Tour overview
Explore the imperial cities and desert before ending with Essaouira and a return to Marrakech.
- Duration
- 12 days / 11 nights
- Travel style
- Private & tailor-made
- Departure
- Casablanca
This suggested route is a starting point for your own Morocco journey. We will confirm the daily plan, accommodation and services around your dates and preferences.
Tour highlights
- Casablanca
- Rabat
- Chefchaouen
- Volubilis
- Meknes
- Fes
- Discover Fes with a local guide
- Ifrane
- Ziz Valley
- Merzouga
- A full day around Merzouga
- Rissani
Photo gallery
9 photosDay-by-day itinerary
Day 1 · Casablanca → Rabat
Begin with Casablanca, allowing time for the Hassan II Mosque area before travelling to Rabat. Explore the capital at a manageable pace, with its Atlantic setting and historic quarters. Interior mosque visits depend on opening times and the confirmed programme.
Day 2 · Rabat → Chefchaouen
Travel north towards the Rif Mountains and the blue streets of Chefchaouen. After arrival, enjoy an unhurried walk through the medina, take photographs and settle into your accommodation. The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore.
Day 3 · Chefchaouen → Volubilis → Meknes → Fes
Leave Chefchaouen and travel towards Fes, with the option to stop at the Roman ruins of Volubilis and the imperial city of Meknes. Choose the visits that best match your pace, then arrive in Fes for the night.
Day 4 · Discover Fes with a local guide
Explore the old medina of Fes, where workshops, neighbourhood markets and historic architecture sit within a maze of lanes. Plan the walking route with your guide and allow time for breaks. Entrance fees and selected monuments are confirmed in your quotation.
Day 5 · Fes → Ifrane → Ziz Valley → Merzouga
Leave Fes for the Middle Atlas, passing Ifrane and cedar-forest scenery before travelling south through the Ziz Valley. This is a full driving day. Reach Merzouga in time to settle into your desert stay, subject to road conditions.
Day 6 · A full day around Merzouga
Keep a full day for the Sahara region rather than another long transfer. Explore the villages and landscapes around Erg Chebbi, with time for local music or a guided desert excursion. Camel riding and a camp stay can be arranged according to your preferences.
Day 7 · Merzouga → Rissani → Todra Gorge → Dades Valley
Leave the dunes behind and travel through the landscapes around Rissani. Continue to Todra Gorge for a walk before following the road into the Dades Valley. A market visit depends on the day and your departure time.
Day 8 · Dades Valley → Ouarzazate → Ait Ben Haddou → Marrakech
Travel through the Valley of Roses towards Ouarzazate. Visit Ait Ben Haddou before crossing the High Atlas to Marrakech. The mountain road offers broad views and opportunities for photo stops, with arrival later in the day.
Day 9 · Marrakech at your own pace
Spend the day discovering Marrakech, from its medina lanes and gardens to the atmosphere of Jemaa el-Fna. A local guide can help you understand the old city. Share your interests so the sightseeing plan balances walking, visits and free time.
Day 10 · Marrakech → Essaouira
Travel towards the Atlantic coast and the port town of Essaouira. After arrival, walk along the ramparts, visit the fishing harbour and explore the medina at your own pace. An overnight stay gives you time to enjoy the coastal atmosphere.
Day 11 · Essaouira → Marrakech
Enjoy a final walk through Essaouira before travelling back to Marrakech. Arrive with time to settle in and spend the evening as you wish. This day creates a gentle transition from the coast to the city.
Day 12 · Departure from Marrakech
Enjoy breakfast and any free time allowed by your flight schedule. A departure transfer can be included in the final arrangements. Share your flight time when requesting a quotation so the last day is planned realistically.
What can be included?
Your final proposal will specify each service. A private package can include:
- Private transportation and a driver for the agreed route.
- Hotel, riad and desert accommodation matched to your preferences.
- Selected meals, clearly listed by day.
- City guides, desert activities and arrival or departure transfers where requested.
Plan separately unless listed in your quote
Flights, travel insurance, personal purchases, tips, unlisted meals and entrance fees are not automatically included.
Choose a comfortable pace
Some Atlas and Sahara stages involve long drives. We can add overnight stops, reduce the route or arrange more free time. Roads, weather and seasonal conditions may change the order of visits.
Frequently asked questions
How long is this tour?
The proposed journey lasts 12 days. The day-by-day route above shows each overnight stage. Share your flight times so we can check whether the first and last days fit your plans.
Can this itinerary be customized?
Yes. These are suggested private routes. Tell us your arrival city, travel dates, interests and preferred pace, and we will propose adjustments before you book.
Are accommodation and meals included?
Your personalized quotation lists the exact accommodation, room or tent type and meals included. You can discuss riads, hotels and desert camps before confirming.
Do I have to ride a camel?
No. Tell us if you prefer not to ride, and we will discuss a suitable alternative transfer for your desert arrangements.
What does the tour cost?
The quotation depends on your dates, group size, accommodation and selected services. Send your travel details for an itemized proposal.
How do I book?
Use the inquiry form or email us with your preferred tour and dates. We will confirm the itinerary, availability, payment arrangements and cancellation terms before you commit.
A few ideas. A trip that feels like you.
Not quite the trip you had in mind?
If this tour doesn’t match your preferences, we can create something different. Tell us where you’d like to go, how much time you have and what you enjoy. We’ll plan a private Morocco trip around you.