Marrakech & Aït Ben Haddou · 4 days
Red medina, Atlas and cinema kasbahs
Day by day
Four days to combine the intensity of Marrakech with the magic of the southern kasbahs. This excursion is our favorite format for those with a week in Morocco who want to see something other than the coast.
We start with a drive from Tangier that follows the Atlantic then crosses the plains to reach Marrakech. Two days in the red city to explore the medina, Jemaa el-Fna square and the palaces. Then crossing the great Atlas passes via the mythical Tizi n'Tichka road (2260m) to reach the Ouarzazate studios and the Aït Ben Haddou ksar, UNESCO listed and set of Gladiator, Lawrence of Arabia or Game of Thrones.
Format suitable for couples, travelers with some time but not wanting the full Sahara expedition.
Tangier Med → Marrakech
- 07h30Pickup at Tangier Med. Quick coffee-departure.
- 08h00Drive south on the highway. The journey is long (about 8h) but comfortable, air conditioning and regular breaks.
- 11h00Stop in Asilah (15 min) to photograph the white and blue ramparts by the sea.
- 13h00Lunch in Settat or Beni Mellal.
- 17h30Arrival in Marrakech, settling in an authentic riad in the heart of the medina. The riad has a fountain patio and a rooftop terrace with views of the Atlas.
- 19h00First discovery of Jemaa el-Fna square at dusk. This is the right time: heat falls, storytellers begin their tales, ephemeral restaurants set up, the smells of tagines fill the air.
- 20h30Free dinner. Tip: try the popular stalls on the square (numbers displayed, correct food safety) for 8-12 € per person. Otherwise, La Maison Arabe or Dar Yacout for a higher-end dinner.
Full day Marrakech
- 09h00Breakfast on the riad terrace. Departure for the guided walking tour of the medina with an official English, French or Spanish speaking guide.
- 09h30Bahia Palace, 19th century architectural jewel with its zelliges and painted ceilings.
- 10h45Saadian tombs, royal mausoleum of the dynasty that ruled Marrakech in the 16th century.
- 12h00Ben Youssef Medersa, Quranic school founded in the 14th century, recently restored. One of the most beautiful in North Africa.
- 13h00Lunch in the medina or at La Mamounia (with reservation, high-end experience).
- 15h00Majorelle Garden, former garden of painter Jacques Majorelle, bought by Yves Saint Laurent. Majorelle blue, cacti, bamboo, Berber foundation. Tickets purchased in advance to avoid the queue.
- 17h00Free time in Guéliz (the modern city) or return to the riad for a rest on the terrace.
- 19h30Free evening. Options: dinner-show at Chez Ali (Moroccan folklore), return to Jemaa el-Fna square, or group cooking class if you want to learn how to prepare a tagine.
Marrakech → Tizi n'Tichka → Aït Ben Haddou
- 08h00Breakfast, check-out and departure south.
- 09h30Panoramic route of the Tizi n'Tichka pass (2260m altitude). Dizzying views over the Berber valleys, mountain-perched villages, agricultural terraces.
- 11h30Photo stop at the top of the pass.
- 13h00Lunch in Telouet, village housing the former Glaoui kasbah (pasha who ruled Marrakech in the early 20th century). Optional visit of the kasbah (30 min, fascinating).
- 15h30Arrival at Aït Ben Haddou. The ksar (fortified pisé village) UNESCO listed stands on the hillside. You discover it arriving by road, the view is striking.
- 16h00Guided walking visit of the ksar. River crossing by ford (in summer) or modern bridge (in winter), climb to the top for the view. Filming locations for Gladiator, Lawrence of Arabia, Babel, Game of Thrones.
- 18h30Sunset over the ksar from the opposite bank. This is the magical moment of the day: the golden light literally reddens the pisé.
- 20h00Settling in a riad or kasbah nearby. Traditional dinner under the stars if weather permits (wood fire cooking, no electricity, absolute simplicity).
Aït Ben Haddou → Ouarzazate → Tangier Med
- 08h30Berber breakfast (pancakes, honey, amlou, mint tea).
- 09h30Drive to Ouarzazate (30 min). Visit of Atlas Corporation Studios, largest film studios in North Africa. Sets of Gladiator, Asterix Mission Cleopatra, Kundun, etc.
- 11h30Optional visit of the Taourirt kasbah in Ouarzazate, former Glaoui residence.
- 12h30Lunch in Ouarzazate.
- 14h00Return drive. Possible variant: return via Skoura (oasis of 50,000 palms) and the Drâa valley if you have time, or direct route via the Atlas and Marrakech.
- 20h00Arrival at Tangier Med (long but beautiful drive). For evening ferries, plan a comfortable margin.
What's included
- ✓Air-conditioned vehicle transport with English, French or Spanish speaking driver for the 4 days
- ✓3 nights (2 in Marrakech in authentic riad, 1 in Aït Ben Haddou in riad or kasbah)
- ✓Breakfasts every day
- ✓Official guide for the full day of Marrakech
- ✓Entries to Bahia Palace, Saadian Tombs, Ben Youssef Medersa, Majorelle Garden, Atlas Studios
- ✓Traditional dinner at Aït Ben Haddou (unless option not chosen)
- ✓Fuel, tolls, parking
What's not included
- ×Flights and ferry from Spain
- ×Lunches and dinners (unless otherwise indicated)
- ×Alcoholic beverages
- ×Tips (driver, guides, staff)
- ×Personal expenses, shopping
- ×Travel insurance
Practical tips
When to go: this circuit is feasible all year round. Spring (March-May) and autumn (October-November) are ideal. In summer, Marrakech and Ouarzazate often exceed 40°C at midday, plan sunscreen, water and a hat. Winter is very pleasant medina-side (15-22°C) but cool at night.
Tizi n'Tichka: the pass is now well developed (new road opened in 2024), no reason to fear driving. In case of snow (rare but possible between December and February), we adapt by going via Tizi n'Test.
Footwear: for Aït Ben Haddou and the Marrakech medina, plan comfortable shoes. The ksar floors are uneven, sneakers or walking shoes are preferable to thin sandals.
Accommodation: at Aït Ben Haddou, accommodation is more modest than in Marrakech. No ostentatious luxury but total authenticity: pisé kasbahs, cotton sheets, hot water by gas heater. Often considered the most memorable accommodation of the circuit.
Photos: Aït Ben Haddou is exceptionally photogenic at sunrise and sunset (warm light that brings out the pisé). In the morning, get up at 6am to photograph without crowds.
Cinema: if you're a fan, ask your driver to show you specific filming locations. Many know by heart the scenes filmed in the region.
Let's build your trip together
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