12-Day Morocco Imperial Cities and Sahara Desert Tour

Set off on a private 12-day tour to discover Morocco’s imperial cities and the Sahara Desert. Starting in Marrakech, travel across the High Atlas Mountains, explore the ancient kasbahs of southern Morocco and admire the impressive dunes of Merzouga. This journey also takes you to Fes, Meknes, Rabat and Casablanca, while introducing you to Moroccan traditions, culture and hospitality.

Day 1: Arrival in Marrakech

When you arrive at Marrakech Airport, our driver will welcome you and take you to your riad or hotel. After check-in, enjoy some free time to explore the surroundings and experience the atmosphere of the medina. You can visit the famous Jemaa el-Fna Square and walk through the traditional souks. Overnight in Marrakech.

Day 2: Marrakech Sightseeing

After breakfast, discover Marrakech, one of Morocco’s most beautiful imperial cities. Visit its main historic monuments, including Bahia Palace, the Saadian Tombs, Koutoubia Mosque and the city gardens. Continue through the narrow streets of the medina to discover local crafts, markets and Moroccan traditions. Overnight in Marrakech.

Day 3: Marrakech – High Atlas – Ait Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate

After breakfast, leave for Ouarzazate through the High Atlas Mountains. Cross the famous Tizi n’Tichka Pass, which offers beautiful views of the mountains and Berber villages. Stop along the way to admire the scenery and take photographs. You will then visit the famous ksar of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue to Ouarzazate and spend the night there.

Day 4: Ouarzazate – Skoura – Valley of Roses – Dades Gorges

After breakfast, discover Ouarzazate and its famous Taourirt Kasbah. Continue towards the Skoura palm grove, known for its traditional earthen kasbahs. The journey then crosses the Valley of Roses and its traditional villages. Continue to the Dades Gorges, famous for their impressive rock formations and spectacular scenery. Overnight in the Dades Valley.

Day 5: Dades Gorges – Todra Gorges – Erfoud – Merzouga

After breakfast, travel towards the Todra Gorges, passing through Tinghir and its beautiful palm groves. Enjoy a walk among the impressive natural cliffs. Continue to Erfoud, known for its fossils and desert landscapes. Cross the villages of the Tafilalet region before reaching Merzouga, at the gateway to the Sahara Desert. Overnight in a hotel near the Erg Chebbi dunes.

Day 6: Discover Merzouga Desert and Overnight at a Camp

Wake up in the remarkable surroundings of the Merzouga Desert. After breakfast, explore the region and its Saharan villages. Visit Khamlia, a village known for its traditional Gnawa music, and discover the landscapes surrounding the dunes. In the late afternoon, enjoy a camel ride to admire the sunset over the Erg Chebbi dunes. At the camp, enjoy a traditional dinner accompanied by local music. Spend the night under the stars in the desert.

Day 7: Merzouga – Ziz Valley – Midelt – Fes

After watching the sunrise over the dunes and having breakfast, leave for Fes. Travel through the Ziz Valley, famous for its vast palm groves and mountain scenery. Continue towards Midelt and cross the cedar forest of the Middle Atlas, where you can enjoy the region’s natural landscapes. Arrive in Fes in the late afternoon. Check in at your accommodation and spend the night in Fes.

Day 8: Guided Tour of Fes

After breakfast, spend the day discovering Fes, one of Morocco’s oldest imperial cities. Accompanied by a local guide, explore the historic medina, its lively streets, monuments and traditional souks. Visit Bou Inania Madrasa, Nejjarine Square, the famous Chouara Tanneries and the artisan quarters. This visit will help you understand the city’s history and cultural heritage. Overnight in Fes.

Day 9: Fes – Volubilis – Meknes – Rabat

After breakfast, travel to Volubilis to explore the remains of the ancient Roman city, known for its beautiful mosaics and historic monuments. Continue to Meknes, another of Morocco’s imperial cities. Discover the famous Bab Mansour Gate, El Hedim Square and the historic city walls. After the visit, continue to Rabat, the capital of the kingdom. Check in at your hotel and spend the night in Rabat.

Day 10: Rabat Sightseeing – Casablanca

After breakfast, discover Rabat’s main monuments, including Hassan Tower, the Mohammed V Mausoleum and the Kasbah of the Udayas, which offers beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean. You can also enjoy a walk through the historic districts of the capital. In the afternoon, travel to Casablanca. Check in at your hotel and spend the night in Casablanca.

Day 11: Casablanca – Marrakech

After breakfast, explore Casablanca, Morocco’s largest city. Visit the famous Hassan II Mosque, remarkable for its architecture and its location overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Continue to the Corniche and discover some of the city’s main districts, depending on the time available. In the afternoon, return to Marrakech. Check in at your accommodation and spend the night in Marrakech.

Day 12: Marrakech – Airport Transfer

After breakfast, enjoy some free time depending on your flight schedule. At the agreed time, our driver will pick you up from your accommodation and transfer you to Marrakech Airport. Your 12-day imperial cities and Sahara Desert tour comes to an end, leaving you with wonderful memories of your journey through Morocco.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 12-day tour private?

Yes, the tour is private and includes a driver.

Which imperial cities will we visit?

You will visit Marrakech, Fes, Meknes and Rabat.

Does the tour include a night in the desert?

Yes, including a camel ride in Merzouga.

Is transport included?

Yes, an air-conditioned vehicle and a professional driver are included.

Can the tour be customized?

Yes, the itinerary can be adapted to your preferences.

Where does the tour start and end?

The tour starts and ends in Marrakech.