Morocco itinerary 5 days

Arrival in Marrakech and the medina

The first day of your Morocco itinerary 5 days begins with a smooth arrival. Your private driver waits at Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK) with a personalised sign and takes you through the city gates to your boutique riad in the heart of the old medina.

After a traditional welcome tea, you’re free to dive into the Red City. Start at the Koutoubia Mosque, then wander into the maze of souks. As twilight falls, head to the famous Jemaa el-Fnaa square, a living theatre of snake charmers, storytellers and musicians, where the scent of grilled food fills the air: a perfect introduction to your journey.

Overnight in a riad in Marrakech

Marrakech to the Dades Valley, via the High Atlas and Aït Ben Haddou

We leave early to cross the High Atlas on the legendary Tizi n’Tichka pass at 2,260 metres, with stops to photograph Berber villages clinging to the mountainsides and, in season, snow-capped peaks. Our first major stop is Aït Ben Haddou, the most famous kasbah in Morocco and a UNESCO World Heritage site, backdrop to Gladiator and Game of Thrones. A guided walk through its narrow lanes reveals the brilliance of earthen architecture.

We then pass through Ouarzazate, the gateway to the desert, and the Skoura palm grove, drive through the Valley of the Roses, famous for its Damask rose harvest, and follow the Dades River. As the sun sets, the red cliffs of the Dades Valley glow around the Monkey Fingers rock formations, before you settle into your riad for the night.

Overnight in a riad in the Dades Valley, with dinner and breakfast

Dades Valley to Merzouga, via the Todra Gorge and Rissani

After a scenic breakfast overlooking the valley, we stop at the Todra Gorge, a 300-metre-deep trench carved into the limestone, with time to walk along the riverbed beneath its vertical walls. The journey continues through the palm groves of the Tafilalet, via Erfoud and Rissani, the cradle of the Alaouite dynasty.

By late afternoon, the golden peaks of the Erg Chebbi dunes appear on the horizon near Merzouga. You’ll swap the 4×4 for a camel and ride into the Sahara at golden hour, watching the sunset paint the sand violet and orange, before reaching your luxury desert camp. After a traditional Moroccan feast, the night ends with Berber drums and stargazing around the campfire.

Overnight in a luxury desert camp in Merzouga, with dinner and breakfast

Merzouga to Marrakech, via the Draa Valley

Wake early for a Saharan sunrise over the dunes. After breakfast at camp, we head west on a southern route through the Draa Valley, following the path of ancient caravans along Morocco’s longest river and its ribbon of date palms.

We pass Agdz and the volcanic landscapes of the Anti-Atlas before rejoining the main pass over the High Atlas. It’s a long but rewarding drive, and we reach Marrakech by early evening for a relaxing final night in your riad.

Overnight in a riad in Marrakech

Marrakech departure

On the final morning of your Morocco itinerary 5 days, enjoy a slow breakfast in your riad’s courtyard, then make a last visit to the Majorelle Garden or a final stroll through the souks for spices and hand-woven textiles.

Your driver times your transfer to Marrakech Menara Airport around your flight, getting you to the terminal 3 hours before departure for a stress-free goodbye.