12-Day Morocco Discovery Tour with Sahara Camp and Imperial Cities

12 Days Round trip from Casablanca Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Explore Morocco's four imperial cities of Marrakech, Fez, Meknes, and Rabat with their ancient medinas and stunning architecture
  • 02 Discover the blue-washed streets of Chefchaouen nestled in the scenic Rif Mountains
  • 03 Experience a sunset camel trek into the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi for a luxury overnight stay in the Sahara Desert
  • 04 Relax along the Atlantic coast of Essaouira and hike to the seven waterfalls of the Ourika Valley

Explore Morocco on this immersive 12-day grand tour beginning and ending in Marrakech. Wander the ancient medinas of Fez, Meknes, and Marrakech, and discover the blue-washed streets of Chefchaouen. Cross the High Atlas Mountains to the Sahara Desert for a sunset camel trek and luxury overnight in Erg Chebbi. Stroll the Atlantic shores of Essaouira and hike the Ourika Valley waterfalls on this unforgettable journey through Morocco's most iconic landscapes and imperial cities.

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 12 Days
Tour type Private
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Included · Premium
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
Cities Casablanca, Fez, Marrakech, Essaouira, Meknes, Rabat, Ouarzazate, Chefchaouen, Merzouga, Todgha Gorge, Aït Benhaddou, Ifrane
Languages English, French

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Arrival in Marrakech or Casablanca

  • Upon arrival at Marrakech airport, our team will meet you and transfer you to your hotel.
  • Enjoy free time to settle in or relax by the pool.

Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

2
Day 02

Marrakech City Tour and Jemaa El Fna

  • Visit Bahia Palace, an ornate 19th-century royal residence.
  • Explore Ben Youssef School, a 16th-century theological college.
  • Stroll through the Menara Gardens to admire the iconic pavilion and olive grove.
  • Walk through Mellah, the historic Jewish Quarter, and browse the bustling medina souks filled with spices, leather, carpets, and crafts.
  • Experience the sensory explosion of Jemaa El Fna Square at sundown.
  • In the evening, explore the modern vibe of the Gueliz district.

Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

3
Day 03

Across the High Atlas to Aït Benhaddou and Ouarzazate

  • Cross the High Atlas Mountains via the stunning Tizi n'Tichka pass at 2,260 metres, one of the most spectacular mountain roads in Africa.
  • Visit Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO-listed fortified village and backdrop for Gladiator and Game of Thrones.
  • Explore Ouarzazate with a guided visit to the Cinema Museum and Taourirt Kasbah.

Dinner and overnight in Ouarzazate.

4
Day 04

Through Todra Gorges to the Merzouga Sahara

  • Travel through the Valley of Roses and the Dades Valley, passing countless Berber kasbahs.
  • Visit the Todra Gorges, Morocco's most spectacular canyon.
  • Enjoy a 45-minute camel trek at sunset into the high golden dunes of Erg Chebbi.
  • Savour a Berber feast under the stars followed by a folkloric music show.

Overnight in luxury Berber tents in Merzouga.

5
Day 05

Sahara Sunrise, Ifrane, and Onward to Fez

  • Wake before dawn for an unforgettable Sahara sunrise and camel trek back to camp for a shower and breakfast.
  • Visit Ifrane, known as the Switzerland of Morocco, famous for its European-style architecture.
  • Pass through Azrou Cedar Forest and spot the famous Barbary macaque monkeys.

Dinner and overnight at your hotel in Fez.

6
Day 06

Fez, the Spiritual and Scientific Capital

  • Explore Fes el Bali, a 1,200-year-old UNESCO World Heritage medina.
  • Visit Al-Qarawiyyin University, the world's oldest continuously operating university.
  • Admire the Bou Inania Madrasa, a 14th-century architectural gem.
  • Discover the iconic Chouara Tanneries, famous for their traditional leather dyeing pits.
  • Explore Mellah, the ancient Jewish quarter of Fez.
  • Enjoy a traditional Fassi cuisine lunch at a local restaurant.

Dinner and overnight in Fez.

7
Day 07

Fez to Chefchaouen, the Blue Pearl

  • Travel to the Rif Mountains to discover the blue-washed streets of Chefchaouen.
  • Visit Outa el-Hammam Square and the Great Mosque.
  • Explore the Andalusian-style Kasbah and ethnographic museum.
  • Enjoy lunch at Ras El Maa, where fresh mountain water flows.

Dinner and overnight in Chefchaouen.

8
Day 08

Chefchaouen to Meknes, Rabat, and Casablanca

  • Enjoy a morning guided tour of Meknes, an imperial city famous for its massive ramparts.
  • Visit Hassan Tower, the iconic 12th-century minaret in Rabat.
  • Explore Oudaya Kasbah, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
  • Transfer to Casablanca, the modern economic hub of Morocco.

Dinner and overnight in Casablanca.

9
Day 09

Casablanca to Essaouira on the Atlantic Coast

  • Travel from Casablanca to the breezy Atlantic coast of Essaouira.
  • Enjoy free time to begin exploring the historic ramparts of the city.

Dinner and overnight in Essaouira.

10
Day 10

Essaouira City Tour and Return to Marrakech

  • Discover Essaouira's unique blend of Portuguese, French, and Moroccan architecture.
  • Visit the traditional Atlantic port and admire the iconic blue fishing boats.
  • Enjoy a fresh seafood lunch by the docks.
  • Depart for Marrakech in the late afternoon.

Dinner and overnight in Marrakech.

11
Day 11

Ourika Valley Excursion and Agafay Farewell Dinner

  • Visit a traditional Berber market and explore authentic adobe villages in the Ourika Valley.
  • Hike to the seven waterfalls of Setti Fatma.
  • Enjoy a farewell dinner in the magical Agafay Desert under the stars.

Overnight in Marrakech.

12
Day 12

Departure from Marrakech or Casablanca

  • Enjoy final free time exploring the souks of Marrakech.
  • Transfer to the airport based on your flight schedule from Marrakech or Casablanca.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Casablanca 12 cities · 12 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Private air-conditioned tourist coach and minibus throughout
  • 11 nights hotel accommodation at 4-star or similar
  • Half board with breakfast and dinner daily
  • All excursions and city tours as per the programme
  • Camel trek in Merzouga Sahara
  • Berber camp dinner and overnight in the desert
  • Seafood lunch in Essaouira
  • Farewell dinner in Agafay Desert
  • English-speaking professional guide throughout
  • Local expert guides in each city
  • Airport transfers on the first and last day

What's Not Included

  • International flights
  • Drinks at meals
  • Personal expenses
  • Lunches unless specified
  • Monument entry fees
  • Optional activities

What to bring

  • Breathable T-shirts and tops for city tours and long transit days
  • Lightweight layers for warm daytime sun and cooler temperatures
  • Long-sleeve shirts for sun protection and culturally conservative areas
  • Sweater or fleece for chilly desert nights and cooler mountain regions
  • Modest trousers that are lightweight, loose-fitting, and respectful of local customs
  • Scarf or shawl for sun protection or covering up at religious sites
  • Comfortable walking shoes or trainers for cobblestone streets and medina walks
  • Sandals for relaxing around your riad or hotel

Know before you go

  • Arabic and Berber are the official languages of Morocco, with French and English widely spoken in tourism and business.
  • Learning a few basic phrases in Arabic Darija goes a long way and greatly enhances interactions with locals.
  • The local currency is the Moroccan Dirham, and ATMs are easily accessible in major cities.
  • Always carry physical cash when heading into rural areas, traditional souks, and small local shops, as card readers are rare.
  • Morocco operates on GMT+1 year-round with no daylight saving time adjustment.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Marrakech or Casablanca Airport
Tour start
Casablanca, Morocco
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 12 days finish where they began, in Casablanca.

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Starting from

EUR 1,825 /person
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Estimated room rates

Single Room €1,825.00 — €2,530.00
Double Sharing €1,825.00 — €2,530.00

When

Travellers

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