Merzouga Desert Tour from Marrakech — 3 Days / 2 Nights

Morning departure via one of the highest passes in the Atlas Mountains (2,260m altitude) — Tizi n'Tichka. You'll stop at the famous Kasbah of Aït Ben Haddou (UNESCO site), where many movies were filmed including Lawrence of Arabia, Tea in the Sahara, Game of Thrones and Gladiator. On your way to Dades Gorges, you'll encounter Berber farmers in the village of Skoura. Heading to the gorges you'll appreciate the tranquility of the Atlas Mountains and have the chance to explore daily life among Berber-Nomads, isolated by the quietness of the mountains. Check into the hotel.

Have your breakfast and walk a little between the beautiful canyons before heading to Merzouga through the spectacular Todra Gorges, where you'll stop to refresh yourself by the cold waters of the river. Arrive in Merzouga — Morocco's only genuine Saharan Erg, with dunes up to 250m high, one of those vast drifting expanses of sand that typify the Algerian Sahara. Your camels are loaded up. Ride off across the golden ocean of sand and, while travelling to your camp, appreciate the pure beauty of the landscape. Spend the night in the middle of the dunes under a nomadic tent.

Wake up early to see the sunrise over the dunes. Have breakfast then drive to Ouarzazate via Rissani — one of the oldest cities in Morocco and the ancestral capital of the Alaoui dynasty, which centuries ago was a busy trans-Saharan commercial trade hub. You'll pause at the nomad market, considered the largest in the entire south of Morocco, then pass through Tazarine and several other villages. Admire the magnificent palm gardens of the Draa Valley. Arrive at Ouarzazate for lunch, then the road back to Marrakech via the Tizi n'Tichka pass. Check into your hotel — end of the trip.