- Overview
- Trip Outline
- Trip Includes
- Trip Excludes
- Gallery
- Booking
- FAQ
12 days Morocco tour from Marrakech
12-Day Morocco Tour – Overview
A 12 days Morocco tour from Marrakech gives you the most complete Morocco experience. You’ll travel through
-
🏜️ Sahara Desert (Merzouga / Erg Chebbi)
-
🏔️ High Atlas Mountains with Berber villages and scenic passes
-
🏯 Historic kasbahs and fortified villages
-
🏙️ Imperial cities: Marrakech, Fes, Meknes
This itinerary balances adventure, cultural immersion, and relaxation, ideal for first-time visitors or those who want a deeper exploration of Morocco.
📍 Route Highlights
🏔️ Atlas Mountains
-
Cross the High Atlas via Tizi n’Tichka Pass
-
Stop at Berber villages for tea and photos
-
Scenic viewpoints along the way
🏯 Kasbahs & Film Locations
-
Aït Ben Haddou – historic village and famous film location
-
Ouarzazate – film studios and desert gateway
🌄 Valleys & Gorges
-
Dades Valley – dramatic rock formations and palm groves
-
Todra Gorge – walk along the canyon
🐪 Sahara Desert
-
Camel trekking
-
Sunset and sunrise
-
Overnight in desert camp
-
Optional 4x4 excursions, sandboarding, or visits to nomad villages
🏙️ Imperial Cities
-
Fes – historic medina, souks, madrasas
-
Meknes – gates, palaces, nearby Roman ruins (Volubilis)
-
Marrakech – souks, Jemaa el-Fnaa, gardens, and palaces
12 days Morocco tour from Marrakech
Start of trip: Marrakech
End of trip: Marrakech
Duration: 12 days / 11 nights
Itineraries
Day 1
Arrival in Marrakech - Transfer to the riad
Today marks the first day of your 12-day trip to Morocco. It begins with a pickup at Menara Airport
in Marrakech. One of our fantastic driver-guides will take you to the medina to spend the night
in a traditional riad.
Day 2
Tour of the Medina of Marrakech with a local guide
We’ve set aside today as a free day. Why? A local tour guide from Marrakech will
meet you at your riad to begin a sightseeing tour of the city. Today is a unique day, as
it involves exploring one of Morocco’s ancient markets, touring the city’s rich
historical monuments, and immersing yourself in the local culture, traditions, and way of life. In the
of Marrakech, you will visit the following sites:
the Ben Youssef Koranic Mosque, the Saadian Tombs, the Koutoubia Mosque, the Bahia Palace, take
a break at Jamaa el F’na Square for lunch, and then continue your tour
by visiting the old Medina, where you will witness the wonders and exoticism of the market. Once
the tour is over, you will be transferred to the riad for your second stay.
Day 3
Marrakech - Tizi n'Tichka - Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou - Ouarzazate - Valley of the Roses - Boumalne Dades
The third of your 12 days in Morocco begins in Marrakech and continues on to Boumalne Dades. Along
the way, we will visit the following places: The Tizi N’Tichka Pass is 2,260 meters
above sea level; it lies between Ouarzazate and Marrakech. We will also visit the Kasbah of Ait
ben Haddou, the most famous in Morocco, dating back to the 11th century. Next, we will travel to
Ouarzazate, often known as the Hollywood of Africa, a city famous for hosting
numerous film shoots. A century and a half ago, Ouarzazate was nothing more than a
military settlement before becoming one of the most famous Moroccan cities in the world. A final
stop in Kalaat M’Gouna, known as the Pink City. Finally, we will head to Boumalne
Dades to spend the night.
Day 4
Dades Gorges - Todgha Gorges - Merzouga Desert
Today we’re heading to the Sahara Desert. After finishing breakfast and packing our bags,
we’ll set off for the Todgha Gorges, located in the Tinghir region. This gorge, one of the
most geologically stunning sites, offers fantastic views from the top of the
canyons. After enjoying some free time for lunch, we’ll continue on to Merzouga once we arrive. We’ll ride camels through
the golden dunes until we reach the desert camp, where we’ll spend the night. Upon arrival at the
camp, a glass of tea awaits you, followed by dinner. The best part of the evening begins after
dinner. The good vibes and unforgettable moments of Berber drumming around the
campfire will leave a lasting impression on your mind to cherish forever.
Day 5
4x4 Tour of the Sahara Desert (Visit to Nomads and Gnawa)
Without a doubt, a mix of days spent exploring and relaxing. After breakfast in the desert at your
campsite, we begin the day of discovery with 4x4 adventures through the dunes, until we reach
the nomads, where you can set up your hand-carried tent and enjoy Berber tea. Giving
tips to the nomads is a way to support them, and they rely on that money for their livelihood. Next come
the Meffis Mountains, an ancient site occupied by new settlers during
French colonialism. A few structures still stand here. But the French extracted everything
from the mountains and shipped it back to their homeland, as the mountains were rich in minerals and ores.
We also visit the village of Khamlia to enjoy listening to Gnawa music. Its inhabitants have
dark skin. They are originally from Mali and Sudan, and their main source of income here in the Sahara is earning
tips by singing African rhythms for tourists after entertaining them. We had lunch at
a local restaurant in the same village that specializes in Berber pizza. Finally, we dropped you off at the
hotel so you could enjoy the rest of the afternoon and the evening at a hotel near the dunes.
Day 6
Sahara Desert - Erfoud - Ziz Valley - Midelt - Cedar Forest - Ifrane - Fez
The journey from the magnificent Merzouga Desert to the quaint city of Fez is a fascinating
journey through Morocco’s unique landscape and cultural tapestry. As the sun sets over the dunes
of Merzouga, we’ll leave the vast desert behind. The journey will take you through Erfoud, famous for its
fossil-rich terrain and untamed landscapes adorned with prehistoric stone artifacts.
Next, we’ll head to the Ziz Valley, where lush palm trees sway to the rhythm of the
gentle breeze, offering a striking contrast to the arid sands stretching beyond. Later,
we will have lunch in Zaida before continuing our journey to Fez, passing through the Cedar Forest
and Ifrane, known as the “Little Switzerland of Morocco.” We will then head to
Fez for the night.
Day 7
Sightseeing tour of Fez with a local guide
We will spend the seventh day of our 12-day tour of Morocco exploring Fez, home to
the world’s oldest medina. An experienced local guide will lead the
tour. First, you’ll visit the Golden Gate of the Royal Palace, followed by the Borj Sud, located outside
the medina and offering a panoramic view of the old medina.
Next, you’ll visit the Pottery Factory to learn how artisans create
unique pieces. Later, you will enter the medina to visit the mosque and the Karaouine University, which is the
oldest in the world, as well as the Bouanania Madrasa, the Najjarine Fountain, and the tanneries. You will have
free time for lunch, and then your driver will take you back to the riad.
Day 8
Fez - Meknes - Volubilis - Rif Mountains - Chefchaouen
Today’s itinerary through Morocco (12 days) takes us north to Chefchaouen,
known as the Blue City of Morocco. Along the way, we’ll visit historic cities. The first
is Meknes, and the second is the Roman Empire site at Volubilis. Once we arrive in the imperial city
of Meknes, be sure to visit its rich historical monuments, such as the Qara Prison, Sahrij Souani,
Hri Souani, Bab Mansour, and, finally, the Mausoleum of Moulay Smail.
We’ll then leave Meknes and continue on to the Roman ruins of Volubilis. As we
proceed along the path, the distant ruins of Volubilis come into view, a testament to the country’s long Roman history.
The ancient ruins transport visitors back to the Roman Empire’s golden age,
with their crumbling walls and weathered columns. Next, we’ll head to
our destination, Chefchaouen, to spend the night.
Day 9
Chefchaouen - Tangier - Asilah
The tenth day of your 12-day itinerary through Morocco departs from Chefchaouen and continues on to Asilah,
passing through Tangier and making stops along the way for some exciting adventures. Our
first stop will be Tangier, where we’ll visit the historic Medina. We’ll stroll through its charming
streets, enjoying the bustling atmosphere of this historic city and the beauty of its architecture.
After visiting the Medina, we’ll travel to Cape Espartel, a breathtaking spot where the
Atlantic and Mediterranean oceans meet.
We’ll also visit Hercules’ Cave. Legend has it that Hercules slept in this cave after his twelve
labors. Finally, we’ll arrive in Asilah, a picturesque coastal town famous for its lively
art scene and its charming whitewashed buildings. Once there, we’ll be able to take a leisurely stroll
along the town’s stunning beaches, explore its narrow streets decorated with vibrant murals, and
simply enjoy its laid-back atmosphere. Spend the night in a stunning riad.
Day 10
Asilah - Rabat - Casablanca
We’ll then set off for Casablanca via Rabat. As we drive, take in the
stunning views that stretch out along the road. As soon as we arrive, we’ll begin a quick
tour of the city—Rabat, the capital and royal city of Morocco—as well as some of its
lesser-known landmarks. First, we’ll head to the Hassan Tower, also known as Tour
Hassan.
Yacoub al-Mansour built this structure in 1195, and UNESCO has designated it a World
Heritage Site. The tower is part of a larger complex that houses the tomb of Mohammed V.
We will also visit the Kasbah of the Udayas. After lunch, we will leave Rabat and
head to Casablanca, where we will spend the night in a hotel.
Day 11
Casablanca - Marrakech
After breakfast at the riad, we set out to visit the magnificent Hassan II Mosque,
one of the largest mosques in the world. Its handcrafted beauty is
truly impressive. In the afternoon, we return to Marrakech for the night at the hotel/riad.
Day 12
Marrakech - Airport
Breakfast and transfer to the airport. At the agreed time, we’ll transfer you to the airport to conclude our
services. Have a safe trip.
✅ What’s Usually INCLUDED
🚗 Transport & Logistics
- Private vehicle (4x4 or minivan) for the full route
- Fuel, tolls, and driver
- Pickup & drop-off in Marrakech
🧑✈️ Driver / Guide
- English/French-speaking driver
- Sometimes a local guide in cities like Fes
🏨 Accommodation
- Riads/hotels (11 nights total)
- Desert camp in Merzouga
- Room type usually standard (upgrades possible)
🐪 Desert Experience
- Camel trek in Erg Chebbi
- Dinner + breakfast in desert camp
🍽️ Some Meals
- Daily breakfast
- Dinners in remote areas (desert, valleys like Dades Valley).
❌ What’s NOT INCLUDED
🍴 Most Lunches & Some Dinners
- Lunches are usually not included (flexibility to choose)
- Dinners in cities like Marrakech, Chefchaouen
🎟️ Entrance Fees
- Monuments like:
- Bahia Palace
- Typically €13–€15 per site
🧑🏫 Local Guides (Optional)
- City guides in Fes, Marrakech (sometimes extra)
💰 Personal Expenses
- Drinks, tips, shopping
- Activities like quad biking in the desert
🧖 Extras
- Hammam/spa treatments
🧭 Quick Summary
- ✔️ Included: transport, stays, desert experience, some meals
- ❌ Not included: flights, lunches, entrance fees, extras
Yes—12 days is ideal to cover highlights like Marrakech, the Sahara near Merzouga, Fes, and even Chefchaouen without rushing too much.
Yes—12 days is ideal to cover highlights like Marrakech, the Sahara near Merzouga, Fes, and even Chefchaouen without rushing too much.
Yes, generally safe. In cities like Marrakech:
Watch out for scams in souks
Avoid unofficial “guides”
Keep valuables secure
