Marrakech
From imperial cities to the dunes of Merzouga
Réf : MTOUR10GOX
In summary
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Sports
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Duration10 days
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LevelBeginner
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DestinationAtlas Mountains / Marrakech
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AgeFrom the age of 18
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CO₂-Emissions266.41 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages🇫🇷French
In a few words
Let yourself be guided through Morocco on a memorable journey, from the cultural vibrancy of Casablanca to the famous azure alleyways of Chefchaouen . This itinerant trip reveals the full diversity of the Moroccan soul.
Your journey begins with a historical immersion in the heart of the imperial cities , exploring the Roman ruins of Volubilis and the age-old secrets of Fez . Along the way, contrasting panoramas unfold: the majestic peaks of the High Atlas give way to the verdant oases of the Skoura palm grove and the vertiginous walls of the Todra Gorge .
The highlight of this adventure takes you to the far south to experience the magic of the desert. After a camel trek, you will share the legendary hospitality of the Berbers during a night under the stars amidst the dunes of Erg Chebbi .
Finally, this off-the-beaten-path tour concludes in the vibrant city of Marrakech . The unique atmosphere of the legendary Jemaa el-Fna square crowns this authentic journey, a perfect blend of cultural riches and unspoiled natural splendor.
The highlights
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From the azure alleyways of Chefchaouen to the captivating frenzy of the imperial cities
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The spectacular crossing of the Atlas Mountains
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A memorable starry night in the middle of the Sahara Desert
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Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
For those wishing to walk for up to 3 hours with minimal elevation gain (max. 300m) along roads, tracks, trails, or rolling terrain. Suitable for everyone.
The expert's opinion
This tour combines included activities and free time, with a standard level of comfort.
The physical level is considered accessible to any healthy person, although it requires being comfortable with walking, especially for visits to medinas and a hike of about three hours in the Dadès Valley.
The pace can be fast as we regularly change locations, involving some long car journeys.
Management
During this stay, a supervisor will be present to guide and assist you.
Languages spoken:
🇫🇷
French
Supervisor
Supervisor
On your first evening in Marrakech, you will be greeted by your French-speaking Moroccan tour guide.
Based in Marrakech for many years, our local agency guarantees a successful active travel experience, thanks to our guides and logistical infrastructure. During your trip, you'll be accompanied by our adventure guides, fully committed to helping you discover unique places in the heart of nature. Let us guide you…
Program
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Flight to Marrakech (flight not included)
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
You can arrive in Marrakech at your leisure, either on the day itself or a few days before, as you prefer. We can, of course, arrange your flight and airport pick-up if you wish; just contact us.Day 1 -
Casablanca
- Transportation Minibus - 03h - 148km
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
This morning, we bid a final farewell to the ochre ramparts of Marrakech and board our train, heading towards the Atlantic coast. As the landscapes unfold, the vibrant energy of the Red City fades, giving way to the unique light of Casablanca, the White Metropolis. Upon our arrival in the early afternoon, our guide will accompany us for an initial walking tour, allowing us to soak up the vibrant and cosmopolitan energy of this city facing the open sea. The rest of our stay is entirely at our leisure, offering us the luxury of strolling as we please. Let yourself be captivated by the Art Deco elegance of the Villa des Arts, a true gem from the 1930s, or delve into the country's unique history at the Museum of Jewish Art and History. Your guide will be happy to provide you with their best recommendations for planning your day, so don't hesitate to ask.Day 2 -
Chefchaouen
- Transportation Minibus - 05h - 297km
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Today, we travel by private vehicle to the rugged peaks of the Rif Mountains to discover Chefchaouen, the blue pearl of Morocco. Nestled in a majestic valley, this city transports us to another time with its azure facades, tiled roofs, and exquisitely carved doors. Upon our arrival in the mid-afternoon, we will follow our guide for an orientation walk through the medina before climbing to a spectacular viewpoint to watch the sun set over the city.Day 3 -
From Volubilis to the Medina of Fez
- Transportation Minibus - 05h - 300km
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Today, we delve into the corridors of time with a guided tour of Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Once an outpost of the Roman Empire, these impressive ruins unfold before us atop a high plateau overlooking the plain. Led by our local guide, we will explore these ancient ruins perched on the hillside, where every column and mosaic whispers the secrets of a millennia-old history. In the early afternoon, we will resume our journey to Fes, where we will settle in for the next two nights. The true spiritual and cultural heart of Morocco, Fes is the oldest of the imperial cities. To conclude this day rich in discovery, we can gather for a convivial dinner at a local restaurant, the perfect opportunity to soak up together the unique atmosphere of this eternal city.Day 4 -
Fez
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
This morning, after enjoying breakfast, we set off with our guide for an immersion into the heart of Fez's old city. We explore the labyrinth of the medina, where time seems to stand still amidst the artisans, fragrant markets, and centuries-old mosques. In this pedestrian zone, one of the largest in the world, we encounter donkeys laden with treasures and wander through the lively souk quarters. As we stroll, we admire the Bou Inania Madrasa, a true architectural masterpiece recently restored, as well as the Attarine Madrasa and the splendid Funduq al-Najjarin, an 18th-century inn of rare elegance. We then discover the famous tanneries, offering a striking view of the colorful dye vats, before visiting a ceramics factory where we observe potters perpetuating ancestral techniques. The afternoon is ours to wander at our leisure. Tonight, we can get together to savor the Moroccan way of life around a steaming harira, chicken pastillas or a generous couscous, thus celebrating the magic of the region.Day 5 -
Merzouga
- Transportation Minibus - 08h - 500km
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Today, we set our sights on the majestic immensity of the Sahara. Although the journey is long, it offers a constant spectacle: we will make numerous stops to admire ancient kasbahs and lush palm groves, these oases of life where orchards and date palms flourish. Traveling through arid mountain slopes and fertile valleys, we will cross the border towns of Erfoud and Rissani before reaching the end of the world: the Saharan village of Merzouga. Facing the orange dunes of Erg Chebbi, we will experience a wonderful sense of isolation, as if time has stood still far from the hustle and bustle of modern life. After dropping off our luggage at the edge of the desert, we will set off on camelback for a silent journey across the undulating dunes. We will reach a unique viewpoint to contemplate a breathtaking sunset, setting the vast landscape ablaze. The magic will continue into the night, where we will share a home-cooked feast around a campfire, under the endless twinkling of North African stars.Day 6 -
Heading towards the Dadès Valley
- Transportation Minibus - 05h - 500km
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
This morning, we climb the nearest dune to witness the silent spectacle of a sunrise over the Sahara, before breaking our fast with a traditional meal in the heart of the sands. We then continue our journey to the Todra Gorge, a gigantic chasm over 250 meters deep and one of the country's most impressive natural sites. To imprint our memories of this exceptional setting, we'll enjoy a peaceful stroll at the foot of these vertiginous cliffs. Our trip then takes us to the splendid Dadès Valley, where we'll settle in for the next two nights. This region reveals landscapes unlike any other in the world, where vast green valleys contrast with striking rock formations, patiently sculpted by the wind and time.Day 7 -
Dades Valley
- Transportation Minibus - 03h - 150km
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
Today, we discover the region in the most beautiful way: on foot. Accompanied by our guide, we follow a hilly path that winds between earth and sky, accessible to everyone. Our walk leads us along clear rivers, past traditional farms, sleepy kasbahs, and shaded palm groves, offering us a privileged glimpse into the gentle pace of rural life. The heart of our day beats to the rhythm of an authentic encounter: an Amazigh family opens their doors to us for a homemade lunch filled with intoxicating aromas. Around this feast of exquisite flavors, we share stories and discover the legendary hospitality of the valley's inhabitants. The afternoon then unfolds freely, allowing us the choice of continuing our exploration or surrendering to the contemplation of this fascinating, mineral landscape.Day 8 -
Return to Marrakech via the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs
- Transportation Minibus - 06h - 500km
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
This morning, we leave the Dadès Valley to embark on the legendary Road of a Thousand Kasbahs. Our first stop takes us to Aït-Ben-Haddou, a site seemingly suspended in time, its appearance virtually unchanged since the 11th century. Its mud-brick citadel, one of the most majestic in Morocco, may seem familiar: its fortified alleyways have served as the backdrop for numerous cinematic masterpieces. We'll stroll through its winding passages before climbing to the hilltop to take in a breathtaking panorama. We'll then continue our journey, crossing the mountains to reach our final destination in the late afternoon: Marrakech. After settling into our accommodation, we'll meet our guide in the iconic Jemaa el-Fna square. There, we will share a drink at sunset, letting the magic of the red city take hold of us as the first glimmers of evening light up the square.Day 9 -
Return flight (custom flight not included, please contact us)
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Departure after breakfast. If you wish to extend your trip, we would be happy to discuss the various options with you; speak to your travel advisor who is an expert on the country!Day 10
Note
This itinerary is provided as a guide only: depending on weather and operational conditions, your tour guide may modify this itinerary for your safety and that of the group.
Accommodation
🏨 2-star hotel - Days 1 to 9
Accommodation for this trip consists of eight nights in tourist-category hotels selected for their local character. The experience also includes a more rustic but memorable night in a camp in the heart of the Sahara dunes, where comfort is more basic to prioritize immersion under the stars.
Access
Departure
Marrakech, Maroc
Day 1
End of stay
Marrakech, Maroc
Day 10
Your guide will be waiting for you at 6 p.m. in the reception area of the group's hotel. If you arrive later, you will meet him the following morning at 7 a.m. for breakfast.
Go to the starting point
The nearest airport isAéroport de Marrakech
1- International flights:
We made the choice to leave it to you, the choice!
Indeed, many companies fly from several departure points to Marrakech: depending on your desire, budget and place of residence, you have so many possibilities that it is simpler to let you choose the flight you prefer.
You can leave on day 1 or a few days before, or return a few days after the trek, to extend the pleasures in Marrakech, which is a city where it is nice to stay a while.
Contact us for your search and booking! We often have preferential rates, and we can arrange your airport pick-up, both on arrival and departure: feel free to ask us.
2- Terrain:
We use minibuses, very well maintained and chosen for their comfort, which are approved for tourist transport.
In town, don't hesitate to use the small taxis: very numerous and easily identifiable by their colors, they will take you wherever you want in town for about 10 dirhams, or a little less than 1 euro per trip! Just make sure that the driver turns on his meter, even if they are doing so more and more systematically.
Day 2, from Marrakech to Casablanca, this leg is covered by train, offering a journey that is both peaceful and scenic.
Would you like to travel on other dates?
Create an alert and we'll notify you by email if new departures are added.
Price details
The price includes
- All land transfers between the stages mentioned.
- The tour is led by a French-speaking tour guide.
- The excursions detailed and included in the program:
- Sunset stroll in Chefchaouen
- Entrance to the Volubilis site and guided tour
- In Fez, visit the medina, the Medersa El Attarine, the Funduq al-Najjarin and the tanneries.
- Camel ride in Merzouga
- Guided tour of the Todra Gorge
- Lunch at a Berber family's home
- Hiking in the Dadès Valley
- Guided tour of Aït Ben Haddou.
- Refreshments on a rooftop in Marrakech
- The accommodations mentioned in the day-by-day itinerary (9 nights in total (8 nights in a hotel and 1 night in a desert camp))
- The meals mentioned in the program.
The price does not include
- The return flight to Marrakech and airport taxes.
- Free meals mentioned in the program : Most lunches and dinners (budget for free meals in town).
- Optional activities
- Personal expenses.
- The drinks.
- The free meals mentioned in the program.
- Tips for local staff (at your discretion).
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Equipment
Decathlon Travel Partner
The Paulin team
4.4/5
(2842 reviews)
• 821 stays
For over 30 years, our local partner has been designing adventure walking trips around the world. Specializing in small-group treks, they cater to both casual hikers and seasoned trekkers seeking unspoiled natural environments and a return to the essentials. Their key strength? They own their own agencies in over 30 countries, guaranteeing complete trip creation from start to finish, without intermediaries. This direct, on-the-ground expertise ensures memorable active experiences and total freedom amidst breathtaking landscapes.
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