| Duration: | 8 Day(s) - 7 Night(s) |
| Tour Category: | Desert Tours |
Day 1: Casablanca – Rabat
Meet and greet at Casablanca International Airport, where you will be warmly welcomed. After the greeting, we continue to explore Morocco’s commercial capital, Casablanca. Stroll through the residential ANFA district and along the famous La Corniche, an Atlantic boardwalk lined with many restaurants. We will also visit Mohammed V Square and, of course, the magnificent Hassan II Mosque. Later, transfer to Rabat, the present-day capital of Morocco.
Possible pickup from Marrakech or your hotel in Casablanca can be arranged.
Day 2: Rabat – Meknes – Volubilis – Fes
After breakfast, we visit the unfinished Hassan Tower and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V. On the outskirts of the city, we explore the Necropolis of Chellah, near the Oudaya Gardens—ancient ruins once settled by the Phoenicians and Carthaginians.
Our journey then continues to another Imperial City, Meknes. Here we visit the monumental Bab Mansour Gate. It took more than fifty years for the palace and massive ramparts to be built, though little remains today. Follow the old walls to the Agdal Basin, once used to water the royal gardens and the Sultan’s immense stables that housed up to 12,000 horses. Within the city, visit the Mosque and Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, one of Meknes’ most impressive structures.
Next, we travel to the Roman ruins of Volubilis, where we walk among remarkably preserved ruins and admire intricate mosaic floors that remain intact in several areas. By the end of the day, we arrive in Fes. (B)
Day 3: Fes
Fes, the cultural capital of Morocco, is one of the world’s most complete medieval Islamic cities. Passing through its gates and walls into the narrow alleyways feels like stepping back in time. The streets remain largely unchanged since the 8th century, with high walls shielding inner courtyards from the midday sun.
Enormous theological colleges, beautiful mosques, and vibrant souks spilling their goods onto the streets define the city’s character. Enjoy a guided walking tour covering major highlights, including Place En-Nejjarine, where an ancient caravanserai overlooks a fountain. Wander past the great Qayrawan Mosque, 14th-century merchants’ shops, and the famous tanneries, where leather is dyed in large vats of striking colors. (B)
Day 4: Fes – Midelt – Merzouga – Erg Chebbi
Early morning departure from Fes toward the Middle Atlas Mountains. The landscapes you cross are incredibly diverse, ranging from rocky, sunbaked plains to cedar-clad mountains and deep canyons. In the hills around Azrou, you may spot troops of Barbary apes.
We gradually descend into the scenic Ziz Valley, passing palm groves and lush oases. As the scenery shifts to sandy plains, the first golden dunes appear as we approach Merzouga. Here, we exchange our vehicle for camels and set off on a stunning sunset trek across the desert. After approximately two hours, we reach our camp in the dunes of Erg Chebbi.
Settle under the star-filled African sky, enjoy a freshly prepared dinner, and listen to traditional desert music with singing and drumming by your guide. (B, D)
Optional upgrade available: overnight stay in a desert-edge hotel for an additional cost.
Day 5: Merzouga – Todra Gorge – Dades Gorge
After enjoying a spectacular sunrise over the dunes, return to Merzouga by camel. Upon arrival, savor a hearty breakfast and enjoy time to shower before departure.
Today’s journey takes us to Todra Gorge. As you approach the canyon, towering cliffs rise dramatically, reaching heights of 300 meters. The honey-colored rock faces shift in color as the sun moves across the sky. After exploring the gorge, continue to Dades Gorge along a route dotted with abandoned kasbahs, palm groves, and mud-brick villages—an ideal landscape for photography.
Overnight in Dades Gorge, where striking red and mauve rock formations tower above the road. (B, D)
Day 6: Dades Gorge – Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – Marrakech
Travel through the Rose Valley and the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs toward Ouarzazate and Ait Ben Haddou. The UNESCO-protected Ait Ben Haddou is the best-preserved fortified kasbah in Morocco. With its red-earth walls, narrow windows, and crumbling towers, it is a stunning example of traditional Moroccan architecture.
The site has featured in famous films such as Lawrence of Arabia, The Jewel of the Nile, and Gladiator. Explore the winding streets for breathtaking views before crossing the High Atlas Mountains on a dramatic drive, enjoying panoramic vistas of Berber villages, valleys, and rugged peaks. (B)
Day 7: Marrakech
Marrakech continues to evoke images of the Arabian Nights, with its winding alleyways, bustling souks, and lively markets. Founded in the 11th century, the city never fails to captivate adventurous travelers.
Highlights include the graceful Koutoubia Minaret dominating the skyline and the vibrant atmosphere of Djema El Fna Square, where storytellers, musicians, and market stalls create a living medieval spectacle at the heart of the medina. (B)
Day 8: Marrakech – Casablanca
Transfer to the airport according to your departure schedule. Please allow approximately three hours for the transfer. (B)
Cost Includes:
All vehicle transfers in a 4x4 (or minibus) with fuel and an English-speaking driver
Accommodation as listed in 3–4 star hotels and riads
Meals as specified in the itinerary
Professional English-speaking guides in Marrakech and Fes
Camel guide and camels in the desert
Travel consultation and preparation support
Cost Excludes:
International flights
Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
Entrance fees
Travel insurance
Personal expenses
Tips and gratuities