10-Day Desert and Imperial Cities Tour

Duration

10 Days / 9 Nights

Tour planning

Daily

Groupe size

Unlimited

Discover the magic of Morocco on this 10-day journey from Fes to Marrakech and back. Experience a perfect blend of culture, history, nature, and adventure. Explore ancient medinas, cedar forests, dramatic gorges, the Sahara Desert, UNESCO-listed kasbahs, the bustling souks of Marrakech, the Atlantic coast of Essaouira, Morocco’s imperial cities, and the charming Blue City of Chefchaouen. Witness desert sunrises, ride camels across the dunes, stroll through scenic mountain landscapes, and immerse yourself in the local Berber culture.

  • Guided tour of Fes, including the medina, historic madrasas, and Al Quaraouine University.
  • Scenic journey through the Middle Atlas Mountains, cedar forests, and Ziz Valley.
  • Camel trekking and overnight stay in the Sahara Desert.
  • Explore Todra Gorge, Dades Valley, and Rose Valley.
  • Visit Ouarzazate and the UNESCO-listed Ait Benhaddou kasbah.
  • Marrakech city tour with palaces, gardens, and souks.
  • Day trip to Essaouira and Casablanca’s Hassan II Mosque.
  • Explore Rabat’s historic landmarks.
  • Discover Chefchaouen, Morocco’s famous Blue City.
  • Explore the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis and the imperial city of Meknes.

Tour details :

Day 1: Arrival in Fes

Arrive in Fes and transfer to your accommodation. Take time to settle in and enjoy the evening wandering nearby streets, soaking in the atmosphere of Morocco’s spiritual and cultural capital. Overnight in Fes.

Day 2: Fes – Azrou – Merzouga

Depart Fes and travel through the scenic Middle Atlas Mountains. Stop in Azrou, a town famous for its cedar forest and playful Barbary macaques. Continue through picturesque villages and fertile valleys before reaching the Ziz Valley, known for its lush palm oases. Arrive at Merzouga, the gateway to the Sahara Desert, in time for a camel trek across the golden dunes at sunset. Spend the night in a traditional desert camp under the stars.

Day 3: Merzouga – Desert Sunrise – Todra Gorge – Dades Valley

Wake early to witness a breathtaking Sahara sunrise. After breakfast, depart the desert and visit Rissani, a traditional Moroccan market. Continue to Todra Gorge, a dramatic canyon with towering cliffs ideal for walking and photography. After lunch, travel to the Dades Valley, surrounded by stunning rock formations and traditional Berber villages. Overnight stay in Dades Valley.

Day 4: Dades Valley – Rose Valley – Ouarzazate – Ait Benhaddou – Marrakech

Drive through the fragrant Rose Valley, then along the “Road of a Thousand Kasbahs,” passing the Skoura Oasis. Stop at Ouarzazate, the “Gateway to the Desert,” and explore kasbahs and film studios. Visit Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO-listed village featured in many films. Cross the High Atlas Mountains via Tizi n’Tichka Pass before arriving in Marrakech for overnight stay.

Day 5: Marrakech City Exploration

Discover the highlights of Marrakech. Visit Bahia Palace, Saadian Tombs, Koutoubia Mosque, and Majorelle Gardens. Explore the bustling souks and enjoy lunch in the medina. In the evening, experience the lively Jemaa el-Fnaa square. Overnight in Marrakech.

Day 6: Marrakech – Essaouira – Casablanca

Drive to the Atlantic coast and explore Essaouira, wandering its historic medina, ramparts, and fishing port. Continue to Casablanca to visit the Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world. Overnight stay in Casablanca.

Day 7: Casablanca – Rabat – Chefchaouen

Travel north to Rabat, Morocco’s capital, visiting the Royal Palace, Hassan Tower, and the Kasbah of the Udayas. Continue to the Rif Mountains and arrive in Chefchaouen, the Blue City. Wander the charming streets, explore local markets, and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Overnight in Chefchaouen.

Day 8: Chefchaouen – Volubilis – Meknes – Fes

Depart Chefchaouen and travel south to the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage site with stunning mosaics and historical architecture. Continue to Meknes, an imperial city with grand gates, palaces, and bustling squares. After exploring Meknes, head back to Fes for overnight stay.

Day 9: Fes Cultural Exploration

Spend the day fully exploring Fes. Visit the medina, historic madrasas, tanneries, and Al Quaraouine University, gaining insight into the city’s cultural and spiritual significance. Enjoy lunch in a traditional Moroccan restaurant and spend the afternoon wandering the souks or relaxing in a courtyard. Overnight in Fes.

Day 10: Departure from Fes

After breakfast, enjoy some free time before being transferred to the airport for your departure. Conclude your 10-day journey across Morocco’s deserts, mountains, coasts, and imperial cities.

Book this tour

Included

  • Airport pick-up and drop-off
  • Multilingual driver/guide (English, French, Spanish)
  • Camel trekking (only in desert tours)
  • Hotel or traditional riad stays (3-star, 4-star, or luxury options)
  • Daily breakfast and dinners (depending on the type of accommodation you choose)

Excluded

  • Flights to/from Morocco
  • Lunches and drinks
  • Optional Activities & Extras
  • Tips & Gratuities
  • Personal Expenses