Detail Tour

Day 1 — Arrival in Marrakech
Settle into your riad and rest after the journey. In the evening, take a first stroll through Jemaa el-Fnaa square, musicians, storytellers, snake charmers (keep your distance, photos are charged for), and fresh orange juice stalls. Food stalls set up in the late afternoon; choose carefully, hygiene varies.

Day 2 — Marrakech sightseeing
A full day in the medina:
* Jardin Majorelle, the blue garden created by Jacques Majorelle, later owned by Yves Saint Laurent. Book online the day before to skip long queues.
* Koutoubia Mosque, the city’s tallest minaret (77m); interior closed to non-Muslims, but the surrounding gardens are lovely.
* Madrasa Ben Youssef, former Quranic school with stunning tilework and stucco. Arrive at 9am opening to beat the crowds.
* Le Jardin Secret, a cool oasis tucked inside the souks, with a rooftop café (Menzeh).
* El Badi Palace, 16th century ruined palace (note: currently affected by renovation works, which may limit the visit).
Finish with dinner among the food stalls on Jemaa el-Fnaa.

Day 3 — Marrakech → Aït Ben Haddou (4h drive)
Cross the Tizi n’Tichka pass through the High Atlas, spectacular mountain road. Optional stop in Ouarzazate (film studios). Arrive at Aït Ben Haddou, a UNESCO listed ksar and famous film location. Entry to walk the village is free (beware of anyone selling fake « tickets); bargain hard in the shops. Best visited early morning or late afternoon for golden light and fewer tour buses.

Day 4 — Aït Ben Haddou → Erg Chegaga (7-8h, long day)
Drive via Zagora and M’Hamid, then transfer to 4×4 for the final stretch into the dunes. Erg Chegaga has the tallest dunes in Morocco.
Overnight in a desert camp, camel trek, sandboarding, campfire, and stargazing. Book a camp that includes a driver/guide for this leg.

Day 5 — Chegaga → Tata (5-6h)
A quieter, less touristy stretch through hamada plains and isolated palm oases via Foum Zguid. Oasis-style camps near Tata offer an authentic overnight with home-cooked food and dune sunsets.

Day 6 — Tata → Tafraoute (~3h)
Drive into the Anti-Atlas mountains, through almond-tree valleys and striking rock formations. Tata’s local souk (Souk Lhad) is worth a quick look for atmosphere.

Day 7 — Tafraoute sightseeing
* Painted Rocks, granite boulders painted blue, pink, and violet by Belgian artist Jean Vérame in 1984, a tribute to his late wife.
* Ait Mansour Gorges, a lush palm-filled canyon; drivable in a normal car in dry weather (check bridge conditions after rain).
* The nearby village of Aguerd Oudad and the Ameln Valley are also great for hiking.

Day 8 — Tafraoute → Essaouira (5-6h)
A long drive through argan tree forests toward the Atlantic coast, a classic (if touristy) stop to see goats climbing argan trees along the way.

Day 9 — Essaouira sightseeing
* City Walls / Skala de la Ville 18th-century ramparts, famous as a Game of Thrones filming location (Astapor).
* Fishing port (Sqala) blue boats, fish market, and restaurants that grill your catch on the spot.
* Place Moulay Hassan the lively heart of the medina, cafés and souvenir shops.
Overall vibe is much more relaxed and bohemian than Marrakech, also known for wind sports (surfing/kitesurfing).

Day 10 — Essaouira → Marrakech (2h30-3h)