Imperial Cities and Desert Tour 11 Days
Tour Overview:
This 11 Days Tour from Marrakech is the perfect way to explore the most beautiful cities and landscapes of Morocco. From the lively streets of Marrakech to the calm blue alleys of Chefchaouen, this journey combines culture, history, and adventure. You’ll visit the Atlantic coast in Essaouira, the Imperial cities of Rabat, Meknes, and Fes, and experience the magic of the Sahara Desert in Merzouga with an unforgettable camel trek and night under the stars.
Tour Highlights:
- Discover the Red City of Marrakech with its famous Jemaa el Fna Square, souks, and Koutoubia Mosque.
- Visit the charming coastal town of Essaouira, known for its blue-and-white medina and fresh seafood.
- Explore Casablanca and admire the majestic Hassan II Mosque.
- Visit Rabat, the elegant capital of Morocco, with its Kasbah Oudaya and Hassan Tower.
- Walk through the magical Blue City of Chefchaouen, one of Morocco’s most beautiful towns.
- Explore the Roman ruins of Volubilis and the imperial city of Meknes.
- Discover the ancient medina of Fes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site full of history and culture.
- Travel through the Middle Atlas Mountains, cedar forests, and Ziz Valley.
- Experience a magical camel trek in Merzouga Desert and spend the night in a luxury desert camp under the stars.
- Visit the breathtaking Todra Gorges and the scenic Dades Valley.
- Explore the famous Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO site and movie location.
- Cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, enjoying panoramic views.
- Relax and shop in Marrakech’s colorful markets and visit the beautiful Majorelle Gardens.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Marrakech
Welcome to Marrakech! Upon your arrival at the airport, our driver will meet you and transfer you to your Riad. You’ll have time to discover the famous Jemaa el Fna Square, full of life, music, and Moroccan charm.
Dinner and overnight stay in Marrakech.
Day 2: Marrakech – Essaouira
After breakfast, drive to the beautiful coastal town of Essaouira. This charming port city, also known as Mogador, is full of white-and-blue houses, art galleries, and lively souks. Walk along the Skala fortress, visit the fishing port, and explore the local woodcraft markets.
If you love seafood, enjoy a fresh fish lunch by the port.
Dinner and overnight stay in Essaouira.
Day 3: Essaouira – Casablanca – Rabat
Today we travel north to Rabat, the capital of Morocco. On the way, we’ll stop in Casablanca to visit the impressive Hassan II Mosque (outside visit). Continue to Rabat and enjoy free time to explore.
Dinner and overnight stay in Rabat.
Day 4: Rabat – Chefchaouen
After breakfast, we visit Kasbah Oudaya, Hassan Tower, and the Mausoleum of Mohamed V. Then, we head to the stunning blue city of Chefchaouen, famous for its blue-painted streets and calm atmosphere. Walk through the medina, Uta El Hammam Square, and enjoy the mountain views.
Overnight stay in Chefchaouen.
Day 5: Chefchaouen – Volubilis – Meknes
After breakfast, travel to Meknes, stopping to visit the Roman ruins of Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then continue to Meknes, known as the “Versailles of Morocco.” Visit Bab Mansour Gate, Moulay Ismail Mausoleum, Royal Stables, and the local souks.
Dinner and overnight stay in Meknes.
Day 6: Meknes – Fes
After breakfast, drive to Fes, one of the oldest imperial cities. Visit Fes El Bali Medina, Bab Boujloud Gate, Bou Inania Madrasa, Chouara Tanneries, and Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque, the oldest university in the world. Discover local craftsmen workshops and traditional markets.
Dinner and overnight stay in Fes.
Day 7: Fes – Ifrane – Midelt – Ziz Valley – Merzouga Desert
After breakfast, leave for the Sahara Desert. Stop in Ifrane, known as the Switzerland of Morocco, and visit Azrou Cedar Forest to see the Barbary monkeys. Continue through the Middle Atlas Mountains, passing Midelt and the Ziz Valley before arriving in Merzouga.
Ride your camel into the Erg Chebbi dunes and spend the night in a luxury desert camp. Enjoy a traditional dinner, Berber music, and a starry night in the Sahara.
Overnight stay in a desert camp.
Day 8: Merzouga – Rissani – Todra Gorges – Dades Valley
Wake up early to see the sunrise over the dunes, then ride camels back to Merzouga. Drive to Rissani, the town of ancient caravan routes, and then continue to the amazing Todra Gorges, famous for their red cliffs. After lunch, head to Dades Valley, known for its Kasbahs and green fields.
Dinner and overnight stay in Dades Valley.
Day 9: Dades Valley – Skoura – Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – Marrakech
After breakfast, travel along the Road of 1000 Kasbahs, passing Skoura and Ouarzazate. Visit the Taourirt Kasbah, then continue to Ait Ben Haddou, a famous UNESCO site where movies like Gladiator and Lawrence of Arabia were filmed.
Cross the High Atlas Mountains via Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2260 m) and arrive in Marrakech in the evening.
Overnight stay in Marrakech.
Day 10: Explore Marrakech
After breakfast, discover Marrakech, also called the “Red City.” Visit Koutoubia Mosque, Bahia Palace, Saadian Tombs, Medersa Ben Youssef, and the Majorelle Gardens. Wander through the souks and enjoy the colorful life of Jemaa el Fna Square.
Overnight stay in Marrakech.
Day 11: Marrakech – Departure
Breakfast at your Riad, and free time until transfer to the airport for your departure.
Included:
- Private transport with English-speaking driver
- Accommodation in Riads & Desert Camp
- Daily breakfasts and dinners
- Camel trekking in Merzouga
- Local guides in Fes and Marrakech
Not Included:
- Lunches
- Drinks
- Entrance fees to monuments
- Tips and personal expenses
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How many days is this tour from Marrakech?
This is an 11 Days Morocco Tour from Marrakech, covering the most beautiful cities like Essaouira, Chefchaouen, Fes, and the Merzouga Desert before returning to Marrakech.
2. What places will I visit during the tour?
You’ll visit Marrakech, Essaouira, Casablanca, Rabat, Chefchaouen, Volubilis, Meknes, Fes, Ifrane, Ziz Valley, Merzouga Desert, Todra Gorges, Dades Valley, Ait Ben Haddou, and Ouarzazate.
3. Is camel trekking included in the tour?
Yes! The tour includes a camel trek in Merzouga Desert to reach the desert camp, where you’ll enjoy dinner, Berber music, and stargazing in the Sahara.
4. Do we sleep in the desert?
Yes, you will spend one night in a desert camp in Erg Chebbi dunes, in a private tent with a comfortable bed and bathroom. You can also upgrade to a luxury desert camp.
5. Is the tour private or shared?
This is a private tour from Marrakech, which means you’ll have your own driver and vehicle, and the program can be customized to your travel style.
7. Do you offer airport transfers in Marrakech?
Yes, airport pick-up and drop-off in Marrakech are included in this 11-day tour.
8. When is the best time to visit Morocco?
The best months to enjoy this Marrakech to Merzouga Desert Tour are March to May and September to November, when the weather is warm and pleasant.
9. What should I pack for the desert?
Bring comfortable clothes, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a light jacket for the evening the desert can get cool at night.
