Erg Chebbi desert circuit

Day 1 : Marrakesh

Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Marrakesh. Upon arrival into Marrakesh Airport you'll be met by a private car and driven to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day relaxing at your accommodation, or head out to begin exploring the city, perhaps visiting the souqs or trying a mint tea in one of the many cafes.

Day 2 : Marrakesh

Today you have a full day tour of Marrakesh with your private guide. Visit historic sites such as the intricately decorated Saadien Tombs (where past sultans and their families were buried), the Bahia Palace and the Koutoubia Mosque, which dominates the skyline. Your guide will also lead you to the 15th-century Mellah (Jewish Quarter), so you can compare and contrast the city's many different cultures. The afternoon is spent in the souqs, where you can see people working on their craft, from dyers to coppersmiths. The day will end with a visit to Djemaa El Fna, the city's bustling main square where street performers entertain the crowds and all manner of food can be sampled.

Day 3 : Skoura

Today you have an early start for your private 4WD transfer to Skoura. The drive takes you through the Atlas Mountains before ascending to the Tizi-n-Tichka mountain pass (the highest in Morocco). You will be able to stop at various points of interest in order to take photos, including visits to the impressive Ait Benhaddou kasbah and the crumbling kasbah of Telouet.

Day 4 : Erg Chebbi

On the drive down to Erfoud you have the chance to stop at one of the gorges and there are plenty of scenic spots to enjoy as you make your way along the Dades Valley with its stark mountains and fertile green valley floor. On arrival in Erfoud, swap to a 4WD vehicle for the hour long drive into the desert. You may wish to enjoy a camel ride through the dunes as the sun sets, arriving into your desert camp in time for dinner.

Day 5 : Zagora

You may wish to make an early start to watch the sun rise over the dunes before breakfast. Afterwards, begin the journey to Zagora with your private driver. Pass through arid gravel plains interspersed with remote villages, before descending into the fertile Draa Valley with its green palm plantations. Once in Zagora you can explore the town or relax in your riad.

Day 6 : Skoura

The day starts at a slightly more leisurely pace, as you travel with your driver along the Draa Valley back to Skoura - a journey of around three and a half hours (not including any stops). En route, you'll pass through the town of Ouarzazate (a popular filming location for a number of movies), before admiring the valley's scenery, including strange rock formations and distant mountains. Arriving into Skoura, you can spend the rest of the day relaxing at your accommodation or exploring some of the nearby kasbahs.

Day 7 : Skoura

A full day to relax and enjoy the surrounding palmeraies, whose greenery contrasts with the orange rock of the crumbling kasbahs. You can head out with a guide to visit some of the kasbahs and learn about their history, the most impressive of which is the 17th-century Kasbah Amridil, which even appears on the 50-dirham note.

Day 8 : International return flight

You will be met at your hotel and transferred to Ouarzazate Airport, to board a domestic flight to Casablanca, where you can connect to your onward flight. Your return flight will arrive the same day.