The Great South and a Thousand Kasbahs – Grand South Morocco Tour: 9 Days by 4x4 from Marrakech to the Merzouga Desert

On the first day of the tour, our professional driver will pick you up at the airport and transfer you to your hotel/riad in Marrakech. Dinner and accommodation.

Breakfast and departure for the guided visit of the Majorelle Garden. Considered one of the most beautiful gardens in Marrakech, it features more than 300 plant species from five continents. You will be charmed by the magical contrast between Majorelle blue, bright yellow and this true vegetal work of art. Next, discovery of the ramparts of Marrakech, the ancient protective walls of the city. The visit continues with the Bahia Palace, dating from the 19th century, which reflects the love of a grand vizier for his favorite. Lunch in the medina, then continuation with a historical walking tour of the medina of Marrakech (listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site). Its souks are filled with enchanting scents and vivid colors. You will then visit the Ben Youssef Madrasa, a Quranic school that reflects the splendor of Saadian architecture, before discovering Jemaa El-Fna Square. The social heart of the medina, it is one of the most famous squares in the world with its snake charmers, acrobats, musicians and water sellers. You will also enjoy a very interesting visit to a local herbalist to discover the fascinating world of spices. Our tour ends with the Koutoubia Mosque and its sublime 77-meter-high minaret. Dinner and accommodation.

Breakfast and departure toward Dades, crossing the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n'Tichka Pass. Rising to 2,260 m above sea level, it is the highest road pass in the country. Lunch in the Berber village of Telouet, followed by a fascinating visit of the Kasbah of Pacha Glaoui in Telouet (also called the Glaoui Palace), built between the 18th and 20th centuries. The journey continues with a panoramic tour of Ouarzazate including a photo stop in front of the Taourirt Kasbah. You will then take the road toward the Dades Valley for an immersion in the heart of remarkable natural landscapes. You will discover surprising rock formations such as the “monkey fingers,” as well as unique variations of color. A stop is planned to admire the magnificent panoramic view over the Dades Gorges (Tissadrine). Dinner and accommodation in the Dades region.

Breakfast and departure toward the Todra Gorges via the town of Tinghir. Enjoy a walk to discover these spectacular limestone cliffs, carved by the Todra River over millennia, some reaching up to 300 m in height. It is a true natural jewel of southern Morocco. Lunch in Tinjdad, then continuation toward Erfoud, the gateway to the desert. You will cross landscapes of immense golden dunes until your arrival in Merzouga. From there, you will set off on a camel ride through the dunes to admire a magnificent sunset. After a contemplative pause at the top of the dunes, return by camel to your luxury camp. Dinner awaits you in a luxury bivouac, followed by an evening of entertainment in the magical desert atmosphere. An extraordinary and memorable experience. Overnight in a luxury camp.

After contemplating the magnificent sunrise, breakfast, then departure toward Zagora via the village of Rissani. A walk through its authentic souks is planned, including a tasting of local date varieties. Lunch in Alnif and continuation toward Zagora through small Berber villages, where you may have the chance to encounter nomads along the way. In the heart of Zagora, you will see the famous “Timbuktu 52 days” sign, a remnant of the city’s former role as the last stop on the caravan route from Mali and Sudan. Dinner and accommodation.

A relaxing day in your magnificent riad to unwind, enjoy the swimming pool, etc. Full board: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner.

During this journey, you will discover unique landscapes and may encounter herds of camels feeding along the roadside. The trip continues via Foum Zguid to Taznakht, then to Ouarzazate, always offering wonderful panoramic views over the Anti-Atlas mountain range. A stop for lunch is planned along the way before arriving in Ouarzazate. Dinner and accommodation.

Breakfast and departure for the fascinating visit of the Kasbah of Aït Ben Haddou, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. This exceptional site appears as a group of earthen buildings surrounded by walls, a true model of traditional pre-Saharan habitat. Some of its houses, the oldest dating back to the 12th century, resemble small castles with their decorated high towers. After lunch, continuation toward Marrakech, once again crossing the Tizi n'Tichka Pass (2,260 m), offering breathtaking mountain panoramas. Dinner and accommodation.

Breakfast and transfer to Casablanca airport for a safe departure flight.