12-Day Morocco tour Imperial Cities, Sahara & Coastal
Start
Casablanca
End
Casablanca
Tour
Private
Book 12-Day Morocco tour Imperial Cities, Sahara & Coastal
Book 12-Day Morocco tour Imperial Cities, Sahara & Coastal
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Tour Overview
Discover the best of Morocco on this 12-Day Morocco tour, Imperial Cities, Sahara Desert & Coastal Tour. Begin your journey in Casablanca with a visit to the iconic Hassan II Mosque, then explore the capital Rabat, the blue streets of Chefchaouen, and the cultural treasures of Fes.
Travel through the Middle Atlas Mountains to the magical Merzouga Sahara Desert, where you will enjoy a camel trek across the golden dunes and spend an unforgettable night in a desert camp under the stars.
Continue through the spectacular Todra Gorge, the Dades Valley, Ouarzazate, and the UNESCO-listed Aït Ben Haddou Kasbah before discovering the vibrant city of Marrakech.
End your adventure on the Atlantic coast in the charming seaside town of Essaouira, known for its relaxed atmosphere, historic medina, and beautiful beaches.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Casablanca
Welcome to Morocco and the beginning of your unforgettable journey with Gate to Morocco.
Upon your arrival at Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport, your driver will warmly greet you and transfer you to your accommodation.
Depending on your arrival time, take the opportunity to explore the vibrant Corniche of Casablanca, the city’s famous seaside promenade overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
Continue to the impressive Hassan II Mosque, Morocco’s largest mosque and one of the country’s most iconic landmarks.
Admire its magnificent architecture and enjoy the beautiful atmosphere as the sunset creates a spectacular view over this masterpiece facing the Atlantic.
Relax and prepare for the exciting Moroccan adventure that awaits you in the coming days.
Overnight: Hotel in Casablanca.
Day 2: Casablanca – Rabat
After breakfast, if you did not have the chance to explore Casablanca upon arrival, you will begin the day by discovering the highlights of Morocco’s economic capital.
Visit the iconic Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world, then continue to Mohammed V Square and the charming Habous District, known for its traditional architecture, local markets, and Moroccan atmosphere.
After your visit, depart Casablanca towards Rabat, Morocco’s capital and one of its imperial cities.
Upon arrival, explore the historic Kasbah of the Udayas, a UNESCO-listed fortress overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
Continue to the impressive Hassan Tower, the unfinished minaret of a grand 12th-century mosque, and the nearby Mausoleum of Mohammed V, a masterpiece of Moroccan architecture.
At the end of the day, transfer to your hotel or riad in Rabat where you can relax and enjoy the evening.
Overnight: Hotel or riad in Rabat.
Day 3: Rabat – Chefchaouen
After breakfast, depart from Rabat and travel north towards the enchanting blue city of Chefchaouen.
Enjoy the scenic drive as the landscape changes from fertile plains and rolling hills to the dramatic peaks and valleys of the Rif Mountains.
Upon arrival, explore the magical Medina of Chefchaouen, famous for its beautiful blue-painted streets, traditional architecture, and peaceful atmosphere.
Wander through its charming alleyways, discover local artisan workshops, browse handmade crafts, and enjoy the relaxed rhythm of this unique mountain town.
Take time to visit Outa el Hammam Square, the heart of the old city, where you can enjoy a traditional Moroccan meal at one of the local restaurants while admiring the historic Kasbah of Chefchaouen and the lively surroundings.
Spend the afternoon discovering the charm of the Blue Pearl of Morocco, capturing unforgettable photos and experiencing the authentic culture of this beautiful Rif Mountain city.
Overnight: Hotel or riad in Chefchaouen.
Day 4: Chefchaouen – Volubilis – Meknes – Fes
Start your morning with some free time to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of Chefchaouen before the city becomes busy.
Wander through its quiet blue-painted streets, discover hidden corners of the medina, and capture beautiful photos of the Blue Pearl of Morocco.
Afterward, meet your driver and continue your journey towards the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis.
Step back in time as you explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site, where impressive mosaics, columns, and remains of Roman architecture reveal the history of one of the most important ancient cities in North Africa.
Continue to Meknes, one of Morocco’s imperial cities, where you will enjoy a lunch break and discover some of its remarkable landmarks.
Admire the impressive Bab Mansour Gate, one of Morocco’s most beautiful gateways, and visit the historic area surrounding the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail.
In the afternoon, continue your journey to Fes, Morocco’s spiritual and cultural capital.
Upon arrival, transfer to your riad or hotel where you can relax and enjoy the evening.
Overnight: Hotel or riad in Fes.
Day 5 : 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 6 : Fes – Ifrane – Cedar Forest – Ziz Valley – Merzouga Desert
After breakfast, depart from Fes and begin your journey towards the spectacular Sahara Desert.
Travel through the scenic Middle Atlas Mountains, with your first stop in Ifrane, often called the “Switzerland of Morocco” for its alpine-style architecture, clean streets, and peaceful atmosphere.
Continue to the Cedar Forest of Azrou, home to the famous Barbary macaques, where you’ll have the opportunity to observe these playful monkeys in their natural habitat.
After a lunch break in Midelt, continue your drive across the Tizi n’Talghamt Pass before descending into the breathtaking Ziz Valley, renowned for its lush palm groves, dramatic gorges, and panoramic viewpoints.
By late afternoon, arrive in Merzouga, where your camel caravan awaits.
Enjoy a memorable camel trek across the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi, stopping to admire a spectacular Sahara sunset before reaching your luxury desert camp.
After a traditional Moroccan dinner, gather around the campfire to enjoy Berber music beneath a sky filled with countless stars, creating an unforgettable first night in the heart of the Sahara Desert.
Overnight: Luxury desert camp in Merzouga.
Day 7: Merzouga – Rissani – Todra Gorge – Dades Valley
Wake up early to admire the magical sunrise over the dunes of Erg Chebbi, followed by breakfast at your luxury desert camp.
Afterwards, return to the edge of the desert by camel or 4×4 vehicle, where your driver will be waiting.
Begin the day’s journey with a visit to the historic town of Rissani, the birthplace of Morocco’s Alaouite dynasty.
If your visit falls on a market day (Tuesday, Thursday, or Sunday), you’ll have the opportunity to explore its lively traditional souk, one of the most authentic markets in southern Morocco.
Continue through the oasis town of Tinghir to the spectacular Todra Gorge, where towering cliffs reaching up to 300 meters create one of Morocco’s most breathtaking natural landscapes.
Enjoy time to walk through the canyon and admire its crystal-clear river and dramatic rock formations.
In the afternoon, travel through the scenic Dades Valley, passing traditional Berber villages, ancient kasbahs, and unique rock formations, including the famous Monkey Fingers.
Upon arrival, check in to your hotel, enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner, and relax for the evening.
Overnight: Hotel in Dades Valley.
Day 8: Dades Valley – Aït Ben Haddou – High Atlas Mountains – Marrakech
After breakfast, depart from the beautiful Dades Valley and travel along the famous Road of a Thousand Kasbahs, passing traditional Berber villages and breathtaking desert landscapes.
Along the way, stop in Kalaat M’Gouna, the heart of the Valley of Roses, where you may visit a local women’s cooperative and discover a variety of rose-based products made from the region’s fragrant Damascus roses.
Continue to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Aït Ben Haddou, Morocco’s most famous fortified village.
Explore its ancient earthen kasbahs and narrow alleyways while learning about its rich history and its role as a filming location for numerous international movies and television series.
In the afternoon, cross the spectacular High Atlas Mountains via the scenic Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260 m), enjoying panoramic views and several photo stops along the way.
If time permits, you’ll have the opportunity to visit a traditional Argan oil cooperative, where local Berber women demonstrate the production of Morocco’s famous argan oil.
By late afternoon, arrive in the vibrant city of Marrakech, where your driver will transfer you to your hotel or riad.
Overnight: Hotel or Riad in Marrakech
Day 9: 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).
After the guided tour 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 10: Marrakech – Essaouira
After breakfast, depart from Marrakech and travel towards the Atlantic coast through the scenic landscapes of the Haouz Plain.
Along the way, you will have the opportunity to see the famous Argan trees, a unique tree species native to Morocco and an important part of the local ecosystem.
Continue your journey with a visit to a traditional Argan oil cooperative, where local Berber women will introduce you to the traditional methods of producing authentic Moroccan argan oil.
Learn about the different uses of this precious oil in cooking, cosmetics, and traditional Moroccan culture.
After the visit, continue your drive towards Essaouira.
Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel or riad, where you can relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere before discovering the city the following day.
Overnight: Hotel or riad in Essaouira.
Day 11: Explore Essaouira
After breakfast, enjoy a relaxing day discovering the charming coastal city of Essaouira at your own pace or with a local guide.
Explore the UNESCO-listed Medina, wander through its colorful souks, admire the traditional whitewashed houses, and visit Moulay Hassan Square and the lively fishing port.
Discover the city’s historic landmarks, including the Skala ramparts, while learning about Essaouira’s rich cultural heritage and unique atmosphere.
Depending on your interests and the weather conditions, you can relax on the beach, enjoy a horse riding experience along the coast, or simply take in the beautiful Atlantic scenery.
In the evening, head to the beach to enjoy a memorable sunset over the Atlantic Ocean, the perfect way to end your day in this peaceful seaside city.
Overnight: Hotel or riad in Essaouira.
Day 12: Essaouira – Casablanca
Enjoy a comfortable and private transfer from Essaouira to Casablanca, with drop-off at your hotel or Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport.
The journey takes approximately 4.5 hours, allowing you the flexibility to choose your departure time according to your plans.
You can enjoy a relaxed morning in Essaouira before departure, take a final walk along the beach, or explore the medina at your own pace.
Alternatively, an earlier departure can be arranged if you would like extra time to discover Casablanca before your departure.
Your transfer schedule is fully flexible and can be adapted to match your flight time and preferences.
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.
- Professional English or French-speaking driver
- 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
- Lunch
- Dinner in Rabat, Chefchaouen, Fes, Marrakech
- Entrance fees to sites listed.
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