Complete Morocco in 12 Days: Cities and Desert

Day 1: Casablanca – Rabat – Meknes
The tour begins with a transfer from your hotel to visit the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, before departing for Rabat, the capital. In Rabat, we visit the Royal Palace, the ruins of Chellah, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, and Hassan Tower. Then we continue to Meknes for dinner at a local restaurant in front of Bab el Mansour and overnight at a local hotel.

Day 2: Meknes – Volubilis – Fez
After breakfast, we explore Meknes, visiting the main square, Bab el Mansour, the royal granaries, and city walls. Then we continue to Volubilis to explore the Roman ruins and the mausoleum of Moulay Idriss, an important pilgrimage site. Afterwards, we arrive in Fez for overnight stay.

Day 3: Exploring Fez – Guided Tour
We explore Morocco’s oldest city, visiting the Royal Palace gate, the Jewish quarter Mellah, University of Al Quaraouiyine, tanneries, the Attarine Museum, and the mausoleum of Moulay Idriss. In the afternoon, we visit local cooperatives and enjoy a panoramic view of the Fez medina.

Day 4: Fez – Ifrane – Azrou – Midelt – Merzouga
We depart for Azrou to explore the Cedar Forest, home to the Barbary macaques. We continue through Midelt and the Ziz Valley, with a quick stop in Erfoud for lunch or refreshments, until reaching Merzouga, where we stay overnight in a local hotel.

Day 5: Merzouga – Khamlia – Rissani – Erg Chebbi
We explore the Erg Chebbi dunes, observing nomadic life and the desert contrasts. We visit the black village of Khamlia to enjoy Gnawa music. Lunch includes a traditional Berber pizza in the ancient capital of Rissani. In the afternoon, camel ride to watch the sunset over the dunes and overnight in a luxury desert camp with a tagine dinner, mint tea, and Berber music around the campfire.

Day 6: Merzouga – Todra Gorges – Dades Gorges
Early morning sunrise in the dunes, followed by freshening up and breakfast at a local hotel. We then travel through Rissani and Tinghir to the Todra Gorges, Morocco’s highest and narrowest canyon. Lunch in the area, then continue to the Dades Valley, famous for its geological formations called “Monkey Fingers.” Overnight stay in Dades.

Day 7: Dades – Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – Marrakech
After breakfast, we continue to Ouarzazate via the Route of a Thousand Kasbahs, stopping in Kalaat Mgouna in the Valley of Roses. We visit the Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and famous filming location for movies and series like Gladiator and Game of Thrones. Then we cross the Tizi-n-Tichka mountain pass to Marrakech for overnight stay.

Days 8 & 9: Marrakech – Guided Tour
We explore the main attractions of Marrakech, including Jemaa el-Fna, the Koutoubia Mosque, the souks, palaces, and museums. We also visit Gueliz, Menara Gardens, and Jardin Majorelle.

Days 10 & 11: Marrakech – Essaouira
After breakfast, we cross the Tizi-n-Tichka pass to the Atlantic coast, arriving in Essaouira, known as the Pearl of the Atlantic. In the afternoon, we walk along the city walls to watch the sunset, enjoy fresh fish dinner, and a night stroll. The next day, we explore the old city of Mogador, its blue-and-white medina, beaches, and the Portuguese citadel. Overnight stay in a local riad both nights.

Day 12: Essaouira – Marrakech / Casablanca
After breakfast, free time in the morning before returning to Marrakech or Casablanca, arriving around 18:00. End of tour.