12-Day Morocco Imperial Cities, Sahara Desert & Coastal Adventure
A rich Morocco adventure combining imperial cities, Sahara Desert, Atlas Mountains, Chefchaouen, Essaouira, and the Atlantic coastal towns.
Duration
12 Days
Group Size
6 – 16 people
Languages
English · French · Arabic
Activity Level
Easy to Moderate
Availability
Year-round
Tour Overview
A rich Morocco adventure combining imperial cities, Sahara Desert, Atlas Mountains, Chefchaouen, Essaouira, and the Atlantic coastal towns.
From towering sand dunes and ancient kasbahs to starlit nights in a traditional desert camp, every moment of this tour is designed to connect you with the raw beauty and rich culture of the Sahara. Whether you ride a camel at sunset, share mint tea with a Berber family, or wake up to the silence of the desert at dawn — this is an experience that stays with you for life.
Itinerary
Day 1: Casablanca – Rabat
Arrival in Casablanca, visit Hassan II Mosque, then continue to Rabat for sightseeing. Casablanca is Morocco's economic capital and largest city, a vibrant blend of Art Deco architecture, modern boulevards, and traditional medina streets. The iconic Hassan II Mosque — one of the largest mosques in the world — stands dramatically on a promontory over the Atlantic Ocean, its minaret visible for miles. The Hassan II Mosque is an architectural masterpiece and one of the largest mosques in the world, with a 210-metre minaret and a retractable roof. Built partly over the ocean, it can accommodate 25,000 worshippers inside and 80,000 on its surrounding esplanade. A guided visit reveals its breathtaking mosaics, carved plasterwork, and cedar wood ceiling.
Day 2: Rabat – Chefchaouen
Drive through Rif Mountains to Chefchaouen. Explore the blue-painted medina. Rabat, Morocco's administrative capital, is a UNESCO World Heritage city known for its well-preserved historic medina, the unfinished Hassan Tower, and the ornate Mausoleum of Mohammed V. Stroll through the Andalusian Gardens, explore the ancient Chellah necropolis, and experience the elegant blend of French colonial and traditional Moroccan architecture. Chefchaouen — the famous Blue City — is one of Morocco's most photogenic destinations. Nestled in the Rif Mountains, its labyrinthine medina is painted in countless shades of blue and white, creating an almost surreal atmosphere. Explore narrow winding alleys, discover artisan workshops, sip mint tea on a rooftop terrace, and hike to the Spanish Mosque for panoramic views over the city and valley below.
Day 3: Chefchaouen – Volubilis – Meknes – Fez
Visit Volubilis ruins and Meknes, then continue to Fez. Chefchaouen — the famous Blue City — is one of Morocco's most photogenic destinations. Nestled in the Rif Mountains, its labyrinthine medina is painted in countless shades of blue and white, creating an almost surreal atmosphere. Explore narrow winding alleys, discover artisan workshops, sip mint tea on a rooftop terrace, and hike to the Spanish Mosque for panoramic views over the city and valley below. Volubilis is Morocco's best-preserved Roman ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back to the 3rd century BC. Wander through the ancient forum, admire remarkably intact floor mosaics depicting Neptune and Orpheus, and explore the triumphal arch of Caracalla. The site sits in a fertile plain with sweeping views of the surrounding countryside.
Day 4: Fez Guided City Tour
Explore Fez el-Bali with a local guide including souks, madrassas, and tanneries. Fes is one of the world's great medieval cities, its ancient medina a UNESCO-listed maze of over 9,000 alleyways. Your guided tour will take you through the leather tanneries with their rainbow of dye vats, the ornate Attarine Medersa with its breathtaking Andalusian craftsmanship, the lively spice markets, and the ancient Al-Qarawiyyin University — the oldest continually operating university in the world.
Day 5: Fez – Ifrane – Midelt
Travel through Middle Atlas Mountains, stop in Ifrane and Azrou. Fes is one of the world's great medieval cities, its ancient medina a UNESCO-listed maze of over 9,000 alleyways. Your guided tour will take you through the leather tanneries with their rainbow of dye vats, the ornate Attarine Medersa with its breathtaking Andalusian craftsmanship, the lively spice markets, and the ancient Al-Qarawiyyin University — the oldest continually operating university in the world. Ifrane is a charming mountain town known as "Morocco's Switzerland" for its European-style chalets and alpine atmosphere, sitting at 1,665 metres above sea level. In winter it becomes a ski resort; in summer its cool air, cedar forests, and pristine parks make it a refreshing contrast to the desert heat.
Day 6: Midelt – Ziz Valley – Merzouga
Scenic drive to Merzouga. Camel trek into Sahara desert camp. Merzouga is the gateway to Erg Chebbi, the most dramatic sand dune field in Morocco, with dunes rising up to 150 metres above the surrounding plain. As you arrive, the sheer scale of the golden dunes — glowing amber, rust, and gold in the shifting light — is truly awe-inspiring. The area is also home to Gnawa musicians and nomadic Berber families who have lived alongside these dunes for generations. Your camel trek into the Sahara dunes is the centrepiece of the desert experience. Led by Berber guides who know these sands intimately, you'll ride in traditional fashion as the sun dips towards the horizon, painting the dunes in shades of amber and rose. At camp, enjoy traditional Moroccan music around a fire, a sky blazing with stars, and the profound silence of the desert night.
Day 7: Merzouga Desert Exploration
4x4 desert tour, visit nomads, Gnawa village, desert lake, overnight in Merzouga. Merzouga is the gateway to Erg Chebbi, the most dramatic sand dune field in Morocco, with dunes rising up to 150 metres above the surrounding plain. As you arrive, the sheer scale of the golden dunes — glowing amber, rust, and gold in the shifting light — is truly awe-inspiring. The area is also home to Gnawa musicians and nomadic Berber families who have lived alongside these dunes for generations. Gnawa music is one of Morocco's most ancient and spiritually powerful musical traditions, brought to Morocco by sub-Saharan enslaved people centuries ago. The guembri (three-stringed bass lute) and qraqeb (iron castanets) create hypnotic rhythms used in healing ceremonies called lilas. Around the desert campfire, a Gnawa performance is a deeply moving connection to the desert's cultural soul.
Day 8: Merzouga – Todgha Gorges – Dades Valley
Visit Todgha Gorges and continue through the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs. Merzouga is the gateway to Erg Chebbi, the most dramatic sand dune field in Morocco, with dunes rising up to 150 metres above the surrounding plain. As you arrive, the sheer scale of the golden dunes — glowing amber, rust, and gold in the shifting light — is truly awe-inspiring. The area is also home to Gnawa musicians and nomadic Berber families who have lived alongside these dunes for generations. The Todgha Gorges are one of Morocco's most dramatic natural wonders — a narrow canyon carved through sheer rose-coloured limestone cliffs that rise 300 metres on both sides. The cool, crystal-clear Todgha River flows along the gorge floor, and the light changes throughout the day in ways that delight photographers. Local Berber villages cling to the canyon walls, their palm groves and irrigated gardens a vivid green against the ochre rock.
Day 9: Dades – Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – Marrakech
Visit Ait Ben Haddou and cross High Atlas Mountains to Marrakech. Aït Ben Haddou is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Morocco's most iconic sights — a fortified village (ksar) of earthen clay architecture rising dramatically above the Ounila River. Used as a backdrop in films including Lawrence of Arabia, Gladiator, and Game of Thrones, it remains a living example of southern Moroccan ksour architecture. Your guided walk through the kasbah reveals centuries of history in its towers, granaries, and ancient mosque. Crossing the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n'Tichka pass (2,260 metres above sea level) is a breathtaking drive through dramatic mountain scenery. Berber villages cling to hillsides among terraced fields, ancient kasbahs crown rocky outcrops, and argan trees — unique to Morocco — dot the slopes below. The descent into Marrakech offers sweeping views across the sun-baked plain.
Day 10: Marrakech Guided City Tour
Explore Marrakech monuments, souks, palaces, and Jemaa el-Fna. Marrakech, the "Rose City," is a heady mix of medieval medina streets and 21st-century vitality. Explore the legendary Jemaa el-Fna square — filled with storytellers, snake charmers, acrobats, and food stalls — the Bahia Palace with its intricate carved stucco and zellij tilework, the Saadian Tombs, and the colourful souks where artisans work in copper, leather, wood, and textiles just as they have for centuries.
Day 11: Marrakech – Essaouira
Drive to Essaouira coastal city, explore medina and harbor. Marrakech, the "Rose City," is a heady mix of medieval medina streets and 21st-century vitality. Explore the legendary Jemaa el-Fna square — filled with storytellers, snake charmers, acrobats, and food stalls — the Bahia Palace with its intricate carved stucco and zellij tilework, the Saadian Tombs, and the colourful souks where artisans work in copper, leather, wood, and textiles just as they have for centuries. Essaouira is a windswept Atlantic port city of extraordinary charm — a fortified medina of white-and-blue houses, a working harbour fragrant with fresh fish, and broad sandy beaches popular with wind and kite surfers. Stroll the rampart walls, browse the blue boats of the fishing port, discover galleries showcasing Gnawa musicians and local artists, and watch the sun set over the Atlantic Ocean.
Day 12: Essaouira – Casablanca
Return drive along Atlantic coast to Casablanca airport or hotel. Casablanca is Morocco's economic capital and largest city, a vibrant blend of Art Deco architecture, modern boulevards, and traditional medina streets. The iconic Hassan II Mosque — one of the largest mosques in the world — stands dramatically on a promontory over the Atlantic Ocean, its minaret visible for miles. Essaouira is a windswept Atlantic port city of extraordinary charm — a fortified medina of white-and-blue houses, a working harbour fragrant with fresh fish, and broad sandy beaches popular with wind and kite surfers. Stroll the rampart walls, browse the blue boats of the fishing port, discover galleries showcasing Gnawa musicians and local artists, and watch the sun set over the Atlantic Ocean.
Practical Information
Meeting Point
Your hotel lobby in Casablanca, typically at 7:00 – 8:00 AM. Exact time confirmed upon booking.
Cancellation Policy
Free cancellation up to 14 days before departure. 50% refund between 7–14 days. No refund within 7 days of departure.
What to Bring
- • Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing
- • High-SPF sunscreen & sunglasses
- • Warm layer for cool desert nights
- • Water bottle (1.5L minimum per day)
- • Headscarf or hat for sun protection
Physical Requirements
Suitable for most fitness levels. Light walking and camel riding involved. No prior experience needed. Not recommended for serious mobility difficulties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this tour suitable for first-time desert travelers?
What type of accommodation is used?
Are meals included in the tour?
How do I get to the departure city?
What is the best time of year to visit the Sahara?
Contact for pricing
What's Included
- Private air-conditioned transport
- English-speaking driver and guide
- Passenger driving insurance
- 11 nights accommodation in riads, hotels, and desert camp
- Daily breakfast
- 4 dinners including Sahara desert camp dinner
- Camel ride in Merzouga (one per person)
- Sandboarding in the Sahara
- Guided tours of Fez and Marrakech
- Pick-up and drop-off at accommodation or airport
Not Included
- Lunches
- Drinks and beverages
- Entrance fees to monuments
- Unlisted dinners
- Personal expenses
- Tips and gratuities
Free cancellation · 14 days notice
More Tours from casablanca
You might also like these experiences
15-Day Morocco Imperial Cities, Sahara Desert & Coastal Adventure
The ultimate Morocco experience exploring imperial cities, Sahara Desert, Atlas Mountains, the Atlantic coast, and deep Berber culture across 15 unforgettable days.
11-Day Morocco Imperial Cities, Chefchaouen & Sahara Desert Trek
An extended Morocco journey featuring imperial cities, Chefchaouen, Sahara trekking, camel caravans, and guided cultural tours through some of Morocco's most stunning landscapes.
8-Day Morocco Imperial Cities, Chefchaouen & Sahara Desert Trek
An adventurous Morocco tour combining imperial cities, the blue city of Chefchaouen, and a multi-day Sahara Desert trekking experience through Erg Chebbi dunes.