9-Day Morocco Tour – Round Trip from Marrakech via Sahara Desert, Atlas Mountains & Imperial Cities
Embark on a 9–day adventure through Morocco, exploring the most iconic landscapes and historical sites. This round-trip journey, starting and ending in Marrakech, will take you through the stunning Sahara Desert, the majestic Atlas Mountains, the ancient kasbahs, and the cultural richness of Morocco’s imperial cities. Experience the magic of Morocco in a private 4×4 with a knowledgeable guide, as you visit local villages, vibrant cities, and vast dunes.
Itinerary Overview
Day 1: Arrival in Marrakech – Explore the Red City
Arrive in Marrakech, the Red City, and transfer to your hotel. After refreshing, start your journey with a visit to the vibrant Jemaa el-Fna Square. Explore the bustling souks, visit the iconic Koutoubia Mosque, and enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner.
Day 2: Marrakech → Ait Benhaddou → Ouarzazate
After breakfast, travel through the High Atlas Mountains, crossing the Tizi n’Tichka pass. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site Ait Benhaddou, famous for its kasbahs and film history (appearing in Gladiator and Game of Thrones). Continue to Ouarzazate, known as the Hollywood of Morocco, and explore the local film studios before your overnight stay.
Day 3: Ouarzazate → Skoura → Dades Valley
Today, journey to Skoura, home of the Valley of the Roses. Discover traditional kasbahs and palm groves. Then head towards the Dades Valley, famous for its dramatic landscapes and cliffs, where you’ll spend the night surrounded by nature.
Day 4: Dades Valley → Todra Gorge → Merzouga (Sahara Desert)
Travel through Dades Valley and stop at Todra Gorge for a short hike among the towering cliffs. Continue to Merzouga, the gateway to the Sahara Desert. Embark on a camel trek across the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi, where you’ll spend the night in a luxury desert camp under the stars.
Day 5: Explore the Desert & Nomadic Culture
Wake up early for a mesmerizing Sahara sunrise. Spend the day exploring the desert by 4×4, visit local nomadic families, enjoy a traditional tea ceremony, and try optional activities such as sandboarding or quad biking. Return to your desert camp for another unforgettable night.
Day 6: Merzouga → Ziz Valley → Midelt
Leave the desert and travel towards Ziz Valley, known for its palm groves. Stop in local Berber villages for cultural encounters and lunch, then head to Midelt, a quiet town in the Middle Atlas Mountains. Spend the night in a peaceful guesthouse.
Day 7: Midelt → Ifrane → Fès
Journey through the Middle Atlas, where you may see wild Barbary macaques. Visit Ifrane, also known as “Little Switzerland,” and continue to Fès, one of Morocco’s most famous imperial cities. Stay in a traditional riad in the heart of the ancient medina.
Day 8: Guided Tour of Fès
Explore Fès el-Bali, the historical medina of Fès, with a local guide. Visit the Al-Qarawiyyin University, the world’s oldest existing university, and the famous tanneries and artisan workshops. Spend your last night in Morocco in this vibrant city.
Day 9: Fès → Marrakech
Travel back to Marrakech, where you’ll have the afternoon free for last-minute shopping or relaxing before your departure.
Included in the Tour:
Private 4×4 or minivan with an English-speaking driver/guide
8 nights’ accommodation in:
Riads in Marrakech and Fès
Guesthouses in Dades and Skoura
Luxury desert camp in Merzouga
Hotel in Midelt
Daily breakfast and some dinners
Camel trekking and sandboarding in Erg Chebbi
Local guide in Fès
All fuel and tolls
Pick-up in Marrakech and drop-off in Marrakech
Not Included:
International flights
Lunches and beverages
Entrance fees to monuments (usually 2–5€ per site)
Optional activities (quad biking, hammam, etc.)
Travel insurance
Tips for drivers and guides
Why Travel With Morocco Trips Company?
With over 11 years of experience, Morocco Trips Company offers tailor-made, immersive experiences throughout Morocco. Our expert guides and local knowledge ensure you explore Morocco safely and authentically. From the peaks of the Atlas Mountains to the dunes of the Sahara Desert, our personalized tours promise unforgettable adventures.
