12 Days Desert Tour from Marrakech - Best Morocco Tours

Morocco is a destination rich in history, landscapes, and cultural diversity. If you are planning a long vacation and want to experience the country beyond the usual highlights, our 12 Days Desert Tour from Marrakech is an ideal choice.

This carefully designed journey takes you through Morocco’s most iconic regions, including the medinas of Marrakech and Fez, the High Atlas Mountains, the historic landscapes of Ouarzazate, the Sahara Desert, the alpine-style town of Ifrane, the imperial heritage of Meknes, the Roman ruins of Volubilis, and the calm coastal atmosphere of Rabat and Casablanca. You will also travel through palm-filled valleys, dramatic gorges, and traditional Berber villages, discovering the true rhythm of Morocco.

With a perfect balance of culture, nature, and desert adventure, this tour offers a deep and authentic Moroccan experience.

Tour Information

12 Days Marrakech Desert Tour Highlights

Guided exploration of Marrakech and its historic medina
Scenic drive through the High Atlas Mountains
Visit Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Explore Ouarzazate, including Taourirt Kasbah and Atlas Film Studios
Discover Skoura Oasis and Kasbah Amridil
Walk through the Dades Valley and Todra Gorge
Camel trek in the Sahara Desert
Sunset over the Erg Chebbi dunes
Overnight in a luxury desert camp with music and dinner
4×4 desert excursion and visit to nomadic villages
Explore Fez with a licensed local guide
Visit Meknes and the Roman ruins of Volubilis
Relax in the blue city of Chefchaouen
Discover Rabat’s historical landmarks
Visit the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca
See cedar forests and Barbary macaques near Azrou

12 Days Morocco Desert Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Marrakech

Upon arrival in Marrakech, you will be welcomed by your driver and transferred to your hotel or riad. Depending on your arrival time, you may have lunch or dinner before settling in. This day is dedicated to rest and relaxation after your journey, preparing you for the adventure ahead. Overnight in Marrakech.

Day 2: Marrakech – High Atlas – Ait Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate

After breakfast, depart Marrakech and cross the High Atlas Mountains via the spectacular Tizi n’Tichka Pass, offering panoramic views and photo opportunities along the way.

Arrive at Ait Ben Haddou, one of Morocco’s most impressive and well-preserved ksars and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore its narrow alleys, traditional architecture, and enjoy views over the Ounila Valley from the upper section of the kasbah.

Continue to Atlas Film Studios, one of the world’s largest film studios, where many international movies have been filmed. Later, visit Taourirt Kasbah, a historic fortress reflecting traditional southern Moroccan architecture.

Dinner and overnight in a riad or hotel in Ouarzazate.

Day 3: Ouarzazate – Dades Valley – Todra Gorges – Merzouga Desert

After breakfast, drive to Skoura Oasis, home to lush palm groves and historic kasbahs. Visit Kasbah Amridil, known for its impressive structure and traditional Berber design.

Continue through the Valley of Roses, famous for rose cultivation and artisanal products. If visiting in early May, you may encounter the Rose Festival in Kelaat M’Gouna.

Later, travel through the Dades Valley and arrive at Todra Gorge, a dramatic canyon with towering rock walls and a flowing river. In the afternoon, reach Merzouga, where you will switch to camels and trek into the Erg Chebbi dunes, enjoying a memorable sunset.

Dinner and overnight in a luxury desert camp.

Day 4: Full Day in Merzouga Desert

Wake up to the peaceful atmosphere of the desert. After breakfast, enjoy a desert exploration by camel or 4×4 vehicle, allowing you to discover the surrounding dunes and desert landscapes.

Visit nearby Berber villages and learn about nomadic life. Stop in Khamlia Village to experience traditional Gnawa music and learn about its cultural history. After a full day of desert activities, return to Merzouga village.

Dinner and overnight in a hotel or riad in Merzouga.

Day 5: Merzouga – Ziz Valley – Midelt – Ifrane – Fez

After breakfast, depart Merzouga and travel through the Ziz Valley, known for its vast palm groves and scenic viewpoints. Continue to Midelt, located between the Middle and High Atlas Mountains.

Later, reach Ifrane, often referred to as “Little Switzerland,” known for its alpine-style architecture and clean streets. Visit the nearby Azrou Cedar Forest, home to Barbary macaques.

Arrival in Fez in the evening. Overnight in Fez.

Day 6: Fez

After breakfast, enjoy a full day exploring Fez, one of Morocco’s oldest and most culturally significant cities. Visit Fez el-Bali, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and discover its vibrant medina.

Explore Bab Boujloud (Blue Gate), Al Quaraouiyine University, traditional madrasas, and the famous Chouara Tannery, where leather is still produced using traditional methods. Wander through local souks filled with spices, textiles, and handicrafts.

Overnight in Fez.

Day 7: Fez – Meknes – Volubilis – Chefchaouen

After breakfast, travel to Meknes, one of Morocco’s imperial cities. Visit Bab Mansour, one of the most impressive gates in the country, and see the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail from the outside.

Continue to Volubilis, Morocco’s best-preserved Roman archaeological site, where you will explore mosaics, columns, and ancient ruins.

In the afternoon, drive through the Rif Mountains to Chefchaouen. Overnight in Chefchaouen.

Day 8: Chefchaouen

Spend the day exploring the charming blue streets of Chefchaouen. Wander through the medina at your own pace, discovering colorful doors, quiet alleys, and scenic viewpoints.

Visit Ras El Maa, a natural water source near the medina, and relax at Plaza Uta el-Hammam, home to cafés, shops, and the historic kasbah. Overnight in Chefchaouen.

Day 9: Chefchaouen – Rabat

After breakfast, depart Chefchaouen and travel to Rabat, Morocco’s capital. Visit the Kasbah of the Oudayas, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.

Explore Hassan Tower, an unfinished 12th-century minaret, and visit the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, a modern masterpiece inspired by traditional Moroccan architecture. Overnight in Rabat.

Day 10: Rabat – Casablanca

Depart Rabat and travel to Casablanca. Visit the iconic Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world and the only one in Morocco open to non-Muslim visitors.

Continue along the Corniche, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, and visit Mohammed V Square, known for its colonial architecture and lively atmosphere. Overnight in Casablanca.

Day 11: Casablanca – Marrakech

After breakfast, drive back to Marrakech. Upon arrival, you may explore Jemaa el-Fna Square, watch street performers, browse market stalls, or enjoy the gardens surrounding the Koutoubia Mosque.

Overnight in Marrakech

Day 12: Departure from Marrakech

According to your flight schedule, your driver will transfer you to Marrakech Menara Airport for your departure, marking the end of your 12-day desert tour from Marrakech.

Map Of the Tour

Our Tour Price

With rates starting from €750 per person, you can reserve your place on this 12-day Morocco Desert Tour from Marrakech and enjoy a culturally rich and unforgettable journey through Morocco’s most iconic regions.

Included and Excluded:

What Is Included in 12 Days Desert Tour from Marrakech?

Private air-conditioned vans or 4x4 vehicles.
Pickup and drop-off at your accommodation.
Driver/guide with excellent communication skills.
Enough time to explore the sites.
3 Dinners (Ouarzazate and Merzouga desert)
Experienced English, Spanish, and Italian speaking driver
Free chance to ask the driver to halt for a rest.
Hotel overnight stays
A camel ride
Sandboarding in the desert
Night in The desert camp
Accommodation in hotels
1 Night in a desert camp (private tent)
breakfasts

What's Not Included In the 12-Day Desert Tour From Marrakech?

What You Should Know Before You Go?

Sunrise and sunset are the best times for photography, especially in the desert and mountains.
At Ait Ben Haddou, locals may ask for payment at certain entrances; however, there is no official entrance fee.
A small backpack or shoulder bag is sufficient for daily essentials.
Some pathways, especially in kasbahs and medinas, can be steep or uneven — comfortable closed shoes are recommended.
Small cafés and restaurants are available along the route; you may also bring snacks if you wish.
Local markets and kasbahs offer handmade crafts and souvenirs.
Modest clothing is recommended in accordance with local customs.
Most small shops do not accept credit cards, so carrying cash is advised.
Bargaining is a normal and enjoyable part of shopping in Morocco.