Our Morocco’s Spectacular South Tour (Marrakech, Ouarzazate, Dades, Merzouga, Agdez, Taroudant, Agadir, Essaouira, Marrakech) takes you from Marrakech, over the spectacular Tichka Pass to Ouarzazate. Continue through the Valley of a Thousand Kasbah to the dramatic valleys and gorges of Boumalne Dades. Head for Merzouga and spend a night under the brightest of desert stars. Explore the Draa Valley and Taliouine – date and saffron country! Leave the desert and mountains behind and enjoy the vibrant but relaxing coastal towns of Agadir and Essaouira as you return to Marrakech. Combining mountains, desert and sea, this is tour has it all!
Our Morocco’s Spectacular South Tour can be modified from 6-12 days or more depending on your time and what you would like to see.
DAY 1: Marrakech
Upon arrival in Marrakech, you will be met and transferred to your hotel/Riad. Relax and settle in. Overnight in Marrakech.
DAY 2: Marrakech
Explore the famous city of Marrakech, the ‘southern pearl’ of Morocco, and 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 77 metre high minaret dominating the centre of Marrakech. Continue to one of the centre attractions of Marrakech; Djemaa el-Fna, the famous UNESCO World Heritage Site which is one of the main cultural spaces in Marrakech. Relax at one of the many cafes surrounding the square to take in all the sights. Continue on and explore the varied and colourful souks. Overnight in Marrakech.
DAY 3: Marrakech – Ait Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate (203kms)
Depart Marrakech for Ouarzazate via the stunning Tichka Pass (2260m) which offers dramatic panoramic views in the heart of the Atlas Mountain chain. On your way visit the Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site, used for more films than any other location in Morocco; including, Lawrence of Arabia and The Gladiator. Overnight in Ouarzazate.
DAY 4: Ouarzazate – Skoura – Kelaat M’Gouna – Boumalne Dades (111kms)
Depart Ouarzazate for 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. Overnight in Boumalne Dades.
DAY 5: Boumalne Dades – Tinghir –Erfoud – Merzouga (251kms)
Depart Boumalne Dades for Merzouga, via Tinghir 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 6: 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, including the Mausoleum of Moulay Ali Cherif and the palm tree grove as a part of eco-tourism exploration, and Tazarine. Continue to Agdez and the highest part of the Draa Valley. Overnight in Agdez.
Day 7: Agdz –Taliouine – Taroudant (292kms)
Depart Agdz for Taroudant, descending towards Tazenakht, an important centre for carpet weaving. You are now in saffron country! Stop in Taliouine and visit the saffron museum, or time your visit for the saffron harvest festival in October. Continue to Taroudant. Overnight in Taroudant.
Day 8: Taroudant – Agadir (90kms)
Depart Taroudant for the vibrant coastal city of Agadir. After several days of long drives, spend the day relaxing in Agadir. With its stunning beach and corniche, souks, historical kasbah and plentiful cafes you can be as busy or relaxed as you want. Overnight in Agadir.
Day 9: Agadir – Essaouira (173kms)
Depart Agadir for Essaouira, a wonderfully relaxed coastal fishing town where you can explore Phoenician, Berber, Portuguese, Jewish, and French past in the well-preserved architecture, small alleyways and enchanting medina. Stroll through the serene squares, browse artisan shops and galleries, and observe the handicrafts of the ’tuya’ wood found only in Morocco or head down to the port to check out the day’s catch.
Day 10: Essaouira – Marrakech (177kms)
Depart for Marrakech via the scenic inland road with the forest of the Argan trees (sometimes with goats!) which only exist in this region of the world. Stop off at Argan oil cooperatives along this relaxing drive. Your tour ends in Marrakech.
Suggestions for amending your Morocco’s Spectacular South Tour:
- Omit sightseeing days in Marrakech and leave directly for Ouarzazate or add days to explore Marrakech at the end of your tour
- Go directly from Ouarzazate to Merzouga
- Add an extra night and stay with our family in Amellago (Boumalne Dades – Todra – Amellago – Goulmima – Merzouga)
- Go directly from Taroudant to Essaouira
Complete your Morocco’s Spectacular South Tour by returning directly to Marrakech from Taroudant or Agadir
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