12-Day Morocco Tour: Imperial Cities, Sahara & Desert
On this 12-day Classical Morocco Tour, roam like royalty through historic capitals, dramatic landscapes, and golden desert dunes. Start and end in Casablanca for a complete circle of the Kingdom.
12-Day Morocco Tour: Imperial Cities, Sahara & Desert
You will discover traditional Moroccan crafts created by local artisans, explore colorful marketplaces, enjoy exquisite cuisine, and relax in elegant accommodations. Included in the itinerary are visits to women's cooperatives, a ceramics workshop and henna party in Fes, an exotic Moroccan cooking workshop, camel trekking in the Erg Chebbi dunes, luxury desert camping, hammams and spas, and unforgettable cultural encounters guided by Morocco travel experts. All overnights are in luxurious riads, boutique hotels, kasbahs, and desert camps.
Your Experience: Our journeys are designed with your comfort in mind. You will have the flexibility to stop at your leisure for photographs, sightseeing, or rest breaks. We offer a choice of accommodations, ranging from boutique Riads to luxury desert camps or traditional Berber tents, tailored to your preference.
What's Included
- Private Transportation: Modern, air-conditioned minibus or 4x4 vehicle including all fuel and transport fees.
- Professional Staff: Hand-picked, English-speaking driver and expert local guides in major cities.
- Premium Accommodation: High-quality Riads/hotels and a luxury Berber tent experience And camel trekking in the desert.
- Dining: Daily breakfast and 1 dinner in the desert.
- Activities: Guided camel trekking in the desert.
- Taxes: All applicable local taxes and fees.
Not Included
- Luncheons and beverages.
- Travelers insurance
- Gratuities (tips) for drivers and guides.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrival in Casablanca
Upon your arrival at Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your driver and transferred to your hotel. Depending on arrival time, you may enjoy a panoramic drive along the Corniche or visit the magnificent Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Dinner and overnight stay in a hotel in Casablanca.
Casablanca to Rabat
After breakfast, depart for Rabat, the stately and dignified capital of Morocco, beautifully situated along the Atlantic Ocean. Rabat combines modern elegance with deep historical roots. Today's sightseeing includes the Royal Palace, the ancient Chellah with its Roman ruins, the Hassan Tower, and the Mohammed V Mausoleum. You will also visit the magnificent Kasbah of the Oudaias with its monumental fortified gateway and stroll along the Andalusian walls bordering the medina. Overnight in a riad or hotel in Rabat.
Rabat to Chefchaouen
Travel north to the enchanting blue city of Chefchaouen. Enjoy a private guided tour and free time to explore its charming streets. Optional walk to the Spanish Mosque for panoramic sunset views over the city. Overnight in your riad or hotel in Chefchaouen.
Chefchaouen to Volubilis – Meknes and Fes
After breakfast, visit the remarkably preserved Roman ruins of Volubilis, dating back over 2,000 years. Continue to Moulay Idriss for lunch, one of Morocco's holiest towns. Later, explore Meknes, including the Moulay Ismail Mosque, royal stables, and massive city walls before heading to Fes. Overnight in your riad or hotel in Fes.
Fes Guided Tour
Today is devoted to a full guided exploration of Fes, the oldest of Morocco's Imperial Cities. Wander through the medieval medina of Fes el-Bali, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the Karaouiyine Mosque and University, the Bou Inania and Attarine madrasas, and admire the beautifully decorated Nejjarine Fountain. Explore artisan quarters and witness traditional crafts. In the afternoon, enjoy a hands-on ceramics workshop followed by a traditional henna party. Overnight in your riad or hotel in Fes.
Fes – Middle Atlas – Ziz Valley – Merzouga
After breakfast, depart Fes and journey through the Middle Atlas Mountains, passing cedar forests and the alpine-style town of Ifrane, often referred to as the "Switzerland of Morocco." Continue to Midelt for lunch before following the Ziz River through its palm-filled valley. Stop to admire the dramatic Ziz Gorges and panoramic oasis views before arriving in Merzouga, at the edge of the Sahara Desert. Overnight in a hotel near the dunes.
Merzouga Desert Exploration and Camel Trek
This day is dedicated to discovering the marvels of the Sahara and the towering dunes of Erg Chebbi. Explore the surrounding desert landscapes, visit nomadic families, and stop in the village of Khamlia to enjoy the spiritual rhythms of Gnawa music. Continue to the Tafilalet region to explore ancient sites and the ruins of Sijilmassa. After a traditional local lunch such as Medfouna (Berber pizza), return to the dunes. In the late afternoon, embark on a camel trek across the golden sands to witness a spectacular sunset. Spend the night in a luxury desert camp, enjoying a traditional dinner, mint tea, Berber music, and stargazing beneath the Sahara sky.
Merzouga – Todra Gorge – Skoura Oasis
Wake early to watch the magical sunrise over the dunes before returning by camel for breakfast and a shower. Continue your journey through the palm-lined valleys of Touroug and Tinjdad to reach the dramatic Todra Gorge, where towering limestone cliffs frame a narrow canyon. After exploring the gorge, travel onward to the peaceful Skoura Oasis, known for its palm groves and historic kasbahs. Dinner and overnight in a charming kasbah or boutique hotel.
Skoura – Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – Marrakech
After breakfast, travel through the Valley of Roses and oasis landscapes to Ouarzazate, the gateway to the Sahara and a major film-making location. Visit the famous cinema studios before continuing to the UNESCO-listed Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, one of Morocco's most iconic fortified villages. After exploring the kasbah, cross the spectacular Tizi n'Tichka Pass in the High Atlas Mountains en route to Marrakech. Arrival in the evening. Overnight in a riad or hotel in Marrakech.
Marrakech Guided Tour
Today you will enjoy a complete private guided tour of Marrakech, the vibrant Red City. Explore the bustling souks, where artisans work in specialized quarters filled with colors, scents, and sounds. Visit the elegant Bahia Palace, admire the exterior of the Koutoubia Mosque, and, if time allows, stroll through the enchanting Majorelle Gardens. Later, take part in an exotic Moroccan cooking workshop. Overnight in Marrakech.
Marrakech at Leisure
This day is free to enjoy Marrakech at your own pace. Relax in a traditional hammam and spa, explore hidden riads and rooftop cafés, shop in the souks, or join optional excursions such as a hot-air balloon ride or an Atlas Mountains village visit. Farewell dinner and overnight in Marrakech.
Marrakech – Casablanca
After breakfast, transfer to Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport in good time for your international departure, bringing this unforgettable Moroccan journey to a close.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this tour suitable for families with kids?
Yes! We can adjust the driving hours and include kid-friendly activities. The 4x4 ride in the desert is usually the highlight for children.
What is the best time of year for this trip?
The best time is from September to May. Summers (June-August) can be very hot in the Sahara, but we can arrange luxury AC transportation and hotels with pools.
Do I need a Visa for Morocco?
Citizens from the US, UK, Canada, and EU countries do not need a visa for stays up to 90 days. Please check your specific embassy requirements.
Can I customize the hotels?
Absolutely. We offer Standard, Luxury, and VIP packages. Let us know your preference, and we will book the best Riads tailored to your taste.