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Contrasts of Morocco: Mountains, Desert, and Atlantic Breeze

~ 1611 km , 10 days
Discovering the Red City: Marrakesh
Your journey through Morocco begins in its most famous city — Marrakesh. The first day is dedicated to exploring this ancient city, so there will be no motorhome travel today. After arrival, you will check in at your hotel and head out to discover the main landmarks of the “Red City.”

The program includes a visit to the Koutoubia Mosque, whose minaret is the symbol of the city. Next, you will explore the Bahia Palace to admire classical Moroccan architecture. The day will conclude at the Jardin Majorelle and the adjacent Yves Saint Laurent Museum. Overnight stay is planned at a hotel in Marrakesh.
Points of interest
The main mosque of Marrakesh, built in the 12th century. Its 77-meter-high minaret is an important landmark and can be seen from many parts of the city. The minaret served as a prototype for the Giralda tower in Seville. Keep in mind that entry into the mosque, as in most mosques in Morocco, is allowed only for Muslims, but visitors can admire it from the outside and stroll through the surrounding gardens.
The palace’s name translates as the “Palace of the Beautiful.” This vast complex was built in the 19th century for the Grand Vizier Si Moussa. It is an outstanding example of Moroccan architecture and craftsmanship of that era. Visitors can walk through its many rooms, courtyards, and gardens, adorned with carved wood, zellij tilework, and stucco plaster.
A botanical garden created by the French painter Jacques Majorelle. The garden is famous for its collection of plants from all five continents and is especially renowned for its striking cobalt blue shade (“Majorelle blue”), used to paint many of its features, including the artist’s villa. In 1980, the garden was purchased and saved from ruin by fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent and his partner Pierre Bergé.
Located next to Jardin Majorelle, this modern museum is dedicated to the work of the famous French couturier, who drew inspiration from the colors and atmosphere of Marrakesh. The museum houses an extensive collection of Yves Saint Laurent’s clothing, accessories, and sketches, as well as hosting temporary exhibitions and cultural events.
Across the Atlas Mountains to Morocco’s Film Capital
After breakfast, you will pick up your campervan, complete the briefing, and stock up on groceries for the journey. Your adventure begins with one of Morocco’s most breathtaking drives — crossing the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass. This winding mountain road climbs to an elevation of 2,260 meters.

The highlight of the day is the Ksar of Aït Benhaddou, a fortified village of clay structures that has stood on the hillside for nearly a thousand years. After exploring this UNESCO World Heritage Site, you’ll take a short drive to Ouarzazate, known as the “Hollywood of Morocco.” Overnight stay is planned at a campsite in the Ouarzazate area.
Points of interest
The highest mountain pass in North Africa, this road is a true engineering marvel. It offers ever-changing views of valleys, gorges, and traditional Berber villages clinging to the mountainsides. At the top of the pass, there is a viewpoint where you can stop for photos.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this ksar is one of the finest examples of traditional southern Moroccan earthen architecture. It consists of numerous kasbahs (fortified family homes) tightly clustered together and surrounded by defensive walls. Thanks to its ancient and exotic appearance, Aït Benhaddou has become a filming location for many famous movies and TV series, including Gladiator, Lawrence of Arabia, and Game of Thrones.
Located on the edge of the Sahara, this city has become the center of Morocco’s film industry thanks to its landscapes and year-round sunshine. Several major studios are based here, including the famous Atlas Studios, which visitors can tour to see sets from well-known films.
Day of Canyons: Dadès and Todra Gorges
Today is dedicated to exploring two of Morocco’s most famous gorges. Leaving Ouarzazate, you will head east along the “Road of a Thousand Kasbahs.” Your first stop will be the Dadès Gorge. You can drive deep into the gorge along the famous winding road and see the rock formations known as the Monkey Fingers.

Next, you will return to the main road and continue to the town of Tinghir, the gateway to another impressive gorge — Todra. Its highlights are the towering, nearly vertical cliffs that come very close together at the narrowest point. Overnight stay is planned at a campsite in the Tinghir area, which serves as a base for exploring these gorges.
Points of interest
This long gorge was carved by the Dadès River in the Atlas Mountains. It is famous for its red sandstone cliffs and numerous ksars and kasbahs built along the river. The most iconic part of the gorge is the steep serpentine road climbing up to a viewpoint, from where you can admire these bends.
This unusual rock formation in the Dadès Gorge was created by the erosion of soft rock, resulting in smooth, rounded columns. They resemble fingers — or, according to another version, the convolutions of a brain, which is why they are sometimes called the “Brain of the Atlas.”
This narrow canyon, carved by the Todra River, is at its most impressive in a 300-meter-long corridor where smooth rock walls rise up to 160 meters, while the distance between them narrows to just 10 meters. A shallow river flows along the bottom, and a paved road runs through it, allowing visitors to drive or walk while taking in the dramatic scale of the surrounding cliffs.
In the Heart of the Sahara: Camels and a Starry Night
Today you head to one of the most exciting highlights of the trip — the Sahara Desert. Leaving Tinghir, you will drive southeast, watching the landscape gradually change from rocky terrain to sand. Your destination is the village of Merzouga, located at the foot of the vast dunes of Erg Chebbi.

Upon arrival in Merzouga, you will leave your camper and mount camels to journey in a caravan deep into the desert, toward your overnight camp. Walking over the dunes at sunset is one of Morocco’s most unforgettable experiences. You will spend the night in a Berber tented camp, where a traditional dinner, music by the fire, and an incredible starry sky await you.
Points of interest
A small village on the edge of the Sahara Desert, serving as the main gateway to the sand dunes of Erg Chebbi. Merzouga is the starting point for all types of desert activities: camel treks, jeep tours, sandboarding, and quad biking.
One of the two largest ergs (sand dune massifs) in the Moroccan Sahara. The Erg Chebbi dunes stretch for 28 kilometers in length and up to 5 kilometers in width, with some dunes reaching heights of 150 meters. The sand here has a distinctive orange hue that changes throughout the day depending on the lighting.
Berber Camp
An overnight stay in a traditional Berber camp is an essential part of the Sahara experience. These camps usually consist of several large tents arranged around a central fire area. While the dwellings look authentic, many are equipped with modern comforts such as beds, toilets, and even showers, making the stay comfortable.
Adventures in the Desert: Jeeps and Sandboarding
Today is fully dedicated to exploring the surroundings of the Sahara Desert. After breakfast at the camp and returning to your motorhome in Merzouga, you will have a full day of activities ahead. You will head out on a jeep tour across the desert landscapes around the Erg Chebbi dunes.

During the tour, you will visit a nomadic family to see their way of life and stop in the village of Khamlia, home to descendants of Black slaves, famous for their unique Gnawa music. The program may also include visiting abandoned mines and a private car collection. In the afternoon, you’ll have the chance to try sandboarding down the dunes. Overnight stay this time is planned in one of the camps in Merzouga.
Points of interest
A small village near Merzouga, inhabited by the Gnawa ethnic group — descendants of slaves brought from Central and West Africa. The people of Khamlia have preserved their unique culture, the centerpiece of which is hypnotic Gnawa music with its characteristic rhythms of drums and metallic castanets. A visit to the village usually includes a short live music performance.
This popular desert activity is essentially snowboarding on sand. It takes place on the steep slopes of the Erg Chebbi dunes. Special boards can be rented in Merzouga or provided during a jeep tour. It’s a fun and active way to enjoy the desert landscapes.
Draa Valley and Camel Milk
Bidding farewell to the desert, you head west toward the Atlantic Ocean. Today’s journey takes you through the Draa River Valley. Along the way, you’ll stop in Rissani to visit its authentic traditional market, where you can still find a special “parking lot” for donkeys.

The route then leads you across rocky desert plateaus and oases such as Nkob. On the way, you’ll have the chance to try fresh camel milk. By evening, you’ll arrive at the Draa Valley, the largest date palm oasis in Morocco. Overnight stay is planned in a campsite near the village of Agdz.
Points of interest
Historically, Rissani was an important trading center on caravan routes, known as the “Gateway to the Sahara.” Today, the town is famous for its large and bustling market (souk), held several times a week. This is not a tourist market but a truly local one, where you can find everything from spices and vegetables to livestock — including donkeys, for which there is even a special enclosure.
An authentic Berber village located at the foot of the impressive Jebel Saghro mountain range. Nkob is often called the “village of 45 kasbahs” because of the many well-preserved adobe fortresses rising above the palm grove.
A vast oasis stretching for more than 100 kilometers along the Draa River. The valley forms a green ribbon of millions of date palms, contrasting with the surrounding arid mountains and desert. Scattered along the valley are numerous old ksars and kasbahs, making a journey through it especially picturesque.
A small town in the Draa Valley that serves as a convenient starting point for exploration. Near the town rises Jebel Kissane, a mountain whose shape resembles a tagine — the traditional Moroccan dish.
Saffron, Argan Trees, and Ancient Taroudant
Today you continue west, exploring the crafts and natural treasures of Morocco. Leaving Agdz, you head toward Taliouine, considered the saffron capital of the country. Along the way, you can stop at a cooperative producing traditional Berber carpets.

The route then takes you through a region where argan trees grow. Here you may spot the famous “flying goats” climbing the branches to feast on the leaves. By evening, you will arrive in Taroudant, an ancient town surrounded by massive fortress walls. You can also visit the Palais Claudio Bravo museum-palace. Overnight stay is planned at a campsite in the Taroudant area.
Points of interest
A small town known as the center of production of the world’s most expensive spice — saffron. Saffron is made from the dried stigmas of crocus flowers. In Taliouine and the surrounding area, you’ll find numerous cooperatives where you can learn about the cultivation, harvesting, and processing of this spice, as well as purchase it.
The former residence and studio of the world-renowned Chilean hyperrealist painter Claudio Bravo, who spent his final years here. Located at the foot of the Atlas Mountains, this vast palace is a masterpiece in itself. Visitors can see not only Bravo’s paintings but also his personal collection of artworks, antiques, his studio, and even his tomb. Surrounded by manicured gardens, orange groves, and pools, the palace is a true oasis of art and tranquility.
Often called the “Little Marrakech” because of its impressive red-clay fortress walls that resemble those of the imperial city. Taroudant was an important trading hub on caravan routes. Its medina (old town) is less chaotic than Marrakech, making it a calmer place to discover local life, markets, and artisan workshops.
Argan trees and goats
The argan tree is native to southwestern Morocco. Its fruit produces valuable argan oil, widely used in cooking and cosmetics. Local goats have adapted to climbing these thorny trees to reach the leaves and fruit, creating an unusual spectacle that has become a popular tourist attraction.
Road to the Atlantic: Agadir and Taghazout
Today’s journey takes you to the Atlantic coast. Leaving Taroudant, you head to Agadir, Morocco’s largest resort city. Here you can visit the Agadir Medina, a modern reconstruction of the old town.

You then continue north along the coast to the popular surf village of Taghazout, where you can enjoy a lunch of fresh fish and seafood. The rest of the day is spent driving along the ocean, taking in the views. Overnight stay is planned at a campsite near Imsouane.
Points of interest
A modern resort city that was almost completely destroyed by an earthquake in 1960 and rebuilt afterward. Unlike many other Moroccan cities, Agadir has no ancient medina. It is famous for its long sandy beach, seaside promenade, and relaxed atmosphere of a European-style resort.
Since the original medina was destroyed in the earthquake, in the 1990s Italian architect Coco Polizzi created this open-air museum-reconstruction. Built using traditional Berber techniques and materials, it features artisan workshops, shops, and cafés, offering an impression of what old Agadir might have looked like.
A former fishing village that has turned into a surfers’ mecca, attracting enthusiasts from all over the world with its excellent waves. Taghazout has retained its laid-back vibe and is home to numerous surf schools, yoga centers, and small cafés overlooking the ocean.
Essaouira: City of Winds and Artists
This morning you’ll take a short drive to Essaouira, one of Morocco’s most charming coastal towns. The rest of the day is dedicated to exploring this “City of Winds.”

You can stroll along its fortified bastion walls, visit the lively fishing port Port de Essaouira where you can taste the freshest seafood, and wander through the narrow streets of its Medina of Essaouira, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Essaouira is famous for its bohemian atmosphere, art galleries, and artisan workshops. Overnight stay is planned at a campsite on the outskirts of the city.
Points of interest
A port city with a rich history. Its medina, surrounded by 18th-century fortress walls designed by a French architect, is notable for its more regular layout compared to the chaotic medinas of other Moroccan cities. The city is also famous for its strong winds, making it a popular spot for kitesurfing and windsurfing.
The heart of the city, where life bustles in the narrow streets filled with shops, artisan workshops (especially known for thuya wood carving), and art galleries. The medina’s distinctive features are white houses with bright blue shutters and doors, along with the constant cries of seagulls.
One of the liveliest places in the city. Here you can watch fishermen repairing nets and unloading their catch, as well as see the construction of traditional blue wooden boats. The port is also home to many grill stalls where you can choose fresh fish or seafood to be cooked for you right on the coals.
Farewell to the Ocean and Return to Marrakesh
Today is the final day of your Moroccan adventure. After breakfast in Essaouira, you will head back inland to Marrakesh. To make the journey more enjoyable, you may stop along the way at the winery Le Domaine du Val d’Argan.

The road will take you through unique landscapes where argan trees gradually give way to more open plains. Upon arrival in Marrakesh, your main task will be to return your motorhome to the rental station. With that, your grand journey through the Kingdom of Morocco officially comes to an end.
Points of interest
The southernmost winery in Morocco and the only one specializing in grape varieties from the Rhône Valley, such as Syrah and Grenache. Here you can take a guided tour to learn about the winemaking process in this arid climate and taste several wines, often served with local snacks such as olives and cheese.
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