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Tours from Marrakech

12 Days Morocco Desert Tour from Marrakech

This comprehensive 12-day morocco tour offers the definitive Moroccan experience, meticulously crafted to showcase the kingdom’s incredible diversity.

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12 Days 11 nightsStart: MarrakechEnd: MarrakechPrivate tour
Blue buildings of Chefchaouen spread across a hillside

Overview

This comprehensive 12-day morocco tour offers the definitive Moroccan experience, meticulously crafted to showcase the kingdom’s incredible diversity. From the vibrant souks of Marrakech to the endless sands of the Sahara and the fresh breezes of the Atlantic coast, you will journey through imperial history, breathtaking landscapes, and rich cultural traditions. This carefully paced itinerary combines private guided tours, hands-on experiences, and scenic journeys, ensuring a deep and seamless exploration of Morocco’s most iconic destinations.

Itinerary

01

Day 1: Arrival in Marrakech

Your journey begins with a welcome at Marrakech Menara Airport. Transfer to your riad for mint tea on the terrace, followed by an orientation walk through the vibrant Jemaa el-Fnaa square. Night: Marrakech

Overnight: Marrakech

02

Day 2: Marrakech Cultural Discovery

A private guide leads you through the city’s highlights: the Bahia Palace, Saadian Tombs, and Ben Youssef Madrasa. Explore the labyrinthine souks and their artisan workshops. Night: Marrakech

Overnight: Marrakech

03

Day 3: Into the High Atlas Mountains

Ascend the Tizi n’Tichka Pass. Visit the Telouet Kasbah and the UNESCO-listed Ait Ben Haddou with a local guide. Night: Ouarzazate

≈ 200 km · 4–5 h driving

Overnight: Ouarzazate

04

Day 4: Valley of Roses – Dades Gorge

Journey through the Valley of Roses, visiting a women’s cooperative. Explore the surreal rock formations of Dades Gorge before continuing to Todgha Gorge. Night: Todgha Gorge (Dinner & Breakfast included)

≈ 210 km · 4 h driving

Overnight: Todgha Gorge (Dinner & Breakfast included)

05

Day 5: Entering the Sahara Desert

Stop in Erfoud before reaching Merzouga. Mount your camel for a sunset trek across the Erg Chebbi dunes to your luxury desert camp. Night: Merzouga Desert Camp (Dinner & Breakfast included)

≈ 200 km · 3–4 h driving

Overnight: Merzouga Desert Camp (Dinner & Breakfast included)

06

Day 6: Immersive Sahara Experience

After a desert sunrise, spend the day exploring by 4×4. Visit Khamlia village, meet nomadic families, and enjoy sandboarding and stargazing. Night: Merzouga Desert Camp (Dinner & Breakfast included)

≈ 60 km · local 4×4 trips

Overnight: Merzouga Desert Camp (Dinner & Breakfast included)

07

Day 7: Journey – Midelt via Rissani

Travel north, stopping at Rissani’s market and the lush Ziz Valley oasis before arriving in Midelt. Night: Midelt (Dinner & Breakfast included)

≈ 250 km · 4–5 h driving

Overnight: Midelt (Dinner & Breakfast included)

08

Day 8: Middle Atlas – Fes

Cross the Middle Atlas, stopping in Ifrane and for a guided tour of imperial Meknes before arriving in Fes. Night: Fes

≈ 200 km · 3–4 h driving

Overnight: Fes

09

Day 9: Exploring Fes

Your expert guide leads you through the Fes medina. Participate in a private Moroccan cooking class, enjoying the dishes you prepare for lunch. Night: Fes (Breakfast & Cooking Class Lunch included)

Overnight: Fes (Breakfast & Cooking Class Lunch included)

10

Day 10: Chefchaouen – The Blue Pearl

Travel to the Rif Mountains to discover the blue-washed streets of Chefchaouen. Hike to the Spanish Mosque for panoramic sunset views. Night: Chefchaouen

≈ 200 km · 4 h driving

Overnight: Chefchaouen

11

Day 11: Rabat – Casablanca

Explore Rabat’s Hassan Tower and Kasbah of the Udayas. Continue to Casablanca to tour the magnificent Hassan II Mosque. Night: Rabat

≈ 340 km · 5–6 h driving

Overnight: Rabat

12

Day 12: Coastal Essaouira – Return to Marrakech

Drive to the coastal town of Essaouira. Explore its UNESCO-listed medina and vibrant fishing port before your final transfer to Marrakech.

≈ 630 km · 9 h driving

Accommodation

Overnight stops or accommodation types listed for this itinerary: Marrakech; Ouarzazate; Todgha Gorge (Dinner & Breakfast included); Merzouga Desert Camp (Dinner & Breakfast included); Midelt (Dinner & Breakfast included); Fes; Fes (Breakfast & Cooking Class Lunch included); Chefchaouen; Rabat. Exact properties and room or camp options are confirmed in your proposal.

Included

  • You will travel with a professional, English-speaking driver/guide in a private, air-conditioned vehicle.
  • Accommodation is included for all 11 nights as described in the itinerary.
  • Meals include 11 breakfasts, 4 dinners (in Todgha Gorge, Merzouga Desert, and Midelt), and one lunch (cooking class in Fes).
  • A sunset camel trek in the Erg Chebbi dunes and a private cooking class in Fes are included.
  • Your tour begins with an airport pick-up in Marrakech and ends with a drop-off in Marrakech.

Not included

  • The tour does not include lunches (except on Day 9), drinks, tips, or personal expenses.
  • Entrance fees to all attractions and monuments are not included.
  • Flights, travel insurance, and any extra services or upgrades are also not part of the base price.
  • Upgrades to higher category accommodations or extra activities can be arranged upon request before the tour starts.

Important note about driving times

Some days on this tour are long drives: Day 12 (≈ 630 km, 9 h). These are approximate. Real times can change with traffic, weather, road conditions, sightseeing stops, meals and breaks — your driver stops whenever you need, so plan for a full day on the road.

Compare: 4 days from Marrakech or all tours from Marrakech.

Plan with confidence

Compare other tours from Marrakech, read our Merzouga guide or browse the Morocco travel guide. Our team is based in Merzouga — learn more about us, message us on WhatsApp, call +212 641-835650 or email [email protected].

Frequently asked questions

Is this tour private or shared?+

You can choose either option. Private tours offer more comfort and flexibility. Shared tours are more affordable.

Where does the tour start and end?+

It starts in Marrakech and ends in Marrakech. Your tour begins with an airport pick-up in Marrakech and ends with a drop-off in Marrakech.

How long are the driving days?+

The longest leg is Day 12: about 630 km and 9 h of driving. Times vary with traffic, weather, road conditions and stops. Each day's distance is shown in the itinerary above.

Where do we sleep?+

Overnight stops or accommodation types listed for this itinerary: Marrakech; Ouarzazate; Todgha Gorge (Dinner & Breakfast included); Merzouga Desert Camp (Dinner & Breakfast included); Midelt (Dinner & Breakfast included); Fes; Fes (Breakfast & Cooking Class Lunch included); Chefchaouen; Rabat. Exact properties and room or camp options are confirmed in your proposal.

Is the camel ride included?+

Yes. A sunset camel trek in the Erg Chebbi dunes and a private cooking class in Fes are included.

What meals are included?+

Meals include 11 breakfasts, 4 dinners (in Todgha Gorge, Merzouga Desert, and Midelt), and one lunch (cooking class in Fes).

What is not included?+

The tour does not include lunches (except on Day 9), drinks, tips, or personal expenses. Entrance fees to all attractions and monuments are not included. Flights, travel insurance, and any extra services or upgrades are also not part of the base price. Upgrades to higher category accommodations or extra activities can be arranged upon request before the tour starts.

Can I upgrade the camp or add activities?+

Upgrades to higher category accommodations or extra activities can be arranged upon request before the tour starts.

Reserve this tour

12 Days Morocco desert Tour From Marrakech — no payment now.

Estimated total: Price on request — we'll send your quote

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