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11 Days Tour From Marrakech & Imperial Cities Via Sahara Desert

Type

Tours

Min Age

Max People

Transportation

4x4, Bus, Luxury Car

Overview

Embark on a captivating 11-day journey from Marrakech to the Sahara Desert. Begin by crossing the majestic High Atlas Mountains, visit the iconic Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou, and explore the scenic Dades Valley and dramatic Toudgha Gorges before reaching Merzouga. Spend a full day immersed in the heart of the Sahara Desert, where you’ll enjoy a camel ride across the golden dunes and spend the night under the stars in a traditional desert camp. On your return journey, pass through Rissani, Nekob, and the lush Draa Valley, with time to explore Ouarzazate, the gateway to the Sahara, before crossing the Atlas Mountains once more to arrive back in Marrakech. This journey offers a rich blend of Moroccan culture, diverse natural landscapes, and unforgettable desert experiences.

Highlights Of This Tour

Visit to Marrakech’s iconic landmarks: Koutoubia Mosque, Bahia Palace, and Jemaa el-Fnaa Square
Explore the vibrant souks and historic Medina of Marrakech
Discover the Sahara Desert with a camel trek and a luxury camp stay
Tour of Fes, including the Al-Qarawiyyin University and ancient tanneries
Stroll through the blue-painted streets of Chefchaouen
Discover Tangier’s European and African cultural blend
Visit Casablanca’s Hassan II Mosque and Corniche
Explore Rabat’s Royal Palace, Hassan Tower, and Oudayas Kasbah
Visit UNESCO-listed Ait Benhaddou Kasbah
Scenic drives through Atlas Mountains and Berber villages
Nights in traditional riads, desert camps, and scenic hotels

Itinerary

Day 1: Marrakech Airport - Transfer To Your Riad / Hotel

Arrival in Marrakech. Transfer to accommodation. Optional guided afternoon tour if time permits.
Overnight in Marrakech.

Day 2: Full Day To Explore Marrakech

Explore the Koutoubia Mosque, Bahia Palace, Saadian Tombs, Jardin Majorelle, Marrakech Museum, the Medina souks, and Jemaa el-Fnaa Square with a local guide.
Overnight in Marrakech.

Day 3: Marrakech - High Atlas Mountains - Ait Benhaddou - Ouarzazate - Dades Gorges

Drive through Tizi n’Tichka pass. Visit Ait Benhaddou, Atlas Film Studios in Ouarzazate, and the dramatic Dades Gorges.
Overnight in Dades Gorges.

Day 4: Dades Gorges - Todra Gorges - Tinjdad - Erfoud - Merzouga Desert

Visit Todra Gorges, Tinjdad, and Erfoud. Arrive in Merzouga for a camel ride and desert camp experience.
Overnight at the desert camp.

Day 5: Full Day To Explore Merzouga Desert

4×4 tour of Erg Chebbi dunes, visit Berber villages, meet nomads and Gnaoua musicians, explore oases, sandboarding, sunset viewing, and dinner under the stars.
Overnight at the desert camp.

Day 6: Merzouga - Ziz Valley - Midelt - Cedar Forest - Ifrane - Fes

Drive through Ziz Valley, Midelt, and Azrou Cedar Forest. Stop in Ifrane, then continue to Fes.
Overnight in Fes.

Day 7: Full Day To Explore Fes With Local Guide

Tour the Royal Palace, Mellah, Bou Inania Madrasa, Al-Qarawiyyin University, tanneries, Al-Attarine Madrasa, Nejjarine Museum, and Fes el Jdid.
Overnight in Fes.

Day 8: Fes - Volubilis - Chefchaouen

Visit the Roman ruins at Volubilis, continue through the Rif Mountains to Chefchaouen. Evening free to explore the Blue City.
Overnight in Chefchaouen.

Day 9: Chefchaouen - Tetouan - Tangier

Scenic drive through the Rif to Tetouan. Visit the medina and Royal Palace. Continue to Tangier for a city tour including the Kasbah Museum and American Legation.
Overnight in Tangier.

Day 10: Tangier - Asilah - Rabat - Casablanca

Visit the coastal town of Asilah, then head to Rabat for Hassan Tower, Mausoleum of Mohammed V, Oudayas Kasbah. Continue to Casablanca.
Overnight in Casablanca.

Day 11: Casablanca - Marrakech + Departure

Visit Hassan II Mosque. Transfer to Marrakech or Casablanca airport for departure.

What's Included

An English-speaking guide and well-experienced driver during the trip
Local guides in Marrakech and Fes
Drop off at Marrakech or Casablanca airport
Fuel/gas and all car-related expenses
Overnight stay
Pick up from your accommodation
Private transportation in an air-conditioned touristic minivan or 4WD
Private trip
Sandboarding and Camel trek

What's Excluded

Entrance fees to attractions and museums
Plane ticket to and from Morocco
Tips (Optional)

FAQs

Is this 11-day tour suitable for first-time visitors to Morocco?
Yes, this is the ultimate “grand tour” of Morocco. It covers all the major highlights—the imperial cities, the blue city, the Sahara Desert, and the Roman ruins—making it perfect for a first-time comprehensive visit.

How much driving is involved between the different cities?
The itinerary is paced to minimize driving fatigue. The longest driving days are at the beginning and end of the desert segment (Days 3 and 6), while the rest of the days focus on city explorations or relatively short transfers between the northern cities.

Will I have free time to explore on my own?
Absolutely. While Days 2 and 7 feature full guided tours of Marrakech and Fes, you will have free evenings in every city, including Chefchaouen and Tangier, to wander, shop, or dine at your own pace.

Can I fly out of Casablanca on the last day instead of going back to Marrakech?
Yes, on Day 11 you will visit the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca. Afterward, we can drop you off directly at Casablanca Mohammed V Airport for your departure flight, saving you the trip back to Marrakech.