11 Days Tour from Marrakech - A Journey full of Memories

Join us on this 11-day desert tour departing from Marrakech as we explore some of Morocco’s most famous attractions, from the bustling streets of the Red City to the breathtaking view of the Atlas Mountains. These include the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, the imperial city of Meknes, the famous Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, Rabat’s Oudayas, the Mausoleum, the stunning Khamlia village, Merzouga oasis, Kasbah Amridil, the Ouarzazate film studios, Todra canyons and much more.

From the best restaurants to the most well-known attractions, we know the ins and outs of every location in Morocco; thus, we provide you with the best bargain you could find on your own, guaranteeing a seamless and fun journey. So, get ready and let’s travel together on this wonderful 11-day desert tour from Marrakech.

Info of 11 Days Desert Tour from Marrakech

11 Days Marrakech Desert Tour Highlights

Imagine the iconic view of Hassan II Mosque.
Discover Rabat's historical treasures, including the Hassan Tower, Oudayas, and Mausoleum.
See Meknes (imperial city) and the Roman ruins of Volubilis.
Explore the Royal Palace, tanneries, and the Quaraouine mosque.
Pass through the Middle Atlas Mountains.
Visit the historic city of Fez.
Take a relaxing drive through the cedar forest, Ziz Valley.
A camel trek through the Erg Chebbi dunes.
Enjoy a delicious dinner at Berber camp.
Visit Khamlia village, home to the Gnawa people.
Travel through the Rissani, Tinghir, and Todra gorges.
Drive from Roses Valley to Ouarzazate.
Explore local movie studios and pay a visit to Ait Ben Hadou.
Tour the vibrant Marrakesh medina.
Spend the night in the Merzouga Desert.
Cross the Tizi-n-Tichka mountain pass.
Taste delicious traditional local cuisine.
Explore the Rif mountains.

11 Days Desert Tour in Morocco Itinerary from Marrakech

Day 1: Arrival in Marrakech

When you arrive in Marrakech, our driver will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel or riad. You can spend this day sightseeing to take in everything the city offers, after which you can relax and prepare for the exciting tour days.

Day 2: Guided tour of Marrakech

Immediately after a great breakfast, we will pick you up from your hotel and introduce you to our professional tour guide. From there, we will travel 245 km from the red city (Marrakech) to Casablanca, sometimes known as Dār al-Bayḍā (White House).

Here, we will let you see the Hassan II Mosque, which is regarded as the biggest mosque in Morocco and the third largest in the world. It’s a huge mosque that allows you to admire its architectural design, tile work, towering minaret, seaside location, and architectural style. We could also let you see the Royal Palace of Casablanca, famous for its ornate gates and immaculately kept gardens.

After lunch, we will travel to Rabat, where you can see some stunning sights, including the Oudayas’ magnificent old door, a citadel that dates back to the 1100s. You can walk through arched gates to admire the carved stonework here or walk to the fortress’s edge and watch the waves crashing against the shore through the cannon holes.

The Hassan Tower, a superbly built mausoleum with detailed tile work, calligraphy, and a majestic, green-tiled top, lies in front of the Mohammed V Mausoleum. This iconic landmark offers you sweeping views of the city. Please remember that because it is a very respectable and religious place, appropriate clothing is required.

Day 3: Rabat to Chefchaouen

We will visit Chefchaouen, a city with a unique atmosphere in northeastern Morocco. You can walk around the city as though you were in paradise because of its blue-rinsed houses, which give the impression that it is beautiful.

The blue medina is unquestionably the main attraction here. The locals are more relaxed than those in other Moroccan cities, and shopping there is typically stress-free and free of scams.

After a relaxing afternoon, if you enjoy the outdoors or are an adventurer, Take walk to the Rif Mountains. These mountains provide a variety of strenuous hikes, tranquil waterfalls, and opportunities to experience local customs. Additionally, there are enjoyable hiking opportunities on the nearby mountain trails.

Day 4: Chefchaouen - Volubilis – Meknes - Fez

Following a restful night and a delicious morning meal, we will travel to the Roman ruins in Volubilis, where you can stroll around the expansive archaeological site, discover the remnants of temples and merchant homes, and take photos of the vibrant mosaics that have held up well over the ages.

Then, in the afternoon, we will travel to Meknes, a magnificent city that offers a closer look at Moroccan culture. You can see the final resting place of Moulay Ismail, the great Moroccan ruler, with a few connected courtyards adorned with marble columns and a lovely fountain. After a short drive, we will reach Bab Mansour Gate, which is frequently called Morocco’s most beautiful gate. Here, you can take in a pleasant view and a refreshing atmosphere.

We can explore the medina’s central square later in the day, where you can have a lively dinner before travelling to Fez, Morocco’s oldest imperial city, where you will spend the night.

Day 5: Guided Tour of Fez

As we proceed with our 11 days desert tour from Marrakech, we will travel to the Medina, one of Fez’s top attractions. As you are undoubtedly already aware, every Moroccan city has a Medina, but Fez’s Medina is particularly special. With the aid of a local guide, you can explore dozens and dozens of winding streets, busy squares, and souks filled with stores selling anything you could want.

The most famous and identifiable landmarks in Fez are perhaps the interesting tanneries. Leather is being processed here using techniques that date back hundreds of years. The owners will gladly show you to their roof terrace and explain the procedure for a small fee. They will also give you some mint because the tanneries don’t smell very nice. Although it is free to enter the terraces, the merchants hope you will buy something from their stores afterwards.

The oldest continuously running university in the world, Quaraouiyine Mosque, will be our next stop. It can accommodate up to 20,000 people for prayer and is an important centre for Islamic teaching. A view of the courtyard can be seen through the main door, but non-Muslims are not permitted inside the mosque.

If you want additional adventure, Bou Inania Madrasa offers stunning zellij mosaics, amazing stucco work, and exquisite lattice screens crafted from aromatic cedar wood. Even though the madrasa is closed to tourists during prayer times and the mosque is closed to the public, you can still see its stunning minaret from any rooftop in the medina.

Day 6: Fez -Ifrane - Midelt - Merzouga Desert

On the sixth day of our private desert tour, we will travel far to see a variety of landscapes, including the Middle Atlas and the largest cedar forest, home to many animals, particularly apes.

Known as Morocco’s “Little Switzerland,” Ifrane city is a popular destination for hikers and environment enthusiasts due to its surrounding mountains, verdant cedar woods, and picturesque lakes. We will drive to Ziz Valley, a fascinating oasis that stretches along the Ziz River, after passing Midelt for a few miles and having lunch there. We will come across charming Berber villages surrounded by lush palm trees as we travel through the valley. You can observe their traditional farming methods and even help harvest seasonal produce, though please be aware that you are not required to.

Before continuing to the Merzouga desert, where you can ride a camel, we might stop in Erfoud, a quaint town known for its lively markets and fossil-rich landscapes, if time permits. You will eat dinner and stay overnight in one of the camp tents following your adventure.

Day 7: Discover the Merzouga Desert

We highly recommend a 4 x 4 desert adventure in Merzouga on this day since it’s a fantastic chance to see all the different and stunning spots in the Erg Chebbi dunes. Additionally, you can visit nomadic families and learn about their way of life.

Following that, you will have the chance to visit Khamlia village, which is well-known for its lively Gnawa music—a blend of Berber and sub-Saharan African melodies that fills the streets of the town. The locals’ hospitality is as enlightening as the music, allowing them to engage in their culture and discover the Gnawa spiritual practices practiced for many generations.

We will proceed west of Merzouga, where we will come across Dayet Sriji, a temporary lake conveniently reachable on foot. Even though this lake is dry in the summer, it is a nest of desert birds, including the magnificent flamingos, in the winter. Also, this lake is popular for picnics and sunset viewing. After dinner, we will take you to your hotel so you can rest and prepare for the next day.

Day 8: Merzouga - Todra Gorges – Dades Valley

Your journey today takes you closer to the Todra Gorges area, where you can take in the panoramic views of the valley, stroll a short distance, and admire the canyons. Along the way, we will travel via Dades Valley, a region with palm groves and oasis that is home to several tiny settlements surrounded by lush, developing territory.

Driving through the stretch of blacktop that traces the path of the Dades River is the most common way to see this valley, and it offers some of the most breathtaking views of the gorge. There are many places to stop along the route, and the top of the gorge provides a well-known vantage point for the road’s winding development. You can pause for a glass of mint tea or coffee and don’t forget to take lots of pictures.

Day 9: Dades Valley - Ouarzazate - Ait Ben Haddou

Leaving the Sahara desert area behind, we will return from Dades by crossing the High Atlas Mountains. The first stop on our journey will be Ouarzazate, known as the Hollywood of Africa because of the large studios where many domestic and foreign films are produced. We will stop there frequently to enjoy various areas.

After lunch, we will continue our journey to Aït Benhaddou Kasbah. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986 and became well-known when international films like Gladiator, Alexander, and Game of Thrones were filmed there. From there, we’ll drive you to your hotel so you can sleep soundly.

Day 10: Ait Ben Haddou - Tizi n'Tichka - Marrakech

As our 11-day desert tour draws to a close, we will cross the Tizi-n’Tichka Pass, a mountain route connecting Marrakech and the city of Ouarzazate and situated in the High Atlas Mountains. This pass is a well-liked entry point to the Sahara Desert and is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty.

The dramatic scenery of jagged peaks, lush valleys, and wildflowers will welcome you. If you are interested in nature, the mountain offers countless opportunities to take incredible photos. This mountain peak, located at a high elevation, offers a breathtaking panoramic view that spans across the rugged terrain of the Atlas Mountains. Following that, we will return to Marrakech and take you to your hotel for the night.

Day 11: Leaving Marrakech

Even though we hate to say goodbye but this journey has been enjoyable. Our 11-day desert tour from Marrakech ends today, so after breakfast at your hotel, we will drive you to the airport so you can catch your flight home with lots of stories to tell your loved ones.

Map Of the Tour

Our Tour Price

Although there is no one-size-fits-all solution, the cost of this tour varies depending on the season you choose to travel with us. However, we still have a very affordable price, which starts at €880. Please be aware that we only provide private tours, but you can customize your itinerary to suit your preferences.

Included and Excluded:

What Is Included in 11 Days Desert Tour from Marrakech?

What's Not Included In the 11-Day Desert Tour From Marrakech?

Accommodation

We assist you in finding the best deal for your trip by ensuring you get the most convenient and cosy accommodation without sacrificing comfort.

What You Should Know Before You Go?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the camel ride in the Sahara included? Can I opt out?

Although riding a camel is part of the tour, you can choose not to do so.

Is tipping expected in Morocco?

Tipping is expected of both locals and visitors in Morocco because it is a common practice for any service, including directions, parking assistance, and more conventional settings like restaurants and hotels. Like many other countries, Morocco has no set tipping amount, so you have to rely on your instincts depending on the level of service you receive.

Will there be Wi-Fi available throughout the tour?

We provide free basic Wi-Fi service throughout the 11-day desert tour from Marrakech to ensure you stay connected.

What should I wear to respect Moroccan culture?

Since Morocco is a Muslim nation, it should go without saying that you should be careful about how you behave in public and what you wear. Ensure your attire respects the local way of life and is comfortable for the country’s moderate climate. Dress comfortably in loose-fitting shirts and wide-leg pants; avoid skimpy attire like sleeveless shirts, short skirts, and shorts.

Recall that the best experiences frequently arise from exploring and allowing the city to take you by surprise. You will, therefore, return home with memories of a journey that has provided not only an insight into a rich and ancient land but also a deep connection to its people, history, and enduring spirit.