12 days morocco tour from Marrakech
About This Tour
This is an expertly crafted 12-Day Moroccan Grand Circuit that offers the ultimate exploration of the country’s most essential cultural, historical, and natural sites. It starts and ends in Marrakech, following a deep southern route that includes an extended, two-night stay in the Sahara Desert, before moving north to cover all four major Imperial Cities (Marrakech, Fes, Meknes, Rabat) and the unique mountain gem of Chefchaouen. The itinerary is designed for travelers seeking maximum depth and diversity, blending guided tours of the cities with dramatic drives through the mountains, oases, and coasts.
Customization Note: At DesertGateTours, we craft unforgettable Moroccan experiences. If our standard tours don’t match your vision, we’ll design one that does.
Contact us to share your dream trip, and we’ll create a custom itinerary tailored to your interests, pace, and budget. Your perfect Moroccan adventure awaits—we’re here to make it real.
Highlights:
- Full-day guided tours of both Marrakech and Fes, plus visits to Meknes and Rabat.
- Two nights in the Erg Chebbi dunes with a full day of dedicated desert exploration, including Gnawa music and meeting nomadic families.
- Visiting the Hassan II Mosque (Casablanca), Ait Ben Haddou (UNESCO), and the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis (UNESCO).
- Time to explore the enchanting blue-washed streets of Chefchaouen.
- Driving over the Tizi-N-Tichka Pass, walking the towering Todra Gorges, and viewing the palm groves of the Ziz Valley.
- Visits to the Valley of Roses, Atlas Film Studios, and the Cedar Forest (to see Barbary macaques).
Program Itinerary
Arrival in Marrakech – The Red City Welcome
Upon your arrival at Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK), you will be warmly greeted by your driver. Enjoy a private transfer directly to your traditional riad or hotel located within the historic medina, where you will settle in for your first overnight stay.
Exploring Marrakech – Palaces, Gardens, and the Medina
Today, a full day with a professional local guide is dedicated to the “Red City.” You will visit the historic Saadian Tombs, the impressive ruins of El Badi Palace, the Ali Ben Youssef Madrasa, and the Koutoubia Mosque. Afterwards, you will enjoy a tranquil visit to the iconic Majorelle Gardens and spend time in the vibrant Jemaa El Fna square.
Marrakech to Ouarzazate – Across the Atlas and Telouat
Your journey begins by crossing the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi-N-Tichka Pass. First, we will visit the historic Telouat Kasbah. Next, we proceed to the world-famous Ksar of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage film location. Finally, we drive to Ouarzazate for dinner and overnight stay.
Ouarzazate to the Dades Valley – Oases and Roses
After exploring the Atlas Film Studios and Taourirt Kasbah in Ouarzazate, we will head toward the Skoura Oasis to see the iconic Amridil Kasbah. Then, the journey continues through the fragrant Valley of Roses. Consequently, the day concludes in the dramatic Dades Valley, where we will photograph the unique “monkey fingers” rock formations before dinner.
Dades Valley to Merzouga – Gorges and First Desert Night
After breakfast, we travel to the stunning Todra Gorge for a walk between its massive, towering canyon walls. In the afternoon, we reach the Sahara Desert of Merzouga. Here, you will mount a camel for a trek into the Erg Chebbi dunes to witness a magical sunset. Your night is spent in a luxury desert camp with dinner and rhythmic Berber music under the stars.
Full Day Merzouga Desert Exploration – Nomads and Gnawa Music
This day is dedicated entirely to the desert and its unique culture. We begin by driving off-road to visit Khamlia village for a performance of spiritual Gnawa music. Furthermore, we take an off-road excursion to share tea with a nomadic Berber family in their traditional tent. Subsequently, in the late afternoon, you will enjoy a spectacular second camel ride back to the luxury camp for another night under the vast Saharan sky.
Merzouga to Fes – Ziz Valley and Middle Atlas
Leaving the desert, we will first stop at the traditional market in Rissani and a fossil workshop in Erfoud. After this, we enjoy a panoramic view of the Ziz Valley oasis. The journey then continues through Midelt to the Cedar Forest to observe Barbary macaques. Finally, we stop in the alpine town of Ifrane before arriving in the imperial city of Fes for the night.
Guided Tour of Fes – The Spiritual Capital
A full-day guided tour of Fes, the cultural capital, explores the UNESCO-listed Fes el-Bali medina. Highlights include the Royal Palace gate, the Bouanania Madrasa, the famous tanneries, the Al Quaraouiyine University, and the Jewish Quarter (Mellah), concluding with a panoramic city view.
Fes to Chefchaouen – Imperial History and Roman Ruins
You will depart Fes to visit the imperial city of Meknes (seeing Bab El Mansour) and the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis (a UNESCO World Heritage site). The day concludes with arrival in the breathtaking blue city of Chefchaouen, nestled in the Rif Mountains, for your overnight stay.
Chefchaouen to Casablanca – The Coastal Capital
After a morning to explore the serene blue alleyways of Chefchaouen, you will travel to the capital, Rabat. You will visit the historic Kasbah of the Oudayas, the Hassan Tower, and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V before continuing to the bustling city of Casablanca for the night.
Casablanca to Marrakech – The Hassan II Mosque
In the morning, we visit the truly magnificent Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, one of the largest in the world, majestically positioned overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Afterwards, we take the highway back to Marrakech, arriving in the evening for your final overnight stay in the Red City.
Departure from Marrakech
After breakfast, you will be transferred from your riad or hotel to Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK) according to your flight schedule, marking the conclusion of your comprehensive 12-day Moroccan adventure.
Expedition Media Gallery
A visual glimpse of the spectacular landscapes awaiting you.
Inclusions & Trip Details
What's Included
- Transport in a private, air-conditioned vehicle
- English/French-speaking driver/guide
- 11 nights of accommodation
- Meals: 11( breakfasts & dinners)
- Camel trek in the desert
Not Included
- Lunches, drinks, and personal snacks
- Entrance fees to monuments
- Tips for drivers and camp staff
- Travel insurance
Interactive Route Map
Explore your complete journey route on this interactive map. Select any destination marker to discover what awaits you on each day.
Route Milestones
Frequently Asked Questions
What luggage and clothing should I pack for this trip?
We recommend comfortable walking shoes for medina cobbles and dunes, loose breathable cotton layers for daytime exploration, and a warm fleece or jacket for crisp desert evenings and mountain passes. Sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, and a camera are essential.
Can this itinerary and accommodation level be customized?
Yes, absolutely! Every Desert Gate Tours package is 100% private and customizable. We can adjust the pacing, departure city, hotel tiers (Standard Riads, Comfort Boutique, or 5-Star Luxury Glamping), and add unique stops to match your travel dreams.
Where does pickup and drop-off take place?
We provide seamless door-to-door pickup and drop-off directly from your hotel, riad, or airport in Marrakech. Your private English-speaking driver/guide will greet you warmly with personalized signage.
Are special dietary requirements catered for?
Yes, all partner riads and our Sahara desert luxury camp chefs cater happily to vegetarian, vegan, halal, and gluten-free dietary requirements. Simply let us know your preferences during booking.
How do reservations and deposits work?
After submitting your inquiry, our local travel specialists in Marrakech will confirm availability and send your official itinerary voucher. A modest deposit secures your dates via credit card, PayPal, or wire transfer, with the balance paid safely upon arrival.
