11 Days Moroccan Adventure: From Ancient Medinas to Sahara Sands

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Itinerary
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Day 1Marrakech

Welcome to Marrakech! Upon arrival, your private driver will meet you and transfer you to your accommodation. Depending on your arrival time, take the opportunity to explore the vibrant Jemaa el-Fna Square, famous for its street performers, traditional food stalls, and lively atmosphere. This iconic square is a perfect introduction to Morocco’s cultural richness.

  • Optional evening activity: Dinner at a traditional Moroccan restaurant, accompanied by live music and dance performances.

Day 2Guided Tour of Marrakech

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Begin your day with a guided tour of Marrakech, known as “The Red City.” Visit its most celebrated landmarks, including the lush Majorelle Garden, designed by Yves Saint Laurent, the towering Koutoubia Mosque, and the beautifully restored Bahia Palace. Explore the Saadian Tombs and the historic Ben Youssef Madrasa, an architectural marvel showcasing intricate Moroccan craftsmanship.

  • Lunch suggestion: Enjoy Moroccan delicacies at a rooftop café overlooking the medina.
  • Optional activity: Relax with a hammam and spa experience in the evening.

Day 3Essaouira

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Travel to the coastal town of Essaouira, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its charming medina, whitewashed walls, and artisan workshops. Walk along the ramparts, visit the bustling fishing port, and explore the vibrant souks. Enjoy fresh seafood at a local restaurant before returning to Marrakech in the evening.

  • Recommended activities:
  • Visit an argan oil cooperative en route.
  • Stroll along Essaouira’s beautiful beach.

Day 4Marrakech – High Atlas Mountains – Ouarzazate – Dades Valley

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Depart Marrakech and ascend the scenic Tizi n’Tichka Pass in the High Atlas Mountains, offering breathtaking views of Berber villages clinging to the hillsides. Stop at the historic Aït Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and filming location for numerous films. Continue through the Valley of 1,000 Kasbahs to reach the Dades Valley, where you’ll stay amid dramatic landscapes.

  • Highlights: Stunning mountain vistas and rich Berber culture.

Day 5Dades – Todra Gorge – Merzouga

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Begin the day with a scenic drive through the stunning Dades Valley, often called the “Valley of 1,000 Kasbahs.” Enjoy stops at picturesque kasbahs and panoramic viewpoints. Continue to the dramatic Todra Gorge, a natural wonder with towering rock walls that rise up to 600 feet. Stroll along the crystal-clear river, and if you’re adventurous, try a short climb on the rocky cliffs, popular among climbers worldwide.

After lunch in a local restaurant, head towards the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi in the Sahara Desert. Along the way, pass through the charming villages of Tinghir, Tinjdad, and Rissani, each offering unique glimpses of Berber culture and history.

As you approach Merzouga, feel the dramatic shift in the landscape as the dunes dominate the horizon. Once you arrive, switch to camels for a magical trek through the sands, leading to your desert camp. Witness a breathtaking sunset over the dunes, followed by a traditional Berber dinner. The evening concludes with music by the campfire and stargazing in the pristine desert sky.

Day 6 Merzouga (Sahara Desert)

 

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Wake up early to watch the mesmerizing sunrise over the Sahara dunes, a moment that will remain etched in your memory. After breakfast at the camp, spend the day exploring the enchanting desert landscape. Visit Khamlia Village, home to the Gnawa people, descendants of African slaves, and enjoy their hypnotic music and dance performances.

Continue to explore the nearby fossil quarries, where ancient marine fossils from the time when the Sahara was an ocean can be found. For lunch, indulge in a traditional Berber pizza (Medfouna) at a local restaurant in the village of Rissani, the gateway to the desert.

In the afternoon, enjoy some leisure time at your accommodation to relax by the pool or explore the dunes on a quad bike for an extra adrenaline rush. As the sun sets, immerse yourself in the beauty of the Sahara with another camel trek before returning to your camp for another unforgettable night under the stars.

Day 7 Merzouga (Sahara) – Midelt – Ifrane – Fes

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Bid farewell to the desert and begin your journey towards Fes, Morocco’s cultural and spiritual capital. The route takes you through the Middle Atlas Mountains, where you’ll marvel at changing landscapes—from arid desert to lush cedar forests. Along the way, stop in Midelt, known for its fossils and apple orchards, to enjoy a leisurely lunch.

Continue to Ifrane, often referred to as the “Switzerland of Morocco” for its alpine architecture and clean streets. Don’t miss the chance to see the iconic lion statue in Ifrane, a popular photo spot. Pass through the cedar forests near Azrou, home to playful Barbary macaques, before arriving in Fes in the evening.

Day 8 Guided Tour of Fes

After breakfast, embark on a guided tour of the Fes Medina, one of the oldest and largest in the world, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Begin at the Royal Palace gates and continue to the Jewish Quarter (Mellah). Stroll through the vibrant souks and visit the famous Chouara Tanneries, where leather is dyed in colorful vats.

Explore landmarks such as the Bou Inania Madrasa, the Al-Attarine Madrasa, and the Karaouine Mosque and University, one of the oldest universities in the world. Enjoy a traditional lunch in the heart of the medina before visiting artisan workshops that specialize in pottery, weaving, and zellij tilework.

Day 9 Fes – Meknes – Volubilis – Chefchaouen

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Depart early for Meknes, one of Morocco’s imperial cities, where you’ll visit the impressive Bab Mansour Gate, the Royal Stables, and El Hedim Square. Continue to Volubilis, an ancient Roman city with well-preserved mosaics, arches, and basilicas that offer a glimpse into Morocco’s Roman past.

After lunch, drive to the blue city of Chefchaouen, nestled in the Rif Mountains. Once you’ve settled into your riad, enjoy the serene beauty of the city’s iconic blue-painted streets and squares. Visit the Ras El-Maa waterfall, a peaceful spot to unwind, or shop for local handicrafts like woven blankets and ceramics.

Day 10Chefchaouen – Rabat – Casablanca

Leave Chefchaouen and head towards Rabat, Morocco’s capital city and a coastal gem. Explore the Hassan Tower, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, and the Kasbah of the Udayas, a peaceful fortress overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. After a lunch break, continue to Casablanca, the country’s largest city and commercial hub.

In Casablanca, visit the breathtaking Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world, where even non-Muslims can admire its intricate architecture. Spend the evening strolling along the Corniche, Casablanca’s vibrant waterfront area, or relax at your hotel.

Day 11Departure

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and transfer north to the Casablanca airport (or Marrakech airport) for your departure flight. 

Price Includes

  • Private ground transportation via air-conditioned SUV, van, or minibus (depending on group size) with English-speaking driver (groups 2-7) or English-speaking guide (groups 8-16)
  • 10 nights accommodations
  • Breakfast daily
  • Dinner in Merzouga, the Sahara Desert, and Ouarzazate
  • Professional city guides in Fes and Marrakech
  • Camel trek
  • Local taxes

Price Excludes

  • Airfare and Travel Insurances
  • Tips and gratuities
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F.A.Q

What is the number of travelers in this tour?

This tour is private, you will be traveling with your partners, friends or family.

Where should I meet you for pick up?

Our driver will pick you up from the airport or your hotel.

Is there an age requirement?

This is a private tour, there is no age requirement

What about visas?

Visa is the traveler responsibility.

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