8 Days Marrakech & Agafay Desert Adventure: Balloon Ride, Essaouira & Atlas Valleys

Overview 

Embark on an unforgettable 8-day Moroccan adventure with Green Palms Transport, your trusted local DMC since 2005. This immersive journey begins in the vibrant “Red City” of Marrakech, where you’ll experience a sunrise hot air balloon flight, explore the bustling medina and souks, and enjoy a full-day excursion to the Atlas Mountains and Three Valleys.

Discover the coastal charm of Essaouira, wander through its UNESCO-listed medina, and enjoy seaside dining. You’ll also have free days to relax, indulge in a traditional hammam & massage, or dine at the legendary Dar Essalam Restaurant — once visited by Churchill and Hitchcock.

The adventure culminates in the serene Agafay Desert, just 30 km south of Marrakech, where you’ll ride camels across rocky dunes, enjoy a traditional tea break, and spend a night under the stars at a luxury desert camp with dinner and breakfast included. With private transfers, handpicked 4- and 5-star accommodations, and seamless logistics, this package offers the perfect blend of culture, nature, and luxury — ideal for couples, solo travelers, and small groups.

Description 

Begin your Moroccan journey with a warm welcome at Marrakech-Menara Airport, followed by a smooth transfer to your hotel. On Day 2, rise early for a spectacular sunrise hot air balloon flight over the Atlas Mountains, palm groves, and desert plains. After landing, celebrate with a traditional buffet breakfast in a Berber tent.

Later that day, explore Marrakech on a half-day guided city tour: visit the Menara Gardens, Koutoubia Mosque, Bahia Palace, Dar Si Said Museum, and the legendary Jemaa el-Fna Square, alive with storytellers, acrobats, and food stalls.

Day 3 is yours to relax or explore. On Day 4, journey into the High Atlas Mountains for a full-day “Three Valleys” excursion, visiting the lush Ourika Valley, Kik Plateau, and Lalla Takerkoust Lake. On Day 5, head to the coastal town of Essaouira — stroll its medina, visit La Scala, and enjoy fresh seafood by the port.

On Day 6, enjoy a free day — opt for a hammam & massage or an elegant dinner at Dar Essalam, a historic riad restaurant frequented by celebrities. On Day 7, check out and head to the Agafay Desert for a 1-hour camel ride, a mint tea break, and an overnight stay at a luxury desert camp with dinner and breakfast included. On Day 8, return to Marrakech for your departure. With Green Palms Transport, every detail is handled — from luxury stays to seamless transfers.

Highlights

✅ Soar above Marrakech on a sunrise hot air balloon flight with a Berber breakfast
✅ Explore the medina, souks, Koutoubia Mosque, and Jemaa el-Fna Square
✅ Full-day Atlas Mountains & Three Valleys excursion: Ourika, Kik Plateau, Lalla Takerkoust
✅ Day trip to Essaouira – historic coastal town with medina and seafront
✅ Enjoy a free day with optional hammam & massage or dinner at Dar Essalam
✅ Ride camels in the Agafay Desert – a rocky desert with Sahara-like views
✅ Spend a night in a luxury desert camp with dinner and breakfast
✅ Includes private transfers, 4- and 5-star hotels, and daily guided tours
✅ Operated by Green Palms Transport – licensed, reliable, and experienced

Includes & Excludes

Includes

• 7 nights’ accommodation in selected 4- and 5-star hotels:
  • Marrakech: 6 nights (e.g., Jaal Riad Resort, El Andalous Lounge & Spa)
  • Agafay Desert: 1 night (The White Camel Camp or similar)
• Private airport transfers (arrival and departure)
• Private transportation throughout the tour
• Daily breakfast (except Day 7 in Agafay)
• Guided tours: Marrakech half-day tour, Three Valleys excursion, Essaouira visit
• Hot air balloon flight with sunrise flight and Berber tent breakfast
• Camel ride in Agafay Desert (1 hour)
• Traditional tea break in the desert
• Dinner and breakfast at the desert camp
• 24/7 support from Green Palms Transport

Excludes

• International flights
• Personal expenses, souvenirs, and tips
• Lunches and dinners (except in Agafay)
• Optional activities:
  • Hammam & massage package
  • Dinner at Dar Essalam Restaurant
• Travel insurance
• Additional excursions in Agafay (e.g., quad biking, dromedary trek)

Tour Plan (Itinerary)

Day 1 – Arrival in Marrakech

• Arrive at Marrakech-Menara Airport
• Meet and greet by the Green Palms driver
• Private transfer to your hotel
• Check-in and overnight stay

Day 2 – Hot Air Balloon & Marrakech City Tour

• Early hot air balloon flight at sunrise (60-minute flight)
• Breakfast in a Berber tent with a traditional buffet
• Afternoon: Half-day guided city tour
  • Menara Gardens
  • Koutoubia Mosque (exterior)
  • Bahia Palace
  • Dar Si Said Museum
  • Souks of the Medina
  • Jemaa el-Fna Square
• Overnight in Marrakech

Day 3 – Free Day in Marrakech

• Breakfast at the hotel
• Full day at leisure
  • Relax at the hotel or spa
  • Explore souks, visit museums, or enjoy rooftop dining
• Optional excursions: Cooking class, hammam, or Atlas day trip
• Overnight in Marrakech

Day 4 – Full-Day Atlas Mountains & Three Valleys Excursion

• Breakfast at the hotel
• Depart for the Atlas Mountains
• Visit:
  • Ourika Valley – traditional Berber villages, lunch at a local auberge
  • Kik Plateau – panoramic views of Lalla Takerkoust Lake
  • Asni Village – gateway to the High Atlas
• Return to Marrakech in the evening
• Overnight in Marrakech

Day 5 – Marrakech → Essaouira Day Trip

• Breakfast at the hotel
• Depart for Essaouira (2.5-hour scenic drive)
• Guided visit:
  • Bab Marrakech Square
  • La Scala
  • Medina (UNESCO-listed)
  • Old and New Ports
• Lunch by the sea (own expense)
• Free time for shopping or a beach walk
• Return to Marrakech in the evening
• Overnight in Marrakech

Day 6 – Free Day in Marrakech

• Breakfast at the hotel
• Optional activities:
  • Hammam & massage at a luxury spa
  • Dinner at Dar Essalam Restaurant – historic riad with live music
• Overnight in Marrakech

Day 7 – Marrakech → Agafay Desert Camp

• Breakfast at the hotel
• Check out and depart for the Agafay Desert
• 1-hour camel ride through rocky dunes
• Traditional mint tea break with local hosts
• Arrive at the luxury desert camp
• Enjoy dinner under the stars (Moroccan cuisine)
• Overnight in a desert camp

Day 8 – Agafay → Marrakech – Departure

• Breakfast at the camp
• Return transfer to Marrakech
• Drop-off at Marrakech-Menara Airport for your onward journey

FAQs

Q: Is the hot air balloon flight safe?
A: Yes — operated by certified pilots with modern equipment and full insurance. Flights are weather-dependent and may be rescheduled.

Q: Can I extend my stay in Agafay or Marrakech?
A: Yes — Green Palms Transport can arrange extra nights or custom itineraries.

Q: Are meals included?
A: Breakfast is included daily. Dinner and breakfast are included on Day 7 in Agafay. Lunches and other dinners are not included.

Q: Is the desert camp comfortable?
A: Yes — the camp offers furnished tents, warm blankets, rugs, and shared eco-toilets. It’s authentic yet comfortable.

Q: Can I charge my phone in the desert?
A: Limited solar power may be available. We recommend bringing a power bank.

Q: Is this tour suitable for solo travelers or couples?
A: Absolutely — ideal for couples, solo adventurers, and small groups seeking culture and adventure.

Q: What should I pack?
A: Comfortable walking shoes, modest clothing, hat, sunscreen, camera, power bank, and a light jacket (for desert nights).

Q: Is Wi-Fi available?
A: Available at hotels in Marrakech. Limited or no Wi-Fi in the desert camp — enjoy digital detox!

✅ Ready for a deep dive into Moroccan magic?
Book your 8 Days Marrakech & Agafay Desert Adventure with Green Palms Transport — a licensed and experienced DMC committed to safe, sustainable, and unforgettable travel.