full day
Daily Tour
28 people
English, Espanol, Francais
Experience the history and drama of old Morocco on this day trip across the Atlas Mountains from Marrakech. Cross the Tizi-n-Tichka pass to reach Aït Benhaddou, a well-preserved kasbah and UNESCO World Heritage site. Continue to Ouarzazate, where movies including ‘Lawrence of Arabia,’ ‘Star Wars’ and ‘Gladiator’ have been filmed. Admire a panoramic view of the ancient Taourirt Kasbah. Throughout your tour, your guide will share stories about this fascinating region with a timeless feel.
After morning pickup from your Marrakech hotel or riad , travel in luxury in an air-conditioned 4x4 vehicle or minibus into the Atlas Mountains and cross the Tizi-n-Tichka pass at 7,415 feet (2,260 meters). As your small group makes its way toward the Sahara Desert along the old caravan route from Marrakech, your guide will share historical information and stories about this captivating area. Arrive at Aït Benhaddou after a 3-hour drive and see its impressive and intricate kasbah, or castle, that is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Aït Benhaddou's well-preserved architecture appears in numerous films including Jesus of Nazareth,Star Wars and Babel.
Continue another 20 miles (33 km) to Ouarzazate, situated on the cusp of the magnificent Sahara Desert. This popular tourist town is home to Atlas Film Studios, the world’s largest film studio. Many famous movies, including Lawrence of Arabia, Gladiator and The Mummy, as well as episodes of the television show Game of Throneshave been filmed here. Pause for lunch at a local restaurant (own expense) and savor a fantastic view of the ancient Taourirt Kasbah, a 300-room palace. Then, spend the afternoon exploring Atlas Film Studios or the Cinema Museum (own expense). Head back to Marrakech as the sun begins to slip toward the horizon and arrive at your hotel or riad at 7pm.
Ait Benhaddou is a fortified village (ksar) located near Ouarzazate in Morocco. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its well-preserved mud-brick buildings, traditional Berber architecture, and historical significance as a trading post along the caravan route between the Sahara Desert and Marrakech.
Ait Benhaddou has gained popularity among tourists and filmmakers due to its picturesque setting, ancient structures, and appearances in films and TV shows such as "Game of Thrones," "Gladiator," and "Lawrence of Arabia."
Visitors to Ait Benhaddou can explore the narrow streets, climb to the top for panoramic views, and learn about Berber culture and history in the on-site museum.
In Ouarzazate, often referred to as the "Hollywood of Morocco," tourists can visit Atlas Studios and CLA Studios to see film sets, props, and learn about Morocco's filmmaking industry. Other attractions include Taourirt Kasbah, Tifoultoute Kasbah, and scenic drives through the Atlas Mountains and Draa Valley.
Member Since 2024
