"Great South of Morocco" is an authentic experience to discover, unfiltered, the essence of the country's south. A 4x4 route awakens us in Marrakech, a vibrant city, full of color, bustling squares, aromas that linger in the memory, and artisans and artists who bring every corner to life.
From the city, we'll depart for the High Atlas Mountains, traversing landscapes that invite you to pause, contemplate their serene beauty, converse with the villagers, and leisurely enjoy hidden villages and breathtaking gorges.
We'll leave the mountains behind to reach the great Erg Chebbi Desert, a spectacle for the senses: endless dunes of fine sand, and that almost surreal aura that only truly magical places possess. There, we'll experience an unforgettable night under the stars.
The journey also takes us through unique enclaves such as the towns of Rissani, with its ancient market, and Ifrane, known as Little Switzerland, surrounded by forests of giant cedars, before arriving in Fez. Its Medina, the envy of the Arab world, is a fascinating labyrinth where you can lose yourself and discover treasures, memories, and emotions that will stay with you long after you leave.
Departure from the airport of origin to Marrakech.
Arrival in Marrakech (there may be a time difference depending on the time of year).
Airport pickup and transfer to a riad in the Medina or a 5-star hotel.
Accommodation.
Depending on your arrival time, we recommend a first glimpse of the city by visiting Djemaa el-Fna Square, one of Marrakech's most iconic landmarks.
At this time of day, the square is filled with reciters, fortune tellers, jugglers, tooth pullers, dancers, snake charmers and many other traditional performers.
As night falls, illuminated food stalls are set up outdoors, where you can taste typical Moroccan dishes in a vibrant and unique atmosphere.
Day 2 of the itinerary
Visit to the Medina of Marrakech
In the morning, we will take a guided walking tour of the Medina of Marrakech, accompanied by a local guide.
We will begin by admiring the Koutoubia Minaret, twin of the Giralda of Seville.
We will continue with a visit to the Bahia Palace, one of the most outstanding examples of 19th-century Moroccan architecture.
We will venture into the narrow alleyways of the Souk, where we will have the opportunity to see local artisans: weaving carpets, making slippers, working with leather, wood and metals.
We will discover a wide variety of high-quality traditional crafts.
We will visit a Berber pharmacy, where they will teach us some of their natural remedies and ancestral secrets.
We will end the visit in Djemaa el-Fna Square, which during the day shows a completely different atmosphere than at night.
In the afternoon, free time for:
Practicing the art of bargaining
Explore at our own pace the most authentic and hidden corners of the Medina
Accommodation in a riad in the Medina or in a 5-star hotel.
Day 3 of the itinerary
Route to the High Atlas Mountains – Aït Ben Haddou and Dades Valley
Departure in a 4x4 vehicle with driver towards the Central High Atlas.
A stage of approximately 310 km, rewarded by the spectacular landscapes along the route.
We will cross the Tizi n'Tichka, the highest mountain pass in Morocco.
We will leave behind the green and ochre colors of the landscape to enter an almost lunar environment.
En route, visit the Kasbah of Aït Ben Haddou, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, and famous for being the setting of numerous international film productions.
Continuation of the tour passing through Ouarzazate and the Valley of Roses.
Arrival at Boumalne Dades, located at an altitude of 1,612 meters, in the well-known Valley of the Birds, in the heart of the High Atlas Mountains.
Dinner and accommodation at the Hotel Xaluca Dades 4*.
Day 4 of the itinerary
Exploration of the Central High Atlas
Departure along tracks into the depths of the Central High Atlas, crossing spectacular landscapes of great contrast.
Visit the Berber villages of Boutaghrar and Amskar, where time seems to have stood still.
Along the route we will observe: rugged mountains, canyons and valleys, caves inhabited by nomads in the highlands.
A tour of the M'Goun Gorges, with the opportunity to take an unforgettable walk in this unique environment.
Lunch en route at a Gîte d'Étape (traditional holiday home).
Dinner and accommodation at the Hotel Xaluca Dades 4*.
Day 5 of the itinerary
Dades Valley – Todra Gorges – Erfoud
In the morning, we will travel through the Dades Valley until we reach its famous gorges, where we will stop at a panoramic viewpoint to enjoy tea with a view.
During the tour, we will make a brief stop at the curious rock formations known as the "monkey paws".
Continue to Tinerhir, a small, prosperous town offering a beautiful panorama of pink houses nestled among palm groves. It is also the ideal starting point for visiting the Todra Gorge.
Walk along the river between the high walls of these spectacular gorges.
Later, we will continue the route towards Erfoud, known as “the Gateway to the Desert”.
Dinner and accommodation at Kasbah Xaluca, a unique accommodation in Morocco due to its peculiar architectural and design characteristics.
Day 6 of the itinerary
Total Desert Day – Erg Chebbi and night under the stars
Today we will experience a true day of adventure in the desert.
We will travel along one of the tracks used in the legendary Dakar Rally, passing through nomad settlements desert
We will make a stop at the Marine Fossil Quarries, over 360 million years old, and enjoy a picnic in an authentic oasis, a cool corner in the middle of the arid immensity.
We will continue to the majestic Erg Chebbi, known as the desert of very fine sand dunes.
There we will exchange the 4x4 vehicle for dromedaries, which will take us through the dunes to contemplate an unforgettable sunset from the heart of the desert.
Arrival by caravan to the Bivouac de Luxe, where we will stay in traditional tents, similar to those used by desert nomads.
Dinner and accommodation at the camp.
Sleeping under the stars will be an unforgettable experience.
Day 7 of the itinerary
Sunrise on the dunes and return to Kasbah Xaluca
Date with the Sunrise: we recommend getting up early to climb to the top of the dunes and contemplate the sunrise, an unforgettable spectacle in the middle of the desert.
After sunrise, we will enjoy a Bedouin breakfast and return to the vehicle to begin a new stage of the tour.
We will circle the Erg Chebbi until we reach the abandoned village of Merdani.
Continue to Khamlia, a village of Sudanese origin where its inhabitants will welcome us with traditional dances and a comforting mint tea.
Later, we will head to Rissani*, where we will visit its traditional market, a unique place in these latitudes and a meeting point for tribes and desert nomads.
is particularly curious donkey "parking".
Climb to a natural viewpoint to say goodbye to the desert with a beautiful panoramic view.
Free afternoon at Kasbah Xaluca
Return to Kasbah Xaluca and the rest of the day is free to relax and enjoy the hotel facilities.
Opportunities to relax or have fun:
Heated pool
Jacuzzi
Tennis courts and mini-golf
Hammam (Turkish bath) and massage (optional)
Optional quad bike excursion through the surrounding dunes
In the afternoon, chauffeured vehicles will be at your disposal to continue exploring the area or to stroll freely around Erfoud.
Dinner and accommodation at Kasbah Xaluca.
* The Rissani market is held on Tuesdays, Thursdays and SundaysIf it does not coincide with the itinerary, we will try to reschedule the visit for another day, although this will not always be possible.
Day 8 of the itinerary
Route to Fez – Ziz Valley, Ifrane and Cedar Forests
Exit heading north.
We have a day of approximately 400 km, crossing landscapes of great diversity.
We will cross the Ziz Valley, one of the country's largest palm groves, with more than ten million palm trees.
We will continue the route passing through Midelt until we reach Ifrane, known as the "little Switzerland" for its striking resemblance to Alpine landscapes and architecture.
We will cross the Giant Cedar Forests, the natural habitat of a colony of wild monkeys.
If we're lucky, we'll be able to stop and feed them in the wild.
Arrival in Fez.
Dinner and accommodation in a riad in the Medina or in a 4-star hotel.
Note: This is the last day with 4x4 vehicle.
In winter season, there is the option of shortening one night in the desert to Enjoy two nights in Fez and thus be able to visit the Medina more calmly, adapting to the shorter duration of days.
Day 9 of the itinerary
Visit to the Medina of Fez and return
Today we will take a guided walking tour of the ancient Medina of Fez, considered one of the most authentic and best preserved in the Arab world.
We will explore its labyrinthine medieval alleyways, where, amidst the bustle of its people, we will discover:
Craft centers
Old mosques
Historic Palaces
We will also have the opportunity to visit a leather tanning center, one of the city's most emblematic trades.
At the agreed time, transfer to Fez airport to take the return flight.
Note: Sometimes, outbound flights are in the morning.
In that case, the day 8 of the itinerary would be adjustedgetting up early to get to Fez at midday and visit the Medina in the afternoon.
He last day would be reserved exclusively for the transfer to the airport.
At Xaluca Tours, all our programs are custom-designed to suit each traveler. Below, you can find the document with indicative prices for this program during peak and off-peak seasons.
Remember that these prices are only a reference: each trip is quoted individually based on the number of people, dates, accommodation category, and included services.
Would you like to know more about the prices for this trip to Morocco?
Download the full program to find out all the details and prices of the trip.
Two nights in Marrakech in a Riad in the Medina or a 5* Hotel with bed and breakfast
Two nights in Boumalne Dades at the 4* Hotel Xaluca Dades on a half-board basis
Two nights in Erfoud at Kasbah Xaluca on a half-board basis
One night in Erg Chebbi in a desert bivouac with half board
One night in Fez in a Riad in the Medina or a 4* Hotel on a half board basis
Lunch at a “Gîte d'Étape” in the mountains (day 4 of the itinerary)
Picnic lunch in the desert (day 6 of the itinerary)
Camel excursion
4x4 vehicle with driver from day 3 to day 8 of the itinerary (both included)
Guided tour in Marrakech
Guided tour in Fez
Visits to Aït Ben Haddou and Bahia Palace
Airport transfers
Vehicle fuel
Travel assistance insurance
Does not include:
The drinks
Lunches, except for the two detailed in the itinerary
Dinners not specified in the "includes" section
Other personal extras such as quad bike excursions, spa treatments or massages
The flight
Supplement to add cancellation insurance*
*It is possible to add cancellation insurance in case any unforeseen circumstances arise before the departure date of the trip.
The cost is €30 per person for trips of up to 10 days. Insurance must be purchased at the same time as the trip confirmation and ticket issuance. Please inquire about the terms and final price for each specific case.
Important program notes
Flight options
You can opt for regular airlines such as Royal Air Maroc (connecting via Casablanca).
There are also low-cost airlines such as Vueling, Air Arabia, and Ryanair, with direct flights from several major cities.
It is recommended to consult specific options and conditions depending on the city of origin.
Rates and vehicle occupancy
Prices are calculated based on the occupancy of the 4x4 vehicles used throughout the entire route.
The cost of transport is divided among the occupants of the vehicle at any given time.
Accommodation conditions
Rates based on double and triple rooms.
Supplement for single room: €535.
Discount for children (ages 3-11) sharing a room with at least two adults:
€350 in low season.
€370 in high season.
In case of high occupancy or lack of availability in the quoted riads, equivalent alternatives will be offered. These may involve price variations, which will be communicated in advance.
There is the option of considering hotels, where availability is usually greater.
Guides and drivers
During peak season, local guides in the Medinas may be shared with other travelers.
Spanish-speaking drivers are limited; advance booking is recommended.
The journey is made in 4x4 vehicles with a driver, hospitable people who make the journey as close and authentic as possible.
Official guides are reserved exclusively for visits in the Medinas, not during the tours.
Travel requirements
It is mandatory to travel with a valid passport, with at least 3 months of validity from the date of return from Morocco.
Optional activities
Quad Bike Excursion (optional): €70 per vehicle (1 hour circuit).
Spa and massages: can be booked directly at the hotel reception.
More information
For information on accommodations, services and other details: www.xaluca.com