DAY 1 : MARRAKECH – OUARZAZATE – DADES GORGES

Morning departure heading east to Ouarzazate via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass in the High Atlas Mountains. Arrive Ouarzazate, also known as the Hollywood of Africa. Optional stop at movie studio and lunch before driving through Skoura to the historic Kasbah Amridil. Onto Valley of the Roses before arriving at your hotel in the Dades Valley (+dinner and breakfast)

DAY 2 : DADES GORGES – TODRA GORGES – MERZOUGA

After breakfast drive to Todra Gorge, where a 300m-deep fault splits the orange limestone into a deep ravine, stop for lunch. Then onto town of Erfoud to visit fossil workshop. Arrive at the impressive dunes of Merzouga. Overnight hotel accommodation (+ dinner and breakfast).

DAY 3 : ERG CHEBBI AND CAMEL TREK

Visit the Gnawa people, originally slaves from Sudan to experience their music and lifestyle. Nearby is the lake of Merzouga, with its bird population. In the afternoon mount your camel to explore the golden sands of the Sahara with guide. Overnight stay at desert camp dining out under the stars.

DAY 4 : MERZOUGA – TAZARINE – DRAA VALLEY – OUARZAZATE – AIT BENHADDOU

Enjoy sunrise before arriving back at hotel for breakfast and shower. Head to Palmerie of Tafilalet and town of Rissani. We will take the road to Jbel Saghro Anti Atlas passing through the Berber village of Tazarine and N’kob and Draa valley. Overnight hotel stay in Ouarzazate (+dinner and breakfast).

DAY 5 : AIT BEN HADDOU TO TAROUDANTE

After breakfast drive to Taroudant via Tazenakht, visiting UNESCO heritage site of Ait Benhaddo then to Taliouine, the saffron spice capital. Option to visit the Saffron co-operative and if your visit coincides with the saffron harvest, you will meet the local families harvesting the saffron in the fields. Arrive at Taroudant in the afternoon to explore ramparts and walk the alleyways in the Medina. Accommodation in riad (+dinner and breakfast).

DAY 6 : TAROUDANTE TO ESSAOUIRA VIA AGADIR

After breakfast depart for Essaouira, stopping at Agadir for lunch. Continue along coastal road (area famous for the Argan trees). Here you will see goats climbing trees, stop for a photo before arriving in Essaouira. Overnight accommodation in the Medina (+ breakfast).

DAY 7 : FREE MORNING ESSAOUIRA – MARRAKECH

After breakfast free time to explore Essaouira before leaving for Marrakech stopping off at Women’s Argan Co-operative famous for its culinary, cosmetic and medicinal products. Overnight accommodation in Marrakech including dinner with option to enjoy a walk to the main square of Jemaa El Fna. A must see with entertainers, magicians, storytellers, musicians and snake charmers and here where our 7 days from Marrakech ends.