Overview
The “7 Days Tour from Marrakech to Marrakech” is a journey that delves deep into the heart of Morocco, exploring the country’s rich cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant cities. This tour is ideal for travelers who seek an immersive experience, wanting to explore beyond the usual tourist destinations and uncover the authentic charm of Morocco. As you venture out of Marrakech, the red city, you’ll find yourself surrounded by the majestic Atlas Mountains, which give way to the vast expanses of the Sahara Desert, and eventually, the picturesque valleys and gorges that carve their way through the landscape. The route takes you through Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Merzouga, where the dunes of Erg Chebbi touch the sky, Todra Gorge, with its towering cliffs, and Dades Valley, known for its scenic beauty and traditional Berber villages. This journey is a sensory feast, filled with the sounds of the call to prayer, the smells of spices and tagines, and the tastes of delicious Moroccan cuisine.
As you travel through these diverse landscapes, you’ll encounter a wide range of cultures, from the Berber tribes of the Atlas Mountains to the nomadic people of the desert. Each stop on the tour offers a unique insight into the history, traditions, and daily life of the Moroccan people. Whether you’re exploring the bustling souks of Marrakech, watching the sunset over the dunes of Merzouga, or hiking through the valleys and gorges, this tour promises to be an unforgettable adventure. With its mix of culture, nature, and adventure, this tour is perfect for travelers who are looking for a comprehensive Moroccan experience.
The “7 Days Tour from Marrakech to Marrakech” is a carefully crafted journey that balances activity and relaxation, allowing you to soak up the atmosphere of each destination without feeling rushed. The tour is led by experienced guides who are passionate about sharing their knowledge of Morocco’s history, culture, and customs. With their expertise, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the country and its people, and you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the places you visit.
As you travel through Morocco, you’ll notice the vibrant colors, sounds, and smells that fill the air. From the bright blue tiles of the zellij mosaics to the sweet scent of orange blossoms, every sense is catered to on this journey. The tour is designed to be a journey of discovery, where you can immerse yourself in the local culture and create unforgettable memories. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or just starting to explore the world, this tour is an excellent choice for anyone looking to experience the best of Morocco.
The “7 Days Tour from Marrakech to Marrakech” is a tour that will leave you with a lasting impression of Morocco and its people. With its unique blend of culture, nature, and adventure, this journey is sure to be an unforgettable experience. As you return to Marrakech on the final day of the tour, you’ll have a newfound appreciation for the country and its rich cultural heritage.
Highlights
- Explore the ancient kasbah of Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Watch the sunset over the dunes of Erg Chebbi in Merzouga
- Hike through the breathtaking Todra Gorge, with its towering cliffs
- Visit the scenic Dades Valley, known for its traditional Berber villages
- Discover the historic city of Ouarzazate, with its beautiful architecture
- Experience the vibrant culture of Marrakech, with its bustling souks and markets
- Enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner, with local cuisine and music
- Take a camel ride through the desert, under the starry night sky
- Visit the Atlas Film Studios, where many famous movies were filmed
- Explore the charming streets of Marrakech’s old medina, with its colorful zellij mosaics
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1: Marrakech to Ait Benhaddou
The tour begins in Marrakech, where you’ll meet your guide and driver at the famous Jemaa el-Fnaa square. From there, you’ll travel to Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you’ll explore the ancient kasbah and learn about its rich history. You’ll have lunch at a local restaurant, where you can try traditional Moroccan cuisine, such as tagine and couscous. In the afternoon, you’ll have time to wander through the narrow streets of the kasbah, taking in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains. You’ll spend the night at a beautiful riad in Ait Benhaddou, with its traditional architecture and comfortable rooms.
Day 2: Ait Benhaddou to Merzouga
After breakfast, you’ll travel to Merzouga, where you’ll experience the breathtaking beauty of the Sahara Desert. You’ll take a camel ride through the dunes of Erg Chebbi, watching the sunset over the desert landscape. You’ll spend the night at a desert camp, where you can enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner and sleep under the starry night sky. The camp is equipped with comfortable tents and amenities, and you’ll have the opportunity to relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the desert.
Day 3: Merzouga
You’ll spend the day exploring the desert, taking a guided tour of the dunes and learning about the unique ecosystem of the Sahara. You’ll have lunch at a local restaurant, where you can try traditional Berber cuisine, such as msemen and b’stilla. In the afternoon, you’ll have time to relax at the camp, or take a walk through the dunes, enjoying the stunning views and peaceful atmosphere. You’ll spend the night at the desert camp, where you can enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner and watch the stars twinkling above.
Day 4: Merzouga to Todra Gorge
After breakfast, you’ll travel to Todra Gorge, where you’ll hike through the breathtaking canyon, with its towering cliffs and crystal-clear river. You’ll have lunch at a local restaurant, where you can try traditional Moroccan cuisine, such as grilled meat and vegetables. In the afternoon, you’ll have time to explore the gorge, taking in the stunning views and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere. You’ll spend the night at a hotel in the gorge, with its comfortable rooms and stunning views.
Day 5: Todra Gorge to Dades Valley
You’ll spend the day exploring the Dades Valley, with its scenic beauty and traditional Berber villages. You’ll take a guided tour of the valley, learning about the history and culture of the region. You’ll have lunch at a local restaurant, where you can try traditional Moroccan cuisine, such as tagine and couscous. In the afternoon, you’ll have time to wander through the villages, taking in the stunning views and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere. You’ll spend the night at a riad in the valley, with its traditional architecture and comfortable rooms.
Day 6: Dades Valley to Ouarzazate
After breakfast, you’ll travel to Ouarzazate, where you’ll explore the historic city, with its beautiful architecture and rich history. You’ll visit the Atlas Film Studios, where many famous movies were filmed, and take a guided tour of the city, learning about its culture and traditions. You’ll have lunch at a local restaurant, where you can try traditional Moroccan cuisine, such as grilled meat and vegetables. In the afternoon, you’ll have time to explore the city, taking in the stunning views and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere. You’ll spend the night at a hotel in Ouarzazate, with its comfortable rooms and stunning views.
Day 7: Ouarzazate to Marrakech
You’ll spend the morning exploring Ouarzazate, visiting the Kasbah Taourirt and the Museum of Cinema. After lunch, you’ll travel back to Marrakech, where you’ll have time to explore the city, taking in the stunning views and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere. You’ll have the opportunity to visit the famous Jemaa el-Fnaa square, with its bustling souks and markets, and try some traditional Moroccan street food, such as snails and orange juice. You’ll spend the night at a riad in Marrakech, with its traditional architecture and comfortable rooms.
What’s Included
- Private transport in a comfortable vehicle, with air conditioning and amenities
- Licensed guide, with expertise in Moroccan history, culture, and customs
- Meals, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with traditional Moroccan cuisine
- Riad/hotel accommodation, with comfortable rooms and amenities
- Activities, including camel ride, hiking, and guided tours
- Entrance fees, where applicable, to historic sites and attractions
- Traditional Moroccan dinner, with local music and entertainment
- Desert camp, with comfortable tents and amenities
- Atlas Film Studios tour, with behind-the-scenes look at movie production
- Ouarzazate city tour, with guided exploration of historic sites and attractions
What’s Not Included
- International flights, to and from Morocco
- Travel insurance, with coverage for medical and travel-related expenses
- Tips, for guides, drivers, and hospitality staff
- Personal lunches, with option to try local street food or restaurants
- Optional activities, such as quad biking or hot air balloon ride
- Visa fees, for citizens of countries requiring visa for entry to Morocco
- Personal expenses, such as souvenirs, snacks, and drinks
Travel Tips
The best time to travel to Morocco is during the spring and autumn, when the weather is mild and pleasant. During the summer, the temperatures can be very hot, especially in the desert, while the winters can be cool and rainy. It’s essential to pack comfortable clothing, including lightweight pants, long-sleeved shirts, and a scarf to cover your head and neck. You should also bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself from the sun.
When traveling to Morocco, it’s essential to respect the local culture and customs. You should dress modestly, avoiding revealing clothing, and remove your shoes when entering mosques or homes. You should also learn a few basic Arabic phrases, such as “merhaba” (hello) and “shukraan” (thank you), to show respect and appreciation for the local people. When interacting with locals, you should be respectful and polite, avoiding public displays of affection and using your right hand when eating or giving/receiving something.
When traveling through Morocco, you’ll have the opportunity to try delicious local cuisine, including tagines, couscous, and pastries. You should also try some of the local drinks, such as mint tea and orange juice. When eating at local restaurants, you should be prepared to sit on the floor or on low seats, and use your hands to eat. You should also be prepared to haggle when shopping at markets or souks, as it’s a common practice in Morocco.
When traveling through Morocco, you’ll have the opportunity to use local transport, such as taxis and buses. You should be prepared to bargain when taking a taxi, and agree on the price before you start your journey. You should also be prepared to walk, as many of the historic sites and attractions are located in pedestrian areas. When using local transport, you should be respectful of the local customs and traditions, and avoid public displays of affection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best way to get to Marrakech, the starting point of the tour? A: The best way to get to Marrakech is by flying into Menara Airport, which is located about 6 kilometers from the city center. You can take a taxi or bus from the airport to your riad or hotel. Alternatively, you can also take a train or bus from other cities in Morocco, such as Casablanca or Fez.
Q: What type of accommodation can I expect on the tour? A: The accommodation on the tour includes riads, hotels, and desert camps, all of which are carefully selected for their comfort, cleanliness, and traditional architecture. You can expect to have a private room with en-suite bathroom, and access to amenities such as air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and restaurants.
Q: What is the average temperature in the desert during the summer? A: The average temperature in the desert during the summer can be very hot, often reaching 45 degrees Celsius during the day. However, the temperature drops significantly at night, and can be quite cool, especially in the winter months. It’s essential to pack comfortable clothing, including lightweight pants, long-sleeved shirts, and a scarf to cover your head and neck.
Q: Can I customize the tour to fit my interests and preferences? A: Yes, the tour can be customized to fit your interests and preferences. You can choose to add or remove activities, such as quad biking or hot air balloon ride, and you can also choose to stay in different types of accommodation, such as luxury riads or budget hotels. Please contact us in advance to discuss your options and make arrangements.
Q: What is the policy on tipping in Morocco? A: Tipping is a common practice in Morocco, and is expected for good service. You should tip your guide, driver, and hospitality staff, as well as anyone who provides you with a service, such as a porter or a tour operator. The amount you tip will depend on the quality of service and your satisfaction, but a general rule of thumb is to tip 10-20 dirhams per day for your guide and driver.
Q: Can I bring my luggage on the tour, or do I need to pack lightly? A: You can bring your luggage on the tour, but it’s recommended to pack lightly, as you’ll be traveling through the desert and staying in different types of accommodation. You should bring a small backpack or suitcase, with essentials such as clothing, toiletries, and medications, and leave any unnecessary items behind.