Morocco: Deserts & Beaches
Morocco
Overview
Are you ready to explore the magic of North Africa? Our Morocco desert and beach tour offers an incredible 11-day journey. You will fall in love with the vibrant culture and stunning landscapes of this beautiful country. This guided tour is perfect for young travelers and adventurers. It combines the golden dunes of the Sahara with the refreshing Atlantic coast.
Your journey begins in the “Red City” of Marrakech. From there, you will visit iconic sites like the Kasbah of Aït Ben Haddou. You will also experience a sunset camel ride in the vast desert. Stay in unique local accommodations, including a traditional mountain gîte in the High Atlas Mountains. After the desert, we head to the coast. You can enjoy surf lessons on the beautiful beaches of Taghazout and explore the ramparts of Essaouira.
At Holidays Retreat, we create tours that balance adventure and comfort. This Morocco desert and beach tour includes all transport, expert guides, and several traditional meals. Whether you want to hike in Toubkal National Park or relax by a beach bonfire, we have it all covered. Contact us today to book your Moroccan adventure or explore more international holiday packages.
Included/Exclude
- Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your Guid and Group Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends Your Local Living Moment: Mountain Gîte Stay with Traditional Moroccan Meal, Aroumd (Aremd) Your Discover Moment: Marrakech Your Big Night Out Moment: Marrakech
- Tinghir orientation walk
- Local village walk along the Todra Valley
- Sunset camel ride in the desert
- Traditional dinner and drums under the stars
- Aït Ben Haddou kasbah tour
- Hike in the Atlas Mountains
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
- Swimming in rock pools and exploring waterfalls in Paradise Valley
- Surf lesson in Taghazout
- Sunset beach bonfire
- Essaouira orientation walk
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
- Additional 5% GST
- International Flights and VISA fees
Tour Plan
Marrakech
Arrive at any time. Get ready to channel all of the buzz and excitement of arriving in a new place by heading out on the town with your guid and crew. Take the fun to new heights as you grab drinks and kick back at a rooftop bar. Don’t get too distracted by the incredible views of Marrakech, though, that you forget to get to know your new travel companions and prepare for the thrilling journey ahead.
Marrakech/Todra Gorge
Depart Marrakech and gaze out the window as the city gives way to rocky hills and terracotta villages. Disembark upon arrival in Tinghir and get in touch with Morocco's Mediterranean flora during a walk through palm groves. Then, fly to Mars. Just kidding. Head into Todra Gorge (might as well be Mars, though, with how other-worldly your surroundings will feel here). Fall asleep beneath sheer cliff walls to the sound of a gurgling river and the wind catching in the palm trees.
Todra Gorge/Merzouga
Journey into the vast, golden reaches of the desert. Mint tea and a warm welcome await you at your dune-side hotel. Saddle up and travel by camel to the perfect perch atop the dunes to view the sunset and paint the sky hues of red, blue, and yellow. After, under a canopy of stars, enjoy dinner and an evening of entertainment by the campfire. Let your imagination run wild as you listen to traditional music on the drums alongside stories about the region. We dare you to top this campfire experience.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Merzouga/Aït Ben Haddou
We know you've officially fallen in love with desert life, but it's time to kiss your camel goodbye. Rise early for the sunrise, then travel along the Route of 1000 Kasbahs to Ait Ben Haddou, one of the most iconic and beautiful kasbahs and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Meals: Breakfast,
- Hotel: None
Aït Ben Haddou/Aroumd (Aremd)
Ready to gain some elevation? Head into the magnificent High Atlas Mountains and cross the Tizi n'Tichka pass (at 2260 m) before heading into Toubkal National Park. Take to the winding roads like a pro and gaze out the windows as small villages wiz by. Upon arrival at the small village of Imlil, strap on your hiking shoes and embark on a 1-hour hike from Imlil to the quaint mountain village of Aroumd (Aremd). Bask in the jaw-dropping elements — the sweet mountain air and the proximity to the jagged mountain peaks. Cozy up in your mountain gîte after a homemade dinner of local produce in the salon.
- Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Hotel: None
Aroumd (Aremd)/Marrakech
Begin the day by hiking back to Imlil and beginning your journey to the "Red City," Marrakech. Unlock the many secrets this ancient city has to offer in its mazelike alleys, ornate palaces, and lush gardens. When the heat of the day gets to you, relax at one of the many tea houses situated on the buzzing square (best people watching guaranteed). Opt to visit the stunning Musée de Marrakech, explore the ruins of El Badi Palace, or wander through Jardins Majorelle — a sprawling botanical garden developed over the span of forty years. End the day like a local with an optional group dinner in the famous food stalls of Djemaa el Fna.
- Meals: Breakfast,
- Hotel: None
Marrakech
Take advantage of more free time in Marrakech to wander the Djeema el Fna square in the heart of the medina. Try to keep up with the ever-changing market as it switches up its offerings throughout the day. In the evening, welcome new friends to the group and join your guid and fellow travelers for a night out on the town. Cheers to the next several days of making memories!
- Meals: Breakfast,
- Hotel: None
Marrakech/Taghazout
Journey to Paradise Valley, a tranquil oasis situated in the High Atlas Mountains that definitely lives up to its namesake. We know you'll be overwhelmed with photo ops at this spot, but make time to take a plunge in the bright blue rock pools or explore the palm groves nestled in between the limestone rock walls. Opt to take a guided hike in the region or to visit a part of the region known for its abundance of honey and argan oil. After, continue on your way to the fishing village of Taghazout.
- Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Hotel: None
Taghazout
Wake to the soft tones of waves crashing along the shoreline, then suit up for a surf lesson. Hit the waves for a free afternoon of surfing or paddleboarding. Prefer land surfing? Opt to go hiking or do yoga. After a day of embracing your wild side, what could be more fitting than gathering around a bonfire on the beach as the sun kisses the horizon goodnight?
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Hotel: None
Taghazout/Essaouira
Take coastal living northward to colorful, sun-drenched Essaouira. After an orientation walk around the city, enjoy free time to get to know the ramparts and rocky beaches of Essaouira further. No rest for the weary? Not true here — opt to pre-book the Traditional Hammam Experience and enjoy a spa experience that is ritual for many of the locals.
- Meals: Breakfast,
- Hotel: None
Essaouira/Marrakech
Hit the road one final time and return to Marrakech. Even though your trip ends on arrival, make sure you take the time to take plenty of photos with newfound friends to commemorate the memories made. (Morocco scrapbook, anyone?)
- Meals: Breakfast,
- Hotel: None
