After exploring Marrakech with a local guide, we will begin a tour of Morocco’s imperial cities, desert landscapes, and coastal highlights.

The journey includes:

  • Essaouira, a charming Atlantic coastal town

  • El Jadida, a historic Portuguese port city

  • Casablanca

  • Rabat, including the Hassan Tower

  • Tangier and the Rif Mountains

  • Chefchaouen, the famous Blue City

  • Meknes, including the Berber-Roman ruins of Volubilis and Bab Mansour

  • A full day exploring Fes, one of Morocco’s oldest imperial cities

  • Ifrane (“Moroccan Switzerland”) and Azrou

  • The Merzouga Desert, with camel trekking and an overnight stay in a Berber tent in the heart of the dunes

  • Exploration of Erg Chebbi, nomadic villages, and Berber communities

  • On the way back to Marrakech, we will pass through Rissani, Todra Gorge, and the Dades Valley

  • Visits to Kasbah Taourirt and Ait Ben Haddou

  • Crossing the High Atlas Mountains back to Marrakech

Day 1: Arrival in Marrakech – Transfer to Hotel

Upon arrival in Marrakech, our driver will pick you up from the airport and transfer you to your hotel or riad. You will have the rest of the day to relax and begin exploring the city, including the famous Jemaa el-Fnaa Square and the vibrant souks.

Day 2: Full Day Exploring Marrakech

Today you may enjoy an optional private guided tour of the Marrakech Medina with an official local guide. You will visit the famous Koutoubia Mosque, explore the lively souks, and discover some of Marrakech’s hidden gems, including:

  • Ben Youssef Medersa

  • Saadian Tombs

  • Bahia Palace

  • Majorelle Garden

Overnight stay in a riad in the Medina.

Day 3: Marrakech – Essaouira

Depart from Marrakech for the charming seaside town of Essaouira. The relaxing drive takes you past argan oil cooperatives, offering a glimpse into local craftsmanship.

Essaouira, a UNESCO World Heritage city, is a windswept fishing port with broad beaches and an ancient walled medina overlooking the Atlantic. With its relaxed atmosphere, you can explore the medina, stroll along the ramparts or the beach, and visit the port to see the fishermen’s daily catch.

Essaouira is also famous for the Gnaoua World Music Festival, held each June.

Overnight stay in Essaouira.

Day 4: Essaouira – El Jadida – Casablanca – Rabat

After breakfast, depart from Essaouira and continue your journey along the Atlantic coast. Pass through El Jadida, a historic Portuguese port city and UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Stop in Casablanca to visit Mohammed V Square and the impressive Hassan II Mosque.

Continue to the imperial city of Rabat, where you will explore:

  • Mechouar

  • Mohammed V Mausoleum

  • Hassan Tower

  • Oudaya Kasbah, home to artisan galleries and offering beautiful ocean views

Overnight stay at a hotel or riad in Rabat.

Day 5: Rabat – Tangier – Rif Mountains – Chefchaouen (The Blue City)

Depart from Rabat toward Tangier, then continue through the lush green valleys of the Rif Mountains to reach the enchanting mountain town of Chefchaouen.

Chefchaouen is famous for its blue-painted houses and narrow winding streets, making it one of Morocco’s most picturesque destinations.

Explore the medina and its bustling souks, where you can find unique local crafts such as wool garments, intricate embroidery, and goat cheese native to this region.

Enjoy free time in the town square, visit nearby farms, or hike in the surrounding natural parks.

Overnight stay in Chefchaouen.

Day 6: Chefchaouen – Volubilis – Meknes – Fes

After breakfast at your riad in Chefchaouen, we continue our journey with a scenic drive through the fertile hills of northern Morocco to Volubilis, an open-air museum featuring impressive Berber-Roman ruins.

Next, we drive to Meknes, Morocco’s fourth imperial city and a UNESCO heritage site from the 17th century.

Here we will visit:

  • Bab Mansour Gate

  • Moulay Ismail Mausoleum

  • The historic Medina

After lunch, we continue to Fes for an overnight stay at your hotel or riad.

Day 7: Full Day Exploring Fes

After breakfast, explore Fes with a local guide. Fes has long been considered the “Mecca of the West” and the “Athens of Africa.”

Fes is divided into three main areas:

  • Fes el-Bali – the oldest part of the city, with more than 9,000 narrow streets and alleys. This UNESCO World Heritage site is home to the University of Al-Karaouine, founded in 859 AD.

  • Fes Jdid – the “New Fes,” including the historic Jewish quarter (Mellah).

  • Ville Nouvelle – the modern district built during the French protectorate.

Discover the rich culture, architecture, and history that make Fes one of Morocco’s most important cultural centers.

Overnight stay in Fes.

Day 8: Fes – Ifrane – Azrou – Midelt – Ziz Valley – Erfoud – Rissani – Merzouga

After breakfast, depart from Fes toward the Sahara Desert.

We first pass through Ifrane, known as “the Switzerland of Morocco.” Continue to the cedar forests of Azrou, home to wild Barbary macaques.

Lunch will be in the Berber village of Zaida.

The journey continues through the Middle Atlas Mountains and Midelt before reaching Erfoud, the gateway to the Saharan oasis region of Tafilalet.

Continue to Merzouga for an overnight stay in a hotel or riad.

Day 9: Merzouga – Nomadic Villages – Black Desert – Camel Trek & Desert Camp

After breakfast, explore the Merzouga region. Visit the village of Khamlia, known for its traditional Gnawa music performed by descendants of Sudanese communities.

You may also visit a Berber nomad family and learn about their traditional lifestyle.

In the afternoon, enjoy a camel trek across the dunes of Erg Chebbi.

Spend the night in a desert camp, either under the stars or in a traditional Berber tent. Dinner will be served at the camp, followed by music and a magical night in the Sahara.

Meals included: Dinner and Breakfast.

Day 10: Merzouga – Erfoud – Touroug – Todra Gorges – Dades Valley

Wake up early to enjoy a spectacular sunrise over the Sahara dunes.

After breakfast, return by camel to the hotel and depart toward Tinghir.

In the afternoon, visit the dramatic Todra Gorges, famous for their towering canyon walls and stunning landscapes.

Continue to the Dades Valley, stopping for panoramic views before arriving at your accommodation.

Overnight stay in the Dades Valley.

Day 11: Dades Valley – Ouarzazate – High Atlas Mountains – Marrakech

After breakfast, depart for Ouarzazate via Skoura.

Stop to view Kasbah Taourirt and visit the Atlas Film Studios.

Next, visit the famous fortified village of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site used in many international films.

In the afternoon, cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260 m) before arriving in Marrakech.

Overnight stay in Marrakech.

Day 12: Marrakech – Airport Transfer

After breakfast, transfer from your hotel or riad to Marrakech Airport for your departure.

This marks the end of your 12-day Morocco Imperial Cities and Desert Tour.

What’s Included

  • Private transportation in air-conditioned vehicles (4×4, minibus, or bus depending on group size)

  • Multilingual driver/guide

  • All fuel for transportation

  • 10 nights in hotels or riads

  • 1 night in a desert camp with dinner and breakfast

  • Camel ride in the Sahara Desert

  • Sandboarding on the dunes

What’s Not Included

  • Drinks and lunches

  • Flight tickets

  • Entrance fees to monuments and museums

  • Accommodation in Marrakech

Note

If you wish to modify any part of the tour, please contact us in advance and we will be happy to customize the itinerary for you.