6 Days from Marrakech
to Merzouga Desert

Departure from Marrakech (7:30 AM). Cross the spectacular Tizi-n-Tichka pass (2,260m) — the highest road in North Africa — with panoramic stops. Descend into the Ounila Valley to visit Ait Benhaddou, Morocco's most famous UNESCO kasbah. Climb to the summit for sweeping desert views across red rock and palmeries. Film buffs will recognize scenes from Gladiator, Game of Thrones, and Lawrence of Arabia. Continue to Ouarzazate — "Hollywood of Africa". Optional visit to the Atlas Corporation Studios (still-standing sets from Gladiator). Explore the Taourirt Kasbah in town — a 19th-century Glaoui palace with 300 rooms and a rooftop walk above the palmeraie. Overnight in Ouarzazate.

Morning drive through the Skoura oasis — a vast palm grove dating back 700 years, hiding ancient kasbahs among 1,000 date palms. Stop to explore Kasbah Amerhidil (now a hotel-museum). Continue through the Rose Valley (Kelaat M'Gouna) — in spring the road is lined with blooming Damascus roses, cultivated for rose water and essential oil. Visit a rose cooperative. Enter the dramatic Dades Gorges — sculpted "Monkey Finger" rock formations, vertiginous cliffs, and a winding river. Afternoon walk into the gorge. Overnight in a guesthouse above the canyon with views of the stars.

Drive east to the Todra Gorges — where 300m-high cliffs of rose-amber limestone narrow to just 10m wide above a cold, clear river. Walk through the canyon floor, one of Morocco's most dramatic natural wonders. Continue through Tinghir's magnificent 50km palmery oasis. Drive across the Tafilalt plain through ancient ksour and Berber hamlets to Merzouga village. Arrive mid-afternoon with time to explore the edge of Erg Chebbi — the most spectacular dune field in Morocco, rising to 150m. At sunset, mount your camel for the iconic trek into the dunes. Arrive at the Berber camp for a traditional dinner under the stars, Gnawa music around the fire, and your first night in the luxury desert tents.

A full day to explore the Sahara at your own pace. Optional activities: 4×4 desert excursion, sandboarding, visit nomadic families, explore Khamlia village (Gnawa music), fossil hunting in Erfoud. Second night in the desert camp.

Second Sahara sunrise — another chance to climb the great dunes before breakfast. Morning drive through Rissani, the ancient market town at the heart of the Tafilalt oasis and birthplace of Morocco's Alaouite royal dynasty. Browse the traditional souk (best on market days: Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday). Drive south along the magnificent Draa Valley — 200km of date-palm palmeries, fortified ksour, and Berber villages under the Anti-Atlas mountains. Stop at Kasbah Tamnougalt near Agdz — a 17th-century Glaoui fortress with beautifully carved stucco interiors. Overnight in Agdz overlooking the palmery.

Morning drive from Agdz through the final stretch of the Draa Valley to Ouarzazate. Optional stop at Ait Benhaddou for those who want one last look, or at Taourirt Kasbah. Begin the high atlas crossing via Tizi-n-Tichka (2,260m) — pull over at the summit for panoramic views of ridgeline after ridgeline stretching to the Sahara in one direction and the Atlantic in the other. Stop at a Berber argan oil cooperative on the descent. Arrive in Marrakech early to mid-afternoon. Drop-off at your hotel, the medina, or the Jemaa el-Fna. Tour ends — six days of Morocco's most spectacular landscapes, cultures, and memories.