12-Day Imperial Cities and Sahara Adventure: This 12-day Morocco tour shows you the best of the Imperial Cities, the Sahara Desert, and the lively city of Marrakech. You will start in Casablanca to see the modern city by the ocean, then continue to Rabat, the capital, where you can visit the Royal Palace, Hassan Tower, and the old Oudaya Kasbah. After that, you go north to Chefchaouen, the famous Blue City in the Rif Mountains. From there, the journey takes you to Fes, the cultural heart of Morocco, with its old medina full of history and traditions.
Next, you travel across the Middle Atlas Mountains to reach the Sahara Desert in Merzouga. Here you can ride camels, watch the sunset over the dunes, and sleep under the stars in a luxury desert camp. You will also meet nomadic families and discover desert villages. On the way back, you will see the high cliffs of Todra Gorge, the green Dades Valley, the Rose Valley, and the UNESCO kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou before crossing the High Atlas Mountains.
Your tour ends in Marrakech, the “Red City.” Here you can enjoy the busy Jemaa el-Fna square, colorful souks, palaces, and gardens. This tour is a mix of big cities, quiet mountains, and desert adventure, giving you a complete Morocco experience from north to south.
Departure: Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport
Return: Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK)
Flexible, according to your flight arrival in Casablanca.
The driver will wait at the airport holding a sign with your full name.
On this 12-Day Imperial Cities and Sahara Adventure, you will explore Morocco’s most famous cities, the Sahara Desert, and the Atlas Mountains. You will enjoy guided visits in Casablanca, Rabat, Fes, Chefchaouen, Ait Ben Haddou, and Marrakech.
In the Sahara Desert, you will ride camels, watch beautiful sunsets, and spend 2 nights in a luxury desert camp under the stars. Along the way, you will taste Moroccan dinners, listen to local music, and meet Berber families.
From the calm Blue City of Chefchaouen to the lively streets of Marrakech, this journey gives you a true experience of Morocco’s culture, history, and desert life.
Upon your arrival at Casablanca Airport, you will be met by your professional English-speaking driver and transferred to your hotel in the city. This first day is planned for you to take it easy, relax after your long flight, and get settled in before starting your Morocco adventure
After your first breakfast in Casablanca, your driver will pick you up and you will be welcomed by your professional English-speaking guide to begin exploring the metropolis of Casablanca. The visit starts with the impressive Hassan II Mosque, then continues with a drive along the Corniche area and through the Anfa quarter. You will also visit the Church, the Habous district, and admire the Art Deco buildings. Lunch will be served in one of the best local restaurants before returning for an overnight stay in your hotel in Casablanca.
Your day 3 of the 12-Day Imperial Cities and Sahara Adventure will start in Casablanca and continue to Rabat, the administrative capital of Morocco. Here you will visit the Royal Palace, the Hassan Tower, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, and the Oudaya Kasbah. After enjoying lunch in Rabat, the journey continues north to the Blue City of Chefchaouen, where you will spend the night in a riad or hotel.
Your first day in Chefchaouen will begin with a delicious breakfast at your riad or hotel. Afterward, you will be welcomed by your professional English-speaking guide to start discovering the hidden gems of the Blue City, which was once occupied by Spain. You will explore the old medina, the Outa El Hammam square, and the Ras El Maa waterfall. Lunch will be served in a local restaurant where you can taste the northern gastronomy of Morocco. Overnight stay in your riad or hotel in Chefchaouen for your second night.
Day 5 of the 12-Day Imperial Cities and Sahara Adventure begins in Chefchaouen and continues through the Rif Mountains to reach Volubilis, the famous Roman ruins. Here, you will be accompanied by a professional guide to walk among the ancient remains and learn about this important archaeological site. The journey then takes you to Meknes, one of Morocco’s Imperial Cities, where you will enjoy lunch in one of the oldest traditional restaurants in the country. Afterward, the drive continues to Fes, the spiritual capital of Morocco, for an overnight stay in a riad or hotel.
Your first morning in Fes will start with a traditional Fassi breakfast. After that, you will be accompanied by your professional English-speaking guide to explore the rich culture of this Imperial City. The visit begins at the Royal Palace, followed by the South Tower, and then the pottery school where you can learn about the famous blue pottery of Fes. Next, you will go deeper into the old medina to discover the world’s first university, the Bou Inania Madrasa, the Nejjarine Fountain, and the lively souks. Lunch will be served in a local Fassi restaurant before returning for an overnight stay in a riad or hotel in Fes.
Day 7 of the 12-Day Imperial Cities and Sahara Adventure begins after breakfast in Fes. You will drive through the Middle Atlas Mountains and the cedar forest near Azrou. Soon, you will reach Ifrane, often called the “Switzerland of Morocco.” After about one and a half hours, there will be a short stop to stretch your legs. Here you can admire the architecture, enjoy Moroccan mint tea or coffee, and use the facilities.
The journey then continues to Midelt, a town known as the apple capital of Morocco. After this, you will drive further to Errachidia, where you will stop for lunch in a local restaurant. Later, you will follow the Ziz Valley, one of the longest valleys of palm groves in Morocco. Along the way, you will make photo stops and have time to use restrooms.
Next, you will pass through Erfoud, the gateway to the Sahara. Finally, you will arrive in Merzouga, where locals will welcome you with a traditional cup of tea, a symbol of hospitality. After tea, your desert adventure begins with a camel ride across the golden dunes. By evening, you will reach your luxury camp and spend the night in a private tent under the stars.
Your morning in the Merzouga Desert will start by watching the sunrise over the sand dunes, followed by a delicious breakfast at the camp. After that, your Sahara adventure continues with a 4×4 drive deeper into the desert to discover the nomadic lifestyle. You will meet local nomad families living in traditional tents, share a cup of tea with them, and learn about their way of life.
The journey continues to visit the old mining area and then to experience the unique rhythms of Gnawa music. For lunch, you will enjoy a traditional nomad pizza. In the afternoon, you will explore Merzouga center and visit its gardens, where locals use a traditional irrigation system to water their palm groves. Overnight stay in your private luxury tent in the desert.
Day 9 of your 12-Day Imperial Cities and Sahara Adventure will start with a delicious breakfast in the desert camp. Afterward, a 4×4 vehicle will transfer you across the dunes to meet your driver and continue the journey. The first stop is Rissani, where you will visit the Mausoleum of Moulay Ali Cherif, who was the founder of the Alaouite dynasty, the royal family that still rules Morocco today. He lived in the 17th century and is remembered as an important leader who united different communities in the south of Morocco. You will also have the chance to taste the famous Medjool dates, considered the best quality in Morocco.
From there, you will travel through Tinjdad before reaching the Todra Gorge. Here, you will admire the high cliffs that have made this place an international school for rock climbing. After enjoying the scenery, you will be welcomed into a local family house for lunch.
In the afternoon, the drive continues to the Dades Valley, where you will stop to see the unique rock formations known as the “Monkey Fingers.” Overnight stay in a riad or hotel in the Dades Valley.
After your first night in the Dades Valley, you will enjoy breakfast in your riad or hotel before continuing the journey. The first stop will be the Rose Valley, where you will visit a local women’s cooperative and learn about the traditional distillation of rose water. The tour continues to Skoura to visit the Amridil Kasbah, one of the best-preserved kasbahs in Morocco, famous for its traditional architecture and history.
Next, you will arrive in Ouarzazate, known as the “Hollywood of Morocco,” where the famous Atlas Cinema Studios are located. After visiting the studios, you will continue to the Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, one of the highlights of the tour. Here you have a guided walk among the old houses of this UNESCO World Heritage site and enjoy lunch in one of the best local restaurants.
In the afternoon, the drive continues through the High Atlas Mountains. Along the winding road, you will stop to admire the panoramic views and use the facilities. By evening, you will reach Marrakech for an overnight stay in a riad or hotel.
Day 11 of your 12-Day Imperial Cities and Sahara Adventure will start with a delicious breakfast in your riad or hotel in Marrakech. After that, you will be welcomed by your professional guide for a city tour. The visit begins at the Bahia Palace, a 19th-century masterpiece known for its beautiful gardens, decorated rooms, and Islamic architecture. You will then continue to the Secret Garden, a peaceful oasis inside the medina that reflects traditional Moroccan-Andalusian garden design.
Next, the tour will take you to the Ben Youssef Madrasa, once the largest Islamic school in Morocco, and then deeper into the old medina and souks to discover the lively markets and narrow streets. Lunch will be served in a traditional Moroccan restaurant. Overnight stay in a riad or hotel in Marrakech.
After your last delicious breakfast in Morocco during the 12-Day Imperial Cities and Sahara Adventure, you will be transferred to Marrakech Airport for your departure. The transfer will be arranged according to your flight schedule, marking the end of your tour.
