12 days morocco tour from Marrakech

This is an expertly crafted 12-Day Moroccan Grand Circuit that offers the ultimate exploration of the country’s most essential cultural, historical, and natural sites. It starts and ends in Marrakech, following a deep southern route that includes an extended, two-night stay in the Sahara Desert, before moving north to cover all four major Imperial Cities (Marrakech, Fes, Meknes, Rabat) and the unique mountain gem of Chefchaouen. The itinerary is designed for travelers seeking maximum depth and diversity, blending guided tours of the cities with dramatic drives through the mountains, oases, and coasts.

• Full-day guided tours of both Marrakech and Fes, plus visits to Meknes and Rabat.
• Two nights in the Erg Chebbi dunes with a full day of dedicated desert exploration, including Gnawa music and meeting nomadic families.
• Visiting the Hassan II Mosque (Casablanca), Ait Ben Haddou (UNESCO), and the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis (UNESCO).
• Time to explore the enchanting blue-washed streets of Chefchaouen.
• Driving over the Tizi-N-Tichka Pass, walking the towering Todra Gorges, and viewing the palm groves of the Ziz Valley.
• Visits to the Valley of Roses, Atlas Film Studios, and the Cedar Forest (to see Barbary macaques).

Day 1: Arrival in Marrakech – The Red City Welcome

Upon your arrival at Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK), you will be warmly greeted by your driver. Enjoy a private transfer directly to your traditional riad or hotel located within the historic medina, where you will settle in for your first overnight stay.

Day 2: Exploring Marrakech – Palaces, Gardens, and the Medina

Today, a full day with a professional local guide is dedicated to the “Red City.” You will visit the historic Saadian Tombs, the impressive ruins of El Badi Palace, the Ali Ben Youssef Madrasa, and the Koutoubia Mosque. Afterwards, you will enjoy a tranquil visit to the iconic Majorelle Gardens and spend time in the vibrant Jemaa El Fna square.

Day 3: Marrakech to Ouarzazate – Across the Atlas and Telouat

Your journey begins by crossing the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi-N-Tichka Pass. First, we will visit the historic Telouat Kasbah. Next, we proceed to the world-famous Ksar of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage film location. Finally, we drive to Ouarzazate for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 4: Ouarzazate to the Dades Valley – Oases and Roses

After exploring the Atlas Film Studios and Taourirt Kasbah in Ouarzazate, we will head toward the Skoura Oasis to see the iconic Amridil Kasbah. Then, the journey continues through the fragrant Valley of Roses. Consequently, the day concludes in the dramatic Dades Valley, where we will photograph the unique “monkey fingers” rock formations before dinner.

Day 5: Dades Valley to Merzouga – Gorges and First Desert Night

After breakfast, we travel to the stunning Todra Gorge for a walk between its massive, towering canyon walls. In the afternoon, we reach the Sahara Desert of Merzouga. Here, you will mount a camel for a trek into the Erg Chebbi dunes to witness a magical sunset. Your night is spent in a luxury desert camp with dinner and rhythmic Berber music under the stars.

Day 6: Full Day Merzouga Desert Exploration – Nomads and Gnawa Music

This day is dedicated entirely to the desert and its unique culture. We begin by driving off-road to visit Khamlia village for a performance of spiritual Gnawa music. Furthermore, we take an off-road excursion to share tea with a nomadic Berber family in their traditional tent. Subsequently, in the late afternoon, you will enjoy a spectacular second camel ride back to the luxury camp for another night under the vast Saharan sky.

Day 7: Merzouga to Fes – Ziz Valley and Middle Atlas

Leaving the desert, we will first stop at the traditional market in Rissani and a fossil workshop in Erfoud. After this, we enjoy a panoramic view of the Ziz Valley oasis. The journey then continues through Midelt to the Cedar Forest to observe Barbary macaques. Finally, we stop in the alpine town of Ifrane before arriving in the imperial city of Fes for the night.

Day 8: Guided Tour of Fes – The Spiritual Capital

A full-day guided tour of Fes, the cultural capital, explores the UNESCO-listed Fes el-Bali medina. Highlights include the Royal Palace gate, the Bouanania Madrasa, the famous tanneries, the Al Quaraouiyine University, and the Jewish Quarter (Mellah), concluding with a panoramic city view.

Day 9: Fes to Chefchaouen – Imperial History and Roman Ruins

You will depart Fes to visit the imperial city of Meknes (seeing Bab El Mansour) and the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis (a UNESCO World Heritage site). The day concludes with arrival in the breathtaking blue city of Chefchaouen, nestled in the Rif Mountains, for your overnight stay.

Day 10: Chefchaouen to Casablanca – The Coastal Capital

After a morning to explore the serene blue alleyways of Chefchaouen, you will travel to the capital, Rabat. You will visit the historic Kasbah of the Oudayas, the Hassan Tower, and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V before continuing to the bustling city of Casablanca for the night.

Day 11: Casablanca to Marrakech – The Hassan II Mosque

In the morning, we visit the truly magnificent Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, one of the largest in the world, majestically positioned overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Afterwards, we take the highway back to Marrakech, arriving in the evening for your final overnight stay in the Red City.

Day 12: Departure from Marrakech

After breakfast, you will be transferred from your riad or hotel to Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK) according to your flight schedule, marking the conclusion of your comprehensive 12-day Moroccan adventure.