The Morocco Adventure Retreat combines Morocco’s imperial heritage, traditional craftsmanship, Atlas Mountain scenery and Sahara Desert activities in one private seven-day journey.
Begin with two nights in Marrakech and a guided cultural tour of the city’s historic monuments, souks and artisan quarters. Continue to Tahnaout for horse riding before visiting the beautiful Imlil Valley, where you will enjoy lunch with a local family and a guided mountain hike.
Travel through the High Atlas Mountains to Ouarzazate, Skoura, the Rose Valley and Dades Gorge. The adventure continues through Todra Gorge to Merzouga for sunset quad biking and an overnight stay in a luxury Sahara camp.
After watching the desert sunrise, journey to the historic ksar of Ait Ben Haddou before returning to Marrakech for a final artisan experience and airport transfer.
Day 1: Arrival in Marrakech
Welcome to Morocco. Upon arrival at Marrakech Menara Airport, your driver will meet you and transfer you to your hotel or riad.
After check-in, you can relax at your accommodation or begin exploring the surrounding neighborhood at your own pace.
Your group leader will provide information about the retreat, confirm the following day’s schedule and assist with any practical arrangements.
Overnight: Marrakech
Day 2: Guided Marrakech Cultural Tour
After breakfast, you will meet your licensed local guide and begin a cultural and historical exploration of Marrakech.
Your tour starts near the Koutoubia Mosque, the city’s largest mosque and one of its most recognizable landmarks. Non-Muslim visitors can explore the gardens and exterior of the mosque.
You will continue to Bahia Palace, known for its traditional architecture, tiled courtyards and decorated rooms. The journey then proceeds to Ben Youssef Madrasa, one of Marrakech’s most important historic educational monuments.
Your guide will lead you through the old medina, its traditional souks and artisan quarters. You will see workshops producing leather goods, metal lanterns, carpets, woodwork, ceramics and other Moroccan handicrafts.
The tour also includes the historic Kasbah district and the exterior of the Kasbah Mosque before continuing to Jemaa el-Fna, Marrakech’s famous central square.
Throughout the day, your guide will explain Marrakech’s Islamic heritage, architecture, local traditions and role in Moroccan history.
After the tour, you will return to your hotel or riad and enjoy the evening at your leisure.
Overnight: Marrakech
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3: Marrakech – Tahnaout – Imlil Valley
After breakfast, you will leave Marrakech and travel toward the High Atlas Mountains.
Your first destination will be Tahnaout, where you will enjoy a guided horse-riding experience through the surrounding countryside. The activity will be adapted to the group’s experience and comfort level.
You will then continue to Imlil Valley, a mountain region surrounded by traditional Amazigh villages, cultivated terraces and spectacular scenery.
Upon arrival, you will enjoy lunch with a local family. This experience provides an opportunity to taste home-cooked Moroccan food and learn about everyday life in the Atlas Mountains.
In the afternoon, a local mountain guide will lead you on a hike through the valley. The walking route can be adapted according to the group’s fitness level, weather and available time.
After the hike, you will check into your mountain guesthouse and enjoy the peaceful Imlil surroundings.
Overnight: Imlil
Meals: Breakfast, local family lunch and dinner
Day 4: Imlil – Tizi n’Tichka – Ouarzazate – Skoura – Rose Valley – Dades Valley
After breakfast, you will leave Imlil and begin the journey toward southern Morocco.
The route crosses the High Atlas Mountains through the Tizi n’Tichka Pass. Stops will be made at panoramic viewpoints to admire the mountain landscapes and traditional villages.
You will continue to Ouarzazate, often called the “Hollywood of Morocco” because of its film studios and connection to international cinema. Depending on the schedule, you can enjoy a panoramic visit or arrange an optional studio visit.
The journey proceeds to Skoura Oasis, known for its palm groves, gardens and historic kasbahs.
From Skoura, you will travel through the Rose Valley and Kelaat M’Gouna, a region famous for roses and locally produced cosmetic products.
In the late afternoon, you will reach the Dades Valley and continue toward the dramatic landscapes of Dades Gorge.
Dinner will be served at your hotel or guesthouse.
Overnight: Dades Valley
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Day 5: Dades Valley – Todra Gorge – Merzouga Desert
After breakfast, you will leave the Dades Valley and travel toward Tinghir.
You will visit Todra Gorge, where towering limestone cliffs rise on both sides of the river. You will have time for a short walk, photographs and refreshments.
The retreat then continues through the changing landscapes of southeastern Morocco toward Merzouga and the golden Erg Chebbi dunes.
In the late afternoon, you will begin a sunset quad-biking experience across the desert landscape. Professional staff will provide safety instructions and the necessary protective equipment before the activity.
After watching the sunset, you will continue to your luxury Sahara camp.
At the camp, you will enjoy a traditional dinner and Amazigh music around the fire before spending the night in a private tent beneath the desert sky.
Overnight: Luxury desert camp in Merzouga
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Day 6: Merzouga – Desert Landscapes – Ait Ben Haddou
We recommend waking up early to watch the sunrise over the Erg Chebbi dunes.
After breakfast at the camp, you will leave Merzouga and begin the journey west through southern Morocco’s desert landscapes, traditional towns and mountain scenery.
Stops will be made along the route for photographs, refreshments, lunch and comfort breaks.
In the late afternoon or early evening, you will arrive near Ait Ben Haddou and check into your hotel or riad.
Depending on your arrival time, you may begin exploring the surrounding area or relax at your accommodation. The main guided visit can also be arranged the following morning when necessary.
Overnight: Ait Ben Haddou
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Day 7: Ait Ben Haddou – Marrakech Artisan Experience – Departure
After breakfast, you will explore Ait Ben Haddou, a historic fortified village recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The ksar is known for its traditional earthen architecture and its historic position along the caravan route between the Sahara and Marrakech.
You will then cross the High Atlas Mountains and return to Marrakech.
Depending on your flight time, the final experience will include a guided visit to selected artisan workshops, souks or cooperatives. You will learn about traditional Moroccan handicrafts and the techniques used to produce carpets, leather goods, ceramics, metalwork and other local products.
Your driver will then transfer you to Marrakech Menara Airport according to your departure schedule.
If the flight departs early, the artisan visit will be shortened, moved to another day or removed from the final schedule.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation Options for Your Morocco Adventure Retreat
The retreat can be arranged using one consistent accommodation category or a combination of different levels.
Standard Option
Superior Option
Luxury Option
All accommodation options are subject to availability on the confirmed travel dates.
Transport Details
