14 Days Morocco Desert Tour from Marrakech - Best Morocco Tours

Consider joining us on these 14 days desert tour from Marrakech, which allows you to immerse yourself in the culture rather than just seeing it. You can imagine sharing a home-cooked lunch with a local family in Chefchaouen’s blue-washed alleys, sipping tea with Berber children in a mountain village, or even spending the night inside a genuine Berber house to experience Moroccan daily life from the inside out. 

So, whether you’re riding camels through the golden dunes of Merzouga, wandering through the medinas of Fez, or chatting with artisans in the bustling Marrakech souks, our private Sahara desert tour guide will introduce you to the best places to visit in Morocco while incorporating uniquely personal experiences and will also allow you to share stories and make lasting memories as you travel through the desert, mountains, and the coast.

Info of 14 Days Desert Tour from Marrakech

14 Days Marrakech Desert Tour Highlights

14 Days Desert Tour in Morocco Itinerary from Marrakech

Day 1: Arrival in Marrakech City

We will welcome you to one of the best countries in the world, Morocco. When you arrive at Marrakech Airport (Menara Airport), we will meet you and take you to your hotel/riad in the city center. We always recommend taking it easy on the first day, as you will likely be tired from your flight.

After a brief rest, we will take you on a tour of the city’s attractions, including the old Medina. When you first walk into this place, it appears to be a giant beehive with endless activities. From the most luxurious accommodations to a traditional Moroccan bath or hammam, palace, markets, and mosques, a wealth of attractions is available. Then, we will head to Jemaa El Fna, which is hard to miss. This triangular square, surrounded by restaurants, stands, and public buildings, serves as the entrance to the Medina and offers daily commercial activities and various forms of entertainment.

You can purchase fruit, water, traditional foods and watch the square change at dusk to make room for food vendors and places to eat dinner while listening to traditional Moroccan music and other performances.

We suggest finding a seat on one of the rooftops where you can order a drink and observe the bustle of this square from a distance. Please note that admission to this square is free (though additional fees exist for items purchased on-site).

Day 2: Guided Tour of Marrakech

After breakfast, we will continue on our 14 days tour from marrakech to the southwest corner of the Medina, which is close to the busy Jemaa El Fna. There, we will see the Koutoubia Mosque. With its elaborate tile work, salmon-colored walls, wide archways, and a striking 253-foot-tall minaret (or tower), this Moorish Mosque from the 12th century has been the model for several other important places of worship. Although the Mosque is open daily from 9 am to 6 pm, there are no other facilities on the premises, but there are lots of stores and eateries nearby, making it a great place to escape the bustle of the city. 

The Bahia Palace, which symbolizes Moroccan royalty’s lavish lifestyle, is a short distance away and was once home to several Moroccan royals before being made public. Members of the royal family still occasionally stay at the palace, even though it was looted in the early 1900s. The property’s public spaces, which include rounded entrances that lead to intricate latticework and vibrant mosaics, as well as cool, shaded walkways that lead to expansive, sunny courtyards and gardens, can be explored with the help of a guide.

We will go to the Saadian Tombs later in the day, a magnificent architectural wonder that contains two opulent mausoleums and about 60 tombs. After that, we’ll go to the one-hectare (two-acre) botanical garden known as Majorelle Garden. It is open to the public daily and features a significant collection of sculptures and cacti. The site also boasts an impressive collection of cacti, fountains, and more than 15 different species of birds. If you are interested in history, art, or architecture, visit this lovely garden. 

Today, we will wrap up our journey by going to the souks, where you will be surrounded by bright colors, sounds, and aromas as soon as you enter. Here, Souk Semmarine is a popular souk that offers a wide range of goods, such as ceramics, fine fabrics, and general mementos. Don’t be scared to haggle or bargain for anything you want to buy if you intend to shop in the souks because prices are not fixed.

Day 3: Marrakech to Essaouira

Following a delectable breakfast, we will travel to Essaouira, a port city in western Morocco. This city, located on the Atlantic coast, offers many attractions to visitors, including beautiful beaches and a tranquil atmosphere. Our starting point will be the lovely port, one of Essaouira’s most well-known landmarks. Small boats are coming here, and fishermen are repairing their nets, anticipating the following catch.

You can also watch the fishermen unloading their boats and selling their daily catch. Don’t miss the fish auction, which begins in the afternoon when the boats return from their fishing excursions. If you’re lucky, you will be able to witness the auction. They also sell fresh fish, which you can buy and have cooked at one of the port stalls.

Next, we will head to Essaouira, a UNESCO-designated Medina that is a maze of streets with stores offering a variety of colorful spices, ceramics, carpets, and other items. This Medina is the perfect place for a variety of activities, such as enjoying a tagine lunch, sightseeing, relaxing, or getting a strong cup of coffee or mint tea.

Following that, we will head to the ramparts, which might be your favorite spot if you enjoy HBO’s popular series Game of Thrones. These ramparts are fortified walls that protect the Essaouira medina from attacks, so you can enjoy stunning port views from the top of the hill with its recognizable blue fishing boats and the Atlantic Ocean.

Day 4: Essaouira to Oualidia via Safi

Our journey will begin this morning in the charming town of Oualidia, a tiny fishing community on Morocco’s Atlantic coast. We will stop along the way in Safi, a city known for its famous ceramics and pottery and its untamed beaches, which stretch over 150 kilometers.

Getting to Oualidia, although this little village was long forgotten because of its remote location, many Moroccans and visitors now love coming here all year round, particularly in the summer because of the stunning coastline.

The weekly souk (market) is well worth the trip if you’re here on the weekend. Locals from the village and the surrounding areas come here to shop once a week. You can browse the stalls, which offer everything you can think of, including produce and household goods. There is also a section where you can see people having lunch, which naturally includes a lot of seafood! It’s worth eating here if you’re an adventurous person. The majority of Oualidia’s core part is a quiet lagoon, but if you venture further, you will discover lots of surfing and windsurfing options.

Day 5: From the town of Oualidia to El Jadida to Casablanca to Rabat

Our best Sahara desert tour itinerary also includes visiting El Jadida, a chic and picturesque coastal town in Morocco known for its well-preserved Portuguese heritage, including the winding alleys and imposing ramparts of its old Medina. Once you arrive, we will let you see the Portuguese Cistern, a unique sight. With its underground space marked by medieval vaults, this center of interest, right on the main artery in the city’s center, welcomes you into an exotic atmosphere. Kindly keep in mind that this Cistern is open daily, so once you arrive, you can enjoy the stunning natural lighting that resembles diamonds. 

If you are especially interested in architecture, we will let you explore the old city on foot. The communal bakery, where you can still watch local women baking traditional loaves, is another interesting place to visit.

After a few hours, we will arrive in Casablanca, where the magnificent Hassan II Mosque will be the main attraction. This Mosque is a must-see in Casablanca due to its gold leaf-decorated ceilings, beautiful marble flooring, and vibrant ceramic tiles. More than 1,000 worshippers can fit in this prayer hall, which was built to commemorate King Hassan II’s 60th birthday and the help of a guide, you can discover more about the architecture, history, and significance of the holy site. Any visit requires you to wear clothing covering your shoulders and knees. Shorts and sleeveless tops are prohibited, and you will be provided with a shoe bag for storage. After that, we will travel to Rabat for the night.

Day 6: From the imperial city of Rabat, Asilah to Tangier

Following a relaxing night’s sleep in your riad, you will be transported to the Oudayas Kasbah. This area is primarily residential, with narrow streets and houses built by Muslim refugees from Spain. The houses are painted blue and white, giving the street a charming appearance. As you explore this highest point, you’ll come across beautiful gardens, ocean views from the Plateforme du Sémaphore, and scenic views across the river to Sale. It’s a peaceful setting where you can unwind and absorb the history.

Then, we’ll head to Tangier, passing through Asilah, a beautifully preserved medina with whitewashed houses and colorful murals. When you arrive in Tangier, we will take you to some attractions, including Dar el Makhzen, a former Sultan’s palace, and a stunning example of Moroccan architecture surrounded by beautiful gardens that house the Museum of Moroccan Arts and an archaeological museum. You can visit the Grand Socco, a bustling market place, as well as the Medina’s entrance. This is an excellent place to observe local life, shop for souvenirs, and sample Moroccan cuisine.

Day 7: Tangier to Chefchaouen

Still on our 14 days private Marrakech desert tour, we will travel to Chefchaouen, the blue city, and then through the Rif Mountains, where the scenery shifts from urban to rural. The route is relatively straightforward, with well-paved roads, but expect some curves and elevation changes. This region is known for its lush landscapes, olive groves, and quaint mountain villages. You will see farms, sheep herds, and a few roadside stands selling seasonal fruits on the hills. These stalls are ideal for grabbing a quick snack of fresh figs, dates, or olives.

As we get closer to Chefchaouen, the bright blue buildings of the city come into view from the hills around it, with the Rif Mountains in the background. When you enter the city, you are greeted by a maze of winding streets and alleys, each with a new surprise around every turn. The buildings are tall and narrow, and the entire city appears to be built on a steep incline, with stairs leading up and down at each corner.

You will also come across hidden squares and cozy cafes where locals gather to chat and drink mint tea. Plaza Uta el-Hammam, the city’s main square, is a bustling market selling everything from handmade pottery to traditional clothing. This square also houses the stunning Kasbah Museum, which educates visitors on the city’s history and culture.

Day 8: Chefchaouen to Volubilis to Meknes to Fez

Today’s first stop will be the Roman ruins of Volubilis, Morocco’s best-preserved archaeological site, in the center of a fertile plain. The numerous stunning mosaics preserved in place are among its most remarkable features. In 1997, it was named a Unesco World Heritage site. You can explore the site quickly, even though some buildings have roped-off areas. The most well-known discoveries of the ancient city, including some valuable finds like fine bronzes, are on display in the small on-site museum just past the entrance gate.

After that, we will travel to Meknes, an imperial city with much to offer, such as the Mau, Moulay Ismail’s solemn tomb. You can appreciate the beauty of the well-decorated interior of the tomb hall once you enter. Non-Muslim visitors are welcome to enter the mausoleum, except for the tomb, and they are advised to wear modest clothing at this sacred location. After that, we’ll travel to Medina, the city’s most visited tourist destination. It features busy souks and narrow, traffic-free alleys dotted with vibrant buildings. 

We will travel to Fez later in the day and spend the night there.

Day 9: Guided Tour of Fez

We will depart to explore some of the top attractions in Fez after breakfast at your hotel or riad. Let’s start with the Medina. As you are undoubtedly aware, every Moroccan city has a Medina, or old walled settlement, but Fez’s Medina stands out as the biggest and oldest in North Africa. Everything from leather goods and fresh produce to handcrafted carpets and fragrant spices is sold by vendors. The famed Bab Bou Jeloud, sometimes called the Blue Gate, is the entrance to Medina and is decorated with mosaics. 

After that, you will go to Chouara Tannery with a guide. There are three tanneries in Fez, but Chouara is the most famous and it is renowned for maintaining its age-old leather-making method, which hasn’t changed much in centuries. You can watch the craftspeople dye and tan animal hides using natural materials like pigeon feces, lime, and vegetable dye from the leather goods stores surrounding the tannery.

Then, you will visit Al Quaraouiyine, one of the oldest universities worldwide. Although non-Muslims are not allowed inside, you can still view the Mosque’s elaborate architecture and intricate mosaics from the outside. This place is often calm, which makes it a nice place to get away from the busy life in Medina. 

Walking from the Royal Palace to the city’s bustling Jewish Quarter, the Mellah takes just seven minutes. The first official Jewish neighborhood in the nation, it was founded in 1438 and features several lively marketplaces and streets lined with big, dilapidated homes. To learn more about the people who lived and worshipped here, visit the 17th-century Ibn Danan Synagogue and the serene Jewish cemetery.

Day 10: From the city of Fez, Ifrane, Azrou, Ziz Valley to Merzouga Desert

We will continue our 14 day private Sahara desert tour from Marrakech to the Merzouga desert, passing through the Atlas Mountains en route. Here, you can take in the breathtaking scenery and fully immerse yourself in the fascinating Berber culture. You will come across traditional Berber villages that appear to have been preserved in time as you travel through the rocky paths and lush valleys. These residents provide an insight into the everyday lives of the Berber people, who are renowned for their warmth, customs, and distinctive way of life. Highlights of the experience include conversing with them, enjoying traditional Berber food, and sipping mint tea together.

We will then travel to Ifrane, which is situated in the Middle Atlas Mountains at an elevation of 6,000 feet above sea level. With its lakes, snow-covered landscapes in winter, and red-tiled roofs, this quaint mountain town resembles a slice of the Swiss Alps more than traditional Morocco. The Medina, Museum, the Oued Waterfall, and various leisure activities are some of the attractions here.

Later in the afternoon, we will travel to Azrou, a Situated 17 km southwest of Ifrane, this small town is well-known for its stunning natural beauty and rich history. One of the main draws is the cedar forest; despite the large number of dead trees, this area is still very beautiful and is home to many Barbary macaques, also known as Barbary apes. Although you can observe these entertaining monkeys from a distance still, try to maintain a respectful distance from them. Upon getting to Merzouga desert, we will allow you to ride a camel to the camp, where you can watch the sunset on the dunes, go sandboarding (optional), and then return to the camp for the night.

Day 11: Merzouga Desert Full Day Adventure

After a restful night’s sleep, we will wake you up early to witness the sunrise, followed by breakfast.

With the help of a guide, you can return to do camel riding or explore the dunes in a 4 x 4 vehicle. Following that, we will visit the Nomads, where you will be greeted by friendly locals and invited to join them for snacks and a cup of cool mint tea, as well as to view the beautifully prepared wood-fired breads. This is an authentic cultural experience that should not be missed during your private Sahara desert tour from Marrakech. 

After that, we will take you to Khamlia, a village nearby, so you can see how the Gnawa people live. You can watch live shows there and learn more about their way of life and history. We will also go to Sarji Lake, where you can see the beauty of a seasonal paradise that is home to pink flamingos and other animals.

To add to the fun, you can rent a quad bike or drive a buggy and go to the middle of the Sahara, which is beautiful, to find the desert’s hidden gems. Following that, you will be taken to your hotel/riad, where you will have dinner and spend the night.

Day 12: From Merzouga, Todra Gorges to Dades Valley

After breakfast in your hotel, we will travel to Dades Valley, Our next stop is the Todra Gorges, a natural oasis carved out of limestone over many centuries by the River Todra, situated deep within the rocky Atlas Mountains. Walking is one of the greatest ways to experience the stunning scenery of this place and you can meet the locals. If you are fortunate enough to visit in the morning, you will witness the women guiding the family cows into a nearby field for grazing.

We will travel a short distance to Dades Valley, a stunning natural wonder that will astound you with its dramatic landscapes and rich cultural legacy, where we will spend the night and recover for the following day.

Day 12: From Dades Valley, Ait Ben Haddou to Marrakech

We will travel back to Marrakech, passing through Ouarzazate, a distinctive city in south-central Morocco known for its untamed landscapes and remarkably intact kasbahs. The famous clay town of Ait-Ben-Haddou Kasbah, a residential castle from the 17th century that is a masterwork of Berber architecture, is only a short drive away. Climbing to the top of the Kasbah provides sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and desert. You may encounter some of the Ksar’s surviving residents as you navigate the labyrinthine alleys. They will try to sell you their wares, play traditional Berber instruments, or even invite you for fresh mint tea.

After that, we’ll travel to the High Atlas Mountains, which cover almost 700 kilometers and provide a breathtaking landscape, a wealth of cultural history, and outdoor activities. When we get to Marrakech, we’ll drop you off at your hotel or riad so you can spend the night there.

Day 12: Departure from Marrakech

As our 14 days Marrakech desert tour ends, we’ll let you shop or purchase souvenirs to take home. If you choose not to, we’ll let you relax before we drop you off at the airport and then bid you goodbye.

Map Of the Tour

14 Days from Marrakech to Merzouga Desert Tour Price

Since “Value Beyond Price” is our motto, we prioritize your time and interests. In light of this, we offer a 14-day desert tour starting at €950 from Marrakech, and we promise to make your trip personalized, secure, and stress-free.

What's Included and Excluded in 14 Days Morocco tours from Marrakech?

Included:

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What You Should Know Before You Go?

Extra Activities in Merzouga Desert

7 Unforgettable Experiences on Your Marrakech Desert Tour

Sunset Camel Trek in the Sahara

A camel ride over the Erg Chebbi dunes provides an authentic desert experience. You can explore the rolling sands with knowledgeable local nomads, watch the sunset, and learn about the desert’s ancient trade routes.

Sleep Under the Stars in a Desert Camp

As the sun sets and the sky darkens, the stars begin to shine brightly, creating a spectacular celestial display. You may be given telescopes and guided sessions to assist you in identifying the different stars and learning about their stories. 

Explore the Dramatic Dades & Todra Gorges

These two locations offer the opportunity to explore the traditional Berber village and the ancient Kasbah, which are dispersed throughout the valley, as well as the dramatic rock formations and winding road.

Discover the Ancient Ksar of Ait Ben Haddou

A “ksar,” or fortified settlement, consists of “kasbahs,” which resemble small castles with their towers and decorative patterns. It glows at sunrise and sunset because it is made of unique red clay. You can visit this location to appreciate its beauty and discover more about its history, even though not many people live there anymore.

Enjoy a Traditional Berber Dinner

Discover the historic Berber villages dotted throughout Merzouga, where locals have endured for generations while maintaining their traditional way of life. Learn about their rich cultural heritage and savor traditional dishes like Berber pizza.

Watch the Sunrise Over Erg Chebbi Dunes

As far as the eye can reach, the Erg-Chebbi dunes, a sea of golden sand, are Merzouga’s crown jewel. Shifting sands transform the desert into a dazzling array of colors, creating a serene atmosphere that allows you to witness the breathtaking dawn (sunrise).

Journey Through the High Atlas Mountains

There are very few words that adequately capture the magic of traveling Morocco’s High Atlas Mountains. You will come across the alpine landscapes, hidden waterfalls, and other notable attractions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Indeed, a tour guide will be present, taking care of all the arrangements for you, including scheduling and routes, and will even help you personalize your itinerary.

Yes.

The desert camp provides a unique chance to take in the wonders of the Sahara while still having access to contemporary conveniences like a private restroom, a shower, and numerous other necessities.

Yes, both children and adults are welcome to join the tour.

Babies, toddlers, and children are all eligible for this trip.

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