12-day tour of the Moroccan desert from Marrakech to the imperial cities

This 12-day trip through Morocco invites you to explore the country’s diverse landscapes and cultural gems: from imperial cities and coastal towns to high mountain ranges and the vast Sahara Desert. You will cross the High Atlas and Middle Atlas mountains, visit UNESCO World Heritage sites, discover the charm of the blue city of Chefchaouen, and immerse yourself in the traditions of ancient medinas. Along the way, you will encounter Berber villages, browse bustling souks, admire Roman ruins, and spend magical nights under starry skies. By the end of this adventure, you will have experienced the essence of Morocco: its history, its landscapes, and its people.

• Explore the vibrant streets and monuments of Marrakech.
• Cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass.
• Visit the ksar of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Travel through the spectacular Dades Valley and the Todra Gorges.
• Ride a camel through the Erg Chebbi dunes at sunset.
• Sleep in the Sahara under a starry sky.
• Visit nomadic families and discover Gnawa music in Merzouga.
• Travel through the Ziz Valley until you reach the historic city of Fez.
• Guided tour in Fez, Meknes, Rabat, Casablanca, and Chefchaouen.
• Explore the Roman ruins of Volubilis.
• Admire the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca.
• Conclude with a relaxing stay in Essaouira, the “Pearl of the Atlantic.”

Day 1: Arrival in Marrakech

On the first day of the 12-day Tour of the Moroccan Desert from Marrakech to the imperial cities, you will arrive at Marrakech airport, where you will be met and transferred to your riad. Depending on your arrival time, take your first stroll through the medina and enjoy the atmosphere of Jemaa el-Fna square, full of storytellers, musicians, and food stalls. Night in Marrakech.

Day 2: Exploring Marrakech

Spend the day discovering the cultural treasures of Marrakech, a city founded in the 11th century. Highlights include the Koutoubia Mosque, the Saadian Tombs, and the Bahia Palace, true gems of Moroccan architecture. Stroll through the narrow alleys of the medina, filled with vibrant souks and artisan workshops, before returning to Jemaa el-Fna as it comes alive at dusk. Night in Marrakech.

Day 3: Marrakech – High Atlas Mountains – Ait Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate – Dades Valley

Early departure crossing the High Atlas Mountains via the winding Tizi n’Tichka Pass with its panoramic views. Stop at the iconic Ait Ben Haddou, a fortified village declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has been the setting for many films. Continue to Ouarzazate, known as the “Gateway to the Desert,” and then on to the palm groves of Skoura and the Valley of Roses, famous for its annual festival. At sunset, arrive in the picturesque Dades Valley for dinner and overnight in a local riad or hotel.

Day 4: Dades Valley – Todra Gorges – Merzouga Desert

On the fourth day of the 12-day Morocco Desert Tour from Marrakech to the imperial cities, after breakfast, enjoy a viewpoint overlooking the Dades Valley with its kasbahs and winding roads. Travel to the Todra Gorges, a stunning canyon popular with climbers, and take a walk along the riverbed. After lunch in a nearby village, continue towards the Sahara. Upon arrival in Merzouga, ride a camel into the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi, arriving at the desert camp in time to watch the sunset. Dinner, music, and night in Berber tents under the stars.

Day 5: Exploring the Merzouga Desert

Wake up early to see an unforgettable sunrise over the dunes and return by camel to the village of Merzouga. After breakfast, spend the day exploring the desert. Visit nomadic families, stop at the Tissardmin oasis, and enjoy panoramic views of Erg Chebbi. In the village of Khamlia, listen to the spiritual rhythms of Gnawa music while sipping tea. Free afternoon to relax or climb the dunes to watch the sunset. Overnight at a hotel near the dunes.

Day 6: Merzouga – Ziz Valley – Midelt – Cedar Forest – Ifrane – Fez

Today’s route heads north, passing through the palm groves of Tafilalet and along the Ziz Valley, dotted with kasbahs and oases. Stop to enjoy panoramic views before continuing (the 12-day tour of the Moroccan desert from Marrakech to the imperial cities) to Midelt, where you will have lunch. In the afternoon, cross the cedar forests, home to Barbary macaques, and stop in Ifrane, a charming town nicknamed “Little Switzerland.” Arrive in Fez at dusk and stay in a riad.

Day 7: Guided Tour in Fez

After breakfast, set off with a local guide to explore Fez, Morocco’s oldest imperial city. Visit the Royal Palace and the Jewish quarter before venturing into the medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover architectural wonders such as the Bou Inania Madrasa, the Karaouiyine Mosque, and the Mausoleum of Mulay Idriss. Visit traditional tanneries and artisan workshops where ancestral techniques are still practiced. Overnight in Fez.

Day 8: Fez – Meknes – Volubilis – Chefchaouen

On day eight of the 12-day Tour of the Moroccan Desert from Marrakech to the imperial cities, depart from Fez to Meknes, another imperial city, to see its monumental gates, stables, and the Mausoleum of Mulay Ismail. Continue to the ancient Roman site of Volubilis, with mosaics and ruins dating back more than 2,000 years. In the afternoon, arrive in Chefchaouen, the famous blue city located in the Rif Mountains. Overnight in Chefchaouen.

Day 9: Chefchaouen – Rabat – Casablanca

After breakfast, travel to Rabat, the capital of Morocco. Visit highlights such as the Kasbah of the Udayas, Hassan Tower, and the Royal Mausoleum. Then continue to Casablanca, where you will stroll along the lively Corniche and admire the imposing Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest in the world. Overnight in Casablanca.

Day 10: Casablanca – Marrakech

In the morning, departure from Casablanca to Marrakech, arriving in the early afternoon. Free time to relax, explore the medina, or revisit your favorite places from the beginning of the trip. Night in Marrakech.

Day 11: Marrakech – Essaouira

Travel to the Atlantic coast and the charming city of Essaouira, passing through the Argan Valley, where you can see local women producing argan oil. Once in Essaouira, stroll along the sea walls, explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed medina, and discover its fishing port, craft shops, and lively squares. Known for its relaxed atmosphere and sea breeze, Essaouira is called the “Pearl of the Atlantic.” Overnight in Essaouira.

Day 12: Essaouira – Marrakech Airport

Enjoy one last breakfast by the sea before returning to Marrakech for your departure flight. Depending on your schedule, you may have time for some last-minute shopping or a leisurely stroll before your unforgettable 12-day tour of the Moroccan desert from Marrakech to the imperial cities comes to an end.