9-Day Morocco Tour from Agadir: Sahara & Imperial Cities

The route follows the Souss Valley to Taroudant, a walled town with a traditional atmosphere sometimes called "grandmother of Marrakech" for its similar red ramparts on a smaller scale. Continuing to Taliouine, known for saffron cultivation, and Taznakht, known for Berber carpet weaving, the road climbs through mountain scenery before reaching Ouarzazate, the gateway to the desert.

Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage ksar, is the morning's highlight — its earthen architecture reflects its history as a stop on the caravan route between the Sahara and Marrakech, beyond its many film appearances. The road then climbs the High Atlas via the Tizi n'Tichka Pass, with panoramic stops, before descending into Marrakech by afternoon. The evening is free for Jemaa el-Fna and the medina.

Ait Ben Haddou is called "a striking example of the architecture of southern Morocco" by UNESCO World Heritage

A local guide leads a full day through the Bahia Palace, the exterior of the Koutoubia Mosque, and the Saadian Tombs, followed by the souks and their spices, crafts and traditional Moroccan goods.

This is one of the longest and most demanding days on the route, combining a full transfer with sightseeing in two major cities. In Casablanca, the Hassan II Mosque — one of the largest mosques in the world, built out over the Atlantic — is the main stop. Continuing along the coast to Rabat, the day covers the Hassan Tower, the Kasbah of the Oudayas, and the exterior of the Royal Palace (not open to visitors).

Between two city visits and a full transfer, this is a full day on the road — expect less flexibility for extended stops than on other days.

Meknes, one of Morocco's four imperial cities, brings the monumental Bab Mansour gate, El Hedim Square, and the old medina. The day ends in Fes, Morocco's spiritual and cultural capital, checking into a traditional riad.

A local guide leads a full day through Fes: the outer gate of the Royal Palace, the exterior of the Al-Qarawiyyin mosque and university — entry is reserved for worshippers and students — the Bou Inania Madrasa, and the Chouara Tanneries, followed by narrow alleys given over to centuries of craftsmanship.

Fes has "retained its status as the country's cultural and spiritual centre" — UNESCO World Heritage

Another long driving day. Ifrane, known locally as the "Switzerland of Morocco" for its alpine-style architecture, precedes the Azrou cedar forest. After Midelt and Erfoud, the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi appear near Merzouga. A camel trek carries you into the dunes for sunset — ask about a 4x4 alternative when requesting your quote if you'd prefer not to ride — followed by dinner at your desert camp under the stars.

An early wake-up for sunrise over the dunes, then breakfast before traveling through Rissani's market and the desert town of Alnif. The day ends in Nkob, a quiet village known for its many kasbahs and palm groves, well off the route most Agadir desert tours take.

The Draa Valley's long palm oasis and traditional villages lead into a crossing of the Anti-Atlas Mountains, with dramatic landscapes and photo stops along the way, before arriving back in Agadir in the late afternoon.

This is another substantial driving day — the return from Nkob to Agadir covers real distance across two mountain ranges.