11-Day Morocco Tour – From Marrakech to the Sahara Desert & Imperial Cities
Embark on a captivating 11-day Morocco tour that begins and ends in the vibrant city of Marrakech. This extended journey will take you from the majestic Sahara Desert to the imperial cities of Fès, Meknes, and Rabat, offering an immersive experience of Morocco’s stunning landscapes, culture, and history. Explore the Atlas Mountains, ancient kasbahs, and vibrant souks, while enjoying the warm hospitality of the Berber people.
Itinerary Overview
Day 1: Arrival in Marrakech
Arrive in Marrakech, the Red City, where you will be transferred to your hotel or riad. In the evening, take a walk through the iconic Jemaa el-Fna Square, where you can enjoy street performances and try some traditional Moroccan snacks. Overnight stay in Marrakech.
Day 2: Marrakech City Tour
Spend the day exploring Marrakech with a guided city tour. Visit the stunning Bahia Palace, the beautiful Saadian Tombs, and the Koutoubia Mosque. Wander through the lively souks and visit Majorelle Garden. Overnight in Marrakech.
Day 3: Marrakech → Ait Benhaddou → Ouarzazate
Travel through the stunning Tizi n’Tichka Pass and reach the ancient Ait Benhaddou kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Continue to Ouarzazate, often known as the “Hollywood of Morocco,” and explore the Taourirt Kasbahand film studios. Stay overnight in Ouarzazate.
Day 4: Ouarzazate → Skoura → Dades Valley
After breakfast, head to Skoura to visit the beautiful palm groves. Continue to the Dades Valley, known for its incredible rock formations and dramatic landscapes. Visit the famous Monkey Fingers and overnight in a charming guesthouse in the Dades Valley.
Day 5: Dades Valley → Todra Gorge → Merzouga (Sahara Desert)
Continue your journey toward the Todra Gorge, where the towering cliffs create a stunning landscape. Afterward, head to Merzouga, the gateway to the Sahara Desert. Experience a camel trek across the Erg Chebbi dunes to reach your desert camp, where you’ll spend the night under the stars.
Day 6: Explore the Sahara Desert
Enjoy a magical sunrise over the dunes, followed by a day exploring the desert. Visit nomadic villages, interact with local Berber families, and engage in activities like sandboarding and quad biking. In the evening, return to your desert camp for another unforgettable night in the desert.
Day 7: Merzouga → Ziz Valley → Midelt
Leave the desert behind and travel through the Ziz Valley, famous for its lush palm groves and scenic landscapes. Reach Midelt, nestled in the Middle Atlas Mountains, and enjoy a relaxing overnight stay in this charming town.
Day 8: Midelt → Ifrane → Fès
Depart Midelt and head toward Ifrane, a town known for its Swiss-like architecture and beautiful surroundings. Continue to Fès, one of Morocco’s most historic cities. Enjoy an overnight stay in a traditional riad in the Fès medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Day 9: Guided Tour of Fès
Explore Fès with a full-day city tour. Visit the Al-Qarawiyyin University, the oldest university in the world, and wander through the ancient streets of Fès el-Bali. Visit the famous Chouara Tannery, where traditional leather-making techniques are still used. Return to your riad for a peaceful night in the heart of Fès.
Day 10: Fès → Meknes → Rabat
Drive to Meknes, one of Morocco’s four imperial cities, and explore the historical sites such as the Bab Mansour Gateand the Royal Palace. Continue to Rabat, the capital of Morocco, and enjoy an afternoon exploring the Hassan Towerand the Mausoleum of Mohammed V. Overnight in Rabat.
Day 11: Rabat → Marrakech
After breakfast, drive back to Marrakech, where you’ll have some free time for shopping or relaxing before your departure. Transfer to the airport for your return flight.
Included in the Tour:
Private 4×4 or minivan with an English-speaking driver/guide
10 nights of accommodation in:
Riads in Marrakech, Fès, and Rabat
Guesthouses in Dades Valley and Skoura
Desert camp in Merzouga
Hotel in Midelt
Daily breakfast and some dinners
Camel trekking and sandboarding in the Sahara Desert
Local guide in Fès
All fuel, tolls, and parking fees
Pick-up and drop-off in Marrakech
Not Included:
International flights
Lunches and drinks
Entrance fees to monuments (usually between 2–5€ per site)
Optional activities (quad biking, hammam, etc.)
Travel insurance
Tips for guides and drivers
Why Choose Morocco Trips Company?
With over a decade of experience, Morocco Trips Company is dedicated to providing top-notch, personalized tours across Morocco. Our expert guides and comfortable vehicles ensure you enjoy every moment of your adventure. Whether you’re exploring the Sahara Desert, discovering the imperial cities, or relaxing in a charming riad, we guarantee an unforgettable experience.
