9-Day Imperial Cities & Sahara Desert Tour from Marrakech
Start
Marrakech
End
Marrakech
Tour
Private
Book 9-Day Imperial Cities & Sahara Desert Tour from Marrakech
Book 9-Day Imperial Cities & Sahara Desert Tour from Marrakech
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Tour Overview
Discover the highlights of Morocco on this 9-Day Imperial Cities & Sahara Desert Tour. Begin in the vibrant city of Marrakech, cross the spectacular High Atlas Mountains, and visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Aït Ben Haddou before reaching the golden dunes of Merzouga for a camel trek and an unforgettable night in a luxury Sahara desert camp. Continue to the imperial city of Fes, explore the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis, the historic city of Meknes, and Morocco’s capital, Rabat. Visit the magnificent Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca before returning to Marrakech, completing an unforgettable journey through Morocco’s imperial cities, Sahara Desert, and breathtaking landscapes.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Marrakech
Welcome to Morocco and the vibrant city of Marrakech, where your unforgettable journey with Gate to Morocco begins. Upon your arrival at Marrakech Menara Airport, your driver will warmly greet you and transfer you to your hotel or traditional riad in the heart of the city. The rest of the day is yours to relax and settle in before the exciting adventure that awaits in the days ahead.
Overnight: Hotel or riad in Marrakech.
Day 2: Guided Tour of Marrakech
After breakfast, meet your knowledgeable local guide and discover the rich history and vibrant culture of Marrakech, one of Morocco’s four imperial cities.
Your guided tour begins with a visit to the iconic Koutoubia Mosque (exterior visit), followed by the elegant Bahia Palace and the beautiful Ben Youssef Madrasa, a masterpiece of Moroccan and Islamic architecture. Continue through the narrow streets of the historic medina and explore its colorful souks, where local artisans sell spices, carpets, leather goods, pottery, and traditional handicrafts.
The tour concludes at the famous Jemaa el-Fnaa Square around 2:00 PM, where you may choose to enjoy lunch at a traditional restaurant overlooking the square (optional).
In the afternoon, you may choose to visit the beautiful Majorelle Garden, a peaceful oasis famous for its exotic plants and vibrant blue architecture (optional).
Overnight: Hotel or riad in Marrakech.
Day 3: Marrakech – High Atlas Mountains – Aït Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate – Dades Valley
Your unforgettable journey with Gate to Morocco begins in the morning as we collect you from your hotel or traditional riad in Marrakech. Leaving the vibrant Red City behind, we head towards the spectacular High Atlas Mountains, following one of Morocco’s most scenic roads.
As we climb higher, the landscape transforms into dramatic mountain scenery dotted with traditional Berber villages and terraced hillsides. We’ll stop along the way at panoramic viewpoints and the famous Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260 m), where you can enjoy breathtaking views, take memorable photos, and relax with a coffee break.
Our adventure continues to the remarkable Aït Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Morocco’s most iconic fortified villages. Wander through its narrow earthen streets, discover centuries of history, and climb to the ancient granary for spectacular views overlooking the kasbah and the surrounding desert landscape. This extraordinary location has also served as the backdrop for many internationally acclaimed films and television productions.
After exploring the kasbah, we continue to Ouarzazate, often referred to as the “Gateway to the Sahara” and the film capital of Morocco. The journey then follows the famous Road of a Thousand Kasbahs, where impressive mud-brick fortresses and lush palm groves line the route.
Passing through Kalaat M’Gouna, renowned for its fragrant Rose Valley and annual Rose Festival, we continue towards the magnificent Dades Valley. Surrounded by striking rock formations, green oasis gardens, and traditional Berber villages, this beautiful valley offers the perfect setting to relax after your first day of adventure.
Overnight: Hotel or riad in the Dades Valley.
Day 4: Dades Valley – Todra Gorge – Erfoud – Merzouga Desert
After a delicious breakfast, your adventure with Gate to Morocco continues as we travel through the breathtaking landscapes of southeastern Morocco toward the majestic Sahara Desert.
Our first major stop is the spectacular Todra Gorge, one of Morocco’s most impressive natural wonders. Towering limestone cliffs rise more than 300 meters above the crystal-clear river, creating a dramatic canyon that attracts hikers, photographers, and rock climbers from around the world.
Enjoy free time to walk along the river, admire the towering canyon walls, and experience the peaceful atmosphere of this remarkable place.
Leaving the gorge behind, we continue through authentic Berber villages and the desert town of Erfoud, famous for its fossil workshops and as the gateway to the Sahara. Along the way, you’ll discover ever-changing landscapes of rocky plateaus, palm groves, and traditional settlements that showcase the beauty of southern Morocco.
In the afternoon, we arrive in Merzouga, where the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi mark the beginning of your unforgettable desert adventure. Here, you’ll meet your camel caravan and set off on a magical trek across the rolling sand dunes as the sun slowly sets over the Sahara. The changing colors of the dunes create an unforgettable spectacle and offer incredible opportunities for photography.
Upon reaching your luxury desert camp, you’ll receive a warm Berber welcome before enjoying a delicious traditional dinner. As darkness falls, gather around the campfire to listen to authentic Berber music beneath a sky filled with countless stars. Far from the city lights, the peaceful silence of the Sahara creates an unforgettable experience before you spend the night in a comfortable private desert tent.
Overnight: Luxury desert camp in Merzouga.
Day 5: Merzouga – Ziz Valley – Midelt – Cedar Forest – Ifrane – Fes
Wake up early to witness a breathtaking Sahara sunrise as the first rays of light illuminate the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi, creating one of the most unforgettable moments of your Moroccan adventure.
After enjoying the traditional Moroccan breakfast and peaceful morning in the desert, ride your camel back to the edge of the dunes (or return by Jeep), where your driver will be waiting before beginning the journey north toward the imperial city of Fes.
Our scenic drive takes us through the vast landscapes of the Ziz Valley, home to one of Morocco’s largest palm groves and countless traditional villages. Following the winding roads alongside the dramatic Ziz Gorges, we’ll continue through Errachidia before crossing the Tizi n’Talghamt Pass on our way to Midelt, a peaceful town nestled between the Middle and High Atlas Mountains.
Here, we’ll stop for lunch at a local restaurant (optional). In the afternoon, we continue into the beautiful Middle Atlas Mountains, where a stop in the famous Cedar Forest of Azrou offers the chance to see the playful Barbary macaques in their natural habitat. Surrounded by ancient cedar trees, this is one of Morocco’s most beautiful forest landscapes.
Before reaching Fes, we’ll visit the elegant town of Ifrane, often called the “Switzerland of Morocco” thanks to its alpine-style architecture, clean streets, and peaceful parks. Enjoy a short walk or relax with a coffee before the final stretch of the journey.
By late afternoon or early evening, we arrive in Fes, where your driver will transfer you to your hotel or riad.
Overnight: Hotel or riad in Fes.
Day 6: Guided Tour of Fes
After breakfast, meet your local guide and discover the fascinating history of Fes, Morocco’s oldest imperial city and the country’s spiritual and cultural capital.
Your sightseeing tour begins with a visit to the magnificent Royal Palace (exterior visit), famous for its impressive golden gates. Next, enjoy a stop at the Borj Sud viewpoint, offering spectacular panoramic views over the ancient Medina of Fes.
Continue to a traditional pottery and mosaic workshop, where skilled artisans demonstrate the centuries-old techniques used to create Morocco’s famous handcrafted ceramics and zellige tiles.
The tour then continues on foot through the UNESCO-listed Medina of Fes, one of the world’s largest car-free historic centers. Visit the renowned Al-Qarawiyyin University (exterior visit), recognized as the world’s oldest continually operating university, and admire the beautiful Bou Inania Madrasa, a masterpiece of Marinid architecture.
Wander through the narrow streets of the bustling souks before visiting the famous Chouara Leather Tannery, where traditional leather-making methods have remained unchanged for centuries.
The guided tour concludes around 3:00 PM, with the option to enjoy lunch at a traditional local restaurant in the heart of the medina. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to continue exploring Fes at your own pace or relax at your hotel or riad.
Overnight: Hotel or riad in Fes.
Day 7: Fes – Volubilis – Meknes – Rabat
After breakfast, depart from Fes and travel to the remarkable Roman ruins of Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best-preserved archaeological sites in North Africa.
Enjoy a guided walk through the ancient city, where impressive mosaics, temples, triumphal arches, and public buildings offer a fascinating glimpse into Morocco’s Roman past.
Continue to the imperial city of Meknes, founded by Sultan Moulay Ismail in the 17th century. Discover some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, including the magnificent Bab Mansour Gate, one of the most beautiful gates in Morocco, the historic Moulay Ismail Mausoleum (one of the few religious sites open to non-Muslim visitors), and the lively El Hedim Square, the heart of the old city.
In the afternoon, continue to Rabat, Morocco’s capital and one of its four imperial cities. Begin your sightseeing with the picturesque Kasbah of the Udayas, where white-and-blue houses overlook the Atlantic Ocean. Next, visit the iconic Hassan Tower and the impressive Mausoleum of Mohammed V, two of the city’s most important historical landmarks.
After your visit, transfer to your hotel or riad in Rabat, where you can relax and enjoy the evening.
Overnight: Hotel or riad in Rabat.
Day 8: Rabat – Casablanca – Marrakech
After breakfast, depart from Rabat and travel along Morocco’s scenic Atlantic coast to Casablanca, the country’s largest city and economic capital.
Your visit includes the magnificent Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world and a masterpiece of Moroccan craftsmanship. Built on a promontory overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the mosque is renowned for its intricate zellige tilework, carved cedar wood, marble floors, and soaring minaret. As one of the few mosques in Morocco open to non-Muslim visitors, it offers a unique opportunity to admire its remarkable architecture and stunning oceanfront setting.
After exploring Casablanca, continue to the vibrant city of Marrakech. Upon arrival, your driver will transfer you to your hotel or traditional riad, where you can relax and enjoy the evening.
Overnight: Hotel or riad in Marrakech.
Day 9: Departure
Today marks the end of your unforgettable journey through Morocco with Gate to Morocco.
Depending on your flight schedule, your driver will transfer you to Marrakech Menara Airport for your departure. We hope your adventure has been filled with unforgettable experiences, breathtaking landscapes, and lasting memories, and we look forward to welcoming you back for another Moroccan adventure.
Tour Highlights
- Driving across the Middle Atlas Mountains and watching Barbary apes in the cedar forests.
- Driving over the High Atlas Mountains and the Tizi-n-Tichka Pass.
- Enjoy the Berber music and drumming around a fire camp.
- Enjoying a sunset camel ride in Erg Chebbi Dunes
- Visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou
- Enjoy the Magical views of valleys and Palmeraie.
- The Hassan Tower, Mausoleum of Mohamed V, and the Kasbah of the Udayas.
- The amazing Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca
- Ziz Valley ? lively Rissani Souk
- Camel Trek & Overnight in Desert Camp
- Tour guided in Marrakech, fascinating madrassa, Jama'a el Fna Square athmosphere.
- Walk in the Toudgha Gorges river
What's Included
- Private transport with AC
- Transfer from and to the airport
- Accommodation in air-conditioned rooms/suites with private bathroom.
- Driver speaking English, French, and Spanish
- Daily breakfast
- Local guide in Marrakech and Fes
- Overnight in a luxury camp in Merzouga and camel ride
- Free time to explore the sites such as Ait Ben Haddou & ouarzazate studios.
- Experience the beauty of valleys and streams on a scenic drive.
- Dinner x2
What's Not Included
- Tips & Gratuites
- Dinner in Rabat, Chefchaouen, Fes, Marrakech
- Lunch
- Entrance fees to sites listed.
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