Our Discover Morocco’s South Tour (Casablanca, Marrakech, Essaouira, Taroudant, Ouarzazate, Todra, Merzouga, Agdez, Marrakech) takes you from Casablanca to Marrakech and across to the vibrant coastal town of Essaouira. Continue your journey down the Atlantic coast to Agadir, before turning inland for the heartland of the south. Visit Taroudant, explore Taliouine with its saffron fields, and Tazanakht, an important centre for Berber carpet weaving. Explore the Valley of a Thousand Kasbah, and the dramatic Todra Gorge, before spending the night under the Sahara desert stars. Continue over the dramatic High Atlas Tichka Pass to Marrakech. This tour combines spectacular and diverse landscapes with wonderful opportunities to experience real Moroccan life in the south.
Our Discover Morocco’s South Tour can be modified from 6-14 days or more depending on your time and what you would like to see.
DAY 1: Casablanca
Arrive at Mohammed V International Airport where you will be welcomed and transferred to your hotel in Casablanca. Overnight in Casablanca.
DAY 2: Casablanca – Marrakech (240kms)
Tour Casablanca, Morocco’s commercial capital and largest city. Visit Mohammed V Square which lays claim to some of the city’s most impressive architecture, the majestic Hassan II Mosque, the Habbous District, the central market, and the residential districts of Anfa and Ain Diab, famous for their gardens, beaches, terrace cafes and restaurants. Depart for Marrakech in the afternoon. Overnight in Marrakech.
DAY 3: Marrakech
The entire day is devoted to exploring the famous city of Marrakech, the second oldest Imperial city which has for centuries been an important stop for traders and travellers. Your tour will include the Menera Gardens, the famous Jardin Majoralle, the Bahia Palace and the Saadian tombs. Visit the Koutoubia Mosque, with its 77m high minaret dominating the centre of Marrakech. In the afternoon visit Djemaa El Fna Square, the centre square of the medina which comes alive at night with local storytellers, musicians, entertainers, snake charmers and the scent of delicious food being grilled over hot coals. Overnight in Marrakech.
DAY 4: Marrakech – Essaouira (177kms)
Depart Marrakech for the seaside town of Essaouira. A relaxing drive lined with argan oil cooperatives will take you to this UNESCO World Heritage listed city. The windswept fishing port, with broad beaches and ancient walled medina with ramparts built into the cliffs has long been a popular destination. With its relaxed feel, take in the lively medina, stroll along the ramparts or beach, or visit the port to see the daily catch. The Gnaouas Music Festival is held in Essaouira in June. Overnight in Essaouira.
DAY 5: Essaouira – Agadir – Taroudant (274kms)
Depart Essaouira for Sidi Kaouki beach, and continue down the Atlantic Coast towards Agadir. After exploring the beautiful city of Agadir, and perhaps enjoying a fresh fish lunch, continue your journey to Taroudant, located in the Sous Valley. Passing by argan and orange tree groves, arrive in Taroudant, known for its beautiful ramparts and Berber artisan crafts. Overnight in Taroudant.
DAY 6: Taroudant – Taliouine – Tazenakht – Ouarzazate (295kms)
Depart Taroudant for Ouarzazate, with many interesting stops along your journey. Explore Taliouine and visit the saffron museum, or time your visit for the saffron harvest festival in October. Continue to Tazenakht, an important centre for Berber carpet weaving. Overnight in Ouarzazate.
DAY 7: Ouarzazate – Skoura –Kelaat M’Gouna – Boumalne Dades – Tinghir – Todra Gorge (166kms)
Depart Ouarzazate for Todra Gorge. Your journey will take you through Skoura, a small village on the north side of the road which probably has the most beautiful palm grove in southern Morocco with dozens of inhabited and uninhabited kasbahs. This whole region is called The Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs. Drive through Kelaat M’Gouna where a rose festival is held every May, to the stunning valleys and gorges of Boumalne Dades. Continue to Tinghir and the dramatic canyons of the Todra Gorge. Overnight in Todra Gorge.
DAY 8: Todra Gorge – Merzouga (194kms)
Spend some time exploring the Todra Gorge in the morning. Continue your journey to the desert town of Merzouga, via Tinjedad and Erfoud. In Merzouga, take a camel to explore the Erg Chebbi region of the Sahara desert, and begin your Moroccan desert adventure! Watch the sunset over the majestic Sahara dunes, and spend the night in an oasis in a Berber tent. Overnight in the desert oasis.
*If a camel trek is not really your thing, you can still experience the magic of the dunes by staying in a hotel right at their edge.
DAY 9: Merzouga – Rissani – Tazarine – Agdez (295kms)
Wake up in the early morning to watch the sunrise over the dunes and return by camel to Merzouga. Depart Merzouga for Agdez. On the way explore Rissani and Tazarine. Continue to Agdez and the highest part of the Draa Valley. Overnight in Agdez.
DAY 10: Agdez – Ouarzazate – Marrakech (270kms)
Depart Agdez for Marrakech. Visit Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, an UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the setting for many movies, such as Lawrence of Arabia and The Gladiator, before continuing to Marrakech, via the stunning Tichka Pass (2260m) which offers dramatic panoramic views in the heart of the Atlas Mountain chain. Overnight in Marrakech.
DAY 11: Marrakech
Tour ends in Marrakech.
Suggestions for amending your Discover Morocco’s South Tour:
- Add extra days in Marrakech to explore Marrakech.
- Add an extra day in Essaouira
- Add an extra day to explore Agadir
- Add an extra day to explore Taliouine and Tazanakht
- Complete your Discover Morocco’s South Tour by returning to Marrakech from Ouarzazate on Day 7 (exclude desert visit)
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Fescooking & Morocco Cultural Tours 