An 8 day, 7 night round trip from Agadir: Ouarzazate, two nights in a Sahara desert camp near Merzouga, the Dades Valley, two nights in Marrakech with a guided tour, and a night in Essaouira, ending back in Agadir.
This 8 day round trip from Agadir takes in Morocco’s essential highlights without you having to arrange transport home from somewhere else: the saffron country of Taliouine, a night in Ouarzazate, two nights in a Sahara desert camp near Merzouga, the Dades Valley, two nights in Marrakech with a guided city tour, and a night on the Atlantic coast in Essaouira, before dropping you back in Agadir.
It’s built for travelers flying in and out of Agadir who want the full Morocco experience — desert, mountains, imperial city and coast — in one private loop, with your own vehicle and driver-guide throughout.
Because this tour starts and ends in Agadir, it’s a good fit if you’re flying into Agadir Al Massira Airport rather than Marrakech or Casablanca, or if you’re already staying on the coast and want to see the Sahara and Marrakech without changing base.
The route can be adjusted: add an extra night in the desert, swap a Marrakech night for more time in Essaouira, or start with a night in Taroudant instead of driving straight through. Ask us about combining it with our Ait Ben Haddou day trip if you’d like extra time around Ouarzazate.
Pickup from your hotel in Agadir or Agadir Al Massira Airport in the morning. Drive east through Taroudant, the walled “Grandmother of Marrakech,” then climb into saffron country at Taliouine before crossing the Anti-Atlas Mountains toward Ouarzazate.
Arrive in Ouarzazate in the late afternoon, known as the gateway to the Sahara and home to the Atlas Film Studios. Dinner and overnight at a hotel in town.
Start with a visit to Ait Ben Haddou, the UNESCO-listed ksar just outside Ouarzazate. Continue east through the Dades Valley, with a stop at the “Monkey Fingers” rock formations in the Dades Gorge, then on to the Todra Gorge, where the canyon walls narrow to a few metres apart.
Continue across the desert plains to Merzouga. In the late afternoon, transfer by 4×4 to a desert camp in the Erg Chebbi dunes for a sunset camel ride, dinner around the fire and overnight under the stars.
Wake up early for sunrise over the dunes, then transfer back to a hotel in Merzouga for breakfast and a shower. Spend the day exploring the Erg Chebbi region: the Gnawa music village of Khamlia, the fossil workshops and old caravan town of Rissani, or simply relax by the dunes.
Optional activities such as sandboarding and quad biking can be arranged locally. In the afternoon, head back out to the dunes for a second night at the desert camp.
After a final sunrise over the dunes, drive back west through Tinghir and the Todra Gorge, retracing part of yesterday’s route with time to stop for photos. Continue to the Dades Valley, known for its kasbahs and rose gardens.
Overnight at a hotel with views over the Dades Gorge.
Drive back through Ouarzazate and the Valley of Roses at Kelaat M’Gouna, then climb over the High Atlas via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, Morocco’s highest year-round road, at 2,260 metres.
Arrive in Marrakech in the late afternoon. Check in to your riad and enjoy the evening at leisure, with Jemaa el-Fna square a short walk away.
Spend the day exploring Marrakech with a licensed local guide: the Koutoubia Mosque, the Bahia Palace, the Saadian Tombs, and the Majorelle Garden. Wander the souks of the medina for spices, leather and lanterns, and return to Jemaa el-Fna in the evening as the food stalls and performers set up for the night.
Second overnight in Marrakech.
Drive west to the Atlantic coast, passing through argan tree country, home to the tree-climbing goats and the region’s argan oil cooperatives. Arrive in Essaouira by early afternoon, with time to explore the walled medina, the fishing port and the long sandy beach.
Overnight in Essaouira.
After breakfast, drive south along the coast back to Agadir. Drop-off at your hotel or at Agadir Al Massira Airport, depending on your onward travel.
How much does this 8-day Agadir round trip cost?
Our private 8-day tour from Agadir starts from $990 per person, based on 2 travelers. That includes the private vehicle and driver-guide, 6 nights in hotels and riads plus 2 nights in a desert camp, the camel ride, a licensed guide in Marrakech, daily breakfast and 3 dinners. Send us your dates for an exact quote.
Does the tour really start and end in Agadir?
Yes. We pick you up in Agadir, whether at your hotel or Al Massira Airport, and drop you back there at the end, so there is no need to arrange a separate return from Marrakech or anywhere else.
Is 8 days enough for this route?
Yes, it is a comfortable pace for the Sahara, Marrakech and the coast together. If you would rather slow down, ask us about adding a night in Taroudant, the desert, or Essaouira.
Is this tour private?
Yes. You travel only with your own group, in your own vehicle with a driver-guide, and the itinerary can be adjusted.
What kind of hotels are included?
Comfortable, characterful riads and hotels chosen for location and cleanliness, plus a proper desert camp in Erg Chebbi. Upgrades to luxury riads and camps are available.
What is the best time of year for this tour?
March to May and September to November. Summer is hot in the desert, and winter brings cold nights in the Sahara.
