Majorelle Gardens, a tranquil space in the New Town adorned with exotic botanical plants from around the world. The tour concludes in the main square of Djemaa Lefna, where storytellers, snake charmers, musicians, acrobats, and open-air food stalls create a vibrant atmosphere. We will also have free time to enjoy a soft drink in one of the cafes, offering stunning panoramic views across the square. The rest of the day is at leisure, with an overnight stay at the riad. (B)

After breakfast, we start with an early pick-up from our accommodation or the Marrakech airport. We then drive through the fascinating High Atlas Mountains and the Tizi N-Tichka Pass, with stops along the way for panoramic views of the breathtaking landscapes. From there, we continue to visit the famous Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou, a fortified village recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Kasbah has appeared in numerous films such as Gladiator, Alexander, The Mummy, and the TV series Game of Thrones. Next, we head to the “gateway to the desert,” Ouarzazate. After some free time for lunch, we continue to the Rose Valley, passing through the vast palm groves of Skoura. Finally, we reach the Dades Valley, where we spend the night with dinner included.

Overnight: Dar Rihana/Riad Paradise, Dades (1 night) (B, D)

After breakfast, we drive through the Dades Valley, stopping at a scenic viewpoint to take in the spectacular landscapes of the Dades Gorges. We then continue to the Todra Gorges, where the Todra River has carved a dramatic red cliff-sided canyon through the mountains. In Todra Valley, we meet our local guide for a 1.5-hour hike through the gorges to fully appreciate the natural beauty of the area. Afterward, we drive through the palm groves of Touroug and Tinjdad. In the afternoon, we reach the Sahara Desert of Merzouga and cross the sandy landscape by camel (or, if preferred, hike by foot through the dunes). We’ll stop to enjoy the magical sunset from the top of a high dune before continuing to our luxury desert camp. There, we’ll enjoy Berber drumming and dancing around the campfire under a sky full of stars—with the option to hike up nearby dunes for even more stunning views.

Overnight: Amanar Desert Camp/Young Luxury Desert Camp, Merzouga (1 night) (B, D)

We wake up early to witness the first rays of the sunrise as they gently light up the Sahara dunes in a breathtaking display of color. Afterward, we enjoy some free time over a warm Moroccan breakfast. We then return to Merzouga by camel or 4x4 Jeep, where our driver awaits. From there, we continue to Rissani, known for its vibrant souk market, and then on to Alnif, following the scenic Draa Valley lined with palm trees and ancient kasbahs. We cross the Tizi Tinififft Pass to arrive in Ouarzazate, often called the Hollywood of Africa. Here, we enjoy a scenic biking tour to the Oasis of Fint before continuing across the Tizi-n-Tichka Pass to reach the village of Imlil for dinner and an overnight stay in a guesthouse.

Overnight: Riad Jnane Imlil, Imlil (1 night) (B, D)

Our journey takes us to the higher foothills of the western High Atlas Mountains, arriving at the trailhead of Tizian (1600m) with views of Jbel Tazagkart. We hike along the Assif n'Ait Ouzzaden valley, weaving through walnut groves and ascending to Tizi n'Taghrhourte (2000m). Continuing through a rare, almost flat stretch, we reach Assaka Spring. After approximately 2.5 hours of relatively easy walking, we pause for a field picnic surrounded by awe-inspiring silence. In the afternoon, we hike down the edges of the forest until we reach the Berber village of D'knt (1900m) or Agouns n Assoul. Here, we enjoy dinner and spend the night in a bivouac or gite, completing our 5–6 hour hike.

Overnight: Gite in D’knt (1 night) (B, L, D)

Embarking on our morning hike, we trek for three hours through groves of walnut trees and fields of corn and barley, encountering sheep, goatherds, and local women and children carrying loads of wood and dried herbs. Crossing the Tizi n'Tagdalte, we descend among juniper trees until we reach a small spring nestled in the forest, where we pause for our picnic. Once refreshed, we continue down winding tracks along the upper slopes for approximately three more hours, arriving at a small river at the start of the Assif n'Ait Oussaden valley. From there, we enter the village of Tizi Oussem (1850m) and continue to the summer village of Tamsoult for our overnight stay in a camp or gite. The total walking time is approximately 5 to 6 hours.

Overnight: Gite in Tamsoult (1 night) (B, L, D)

Today involves a fantastic climb out of the Azzadene Valley. We’ll ascend the valley toward the summer village of Azib n Tamsoult, then head up to the Ighouliden waterfalls before trekking back over the pass at Tizi n Mzik (2489m) for lunch. Afterward, we descend into Imlil to spend the night in a riad with dinner.

Overnight: Riad Jnane, Imlil (1 night) (B, L, D)

After breakfast, we are transferred back to Marrakesh. Upon arrival, either transfer to the airport, or enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to recover or explore further. Or, we would be happy to assist you with further explorations of Morocco. (B)