Itinerary
- Day 1
Marrakech to Aït Benhaddou
You'll leave Marrakech this morning and head east into the High Atlas Mountains, passing through traditional Berber villages along the way. Stop for lunch in Taddert, then continue to Tizi n'Tichka pass where you can take in panoramic views across the mountains. From there it's on to Aït Benhaddou, a UNESCO-protected kasbah where you'll spend the evening wandering through the old town's alleys and climbing up to the rooftops to catch the sunset.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit Aït Benhaddou kasbah
- Explore old town alleys
Optional Activities
- Climb rooftops for views
- Visit kasbahs for additional fee
Landmarks/POIs Mount Toubkal Tizi n'Tichka Pass Aït Benhaddou - Day 2
Aït Benhaddou to Erg Chigaga
After breakfast you'll drive through the Jbel Tadrart Mountain ranges and desert oases, heading toward Tamegroute. There you'll visit an ancient library housing manuscripts on science, literature, and religious texts, then check out the underground kasbah and the ceramic pottery workshops they're known for. Later you'll take a short camel ride at M'Hamid before switching to a 4WD vehicle to reach the massive Erg Chigaga dunes by late afternoon.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit Tamegroute library
- Explore underground kasbah
- Ceramic pottery workshop visit
- Short camel ride at M'Hamid
- 4WD desert drive to Erg Chigaga
Optional Activities
- Purchase ceramic pottery souvenirs
Landmarks/POIs Jbel Tadrart Mountains Tamegroute M'Hamid Erg Chigaga - Day 3
Erg Chigaga to Taroudannt
This is a longer travel day as you continue by minivan through spectacular desert scenery toward Oulad Berhil. You'll pass through a reserve where argan trees grow wild and you might see goats climbing in the branches, which is quite something to see. By late afternoon or early evening you'll arrive at your riad near Taroudannt, and then you can relax by the pool for the rest of the day.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Drive through argan tree reserve
Optional Activities
- Pool time at accommodation
Landmarks/POIs Oulad Berhil - Day 4
Taroudannt to Essaouira
You'll visit Taroudannt in the morning to explore the bustling medina souks and get a feel for traditional Berber lifestyle in this vibrant market town. After that you'll head west and leave the High Atlas Mountains behind, driving toward the Atlantic Coast. By afternoon you'll reach Essaouira, a coastal town with whitewashed houses, bright blue shutters, art galleries, and wood workshops all set within stone ramparts.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Taroudannt medina and souks
Optional Activities
- Shopping in Taroudannt souks
Landmarks/POIs Taroudannt Essaouira - Day 5
Essaouira
A local guide will take you on a walking tour through the UNESCO World Heritage medina, including the Jewish mellah, port, and skala ramparts. After that you'll have free time to explore on your own since everything is within walking distance. You can wander the harbor and fish markets, try freshly cooked seafood, look through art galleries and Thuya wood shops, and soak in the coastal atmosphere.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Walking tour of medina
- Walking tour of Jewish mellah
- Walking tour of port
- Walking tour of skala ramparts
Optional Activities
- Visit fish markets and harbor
- Browse art galleries
- Shop for Thuya wood crafts
- Dine on fresh seafood
Landmarks/POIs Essaouira Medina Essaouira Port - Day 6
Essaouira to Imlil to Aroumd
You'll drive about 4 hours into the High Atlas Mountains to reach Imlil. Once there, pack mules will take your main luggage while you hike roughly 1 hour to the mountain village of Aroumd. You'll stay at a family-run mountain gite where you can experience traditional Berber hospitality and try authentic local cooking. The rest of the day is yours to explore the village and farmlands around it.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Traditional authentic cuisine)
Included Activities
- 1-hour hike to Aroumd
- Explore Aroumd village
- Explore farmlands
Optional Activities
- Hike to Sidi Chamharouch shrine (approximately 8 km, approximately 4 hours total)
Landmarks/POIs Imlil Aroumd Sidi Chamharouch - Day 7
Aroumd to Marrakech
Today you're heading back to Marrakech with no scheduled activities, so you can leave whenever it works for you. Check with your tour leader about any additional activities in Marrakech you might want to do or if you need help with airport arrangements.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Additional Marrakech activities (arrange with Tour Leader)
- Airport arrangements (arrange with Tour Leader)
