1

Hello, since you only have a very short period I recommend the third option cuz the two remaining are almost impossible !!!

2

Don't hire a guide. Just base in Marrakech and see the sites there on your own; more than enough to keep you busy in such limited time.

3

I share Marocfan's opinion. Stay in Marrakech, and try to see all the highlights there. Be your own guide.

4

Me too, stay in Marrakech, 4 days are not so much for travel outside the city. And be your own guide too. Have a compass with you so you not go lost in Medina and souk. I had it and it was very useful.

5

imho opinion four days in Marrakesh is too much. I meet so many people who are glad of a change after a couple of days. Getting out of the city will give you another idea of Morocco, which is so much more than just Marrakesh. It would be like going to London and feeling that you have seen Britain.

Telouet and Ait ben Haddou is about four hours drive each way but the scenery well worth it if you are prepared to undertake that tour. If you stay the night in and around Ouarzazate and there are some really lovely places around rather than in, then why not.

Dades and back is a lot more driving and at that time of year not the best idea. It is prettiest in spring i.e February onwards.

Ourika is lovely and you can walk and enjoy the mountains much closer to the city.

6

...... it seems most respondents have miss read your post, you have 6 days in Morocco, 2 in Marrakesh and 4 to do something else.

Keep in mind the short daylight in midwinter, in Marrakesh you could usefully spend more time if it want to.

For a trip to the Atlantic coast and the seaside, consider Essaouria or for warmer weather Agadir, both just a 3 hour bus journey and using Supratours buses a comfortable, low cost and safe trip. No need for a guide, why would you want to spend your holiday with someone you don't know. These short trips leave you plenty of time to walk and explore on your own. For information on the greater Agadir area see.. http://www.visitagadir.com/index.php and read this before going to Essaouria.... http://wikitravel.org/en/Essaouira no guide needed here as its a small place.

Nomadfan's suggestion of Ouarzazate is good as you have 4 days to do it, if interested in the film industry this is where Morocco's film industry is mostly.... http://looklex.com/morocco/ouarzazate.htm

Keep in mind how long the nights are in December, what to do when it gets dark.

7

What to do when it gets dark? Easy: spend it people watching in the fascinating Jemaa' el-Fna in Marrakech.

8

Hi,
In 2 days, I would cross the Atlas from Demnat to Skoura, superb less travelled road overnight in Skoura.
2nd day, visit Ait Benhaddou, Telouet and cross the Tizi n'Tichka.
That makes a good tow very different days trip. Guided or not, it is really up to you...
Inconvinience: avoid it if bad weather announced as you go as high as 2300m with risks of snow!
Good trip!