14 Day Tour: Real Morocco and Kasbah Trail Tour

Day 1:

Airport – Marrakech

Your 14-day Morocco Kasbah Trail Tour begins as you arrive in Marrakech and transfer to your riad in the heart of the Medina. Depending on your arrival time, you may have the chance to explore local souks and enjoy your first taste of traditional mint tea.

Overnight in a riad.

Day 2:

Marrakech – Ait Ben Haddou – Dades Valley

After breakfast, your journey begins as we cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi-n-Tichka Pass, the highest road pass in Morocco at 2,260m (7,417ft). As we wind through the mountains, you’ll pass scenic Berber villages and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views.

Continuing south, we arrive at Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Morocco’s most famous fortress, known for its appearances in films like Gladiator and Lawrence of Arabia. After exploring its maze-like streets and historic architecture, we travel to the Dades Valley, where we will settle in for the night.

Overnight in a hotel in the Dades Valley.

Day 3:

Dades Valley – Todra Gorge – Merzouga

Leaving the Dades Valley, we journey through the Todra Gorge, a spectacular canyon where sheer cliffs rise 300m (985ft) high, creating a dramatic and awe-inspiring landscape. Known among rock climbers and adventurers, this area offers some of the most impressive natural scenery in Morocco.

Continuing through the Todra Valley, we pass traditional mud-brick villages, including Tinjdad, Mallaab, and Touroug, before reaching Merzouga in the late afternoon. Upon arrival, you will be greeted with Moroccan mint tea, a traditional welcome to the Sahara Desert.

Overnight in a hotel or riad in Merzouga.

Day 4:

Merzouga region/camel ride

Today is dedicated to exploring the unique culture and landscapes of Merzouga. After breakfast, we take a short drive to Dayet Srji, a seasonal desert lake that attracts flamingos and other migratory birds. Next, we visit the village of Khamlia, home to the Gnaoua people, whose spiritual music and dance traditions trace back to West Africa.

In the afternoon, you will embark on a camel trek into the golden dunes of the Sahara, where you’ll witness an unforgettable sunset over the dunes. Arriving at a Bedouin desert camp, you’ll experience an evening of traditional music, delicious food, and the silence of the desert beneath a starlit sky.

Overnight in a desert camp.

Day 5:

Sahara sightseeing / tea with local nomads

Wake up early to witness a spectacular sunrise over the Sahara, an unforgettable sight as the colors shift across the dunes. After breakfast, we visit nomadic families in the Hamada “black desert”, where you will have the chance to share tea in their tents and learn about their way of life.

In the afternoon, you will have the opportunity to explore the Sahara further, either by relaxing at your accommodation or trying an exciting quad bike adventure across the dunes.

Overnight in a hotel or riad in Merzouga.

Day 6:

Merzouga – Rissani – Alnif – Zagora

After breakfast, we travel to Rissani, a town with deep historical significance as a former trading hub on the ancient trans-Saharan caravan route. If visiting on a market day, you’ll explore the bustling Rissani souk, one of the region’s most famous traditional markets.

The journey continues west along the Draa Valley, the longest river valley in Morocco, known for its lush palm groves and ancient kasbahs. By evening, we arrive in Zagora, a key gateway to the deep Sahara.

Overnight in a riad in Zagora.

Day 7:

Zagora – Tamagroute – Draa Valley – Ouarzazate

In the morning, we visit Tamegroute, an ancient village famous for its 11th-century Koranic library, which houses priceless Islamic manuscripts. The town is also renowned for its green-glazed pottery, which you can observe being crafted by local artisans.

Traveling back along the Draa Valley, we pass Agdz, crossing the desert plateau of Jbel Tifernine, before arriving in Ouarzazate, home to the Atlas Film Studios and historical kasbahs.

Overnight in a hotel or riad in Ouarzazate.

Day 8:

Ouarzazate – Taliouine – Taroudand

After breakfast, we begin the day with a visit to Taourirt Kasbah, a beautifully preserved fortified palace that once belonged to the powerful Glaoui family. As we explore the intricate corridors and ancient rooms, you will gain insight into Morocco’s rich kasbah heritage.

From Ouarzazate, we journey south through Tazenakht, known for its handwoven Berber carpets, before arriving in Taliouine, the heart of Morocco’s saffron-growing region. Here, we will visit a local saffron cooperative, where you’ll learn about the cultivation and production of the world’s most expensive spice.

Continuing through the scenic Souss Valley, we reach Taroudant, often called the “Grandmother of Marrakech” due to its massive defensive walls and traditional Medina atmosphere. Unlike its bustling counterpart, Taroudant offers a peaceful and authentic experience, with fewer tourists and a charming, laid-back vibe.

Overnight in a guesthouse in Taroudant.

Day 9:

Taroudant sightseeing

Today, you will fully immerse yourself in the history and culture of Taroudant. We begin with a walk through the Medina, where you can explore the souk, famous for its jewelry, spices, and leather goods. The bustling market is one of the best places in Morocco to find authentic handmade crafts.

Next, we visit the Kasbah Gate, a grand entrance to the city’s ancient walls. You will have time to admire the impressive ramparts, some of the best-preserved in Morocco, stretching over 7km (4 miles) around the city.

In the afternoon, you can take a horse-drawn carriage ride along the ramparts or enjoy free time to wander the shaded alleyways, relax in a café, or visit a traditional hammam for a truly local experience. As the sun sets over the Souss Valley, you can soak in the tranquility of this historic desert city.

Overnight in a guesthouse in Taroudant.

Day 10:

Taroudant – Agadir – Essaouira

Leaving Taroudant behind, we head west toward the coastal city of Agadir, a modern seaside destination rebuilt after the 1960 earthquake. We take a brief stop at the Kasbah of Agadir Oufella, a hilltop fortress that offers panoramic viewsover the Atlantic Ocean and the city below.

Continuing north, we travel along the stunning coastal road, passing through Tamanar, the heart of Morocco’s Argan oil industry. Here, we stop at a women’s cooperative, where you can see how argan oil is traditionally produced, from hand-cracked kernels to luxurious skincare and culinary products.

By late afternoon, we arrive in Essaouira, a charming UNESCO-listed port city known for its whitewashed buildings, historic ramparts, and lively fishing harbor.

Overnight in a riad in Essaouira.

Day 11:

Essaouira sightseeing

Today, we explore Essaouira, one of Morocco’s most picturesque coastal cities. We begin at the Skala de la Ville, the impressive 18th-century fortress that once defended the city from invading forces. From here, you can enjoy sweeping views of the Atlantic, with waves crashing against the stone walls.

Next, we walk through the Medina of Essaouira, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you’ll find narrow streets lined with vibrant blue doors, artisan workshops, and the scent of fresh seafood grilling on open flames. The Mellah, the old Jewish quarter, offers a fascinating glimpse into Essaouira’s multicultural history.

In the afternoon, enjoy free time to explore—whether that means relaxing at a seaside café, strolling along the golden beach, or browsing the handcrafted Thuya woodwork that the city is famous for. For those who love adventure, camel or horseback rides along the beach are also available.

Overnight in a riad in Essaouira.

Day 12:

Essaouira – Marrakech

After breakfast, we begin our journey back to Marrakech, traveling once again through the Argan tree forests of the region. Along the way, you may spot goats perched in the trees, a sight unique to this part of Morocco, where they climb to eat the fruit of the argan trees.

We take another stop at an Argan oil cooperative, where you can observe the traditional methods of production and perhaps purchase some high-quality Moroccan argan oil.

Arriving in Marrakech by the afternoon, you will check in to your riad in the heart of the Medina. You can then enjoy some free time to explore, revisit the Jemaa el-Fna Square, or simply relax before your final full day in Morocco.

Overnight in a riad in Marrakech.

Day 13:

Marrakech sightseeing

Your Marrakech city tour begins with a visit to the Koutoubia Mosque, the city’s largest mosque, known for its beautiful minaret and intricate geometric details. From here, we walk to the Bahia Palace, a stunning example of Moroccan architecture, where grand courtyards and intricate tilework transport you back in time.

Next, we explore the Saadian Tombs, a hidden historical gem dating back to the 16th century, followed by a visit to the Ben Youssef Medersa, one of Morocco’s most impressive Islamic schools, known for its ornate carvings and mosaics.

In the afternoon, we take a stroll through the Majorelle Gardens, a botanical oasis designed by French painter Jacques Majorelle and later restored by Yves Saint Laurent. The lush gardens, featuring exotic plants and the famous Majorelle Blue villa, offer a peaceful retreat from the city’s hustle and bustle.

The evening is yours to enjoy Marrakech at your leisure—whether that means shopping in the souks, enjoying a rooftop dinner, or experiencing the lively street performances at Jemaa el-Fna Square.

Overnight in a riad in Marrakech.

Day 14

Marrakech – Airport

On your final day of your 14-Day Morocco Kasbah Trail Tour, you may have time for some last-minute shopping or a leisurely breakfast before your scheduled transfer to the airport. As your 14-day Morocco Kasbah Trail Tour comes to an end, you will leave with unforgettable memories of Morocco’s rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and warm hospitality.

We wish you safe travels and hope to see you again soon!