8 days tour from Marrakech to the desert

8-Day Tour from Marrakech to Merzouga Desert: The Complete Itinerary of Southern Morocco

A Slow and Emotion-Filled Journey into the Heart of the Saharan Morocco

The 8-day tour from Marrakech to the Merzouga Desert is the ideal experience for those who wish to explore Morocco in depth, at a leisurely pace. This journey takes you through Berber villages, dramatic gorges, ancient kasbahs, and, of course, the magical Erg Chebbi Desert. The perfect balance of adventure, culture, and relaxation, with overnight stays in traditional riads and Berber tents under the stars, awaits.

Day 1: Arrival in Marrakech – Welcome to the Red City

Upon arrival at Marrakech Airport, you’ll be welcomed and transferred to a traditional riad in the heart of the medina. Enjoy free time to explore Jemaa el-Fna Square, filled with snake charmers, fragrant food stalls, and the vibrant sounds of the city.

Day 2: Guided Tour of Marrakech – Hidden Treasures & Lively Souks

After breakfast, meet your guide for a tour of the city’s most iconic landmarks:

Koutoubia Mosque (exterior)
Bahia Palace, with its stunning courtyards
Saadian Tombs, a testament to Morocco’s glorious dynasty
A stroll through the artisan souks selling leather, spices, carpets, and copperware

Afternoon at leisure for a traditional hammam or dinner on a panoramic terrace.

Day 3: Marrakech to Ait Ben Haddou – Crossing the High Atlas

In the morning, depart for the Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260 m), passing through breathtaking mountain landscapes and Berber villages.

Visit Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its famous kasbah, featured in numerous international films.
Overnight stay in a riad in the valley with a traditional dinner.

Day 4: Ait Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate – Dades Valley

Head to Ouarzazate, the “Hollywood of Morocco,” and enjoy a visit to the Atlas Film Studios (optional).

Thousand Kasbahs Road and the Dades Gorges
Stop at Skoura, with its extensive palm groves
Drive through the Valley of Roses

Arrive in Boumalne Dades and take an excursion through the spectacular rock gorges.
Overnight in a riad nestled in the mountains.

Day 5: Dades – Todra – Merzouga – Sunset Among the Dunes

Travel to Tinghir and visit the dramatic Todra Gorges, a stunning canyon with high cliffs.
Continue to Merzouga, on the edge of the Sahara Desert. Meet your camel drivers and embark on a camel caravan toward the Erg Chebbi dunes.

Enjoy a magical night in the desert, with a traditional Berber dinner and overnight in a desert camp under the stars, with local music around the campfire.

Day 6: Desert Exploration – Culture, Nomads & Oasis

After breakfast in the camp, take a 4×4 adventure into the desert to discover:

Khamlia Village, known for its Gnawa music
Meet nomadic families in their tents
Explore abandoned mines and lunar landscapes
Visit hidden oases and ancient water wells

Return to Merzouga for dinner and overnight in a riad or a second night in the desert camp.

Day 7: Return to Ouarzazate – Incredible Landscapes & Remote Villages

Leave early in the morning and return via Alnif, Tazzarine, and N’Kob, passing through arid landscapes, endless palm groves, and forgotten kasbahs.

Stop at Agdz, in the Draa Valley, one of Morocco’s largest palm groves. Arrive in Ouarzazate in the late afternoon.
Dinner and overnight in Ouarzazate.

Day 8: Return to Marrakech – Final Magical Moments

After breakfast, depart for Marrakech, arriving in the afternoon. Transfer to your riad and enjoy some free time for last-minute shopping or to watch the sunset over the medina’s terraces.

End of the tour and transfer to the airport for your return flight, or extend your stay.

Included in the Tour:

Private transfers in air-conditioned vehicle with Italian-speaking driver/guide
7 nights in riads, hotels, or desert tents (standard or luxury)
7 breakfasts and 5 dinners
Camel excursion
Cultural and scenic visits as per the itinerary
24/7 assistance throughout the tour

Why Choose the 8-Day Tour of Southern Morocco

This 8-day tour from Marrakech to Merzouga is a complete experience, combining adventure, history, and human connection. It’s the perfect duration to explore at a relaxed pace, getting lost in the gorges, discovering Berber culture, and experiencing the magic of the Sahara with all of your senses.

An emotional journey that will stay in your heart and transform all who embark on it.