12-Day Morocco Tour: The Full Experience
Tour overview
Dive deep into the heart of Morocco with this 12-day adventure that covers it all. From the bustling streets of Casablanca and the historic medinas of Fez and Marrakech to the breathtaking Sahara Desert and the scenic Atlas Mountains—experience Morocco’s rich culture, diverse landscapes, and warm hospitality. This complete tour is perfect for travelers who want to see and feel it all.
Duration: 12 days
Day 1
Casablanca – Rabat
Upon arrival at Casablanca airport, our staff will be waiting for you at the terminal. An English-speaking driver will pick you up in a private vehicle to start, without further delay, the exploration of Morocco in its entirety.
The first stop will be in Casablanca itself, the largest city in the country. Specifically, the Hassan II Mosque, which is not only the highest mosque in Morocco but also in the entire Islamic world: its minaret is about 200 meters high.
But that’s not its only attraction — far from it. It is one of the few mosques in the country open to non-Muslim visitors, so we will take the opportunity to go inside and learn more about this impressive mosque, built with high-quality materials such as various types of marble and granite.
After visiting this modern architectural jewel, located on an artificial peninsula on the coast of Casablanca, we will leave for our next destination: Rabat. This has been the capital since 1912 and is considered one of the Imperial Cities of Morocco, a name that gives us clues about the monumentality of some of its buildings.
For example, the Hassan Tower, which was erected in the late twelfth century. In that same century, construction began on the Kasbah of the Oudayas, an impregnable walled enclosure from which you can enjoy magnificent panoramic views of the city, its coastline, and the neighboring city of Salé.”
You will be able to discover all this and much more at your own pace, as you will have free time to spend the rest of the day in this city, distinguished as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
In this way, you can lose yourself in the medina and its souk, or visit other interesting places outside it, such as the Mohamed VI Museum of Contemporary Art, to name a few examples. And in the evening, you will rest in a comfortable riad in the heart of the city center.
Day 2
Rabat – Chaouen
After breakfast at the riad in Rabat, we will leave early in the morning heading north. The goal is to reach Chaouen with enough time to visit this small town full of charm. We will reach it after a journey of about 4 hours by road, the last stretch of which runs through the Rif Mountains.
Between the two lies Chaouen, also known as Chefchaouen or El Aaiún. Its Medina, with its narrow, steep, and winding streets, exudes a unique charm thanks to the light blue color that adorns the walls. The town also features an interesting kasbah, which now houses an ethnographic museum, as well as strategic viewpoints offering stunning views of the village and its lush surroundings.
It is also a town where ancient traditions and ways of life endure, along with a rich tradition of craftsmanship, especially known for its textile production. After shopping and strolling through the medina, your riad will be just a short walk away, as it is located in the historic center.
Day 3
Chaouen – Volubilis – Meknes- Fez
On the third day of this journey, after breakfast at the riad, we will leave the Rif Mountains and head south to discover two places that are as different as they are fascinating—both offering insight into the diversity and beauty of Morocco as a whole.
The first takes us back to the Roman Empire, specifically to one of its most important cities in North Africa, located in the province once known as Mauretania Tingitana.
We are talking about Volubilis, which is now a highly valuable archaeological site, preserving colonnades, mosaics, monumental arches, and other elements that help us understand its historical significance. For all these reasons, it is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Later, we will continue to Meknes, another UNESCO-recognized site. It is also considered one of Morocco’s Imperial Cities, as it was designated the capital in the late seventeenth century by Sultan Moulay Ismail.
During your free visit to its historic Medina, you’ll be able to admire the mausoleum, the city walls, and its monumental gates, including the famous Bab Mansour.
Later in the day, we will arrive in Fez, leaving you time for a leisurely walk. Here you can have your first encounter with the city’s long-standing heritage, as well as shop in its craft stores, renowned both nationally and internationally for their quality.
To conclude the day, you will spend the night in a riad within the medina, ensuring you are well rested for the guided tour the following day.
Day 4
Fez
To truly discover all the secrets and attractions of Fez, it is essential to have the insights and guidance of an official local guide. And that is exactly what we offer on this fourth day of the tour.
Following breakfast at the Riad, you will meet him for an English-language tour of the city’s great medina, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Our guide will organize a tour tailored to your preferences and pace, making the most of your time. Among the possible sites to discover are the city’s famous madrasas, such as Bou Inania and Al-Attarine, or the Karaouine Mosque, home to one of the oldest universities in the world.
You might also visit Nejjarine Square, home to its namesake 18th-century fountain. Another must-see spot in Fez is the tanners’ quarter, where leather is still worked using traditional methods.
In any case, it’s hard to see all of Fez in just one morning, so the free afternoon is a great opportunity to explore anything you may have missed.
The Golden Gates of the Royal Palace and the Jewish quarter (Mellah) are great options for this time of day, as well as visiting museums like Dar Bahta, Borj Nord, Nejjarine, and others. After a full day of sightseeing in Fez, you’ll return to rest for the night in the same riad in the city center.
Day 5
Fez – Ifrane – Monkey Forest – Erfoud – Merzouga Desert
The fifth day of this itinerary is one of the longest. But precisely because of this, it’s also one of the most rewarding for those who want to discover Morocco in all its diversity. We will start shortly after hitting the road, following breakfast at the Riad in Fez.
The first stop will be the small town of Ifrane, unique not only on this itinerary but also in the entire country. Situated at an altitude of over 1,700 meters and receiving significant precipitation (including snow in winter), its surroundings are very green, and its roofs are gabled. It is no coincidence, then, that it is known as the ‘Moroccan Switzerland.’
In this mountainous environment, we will discover another place of great interest: Ifrane National Park, also known as the Monkey Forest. It gets this name because a large population of Barbary macaques—the largest in Morocco—lives in this protected natural area.
Another attraction of this park is its vast green forest, dominated by cedar trees. These trees provide the perfect habitat for these primates, the only species living free in the wild north of the Sahara.
Day 6
Merzouga Desert – Khamlia – Paris-Dakar Tracks – Nomads – Merzouga Desert
One of the advantages of this itinerary is that the Merzouga desert won’t just be a place you pass through. On the contrary, we’ll dedicate the entire sixth day to exploring its most authentic corners and traditions. First of all, experience the magic of sunrise over the dunes of Erg Chebbi, where the dawn casts light unlike anywhere else in the world.
After that, breakfast will be served, and we will ride the camels back to Merzouga. Additionally, you will have the option to take a shower either at the camp or at a hotel, depending on the package you have chosen.
First, we will visit Khamlia, also known as the ‘Village of the Blacks’ due to the predominant skin color of its inhabitants. This dates back centuries to when the trans-Saharan slave trade brought people from sub-Saharan Africa.
The people we will meet during this visit are, therefore, their descendants. They have preserved the passion and sensitivity for the music of their ancestors—specifically the Gnawa genre, which has been declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. We will attend a performance where we will experience their distinctive percussion rhythms and mystical dances.
With the sound still ringing in our ears, we will take our 4×4 to cross one of the most spectacular tracks in the area, commonly used in the routes of the legendary Paris-Dakar rally.
Wrapped in this aura of adventure, we will pass through other interesting places, such as kohl mines, abandoned French and Berber villages, and a special elevated area from which you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the dunes of Erg Chebbi.
Additionally, to fully and deeply meet the inhabitants of this area of Morocco, we will have the opportunity to visit a settlement of semi-nomadic people who continue to preserve the customs and traditions of yesteryear.
They will share their experience of living in the desert and will warmly welcome us during our visit. After that, we will head to the hotel where you will have dinner and spend the night, located in another charming corner of the Merzouga desert.
Day 7
Merzouga Desert – Rissani – Todra Gorges – Dades Valley – Ouarzazate
On the seventh day of this tour, we will say goodbye to the Merzouga desert and the dunes of Erg Chebbi. After breakfast at the hotel, we will head to other unique areas of the Moroccan desert. The first stop on today’s road trip will be Rissani, a small but surprising city that boasts a beautiful historic medina.
Its traditional market, full of colorful local products, and its picturesque donkey parking area are scenes that showcase the genuine daily life that still thrives here.
Leaving Rissani behind, we will travel over 150 km to reach the Todra Gorges. Here, the small river of the same name has carved a rocky canyon with whimsical shapes and towering walls, famous among climbers from all over the world.
But any visitor can admire this natural landscape and walk through the gorge formed over millennia of erosion. Its beauty can even be appreciated from our car, as the road winds through implausible curves in this area.
The twisting turns of the Todra Gorges will lead us to the heart of the Dades Valley, which is part of the Route of the Thousand Kasbahs. Before our eyes will unfold numerous Berber fortresses perched atop arid hills, along with palm groves and cultivated areas where local inhabitants maintain their traditional way of life.
The same is true for the nearby Valley of the Roses, where rose production provides many jobs for the locals and adds a special color to the surroundings, especially during the spring season.
The city where we will end the day is Ouarzazate. Many know it as the Hollywood of Morocco because of its prestigious film studios. Scenes from movies such as Lawrence of Arabia, Gladiator, and many others were filmed here, which we can explore if the group wishes and the schedule allows.
One visit included in the program is the Kasbah of Taourirt, located on the outskirts of the city. Once the residence of Thami El Glaoui, Lord of the Atlas and Pasha of Marrakech, it still retains much of its original decoration, both inside and out. At the end of the day, a comfortable hotel will serve dinner and provide you with rest for the next day of our tour.
Day 8
Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – High Atlas- Essaouira
The eighth day of this tour begins with breakfast at the hotel in Ouarzazate, followed by a transfer to the ksar of Ait Ben Haddou, located just 25 km from the city.
A visit here is more than justified, as it is one of the best examples of traditional defensive architecture of the Berber civilization and a key stop on the caravan route between Marrakech and Timbuktu.
Strolling through its interior and admiring it from the outside, we will understand why it was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO… and why it serves as a setting for blockbusters like Game of Thrones.
After this visit, we will return to our vehicle and head towards the High Atlas Mountains, which we will cross later. But before reaching the summit of the pass, we will stop at another kasbah of interest: Telouet.
This fortress is closely related to Taourirt in Ouarzazate; although it has also suffered the ravages of time, we can observe a similar architectural style both inside and out, as it was also the residence and stronghold of Thami El Glaoui, the Pasha of Marrakech.
Shortly after, we will reach the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, at an altitude of over 2,200 meters—an unbeatable vantage point to take in the surroundings. The highest peaks of the High Atlas rise majestically on the horizon, and scattered along the mountain slopes are small Berber villages where time seems to have stood still.
This is what we will see during our descent, a journey through a landscape of great scenic beauty.
This descent takes us directly to Marrakech, but we won’t stop there… at least not yet, because this Morocco journey ends several days later. So, we’ll take the highway connecting Marrakech with Essaouira, popularly known as ‘the Pearl of the Atlantic.’
We’ll arrive there in the early afternoon, with plenty of time for a first stroll through this beautiful city, washed by the ocean’s waters. In the evening, you’ll stay in a charming riad located in the heart of the Medina.
Day 9
Essaouira
After breakfast at your riad, you will enjoy a free day in Essaouira. It is one of the few places in this Morocco tour granted this honor, and for good reason. In fact, its historic center has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, and here you will find the main monumental attractions of this coastal city, which was once a Portuguese colony known as Mogador.
This is easy to see in places like the imposing fortress of La Scala and the gates of the old city walls. The atmosphere reflects the strategic importance of this enclave, which has also served as a filming location for many scenes of the series Game of Thrones. Its fishing port retains its charm, as do other spots and corners of the medina, such as the Clock Tower.
But you can also spend part of the day doing activities, as the city offers plenty of space and professionals for them. Many of these take place along the coast. For example, Essaouira is an excellent spot for kitesurfing and windsurfing, thanks to its windy coastline.
Another option is to ride a horse or camel along the sandy beach—an experience that is always magical, thanks to the nobility of these animals and the beauty of the surrounding landscape.
And if you’re simply looking for a refreshing swim during the summer season, this will be the perfect opportunity on this tour.
Our staff will be happy to help or advise you on what to do and how to book any activity in Essaouira. In the evening, you’ll return to your riad in the Medina for another night’s stay.
Day 10
Essaouira – Marrakech
On this tenth day, we will travel to the city where the tour ends: Marrakech. Before that, you’ll have breakfast at the riad in Essaouira, and then our driver will pick you up for the road trip to the Red City, arriving around mid-morning.
That way, you’ll have almost the entire day free to explore Marrakech at your own pace and visit the places you consider most important. Keep in mind that the following day you’ll also have a full day to discover Morocco’s main tourist city — this time with a guided tour in the morning.
Therefore, you can plan your day according to your preferences — for example, by visiting fascinating monuments like El Badi Palace, strolling through charming places like the Majorelle Gardens, or getting tickets to prestigious museums such as the Marrakech Museum or the Yves Saint Laurent Museum.
Of course, you can also take advantage of this day to do some shopping, keeping in mind that we won’t be traveling to any other cities — so you won’t have to carry your purchases around anymore.
In this regard, you can explore the traditional souks of the Medina or visit other neighborhoods with more modern shops, such as Gueliz. Whichever option you choose, you’ll enjoy a refreshing night’s rest in a riad in the historic center.
Day 11
Marrakech
On this itinerary, Marrakech is the perfect finale to nearly two weeks of travel. Therefore, we will dedicate the entire morning to discovering its charms through a guided tour. Our official guide will be waiting for you to start once you have finished breakfast, which will be served at the riad.
The tour prepared by our guide will focus on the historical sites that led to this city being declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In particular, the tour will explore the Medina, where famous landmarks such as the Koutoubia Mosque, the Ben Youssef Medersa, the Bahia Palace, and the Saadian Tombs are located.
These places showcase the full beauty of Islamic art, featuring dazzling decorations of tiles, marble, cedar wood, and other rich materials. There will also be time to explore the central souks and the city’s most famous square: Jemaa el-Fna, which has been declared an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
The afternoon will be free again, giving you the opportunity to do something different from the previous day. Or you can simply relax, perhaps with a traditional hammam experience or a more modern spa treatment, to recharge after the many kilometers traveled on this journey. At the end of the day, you’ll return to stay at your Riad in the Medina for the final night of the tour.
Day 12
Marrakech – Airport
After fully experiencing Morocco, it’s time to say goodbye. This last day will begin with breakfast at the riad, followed by your transfer to Marrakech airport. Our driver will pick you up at the agreed time and take you in a private vehicle to ensure you arrive at the terminal on time.
There, we will say goodbye, grateful for the trust you have placed in us and hoping you will choose us again for another memorable experience in Morocco.
- Included
- Pick-up & drop off at/from your accommodation/airport
- Transport by private modern vehicle with A/C
- Experienced English-speaking Driver/Guide
- Car Fuel
- 10 nights in a private room in the Riad/Hotel hotel (Dinner & Breakfast)
- Camel Trekking (Camel per person)
- Sunset camel ride
- Hearty dinner and party around the campfire (Berber Drums)
- Overnight at a private tent in Camp (Breakfast & dinner)
- 4×4 transfer from and to the camp (Alternative to Camels)
- Not Included
- Flight tickets
- Drinks
- Lunches
- Entrance to monuments (Optional)
- Tips
