10-Day Tour of Morocco’s Desert and Imperial Cities from Marrakech

This 10-day tour of Morocco takes you on an extraordinary journey through the country’s most captivating landscapes and cultural treasures. From the colorful chaos of Marrakech to the serene sands of the Sahara, you’ll travel through majestic mountain passes, fertile valleys, and ancient cities steeped in history. Along the way, you’ll discover UNESCO World Heritage sites, explore vibrant souks, experience Berber hospitality, and enjoy nights under starry desert skies. This carefully designed itinerary combines adventure, relaxation, and cultural encounters, offering a complete Moroccan experience you’ll never forget.

• Stunning views as you cross the High Atlas Mountains.
• Discover the Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Experience a camel ride through the dunes of the Sahara in Merzouga.
• Witness magical sunsets in the desert and nights under starry skies.
• Sleep in authentic Berber tents and enjoy music around the campfire.
• Admire the dramatic canyons of the Todra and Dades Gorges.
• Guided tour of the imperial city of Fez.
• Stroll through the blue streets of Chefchaouen.
• Explore Rabat and Casablanca, home to grand mosques and modern boulevards.

Day 1: Arrival in Marrakech – The Treasures of the Red City

Your discovery of Morocco begins the moment you arrive at Marrakech-Menara Airport, where you will be welcomed and transferred to your riad or traditional hotel. After settling in, set out to explore the city that has fascinated travelers for centuries. Wander through Jemaa el-Fna Square, where storytellers, snake charmers, and food stalls create an unforgettable spectacle. Admire the minaret of the Koutoubia Mosque, explore the ornate interiors of the Bahia Palace, and lose yourself in the labyrinth of souks filled with spices, textiles, and handicrafts. For a modern contrast, stroll through Gueliz, the contemporary district with chic cafes and boutiques, or relax in the peaceful Menara Gardens with their pond and olive groves. End the day with a welcome dinner featuring authentic Moroccan dishes such as tagine or couscous. Night in Marrakech.

Day 2: Marrakech – High Atlas Mountains – Ait Ben Haddou – Dades Valley

After breakfast, set off for the spectacular High Atlas Mountains, crossing the famous Tizi N’Tichka Pass (2,260 m). Along the way, enjoy breathtaking views of rugged peaks, terraced fields, and Berber villages nestled on the hillsides. Your first stop is the legendary Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site ksar that once guarded the ancient caravan routes. Explore its maze of narrow streets, adobe houses, and watchtowers—a site so iconic that it has appeared in films such as Gladiator and Game of Thrones.

Continue through Ouarzazate, known as the “Gateway to the Desert,” and enter the fertile Valley of Roses, famous for its spring blooms and distilleries that produce rose water. At dusk, arrive at the dramatic Dades Valley, where winding roads traverse rock formations known as the “Monkey Fingers.” Spend the night in a local guesthouse or hotel, surrounded by the natural beauty of the valley.

Day 3: Dades Valley – Todra Gorges – Erfoud – Rissani – Merzouga Desert

In the morning, travel further south, starting with the impressive Todra Gorges, where cliffs nearly 300 meters high tower over a narrow canyon. Walk along the riverbed, admire the dramatic scenery, and watch climbers defy the vertical walls.

Cross the Ziz Valley, a fertile strip of palm trees and adobe villages, before arriving in Erfoud, a town famous for its fossil workshops where marine remains are transformed into decorative pieces. Nearby, in Rissani, experience the lively local market, where nomads still trade spices, carpets, and livestock.

At sunset, arrive in Merzouga and its golden dunes of Erg Chebbi. Ride a camel for a scenic tour through the sand, watching as the desert is bathed in shades of orange and gold. Arrive at your desert camp, where a warm welcome awaits you. Enjoy a traditional dinner, Berber music around the campfire, and sleep under the bright starry sky of the Sahara.

Day 4: Immersion in the Merzouga Desert

Wake up early to watch the sunrise over the dunes, a truly magical moment. Today is dedicated to exploring the wonders of the Sahara. Travel by 4×4 or camel to hidden oases and nomad camps, where you will learn about traditional desert life. Try sandboarding or simply climb the highest dunes for panoramic views.

Visit the village of Khamlia, home to the Gnawa community, descendants of sub-Saharan slaves, and enjoy their hypnotic music while sipping mint tea. In the afternoon, ride a camel to a scenic spot to watch the sunset over Erg Chebbi, which paints the desert in fiery hues. Dinner and second night in the desert camp, with music, storytelling, and stargazing.

Day 5: Merzouga – Ziz Valley – Midelt

After breakfast and a camel ride at sunrise back to Merzouga, the journey north begins. Pass through Erfoud again and travel through the Ziz Valley, dotted with kasbahs, palm groves, and fortified villages. Stop to enjoy the panoramic views before continuing on to the Middle Atlas Mountains.

Arrive in Midelt, a quiet town nestled between the Middle and High Atlas mountain ranges. Known for its apple orchards and cool mountain climate, Midelt offers a refreshing change of scenery. Dinner and overnight stay at a local hotel.

Day 6: Midelt – Azrou Cedar Forest – Ifrane – Fez

In the morning, travel through the cedar forests near Azrou, where you can see Barbary macaque monkeys in their natural habitat. Continue on to Ifrane, a charming town with Alpine-style houses, known as “Little Switzerland” for its European architecture and snowy winters. Enjoy its clean air, fountains, and parks.

In the afternoon, arrive in Fez, the spiritual and cultural capital of Morocco. Settle into your riad and enjoy the afternoon at leisure to relax or stroll through the lively streets. Overnight in Fez.

Day 7: Full Day of Exploration in Fez

Today you will discover the secrets of Fez, one of the oldest and most fascinating cities in the Arab world. With a local guide, venture into the medina, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, which feels like a journey back in time. Visit the Bou Inania Madrasa, the Nejjarine Fountain, the Al Karaouiyine Mosque and University (the oldest in the world), and the Mausoleum of Mulay Idriss.

Explore the colorful tanneries, where leather is still dyed in huge stone vats, and stroll through artisan workshops that keep ancient techniques alive. Stop for a traditional lunch in the medina and continue the tour with stops at pottery cooperatives and panoramic viewpoints of the city. Overnight in Fez.

Day 8: Fez – Chefchaouen (The Blue Pearl)

After breakfast, drive north to the picturesque town of Chefchaouen in the Rif Mountains, famous for its blue-painted medina. Stroll through its quiet alleyways, decorated with flower pots and craft shops selling woven blankets, leather goods, and handicrafts. Relax in the main square, Outa el-Hammam, visit the old kasbah, or climb up to the Spanish Mosque to enjoy breathtaking views at sunset. Overnight in a riad in Chefchaouen.

Day 9: Chefchaouen – Rabat – Casablanca

Leave the Rif Mountains behind and travel to Rabat, the capital of Morocco. Visit highlights such as the Kasbah of the Udayas, Hassan Tower, and the Royal Palace. Then continue on to Casablanca, the economic center of the country. Admire the Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest in the world, and stroll along the Corniche, lined with cafes and overlooking the ocean. Overnight in Casablanca.

Day 10: Casablanca – Marrakech

Spend your last morning exploring Casablanca, perhaps visiting local markets or having coffee by the sea. Later, transfer back to Marrakech, where your 10-day adventure through Morocco ends. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have free time for last-minute shopping or relaxation before departure.