Overview of Complete 12 Day Morocco Itinerary from Marrakech
This 12 day Morocco itinerary from Marrakech to Marrakech is the perfect choice for travelers who want to experience the country in depth, without rushing.
These 12 days and 11 nights begin in Marrakech, the imperial city, where you’ll discover Morocco’s rich imperial heritage. You’ll cross the the High Atlas Mountains to the Ait Benhaddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and then explore the Ouarzazate Film Studios and Taourirte Kasbah. Follow the Route of a Thousand Kasbahs to the palm-fringed oasis of Skoura and explore the stunning landscapes of the Dades and Todgha Gorges. Continue your adventure to the golden sand dunes of Merzouga, where you experience a camel ride in the Sahara Desert and spend a night under the stars.
Furthermore, we will visit the vibrant Rissani souk, then cross the Ziz Valley and the Middle Atlas Mountains, stopping at the Cedar Forest, the largest forest in Morocco, and Ifrane, known as “Little Switzerland of Morocco,” where you can see the famous Atlas lions. Next, you will arrive in Fez, the imperial city known as the cultural capital of Morocco, where you will explore its historical landmarks with a guide. You’ll then explore Meknes and volubilis roman ruins. followed by Chefchaouen, the Blue Pearl, where you’ll wander its blue streets. After that, we will drive to the Akchour waterfalls and on to Tangier and the beaches of Asilah. Finally, You will also discover Rabat, Morocco’s capital, and Casablanca, the economic capital, before returning to Marrakech to complete the trip.
Top Highlights of the 12 Day Morocco Sahara Desert, Blue City and Atlantic Coast
- Guided city tour of Marrakech’s palaces, gardens, and souks
- Scenic drive through the High Atlas Mountains and Tizi n’Tichka Pass
- Visit Ait Ben Haddou, Morocco’s most famous UNESCO kasbah
- Discover Kasbah Amridil and Telouet kasbah
- Explore Ouarzazate and the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs
- Walk through Dades Valley and explore the rock formation" Monkey Fingers''
- Stroll along the Todgha Gorge river
- Camel trek across the Erg Chebbi dunes in Merzouga
- Overnight stay in a luxury desert camp under the stars
- Desert discovery day with nomad visits and Gnawa music
- Travel through Ziz Valley and the Middle Atlas Mountains
- Stop in Azrou cedar forests to see Barbary monkeys
- Full guided tour of Fes, Morocco’s cultural capital
- Visit Volubilis Roman ruins and Meknes imperial city
- Overnight stay in Chefchaouen, the famous blue town
- Discover Tangier, Cape Spartel, and Hercules Cave
- Explore Rabat’s royal landmarks and seaside kasbah
- Visit Casablanca and the Hassan II Mosque
- Return to Marrakech for a relaxed final day
Detailed 12 Day Morocco Itinerary from Marrakech via Sahara Desert
Transfer from the airport to your riad or hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax after your flight or enjoy your first walk through the nearby streets. Overnight stay in Marrakech.
In the morning, we will pick you up from your accommodation in Marrakech to begin your sightseeing tour with a licensed local guide. First, we will start with a visit to the Majorelle Garden (requires online pre-booking), a botanical garden designed in the French Art Deco style. The garden houses a collection of paintings by Jacques Majorelle and includes a museum dedicated to Amazigh (Berber) history. We will also visit the Yves Saint Laurent Museum, dedicated to the famous fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent.
After that, we will explore the historic Saadian Tombs and the Bahia Palace (19th century), which includes pavilions, halls, pools, and gardens, as well as the central Agdal Basin Garden. Then we will head to the Menara Gardens, a vast and picturesque space brimming with tourist attractions.
Furthermore, we will visit the the vibrant Skkakine and Semmarine Souks, a labyrinth of narrow alleyways filled with colorful stalls, and wander through the old city. Afterwards, we will stroll through the famous Jemaa el-Fna square, a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage site, where you will enjoy captivating performances by magicians, snake charmers, storytellers, and musicians. Finally, we will visit the historic Koutoubia Mosque, the second largest mosque in Morocco, built by three kings. After this unforgettable historical journey, if you wish, you will have free time later in the afternoon to enjoy a traditional Moroccan hammam. Overnight stay and dinner in Marrakech.
After breakfast in your accommodation in Marrakech. We will cross the High Atlas Mountains with photo stops along the winding road of Tizi n’Tichka (2,260 meters). Next, we will pass through the Ounila Valley, enjoying panoramic views of the Valley of Paradise. Then we will visit the Telouet kasbah, known for its Andalusian architecture and ornate cedar wood ceilings (optional stop). Afterward, we will stop along the way at an argan oil cooperative.
After that we will head to Ksar of Ait-Ben-Haddou, an ancient fortified village and UNESCO World Heritage site, and Best place for Filmmakers, where many movies have been filmed like Gladiator, Game of Thrones and Jesus of Nazareth. After lunch, we continue to Ouarzazate, known as the "Hollywood of Africa" and the "Gateway to the Sahara", where we will visit Taourirt Kasbah and the film studios.
Next, we'll taking the road of 1000 kasabh to reach the oasis of Skoura where you'll visit Kasbah Amridil, and then Kelâat M'Gouna, known as the Rose Capital, where you will visit a local rose cooperative (optional) and if you book during the Rose Festival, you can also visit it (usually held in May, depending on the harvest season). Afterwards, we will drive to the peaceful Dades Valley, where you will visit the rock formation known as "Monkey's Fingers". Then, your driver will take you to your accommodation for the night. Overnight stay and dinner in Dades.
After breakfast, we head toward Tinghir and stop at the impressive Todra Gorge. This stunning valley, with its towering limestone cliffs reaching up to 320 meters, is located in the eastern part of the High Atlas Mountains and a preferred place for mountain climbers. Enjoy a walk between its towering cliffs and palm oasis scenery and enjoy Moroccan mint tea by the river.
We then continue through desert towns and ancient caravan routes, stopping in in Tinejdad for lunch. After that, we will head to the village of Melaab, where we will visit a local cooperative to learn about Berber culture and try on a Berber wedding costume, and experience henna tattooing (optional). Then, we will drive to Erfoud, known as the date capital, where we will visit a fossil museum.
By late afternoon, we reach Merzouga, where your camel guide will be waiting. Ride camels across the Erg Chebbi dunes to watch the sunset over the desert sands. Then, we continue to the desert camp where you can sandboard, have dinner, and enjoy Berber music and dance performances around the campfire. Overnight in a desert tent under the stars.
Wake up for a breathtaking sunrise over the dunes of Merzouga, a sight not to be missed.; it's well worth it. Then return to your desert camp for a delicious breakfast. After breakfast, travel back to Merzouga by camel, where your driver awaits. we explore the Merzouga region by 4x4. Depending on your mood and timing, the day can include:
- A visit to an ancient eyeliner mine
- Visiting a nomadic family to learn about their way of life over tea and Berber desert pizza in a relaxed and fun atmosphere
- A stop in a village to enjoy Gnaoua music, whose origins trace back to countries like Sudan, Mali, and Chad
- Return to Merzouga for lunch in the late afternoon
- A visit to Lake Merzouga, also known as Lake Flamingo or Tifert (a seasonal lake)
- Visit the green oasis of hassilabied in the heart of the Sahara Desert, and enjoy the sounds of desert birds in the shade of the dense palm trees
- An experience of quad biking or dune buggy riding across the Merzouga sand dunes (optional)
By late afternoon, you’ll return to Merzouga or hassilabied where we will spend the night in a hotel/riad near the dunes, perfect for a shower, a relaxed dinner, and a good sleep.
After breakfast at the desert camp, we leave Merzouga and stop in Rissani, known for its traditional Souks days and historic atmosphere. You will explore its souk, which is especially lively on certain days of the week (Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday), when nomads come to buy and sell their goods. Then, we visit the Mausoleum of Moulay Ali Cherif (optional visit).
After that, we head north, where we will cross the Ziz Valley, known for its palm oasis stretching along the valley and its stunning scenery, perfect for taking memorable photos. Then, we will cross the Tizi n'Telghamt Pass. Next, we will continue to Midelt, known as the "Apple Capital", where we will stop for a break and lunch.
After lunch in Midelt, we continue through the Middle Atlas landscapes toward Azrou, famous for its cedar forest, where you may see Barbary macaques (it can be fed). Afterward, we pass through Ifrane, known for its clean streets and cool climate and Alpine-style houses, this is why it is often called the "Switzerland of Morocco". Late in the afternoon or evening, we will arrive in Fes. Overnight stay and dinner in Fez.
In the morning, after breakfast, enjoy a guided tour of Fez, Morocco's oldest imperial city and its cultural and intellectual capital. We begin at the 9th-century Andalusian Mosque, then we will visit Bab Bou Jeloud, famous for its stunning blue and green mosaics, built in 1913. Next, we enter the Medina of Fez, also known as Fez el-Bali, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and wander through its narrow alleyways.
After that, we will visit the Dar el Makhzen, also known as the Royal Palace, where you can take stunning photos in front of its ornate golden gates. Afterward, we visit Al Quaraouiyine University, considered the oldest university in the world. Then, we visit will the Attarine Madrasa and the Bou Inania Madrasa, followed by a stop at the Dar Batha Museum.
Next, we explore the Mellah of Fez, the old Jewish quarter of Fez and visit the famous Chouara tannery, where animal hides are used to make clothing, shoes, bags, and more. Afterward, we’ll head towards the Mausoleum of Moulay Idriss II, the founder of Fez, and the Nejjarine Fountain.
Following that, we will explore a traditional pottery workshop in Fez, where you will watch skilled artisans creating mosaic tiles and decorations on ceramic plates. In the late afternoon, we will take you to the Borj Nord to enjoy a panoramic view of the Medina of Fez before transferring you to your accommodation in Fez. Dinner and overnight stay in Fez.
After breakfast, we head toward northern Morocco. On the way, we stop at Volubilis, one of the oldest archaeological sites in Morocco, dating back to the 3rd century BC, where, we will explore Roman ruins such as the triumphal arches, mosaics, the Capitoline Temple, the court, and the public square. Next, we will drive to Meknes, one of Morocco's imperial cities, where, we will visit the historic Bab El Mansour Laalej, built in the 18th, as well as the historic Lahdim Square (similar to Jemaa El-Fna Square in Marrakech), where snake charmers and dancers perform. Then, we will visit the Dar Eljamîi Museum.
After lunch in Meknes, we will drive through the Rif Mountains, with their lush green vegetation, where you can enjoy the scenery, panoramic views, and stop to take photos. In the late afternoon, we will arrive in Chefchaouen, known as the Blue City, where you will have plenty of time to wander its blue streets, shop, take photos, and visit local artisan workshops if you wish. Dinner and overnight stay in a riad in Chefchaouen.
After breakfast in the Blue City, we continue our tour through the majestic Rif Mountains, enjoying breathtaking scenery. Then, we stop in Akchour, a mountainous region boasting towering peaks and enchanting waterfalls. Here, you can visit the waterfalls and "Jisr Allah" (Bridge of God), a unique natural rock formation resembling a bridge. Enjoy the surrounding natural beauty, the sound of flowing water, and take memorable photos.
Afterward, we continue our tour to Tangier, where we will visit the Caves of Hercules and Cape Spartel, where the Mediterranean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean. We then visit the Medina of Tangier. In the afternoon, your driver will take you to the beach to watch the spectacular sunset. Afterward, your driver will transfer you to your accommodation.
After a delicious Moroccan breakfast at your accommodation, we head to Rabat, the capital of Morocco, passing through mountain villages and enjoying the lush green landscapes. We will stop in Asilah, a city on the Atlantic coast, where we will visit the "Borj Al Kamra", a watchtower. Afterward, we will explore the Asilah Medina and wander through its narrow whitewashed alleyways.
Then we will continue to Rabat, the capital of Morocco, where we will visit its most important landmarks. First, we will visit the Hassan Tower, built in 1197, and the Kasbah of the Udayas, a historic fortress built during the 12th century. Next, we will visit the ruins of Chellah and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V (optional). After lunch, we will stroll through the walled Medina of Rabat, where merchants and artisans display their wares. You can also sample delicious street food at one of the local restaurants.
In the late afternoon, we will take you to one of Rabat's beaches to watch the magnificent sunset over the Atlantic Ocean. We will then transfer you to your accommodation for the night. Overnight stay and dinner in Rabat.
After breakfast, we continue to Casablanca, the economic capital of Morocco, where we will visit the impressive Hassan II Mosque, the largest mosque in Morocco, the second largest in Africa, and the seventh largest in the world, as well as the Habous district, where you can visit traditional markets. Afterwards, if you wish, we will visit the Isesco Park, formerly known as Murdoch Park, where you can relax and enjoy some leisure time.
Afterward, continue to Marrakech, admiring the finest sceneries along the way. Upon arrival in Marrakech then finally transfer you to your riad where you’ll spend the night.
Depending on your flight time, transfer to the airport in Marrakech. End of your 12 day Morocco itinerary from Marrakech.
Tour Includes & Excludes
The Cost Includes
- Pick-up in Marrakech and drop-off in Marrakech
- Private transport in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle (4WD or minivan, depending on group size)
- Experienced local English, Italian, French, or Spanish-speaking driver/guide
- Fuel and all road costs
- 11 nights accommodation (hotels, riads, Kasbah)
- Night in a luxury camp in Merzouga with a private toilet and shower
- Camel trek in the Sahara desert (one camel per person), or 4x4 transfer available on request
- Dinner x 3
- Breakfast x 11
- Berber drumming and music
- Free sandboarding in the desert
- Luggage transfer to the desert camp
- Local guides in Marrakech and Fes
- The opportunity to ask the driver to stop when and where you wish
- Scenic stops and photo breaks along the route
The Cost Excludes
- Lunches
- Flight tickets
- Personal spending
- Entrance fees (if required)
- Beverages
- Tips (optional)
- Optional activities (quad biking, buggy, etc.)
FAQs : 12 Day Morocco Desert and Coast Tour from Marrakech
This is a private tour with your own driver and flexible itinerary.
Spring and autumn offer the most comfortable temperatures for desert and city travel.
Yes, if you are comfortable with long drives. We can adapt stops and pace to your group.
Yes, this tour is designed to give a complete introduction to Morocco, including cities, mountains, and desert.
Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are the most comfortable seasons.
Comfortable clothes, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a light jacket for the evening are recommended.
The camel trek usually lasts 1 to 1.5 hours, including a sunset stop.
Yes, a 4×4 transfer to the desert camp is available.
Your luggage will be safely transported to the desert camp by 4×4 vehicle (4WD), so you can enjoy the camel ride comfortably with only a small backpack for personal items.
You will stay in carefully selected riads, hotels, and a luxury desert camp.
Both are comfortable. Luxury camp usually means private bathroom/shower and more spacious tents.
Yes, there is electricity, and the Wi-Fi network quality is good from time to time, but don’t worry, this is part of your desert adventure.
Booking your desert tour is simple. You can contact us through WhatsApp, email, our contact form, or social media. Once we confirm your itinerary and travel dates, we will request a small deposit to secure your reservation.
We accept payments by PayPal, credit card, or bank transfer. The remaining balance can be paid in cash at pick-up or by credit card with a small 5% processing fee.
You can cancel your tour free of charge if you inform us more than 15 days before the start date. In this case, your deposit will be fully refunded.
If the cancellation is made within 15 days, the deposit will be retained to cover preparation and reservation costs.