Dunes, then waves

A week in Morocco that starts in the Sahara and ends with your feet in the Atlantic. Marrakech round-trip. Desert nights at one end, beach sunsets at the other, with the Anti-Atlas and the argan forest in between. Good for travelers who want contrast.

  • Duration: 7 days, 6 nights
  • Start & end: Marrakech
  • Group size: Private
  • Best season: Year-round. Summer is ideal for the coastal half.
  • Pace: Two nights in the desert region, two on the Atlantic, two in Marrakech.
  • Pricing: Starts from [CHECK: 7-day per-person price from 2 travelers sharing].

Itinerary

Day 1 — Marrakech to Dades Valley. Over the Tizi n'Tichka pass. Stop at Ait Ben Haddou. Overnight in a Dades kasbah hotel.

Day 2 — Dades to Merzouga. Todra Gorge walk, then east to Merzouga. Camel trek into Erg Chebbi at sunset. Dinner and overnight in the desert camp.

Day 3 — Merzouga to Taroudant. Sunrise on the dunes. Long drive south and west through the Anti-Atlas, bypassing Ouarzazate. Overnight Taroudant, the small walled "grandmother of Marrakech" [CHECK: confirm Taroudant accommodation partner].

Day 4 — Taroudant to Taghazout via Agadir. South to Agadir's long Atlantic beach, then up the coast to Taghazout, the surf town. Afternoon on the beach or a surf lesson if you want it. Overnight Taghazout.

Day 5 — Taghazout to Essaouira. Coast road north through argan country (with a stop to see the tree-climbing goats, which are staged but fun). Arrive Essaouira by afternoon. Walk the ramparts. Overnight Essaouira.

Day 6 — Essaouira and back to Marrakech. Morning in the fish port and the medina. Lunch of grilled sardines straight off the boat. Afternoon drive inland to Marrakech. Overnight Marrakech.

Day 7 — Marrakech departure. Morning free for the medina or a hammam. Airport transfer.

If surfing is the main event, we extend the Taghazout leg by 1-2 nights and cut Taroudant.

In your tour price

  • Private vehicle and professional driver
  • Camel trek and one night in the desert camp (dinner, breakfast)
  • Six nights of accommodation across Dades, desert camp, Taroudant, Taghazout, Essaouira, Marrakech
  • Daily breakfast
  • All transfers, fuel, tolls, parking, driver accommodation

Not included: Flights, lunches, most dinners, surf lessons, monument fees, tips, optional activities.

Practical notes

  • Day 3 is the longest drive of this tour. We break it with a lunch stop and a short walk.
  • Atlantic water is cold year-round due to the Canary Current. Taghazout has wetsuits for rent and surf schools for all levels.
  • Essaouira is windy by reputation. That is what keeps summer comfortable but also what makes the beach better for walking than swimming.

Where you are, where else to go

Map of Morocco showing Tarla Tours destinations. Strait of Gibraltar Atlantic Ocean Mediterranean Algeria Sahara Tangier Chefchaouen Fes Casablanca Rabat Meknes & Volubilis Essaouira Agadir Marrakech Middle Atlas High Atlas Merzouga

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