10-Day Desert Tour from Agadir

Tour Details

Day 1: Agadir – Essaouira (~175 km)

Begin your journey with a morning exploration of Agadir’s coastline. Take a walk along the expansive sandy beach, enjoy the views from the old kasbah overlooking the city, and visit local markets. Later, drive north along the Atlantic coast, passing argan groves where goats are sometimes seen climbing the trees. Arrive in Essaouira, a charming port city with a mix of Berber, Portuguese, Jewish, and French influences. Explore the UNESCO-listed medina, stroll along the bustling fishing port, and visit artisan workshops. Overnight in Essaouira.

Day 2: Essaouira – Marrakech (~190 km)

After breakfast, leave the coast behind and journey inland toward Marrakech, passing through rolling argan forests. Stop at a local women’s cooperative to see how argan oil is produced and learn about its traditional uses. Arrive in Marrakech in the afternoon and check into your accommodation. Spend the evening at leisure, perhaps wandering the vibrant streets or enjoying a Moroccan dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 3: Full Day in Marrakech

Dedicate the day to exploring Marrakech’s rich heritage. Begin with a guided visit to the Saadian Tombs, Bahia Palace, and El Badi Palace, admiring intricate craftsmanship and historic architecture. Continue to the Ben Youssef Madrasa and the Koutoubia Mosque, Marrakech’s largest and most famous mosque. In the afternoon, stroll through the tranquil Majorelle and Menara Gardens, a perfect contrast to the bustling medina. End the day at Jemaa el-Fna square, where storytellers, musicians, and food stalls create a lively evening spectacle. Overnight in Marrakech.

Day 4: Marrakech – Casablanca (~240 km)

Travel north to Casablanca, Morocco’s largest city and commercial hub. Visit the iconic Hassan II Mosque, dramatically perched over the Atlantic Ocean and one of the world’s largest mosques. Enjoy time walking along the corniche, soaking in the ocean views, and observing the city’s blend of modern architecture and traditional charm. Overnight in Casablanca.

Day 5: Casablanca – Rabat – Meknes – Fes (~350 km)

Depart Casablanca for Rabat, Morocco’s capital. Explore the Hassan Tower, the Royal Palace, and the Kasbah of the Udayas, a picturesque fortress overlooking the ocean. Continue to Meknes, an imperial city famed for its Bab El Mansour gate, Moulay Ismail’s mausoleum, and historic granaries and stables. Arrive in Fes in the evening and settle into your riad within the Medina.

Day 6: Fes Cultural Tour

Spend the day exploring the UNESCO-listed medina of Fes, one of the oldest and most authentic in Morocco. Visit the Royal Palace gates, the old Jewish quarter (Mellah), and enjoy panoramic views of the medina from the Southern Tower. Wander through narrow alleyways lined with artisan workshops, discover centuries-old madrasas, and see the famous tanneries in action. Overnight in Fes.

Day 7: Fes – Azrou – Midelt – Imilchil (~300 km)

Journey south into the Middle Atlas Mountains, passing through Ifrane, often called “Little Switzerland” for its alpine charm. Continue through cedar forests in Azrou, home to wild Barbary macaques. Stop in Midelt for lunch and enjoy the dramatic mountain scenery before heading to the village of Imilchil, near Lake Tislit, known for its traditional Berber culture. Overnight in Imilchil.

Day 8: Imilchil – Todgha Gorges – Merzouga (~250 km)

Drive through the stunning Todgha Gorges, a dramatic canyon with towering cliffs and a winding river below. Pass by traditional Berber villages along the way. Continue to Erfoud and Rissani, towns known for fossils and date palms, before arriving at Merzouga, the gateway to the Sahara. Take a camel trek into the dunes of Erg Chebbi to enjoy a magical sunset, then spend the night in a desert camp with traditional music, storytelling, and a sky full of stars.

Day 9: Merzouga – Draa Valley – Aït Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate (~300 km)

Wake early for a breathtaking desert sunrise over the Erg Chebbi dunes. Return to Merzouga by camel and enjoy breakfast before heading toward Rissani. Travel through the Draa Valley, dotted with kasbahs and lush palm groves. Visit Aït Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its mudbrick architecture and film history. Continue to Ouarzazate for an overnight stay, known as the “Gateway to the Desert” and Morocco’s film capital.

Day 10: Ouarzazate – Taliouine – Taroudant – Agadir (~400 km)

Depart Ouarzazate and head toward Taliouine, Morocco’s saffron capital. Visit a saffron cooperative to learn about cultivation and harvesting. Continue to Taroudant, a charming walled town often called “Little Marrakech,” where you can stroll through the medina and explore the local souks. Complete your journey with a scenic drive back to Agadir, arriving in the late afternoon, marking the end of your 10-day adventure through Morocco’s diverse landscapes, culture, and desert magic.