A Week in Wonderland: The Complete Southern Morocco Circuit

Overview

For the traveler who desires to see it all, our 7-day "A Week in Wonderland" tour is the definitive exploration of Southern Morocco. This immersive circuit from Marrakech is thoughtfully paced, allowing you to go beyond the highlights and truly connect with the diverse landscapes and cultures of the south. You'll journey over the High Atlas, explore both the Dades and Todra Gorges, and spend two magical nights in the Sahara Desert at Merzouga, giving you time for a deeper exploration. The return journey takes you through the historic Draa Valley and offers a final, breathtaking perspective of the Atlas Mountains. It's the ultimate southern road trip, designed for those who want to absorb the magic without feeling rushed.

Itinerary

Day 1: Marrakech → High Atlas Mountains → Ait Benhaddou → Dades Valley Our adventure begins with an early departure, ascending into the High Atlas via the Tizi n'Tichka pass. We'll make our way to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Benhaddou, exploring this iconic fortified kasbah. After lunch, we continue through Ouarzazate, the Skoura oasis, and the Valley of Roses, ending our day in the spectacular Dades Valley for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 2: Dades Valley → Todra Gorges → Merzouga (Erg Chebbi) After breakfast, we'll admire the "monkey fingers" rock formations before heading to the magnificent Todra Gorges for a walk through the towering canyon. Our journey continues east towards the Sahara. In the afternoon, we arrive in Merzouga, where you will trade your vehicle for a camel and trek into the Erg Chebbi dunes to a traditional Berber camp for sunset, dinner, and a night under the stars.

Day 3: Full Day Sahara Desert Exploration Wake to a desert sunrise. Today is dedicated to exploring the Sahara. You'll embark on a 4x4 excursion around the dunes, visit the village of Khamlia to listen to traditional Gnawa music, meet a nomadic family to learn about their way of life, and perhaps try sandboarding. You'll have lunch in the desert before returning to your camp for another evening of campfire stories and stargazing.

Day 4: Merzouga → Rissani → Alnif → Tazzarine → N'Kob After a final desert breakfast, we leave Merzouga and head to the historic market town of Rissani. Our journey then takes us through a starkly beautiful pre-Saharan landscape, passing through Alnif and Tazzarine. Our destination is N'Kob, a charming Berber village known for its 45 kasbahs, where we'll spend the night in a traditional guesthouse.

Day 5: N'Kob → Draa Valley → Ouarzazate This morning, we explore the lush and extensive Draa Valley, a green ribbon of over a million palm trees dotted with ancient kasbahs. We follow the old caravan route towards Ouarzazate, stopping to admire the scenery and earthen architecture. In Ouarzazate, you'll have time to visit the Taourirt Kasbah before checking into your hotel for the night.

Day 6: Ouarzazate → Telouet Kasbah → Marrakech On our final day of travel, we leave Ouarzazate and take a detour to the fascinating Telouet Kasbah, the former palace of the powerful Glaoui clan. After exploring its crumbling yet beautiful interiors, we begin our final crossing of the High Atlas Mountains. We expect to arrive back in Marrakech in the late afternoon, where your driver will drop you off at your accommodation.

Day 7: Departure from Marrakech Enjoy a final Moroccan breakfast. Depending on your flight schedule, you'll have free time for some last-minute souvenir shopping or to relax. Your driver will then transfer you to Marrakech-Menara Airport (RAK) for your departure, concluding your week-long Moroccan wonderland adventure.

What is Included

• Private, air-conditioned vehicle with a professional driver/guide.
• Pick-up in Marrakech and drop-off at Marrakech airport or your accommodation.
• 6 nights' accommodation in hotels/riads and a desert camp.
• All breakfasts and 5 dinners.
• Camel trek and two nights in a desert camp.
• 4x4 desert excursion in Merzouga.
• Stops at all major points of interest.
• Fuel, tolls, and all transport costs.

What is Not Included

• Lunches, drinks, and dinners in Marrakech.
• Entrance fees to monuments.
• Tips for guides and drivers.
• Personal expenses.

Why Choose This Tour?

This 7-day tour is the ultimate southern Morocco experience. It provides the luxury of time, allowing for a relaxed pace and deeper immersion. Spending two nights in the Sahara and exploring the less-traveled N'Kob and Draa Valley route offers a more authentic and comprehensive journey than shorter tours. It's the perfect choice for travelers who want to truly understand the heart and soul of the Moroccan south.