Escape Marrakech for a day and visit Ait Ben Haddou and Ouarzazate to see the film locations of famous movies. Your day-long excursion is packed with unforgettable vistas of the Atlas Mountains, UNESCO-listed Moroccan architecture, and centuries-old casbahs made from red clay.

Set out in the morning, departing Marrakech on a scenic drive that takes you through the High Atlas range of the Atlas Mountains. Admire sprawling views of mountainous landscapes dotted with villages as you roll over rugged passes, and stop at a Berber town for coffee.

Your journey continues on to the village of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site lauded for its traditional southern Moroccan architecture. A fortified ksar village, Ait Ben Haddou is made distinct by the red clay houses crowded within its walls, and has been used in movies like Oedipus Rex, Marco Polo, and Kingdom of Heaven.

Next, drive to nearby Ouarzazate, nicknamed “The Door of the Desert” for its location between the High Atlas Mountains and the desert. The city is a mix of lush oasis vegetation and ochre-colored casbahs, and is home to a number of movie studios. Visit Kasbah Taourit, an enormous casbah built in the 18th century by the powerful el Glaoui clan, and learn about the films that were shot in the city, including The Mummy and Gladiator. Spend plenty of time capturing your own photos of the place before making the return journey to Marrakech.