Early private pickup from your riad/hotel in Marrakech to begin the drive east across the High Atlas via the scenic Tizi n’Tichka pass; this timing avoids heavier mid-day traffic and gives good mountain light for photos.
Short photo and stretch stop at the Tizi n’Tichka pass (2,260 m) to admire panoramic High Atlas views and Berber villages on the slopes; open 24/7 but weather-dependent.
Explore the UNESCO-listed Ait Ben Haddou — an iconic clay ksar used in films like Gladiator and Game of Thrones; the site is accessible daily and the main visitor area is typically available 9:00am–6:00pm.
Lunch at a local kasbah restaurant (example: Restaurant Chez Brahim or similar) to taste tagine and salads; restaurants are usually open 12:00–15:00 and provide a scenic stop before continuing.
Optional visit to Taourirt Kasbah (typically open 9:00–17:00) or the Atlas Film Studios (approx. 9:00–17:00) to see film sets and local history; both provide insight into the region’s movie-industry heritage.
Drive through the palm-filled Skoura Oasis with a photo stop at Kasbah Amridil (often open 9:00–18:00) to see traditional mud-brick architecture and irrigation systems.
Brief stop in the Valley of Roses for viewpoints and, if time allows, a quick visit to a rose distillery (normal hours 9:00–18:00) to smell rose water and buy local products.
Traditional Moroccan dinner served at your riad/guesthouse — expect tagines, couscous or vegetable stews with mint tea; dinner service usually starts around 19:00–20:00 and is included in the tour.
Hearty Moroccan breakfast at your Dades Valley accommodation to fuel the day — typically bread, olive oil, jam, eggs and mint tea; breakfast usually served from 7:00–9:00.
Scenic drive through Tinghir’s palm groves to Todra Gorge where towering limestone walls create a dramatic canyon perfect for a short walk and photos; the gorge is open 24/7 for visitors.
Walk along the Todra River between sheer cliffs that reach nearly 300 m high — ideal for easy hiking and rock-climbing viewing; allow about an hour to explore the main canyon floor.
Lunch at a local restaurant in Tinghir (example: Restaurant Le Zaman) to sample regional dishes; most eateries serve lunch between 12:00–15:00 and offer tagines and grilled meats.
Drive to Erfoud to visit fossil workshops and small museums showcasing ancient marine fossils and carved stonework; shops and workshops generally open 9:00–18:00 and are great for souvenirs.
Arrival in Merzouga village; time to shower, store luggage and rest briefly before the desert activities — local guesthouses and cafes are open throughout the afternoon.
Mount a camel for a guided trek into the Erg Chebbi dunes to reach a prime sunset viewpoint — camels and guides typically operate daily and depart around 4:00–5:00pm in November to catch sunset.
Arrive at your desert camp, settle into a private or shared tent, and enjoy panoramic dune views as the temperature drops — camp amenities vary by level but often include blankets and basic wash facilities.
Traditional Moroccan dinner served under the stars followed by Berber music around the fire; meals and evening entertainment are included and typically begin after sunset (around 19:30–20:30 in November).
Wake early to climb a small dune for a spectacular sunrise over Erg Chebbi — a magical photography moment with cool morning light; sunrise times vary but are around 6:00am in mid-November.
Return by camel to Merzouga village after sunrise; camels usually depart the camp early to ensure arrival back at guesthouses for showers and breakfast.
Enjoy a hot shower (if available) and a breakfast — some camps provide basic wash facilities while others drop you at a guesthouse for a proper shower and meal.
Begin the long return drive west through Alnif and along the scenic route passing small desert towns and changing landscapes toward the Draa Valley and Ouarzazate.
Lunch stop in Nkob or a nearby town serving regional cuisine; restaurants here usually welcome travelers between 12:00–15:00 and offer fresh bread, salads and tajines.
Short afternoon break for tea or coffee in Ouarzazate; if you missed it earlier, quick visits to souvenir shops or a brief external view of Taourirt Kasbah are possible (some sites close around 17:00).
Return to Marrakech with drop-off at your original hotel or riad; the driver will confirm exact arrival time depending on traffic but plan for late evening arrival around 19:30–20:30.