Tours From Casablanca
12 DAYS MOROCCO ITINERARY DESERT TOUR
IMPERIAL CITIES & DESERT TOUR
Embark on a 12-day Morocco tour through imperial cities, ancient ruins, and Sahara Desert adventures, blending culture, history, and stunning landscapes. Begin in Casablanca at the iconic Hassan II Mosque, then explore Rabat’s royal sites and Meknes’ grand gates. Discover Fes’ UNESCO-listed medina, Volubilis’ Roman ruins, and the sacred town of Moulay Idriss. Experience the magic of Merzouga’s dunes with a camel trek and luxury desert camp, before venturing through Todra Gorge and the Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs. Visit the legendary Ait Ben Haddou and cross the Atlas Mountains to Marrakesh’s vibrant souks and Essaouira’s coastal charm. This Morocco adventure offers the ultimate mix of history, culture, and natural beauty.
Day 1: Casablanca to Meknes via Rabat
Your journey begins with a visit to the stunning Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca. From there, we’ll head to Rabat, Morocco’s capital, where you’ll explore the Royal Palace, the Chellah ruins, the Mohammed V Mausoleum, and the Hassan Tower. Afterward, we’ll drive to Meknes, where you’ll enjoy dinner at a local restaurant overlooking the iconic Bab el Mansour gate. The day ends with an overnight stay at a local hotel.
Day 2: Meknes to Fes via Volubilis
After breakfast, we’ll explore Meknes, including the grand Bab el Mansour gate, the Royal Granaries, and the city ramparts. Next, we’ll head to Volubilis, where you’ll wander through ancient Roman ruins and visit the holy town of Moulay Idriss, home to the mausoleum of Morocco’s first dynasty founder. We’ll then continue to Fes, where you’ll spend the night.
Day 3: Exploring Fes
Today, we’ll dive into the heart of Fes, the oldest city in Morocco. You’ll explore its narrow streets, visit the Royal Palace gate, the historic Jewish quarter (Mellah), and the famous Al Qaraouine University, the oldest in the region. We’ll also stop by the tanneries, the Attarine Museum, and the Moulay Idriss mausoleum. After lunch, you’ll visit local cooperatives and enjoy a panoramic view of the medina before returning to your riad.
Day 4: Fes to Merzouga
After breakfast, we’ll drive through the Middle Atlas Mountains, stopping in Ifrane, known as the “Switzerland of Morocco,” and Azrou, where you can see Barbary apes in the cedar forests. We’ll have lunch in Midelt, then continue through the Ziz Valley, passing Erfoud and Rissani before arriving in Merzouga. You’ll spend the night in a local hotel.
Day 5: Merzouga Desert Adventure
Today, we’ll explore the Erg Chebbi dunes and the surrounding desert. You’ll visit the village of Khamlia, home to the Gnawa people, and enjoy their traditional music. For lunch, we’ll savor a Berber pizza in Rissani. In the afternoon, you’ll ride camels into the dunes to watch the sunset. The evening will be magical—spent in a desert camp under the stars, enjoying a traditional tagine dinner, mint tea, and Berber music around a campfire.
Day 6: Merzouga to Dades Gorge
Wake up early to catch the sunrise over the dunes, then ride camels back to Merzouga for breakfast. We’ll drive through Rissani and Tinghir to Todra Gorge, the tallest and narrowest gorge in Morocco. After lunch, we’ll continue through the Dades Valley, marveling at the unique rock formations known as “Monkey Toes.” You’ll spend the night in a hotel in the Dades Valley.
Day 7: Dades Gorge to Marrakesh
After breakfast, we’ll drive through the “Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs,” stopping in Kalaat Mgouna, famous for its rose products. Next, we’ll visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Ben Haddou, a famous filming location for movies like Gladiator and Game of Thrones. We’ll then cross the Tizi n’Tichka pass in the High Atlas Mountains to reach Marrakesh, where you’ll spend the night.
Days 8 & 9: Exploring Marrakesh
Over these two days, we’ll explore Marrakesh, the “Red City.” You’ll visit iconic sites like the bustling Jemaa el-Fna square, the Koutoubia Mosque, the Saadian Tombs, and the Bahia Palace. We’ll also explore the modern Gueliz district, the Menara Gardens, and the vibrant Majorelle Gardens.
Days 10 & 11: Marrakesh to Essaouira
After breakfast, we’ll drive to Essaouira, a charming coastal town known as the “Pearl of the Atlantic.” You’ll watch the sunset from the city’s historic walls and enjoy a fresh seafood dinner. The next day, you’ll explore Essaouira’s medina, beaches, and Portuguese fortifications. You’ll spend both nights in a local riad.
Day 12: Essaouira to Marrakesh or Casablanca
After breakfast, you’ll have some free time to relax before we drive back to Marrakesh or Casablanca, arriving by early evening. This marks the end of your unforgettable 12-day journey through Morocco’s imperial cities, desert landscapes, and coastal gems.
✨ Tour Overview
This 12-day Morocco tour takes you through the country’s most iconic destinations, blending imperial cities, ancient ruins, Sahara Desert adventures, and coastal charm. From the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca to the dunes of Merzouga, the historic medina of Fes, and the vibrant souks of Marrakesh, this journey offers a perfect mix of culture, history, and breathtaking landscapes.
✅Day 1: Casablanca → Rabat → Meknes
- Hassan II Mosque – Stunning seaside landmark. ✔ Rabat’s Royal Palace, Chellah ruins & Hassan Tower – Morocco’s political heart. ✔ Meknes by night – Dinner overlooking Bab el Mansour.
✅Day 2: Meknes → Volubilis → Fes
- Meknes exploration – Royal Granaries & city ramparts. ✔ Volubilis – Ancient Roman ruins (UNESCO site). ✔ Moulay Idriss – Sacred pilgrimage town.
✅Day 3: Fes – The Cultural Heart of Morocco
- Fes Medina – Oldest in Morocco, a UNESCO-listed maze. ✔ Al Qaraouine University – World’s oldest university. ✔ Chouara Tanneries & Attarine Museum – Traditional craftsmanship.
✅Day 4: Fes → Merzouga (Sahara Desert)
- Middle Atlas Mountains – Scenic drive via Ifrane & Azrou (Barbary apes). ✔ Ziz Valley & Erfoud – Gateway to the Sahara Desert.
✅Day 5: Merzouga Desert Adventure
- Erg Chebbi dunes – Camel trek & sunset views. ✔ Gnawa music in Khamlia – Soulful desert rhythms. ✔ Luxury desert camp – Stargazing & Berber dinner.
✅Day 6: Merzouga → Todra Gorge → Dades Valley
- Todra Gorge – Dramatic canyon cliffs. ✔ Dades Valley – Unique “Monkey Toes” rock formations.
✅Day 7: Dades → Ait Ben Haddou → Marrakesh
- Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs – Stunning desert architecture. ✔ Ait Ben Haddou – Famous UNESCO kasbah (Game of Thrones filming location). ✔ Tizi n’Tichka Pass – Scenic Atlas Mountains crossing.
✅Days 8-9: Marrakesh Exploration
Jemaa el-Fna square – Vibrant markets & street performers. ✔ Saadian Tombs, Bahia Palace & Koutoubia Mosque – Architectural gems. ✔ Majorelle Gardens – Lush oasis with Berber Museum.
✅Days 10-11: Essaouira – Coastal Escape
- “Pearl of the Atlantic” – Laid-back seaside medina. ✔ Historic ramparts & fresh seafood – Portuguese influences.
✅Day 12: Return to Marrakesh/Casablanca
Relaxed departure – End of an unforgettable Morocco journey
Book now for
🐫 Unforgettable Sahara sunsets
🏞️ Dramatic gorge landscapes
🎬 Iconic movie locations
🌟 Why Choose This Tour?
- All of Morocco’s Highlights in in 12-Days – Cities, coast, desert, and mountains.
- Private & customizable – Your schedule, your pace
- Perfect mix of adventure & relaxation
- Imperial Cities (Fes, Meknes, Marrakesh) – Rich history & culture.
- Sahara Desert Magic – Camel rides & luxury camping.
- UNESCO Sites – Volubilis, Ait Ben Haddou, Fes Medina
- Diverse Landscapes – Atlas Mountains, gorges, coastal towns.
- Authentic Experiences – Berber villages, Gnawa music, local cuisine.
✅ WHAT’S INCLUDED
- Transportation – Comfortable private A/C vehicle with an experienced driver.
- Accommodation – 11 night, Hotels and luxury desert camp (Merzouga).
- Guided Experiences – Camel trekking at sunset, Gnawa music performance, nomadic visit.
- Visits to Todra Gorge, Dades Gorge, Ait Ben Haddou & Complete Fes & Marrakesh city tour.
- Professional Driver/Guide – English/Spanish-speaking for a smooth experience.
- Sandboarding
❌ WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
- Flights & Travel Insurance – Must be arranged separately.
- Additional Meals & Drinks – Lunches/Dinners not mentioned.
- Entrance Fees – Any extra attractions not listed in the itinerary.
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Tips & Personal Expenses – For guides, drivers, and camp staff (optional but appreciated).
- Optional Activities – Quad biking, personal shopping (souvenirs, rose products, etc.).