🌍12 Days Marrakech to Desert Tour: Grand Journey Through the Imperial Cities and Northern Morocco
Marrakech to Desert Tour: a once-in-a-lifetime journey that captures the true soul of Morocco. This complete 12-day experience is designed for those who crave a deeper connection with the beauty and richness of this land — history buffs, nature enthusiasts, and culture seekers alike. From the golden silence of the Merzouga dunes to the colorful chaos of ancient medinas, from the timeless charm of imperial cities to the peaceful rhythm of mountain villages, every day is filled with wonder. Let Morocco awaken your senses and stir your emotions as you travel from the heart of Marrakech to the farthest corners of the desert and beyond.
Destination :
Imperial cities, Ouarzazate, Kasbahs, Northern Morocco, Sahara Desert, Atlas Mountains, coastal cities
Starting point :
Your accommodation in Marrakech
Return point :
Your accommodation in Marrakech
Departure time : Please be present at 07:45 for boarding:
Please be there at 07:45 for an 08:00 departure.
Dress code : Comfortable clothing, walking shoes, hat and sunglasses
Duration : 12 days / 11 nights
12 days / 11 nights
Price :Varies depending on the number of people
📌Price includes :
✔️Transfers to and from your accommodation
✔️Transportation in a modern, air-conditioned vehicle
✔️English or French speaking driver
✔️Specialized local guide
✔️Accommodation on a half-board basis (dinner and breakfast)
✔️Overnight stay in a desert camp with dinner and breakfast included
✔️Camel ride at sunset and sunrise
✔️Official historical guide in Marrakech, Meknes, Rabat and Fez
✔️Fuel and bottled water
📌The price does not include :
❌Entrance to the monuments
❌Lunches and drinks
❌Tips and personal expenses
📌Highlights of the trip :
- Discovering the 4 imperial cities: Marrakech, Rabat, Meknes, Fez
- Visit to the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca
- Exploring Fez: museums, fountains, souks, tanneries
- Stroll through the medinas of Fez and Marrakech
- Traditional Moroccan cuisine and rich cultural heritage
- Explore the ancient Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, a striking UNESCO-listed fortress steeped in history and cinematic charm.
- Discovery of the Merzouga desert: overnight in a bivouac and camel ride
- Unforgettable sunsets and sunrises in the Sahara
- Berber music around the campfire
- Chefchaouen and its blue and purple alleys
- Tetouan, the Rif Mountains and Tangier, Morocco’s diplomatic gateway
- Photo stops along the way
📌Full itinerary :
📍Day 1: Arrival in Marrakech
As soon as you step off the plane at Marrakech airport, the warm air and vibrant energy of Morocco greet you like an old friend. A comfortable vehicle will whisk you away to your charming accommodation, ideally tucked in the vibrant heart of the city. Depending on your arrival time, take a moment to soak in the atmosphere of Marrakech — the hum of the medina, the scent of orange blossoms, and the colors that dance in every direction. Your Marrakech to Desert Tour begins here, where ancient traditions meet modern comforts. In the evening, enjoy a delicious Moroccan dinner and settle in for a restful night — tomorrow, the real adventure begins.
📍Day 2: Marrakech – Tizi N’Tichka – Ait Ben Haddou – Dades Gorges
Your Marrakech to Desert Tour truly takes flight today as you leave the bustling streets of Marrakech behind and head into the heart of the High Atlas Mountains. The road winds its way through the dramatic Tizi N’Tichka Pass, rising to 2,260 meters above sea level, where sweeping views of rugged peaks and traditional Berber villages fill your eyes with wonder. As the landscape shifts, you arrive at the legendary Kasbah of Aït Ben Haddou — a UNESCO World Heritage Site frozen in time, with its earthen towers and narrow alleys whispering stories of ancient caravans. Continuing through Ouarzazate, known as the gateway to the desert and a favorite of filmmakers, you venture into the fragrant Valley of the Roses, where the scent of blossoms fills the air in spring. By evening, you’ll reach the peaceful Dades Gorges, where towering cliffs and winding canyons offer a breathtaking backdrop for a night of serenity. Dinner and overnight in a cozy guesthouse set against the red rock landscape.
📍Day 3: Dades Gorge – Todra Gorge – Erfoud – Merzouga
The Marrakech to Desert Tour continues with one of its most spectacular days. After breakfast in the Dades Valley, the road leads you to the awe-inspiring Todra Gorges — a dramatic natural corridor where sheer limestone cliffs rise like walls of a silent cathedral. Feel the cool air and hear the gentle flow of the river as you walk beneath these towering formations. The journey then takes you eastward to Erfoud, a town known for its fascinating fossil heritage and desert charm. You’ll have the chance to uncover ancient marine relics preserved in stone, offering a glimpse into Morocco’s geological past. As the afternoon sun softens, you arrive at Merzouga, where golden dunes ripple across the horizon. A camel is waiting to carry you into the Sahara, where each step feels like a passage into another world. As the sun sinks into the horizon, painting the sky in shades of amber and crimson, your desert camp emerges like a dream—tucked gently between the golden curves of the dunes. Enjoy a warm dinner under a blanket of stars, and fall asleep to the soothing silence of the desert. Overnight in your private tent, cradled by the sands of Merzouga.
📍Day 4: Merzouga – Errachidia – Azrou – Fès
day 4 of your Marrakech to Desert Tour takes on a tranquil and picturesque rhythm today. Wake before dawn to witness a moment of pure magic — the sunrise over the dunes of Merzouga. With the first light gently illuminating the golden dunes, a profound sense of tranquility and awe settles over the desert landscape. After breakfast, leave the Sahara behind and begin your scenic drive north. The landscapes gradually shift from arid plateaus to lush valleys as you pass through the Ziz Valley and the province of Errachidia. The journey brings you into the heart of Morocco’s Middle Atlas Mountains, where the cool cedar forests of Azrou whisper with the presence of Barbary macaques and the scent of pine fills the breeze. A short stop in Ifrane, often called the “Switzerland of Morocco” for its alpine charm and European-style architecture, offers a refreshing contrast to the desert heat. By late afternoon, you reach Fès, the spiritual and cultural heart of Morocco, where every winding alley whispers tales of centuries past. Settle into your accommodation, where dinner awaits, and prepare for the next chapter of your Moroccan adventure. Overnight in the heart of Fès.
📍Day 5: Guided tour of Fès
The fifth day of your Marrakech to Desert Tour opens the gates to one of Morocco’s most captivating cities: Fès, a true living museum of Islamic art, spiritual devotion, and timeless craftsmanship. Accompanied by a local guide, you set out to explore the labyrinthine alleys of the ancient medina — a UNESCO World Heritage site that seems suspended in another era. Every step echoes with the past: from the intricate tilework of the medersas to the serene courtyards of age-old mosques, the scent of leather mingles with the aromas of spices as you pass by bustling souks and traditional tanneries in full color. Delicate carved doors, hidden riads, and majestic palaces reveal the elegance of Moroccan heritage at every turn. As the sun dips behind the ochre rooftops, casting a warm glow over the ancient city, you make your way back to your accommodation with a heart full of memories and the profound sense of having connected with the true spirit of Morocco. Dinner and overnight in the timeless atmosphere of Fès.
📍Day 6: Fez – Meknes
day 6 of Your Marrakech to Desert Tour continues with a journey into the imperial splendor of Meknès, one of Morocco’s grandest historic cities. As you enter through the imposing gates of Bab El Mansour — a true architectural masterpiece — you’re transported into a world shaped by the dreams of Sultan Moulay Ismaïl. The tour unveils the secrets of his mausoleum, a serene place of reflection steeped in legacy and reverence. Explore the colossal royal granaries, once the heartbeat of imperial logistics, and feel the pulse of daily life in the colorful souks where artisans still preserve centuries-old crafts. At midday, savor a traditional Moroccan lunch, rich in flavor and hospitality, before settling into a charming riad tucked within the maze-like medina. As night falls, the soft glow of lanterns and the whisper of history invite you to rest in a place where time slows down. Dinner and overnight in Meknès.
📍Day 7: Meknes – Volubilis – Chefchaouen
The journey on your Marrakech to Desert Tour takes a poetic turn today, weaving history and serenity into one unforgettable day. Depart from Meknès and make your way to the hauntingly beautiful ruins of Volubilis, where weathered Roman columns stand as timeless witnesses to Morocco’s ancient past. As you wander through mosaics and crumbling arches, you’ll feel echoes of a bygone civilization beneath your feet.
From the echoes of Rome, your path leads north through winding landscapes and olive groves until the first splash of blue appears on the horizon — Chefchaouen, the ethereal jewel of the Rif Mountains. With its calming hues, tranquil alleys, and flower-filled terraces, Chefchaouen offers a dreamlike pause in your adventure. The rest of the day is yours to wander freely through its quiet medina, sip mint tea on a rooftop terrace, or simply breathe in the peaceful rhythm of this mountain haven. Dinner and overnight in a warm, authentic guest house where the magic of Chefchaouen wraps around you like a soft shawl under starlit skies.
📍Day 8: Chefchaouen – Tetouan – Tangier
This day takes you further through northern Morocco. Discover Tetouan, where the whitewashed medina reveals its rich Andalusian heritage, and the lively souks invite you to explore a tapestry of colors, crafts, and culture. Then continue to Tangier, a cosmopolitan port city that has inspired generations of writers and artists. Your accommodation tonight is a historic hotel full of character. As your Marrakech to Desert Tour unfolds, Tangier’s coastal charm adds a refreshing contrast to the desert landscapes.
📍Day 9: Discover Tangier
As your Marrakech to Desert Tour unfolds, you arrive in the captivating city of Tangier — a meeting point between continents where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Mediterranean Sea. This day is devoted to exploring the cultural and historical richness of this cosmopolitan port city. Stroll through the lively alleys of the kasbah, visit fascinating museums, and enjoy sweeping views over the harbor and coastline. Discover the legendary Caves of Hercules, steeped in myth and offering breathtaking ocean vistas. Tangier reveals a unique blend of modern energy and old-world charm. In the evening, settle into a historic hotel in the heart of the city and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere that defines Tangier’s distinctive allure.
📍Day 10: Tangier – Asilah – Rabat
The Marrakech to Desert Tour continues along the Atlantic coast as you head to Asilah, a picturesque seaside town known for its whitewashed walls and colorful street art. Wander through its tranquil medina and soak in the artistic ambiance before continuing to Rabat, the elegant capital of Morocco. Discover the historic Kasbah of the Oudayas, stroll through the serene Andalusian gardens, and admire the iconic Hassan Tower standing proudly against the skyline. This day unfolds with a harmonious mix of cultural discovery and the serene charm of Morocco’s coastline. Dinner and overnight stay in Rabat.
📍Day 11: Rabat – Casablanca – Marrakech
On this final stretch of your Marrakech to Desert Tour, set off for Casablanca to explore Morocco’s economic capital. Visit the magnificent Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest and most stunning mosques in the world, perched majestically over the Atlantic Ocean. After soaking in the modern and coastal atmosphere of Casablanca, return to Marrakech in the late afternoon. Enjoy your last evening with dinner and overnight stay in the Red City, bringing your unforgettable Moroccan adventure to a close.
📍Day 12: End of trip
Enjoy free time depending on your flight schedule — whether it’s a relaxing morning or one last stroll through Marrakech’s vibrant streets. At the scheduled time, your driver will escort you to Marrakech airport for your departure. This marks the end of your Marrakech to Desert Tour, filled with unforgettable landscapes, cultural treasures, and authentic encounters. Wishing you a safe journey — we look forward to welcoming you back to Morocco soon!
📌Conclusion:
This 12 day Marrakech to Desert Tour offers one of the most enriching and diverse experiences for those seeking to uncover the soul of Morocco. From the imperial cities to the golden dunes of Merzouga, from Roman ruins to blue mountain towns, each stop reveals a new face of this captivating country. Whether you’re drawn by the call of history, enchanted by natural wonders, or curious about the warmth of Moroccan traditions, this journey promises deep immersion and unforgettable memories. Don’t wait—book your adventure today and step into the heart of Morocco’s timeless magic.
