Morocco: An Oriental Road Trip

Upon arrival, we’ll pick up our rental car, sort out our mobile data and exchange some money before heading to a traditional Moroccan riad in the heart of the historic medina.

In the evening, we’ll explore the lively Jemaa el-Fna square, where snake charmers and street performers bring the city to life. We’ll round off the day with a street-food feast, sampling Moroccan favourites such as tagine and couscous, along with freshly squeezed orange juice.

In the morning, we’ll set off by car along scenic mountain roads through the fascinating Atlas Mountains. We’ll stop along the way for traditional Moroccan mint tea and photos of the breathtaking panoramic views.

After lunch, we’ll arrive at the impressive mud-brick ksar of Aït Ben Haddou. We’ll explore its winding alleyways before climbing to the top for spectacular views across the ancient fortress and surrounding landscape.

We’ll spend the night in a guesthouse overlooking this remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In the morning, we’ll head south through valleys lined with endless palm groves towards the Zagora region, known as the “Gateway to the Sahara”.

After lunch in one of the local villages, we’ll swap our vehicle for camels and set off on a leisurely trek to our desert camp, arriving in time to watch the sun set over the dunes.

As evening falls, we’ll enjoy a three-course dinner around the campfire, accompanied by the rhythmic beats of Berber drums. Then it’s time to settle into our tents and drift off to sleep beneath a breathtaking canopy of stars.

We’ll wake up early to witness the magical sunrise over the dunes. After breakfast, we’ll ride our camels back to our vehicle.

If we’re in the mood for a little extra adrenaline and time allows, we can rent quad bikes and explore the dunes on an exhilarating ride (€40 per person for one hour).

Then we’ll set off on a scenic drive back through the mountain passes of the High Atlas, with regular stops for coffee along the way. By evening, we’ll arrive at the spectacular Ouzoud Waterfalls.

We’ll spend the morning exploring the spectacular 110-metre-high Ouzoud Waterfalls, watching the wild Barbary macaques and stopping for a few refreshments along the way. We’ll hop on a small boat that takes us right beneath the cascading water for a refreshing up-close experience.

After lunch by the river, we’ll make our way back to Marrakech. In the late afternoon, we’ll wander through the colourful traditional souks, trying our hand at bargaining for souvenirs. We’ll round off the day back at the iconic Jemaa el-Fna square, soaking up its vibrant atmosphere once more.

We’ll head to the peaceful seaside town of Essaouira, where the atmosphere is a world away from Morocco’s inland cities. We’ll explore the charming medina, sample fresh seafood and spend the afternoon relaxing on the beach, with the chance to cool off in the Atlantic Ocean.

In the evening, we’ll settle into our accommodation in Essaouira and enjoy a beautiful sunset over the ocean.

In the morning, we’ll drive back from Essaouira to Marrakech, with time for some final sightseeing. Depending on our preferences, we can visit the beautiful Majorelle Garden, the magnificent Bahia Palace or a historic Quranic school.

If we have plenty of time before our flight, we can treat ourselves to some well-deserved relaxation at a traditional Moroccan hammam.

We’ll pick up our last souvenirs, stock up on aromatic spices and Moroccan tea, then head to the airport. Full of unforgettable memories and new experiences, we’ll board our flight home.