12 Days Grand Morocco Imperial Cities & Sahara Desert Tour from Agadir
The journey
Tour overview
Embark on the ultimate Moroccan expedition with this premium 12-day Grand Tour from Agadir — imperial Marrakech, Fes, and Rabat, the blue-washed streets of Chefchaouen, Roman ruins at Volubilis, coastal Essaouira, and two nights of luxury glamping in the Erg Chebbi dunes.
Day 1: Agadir → Marrakech (Medina Guided Tour) Your Moroccan journey begins with a morning pick-up from your accommodation in Agadir. We drive north-east to the vibrant "Red City" of Marrakech. After checking into your riad, meet an official local guide for an evening walking tour of the Marrakech Medina — the colourful souks, the Koutoubia Mosque, and the lively Jemaa el-Fnaa square as it fills with food stalls, musicians, and performers. Overnight in Riad Nessma and Spa or Riad Touda (Bed & Breakfast)
Day 2: Marrakech → High Atlas Mountains → Ait Benhaddou → Ouarzazate → Dades Gorges We depart Marrakech early, crossing the High Atlas via the Tizi n'Tichka pass (2,260 m). Tour the UNESCO-listed Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou, a famous Hollywood filming location, then continue through Ouarzazate and the Roses Valley to the dramatic Dades Gorges. Overnight in Dades Paradise or Dar Blues (Half Board)
Day 3: Dades Gorges → Todra Gorges → Erfoud → Merzouga Sahara Desert Walk the towering limestone cliffs of Todra Gorges, then travel through Erfoud, the fossil capital of Morocco, as the plains open up to the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi. Mount your camel for a sunset trek, arriving at your luxury desert camp for dinner and live Berber drum music. Overnight in Tiziri Camp or Sahara Eden Camp (Half Board, luxury desert tent)
Day 4: Merzouga Desert Excursion → Khamlia → Nomad Visit → Merzouga Camp Wake early for a magical Sahara sunrise. A full 4x4 desert excursion visits nomadic families for mint tea, then Khamlia village for spiritual Gnawa music. After a stop in Rissani, return to camp for a second peaceful night under the stars. Overnight in Tiziri Camp or Sahara Eden Camp (Half Board)
Day 5: Merzouga → Ziz Valley → Midelt → Cedar Forest → Fes We drive north through the palm-filled Ziz Valley, cross the Middle Atlas, stop for lunch in Midelt, and continue through the cedar forests of Azrou — home to wild Barbary macaques — before arriving in Fes. Overnight in Riad Fez Mahal or La Perle de la Medina (Bed & Breakfast)
Day 6: Fes Medina Sightseeing Tour A full day exploring the oldest and largest medieval city in the world with a licensed local guide — the Chouara Tannery, the Bou Inania Madrasa, Al-Qarawiyyin University, and the Royal Palace gates. Overnight in Riad Fez Mahal or La Perle de la Medina (Bed & Breakfast)
Day 7: Fes → Meknes → Volubilis → Chefchaouen Visit the imperial city of Meknes (Bab Mansour gate, Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail), then the UNESCO Roman ruins of Volubilis. Drive north into the Rif Mountains to the blue-washed town of Chefchaouen. Overnight in Dar Echchaouen or Riad Cherifa (Bed & Breakfast)
Day 8: Chefchaouen → Rabat → Casablanca A relaxed morning in Chefchaouen's fairytale blue streets, then south to Rabat for the Hassan Tower, the Mohammed V Mausoleum, and the Kasbah of the Oudayas. Continue to Casablanca. Overnight in Val d'Anfa or Casa Diamond (Bed & Breakfast)
Day 9: Casablanca → Essaouira Visit the stunning Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world on the edge of the Atlantic, then drive south to the whitewashed seaside fortress town of Essaouira. Overnight in Riad Mimouna or Riad Malaika (Bed & Breakfast)
Day 10: Essaouira (Day at Leisure) A completely relaxed day — the historic stone ramparts, the bustling fishing harbour, art galleries, silver shops, and fresh seafood at a seafront café. Overnight in Riad Mimouna or Riad Malaika (Bed & Breakfast)
Day 11: Essaouira → Agadir (Afternoon at Leisure) Drive south along the Atlantic highway back to Agadir. The afternoon is yours — the golden beach, Souk El Had, or the Agadir Oufella Kasbah ruins for panoramic views. Overnight: choice of premium hotel or riad in Agadir (Bed & Breakfast)
Day 12: Agadir → Airport Transfer A final morning in Morocco. Your private driver transfers you to Agadir Al Massira Airport (AGA) for your departure flight, concluding your grand 12-day journey.
- Duration
- 12 Days
- Starts in
- Agadir (hotel pick-up)
- Travel style
- Private or small group (max 17)
- Guides speak
- English, French, Spanish, German, Arabic
- Season
- Year-round, best Oct–Apr
- Activity level
- Easy to moderate
Highlights
- Imperial Cities: explore the historic medinas and landmarks of Marrakech, Fes, Rabat, and Meknes with official local guides
- The Blue Pearl: wander the world-famous, blue-washed streets of Chefchaouen
- UNESCO World Heritage: tour the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis and the iconic fortified ksar of Ait Benhaddou
- Deep Sahara Adventure: a sunset camel trek, a full 4x4 desert excursion to meet nomads, and 2 nights of luxury glamping in Erg Chebbi
- Atlantic Ocean Gems: the breezy historic ramparts of Essaouira and the coastal vibes of Agadir
Day by day
Itinerary
- 1
Day 1Agadir → Marrakech (Medina Guided Tour)
Morning pick-up in Agadir, drive to Marrakech, evening guided walking tour of the Marrakech Medina and Jemaa el-Fnaa square.
Overnight: Riad Nessma and Spa or Riad Touda
- 2
Day 2Marrakech → High Atlas → Ait Benhaddou → Ouarzazate → Dades Gorges
Cross the Tizi n'Tichka pass, tour the UNESCO kasbah of Ait Benhaddou, and continue through Ouarzazate and the Roses Valley to Dades Gorges.
Overnight: Dades Paradise or Dar Blues
- 3
Day 3Dades Gorges → Todra Gorges → Erfoud → Merzouga Sahara Desert
Walk the Todra Gorges, pass through fossil-capital Erfoud, and arrive at Erg Chebbi for a sunset camel trek and luxury desert camp.
Overnight: Tiziri Camp or Sahara Eden Camp
- 4
Day 4Merzouga Desert Excursion → Khamlia → Nomad Visit
Full 4x4 desert excursion — nomad families, Khamlia Gnawa music, and Rissani, then a second night at camp.
Overnight: Tiziri Camp or Sahara Eden Camp
- 5
Day 5Merzouga → Ziz Valley → Midelt → Cedar Forest → Fes
Drive north through the Ziz Valley and Middle Atlas, stop in Midelt and the Azrou cedar forest, arrive in Fes.
Overnight: Riad Fez Mahal or La Perle de la Medina
- 6
Day 6Fes Medina Sightseeing Tour
Guided tour of Fes El Bali — Chouara Tannery, Bou Inania Madrasa, Al-Qarawiyyin University, Royal Palace gates.
Overnight: Riad Fez Mahal or La Perle de la Medina
- 7
Day 7Fes → Meknes → Volubilis → Chefchaouen
Meknes imperial sights, UNESCO Roman ruins of Volubilis, then the blue-washed town of Chefchaouen.
Overnight: Dar Echchaouen or Riad Cherifa
- 8
Day 8Chefchaouen → Rabat → Casablanca
Morning in Chefchaouen's blue streets, then Rabat's Hassan Tower and Kasbah of the Oudayas, continue to Casablanca.
Overnight: Val d'Anfa or Casa Diamond
- 9
Day 9Casablanca → Essaouira
Visit the Hassan II Mosque, then drive south to the seaside fortress town of Essaouira.
Overnight: Riad Mimouna or Riad Malaika
- 10
Day 10Essaouira (Day at Leisure)
Free day exploring the ramparts, harbour, art galleries, and seafood cafés of Essaouira.
Overnight: Riad Mimouna or Riad Malaika
- 11
Day 11Essaouira → Agadir (Afternoon at Leisure)
Drive south to Agadir; afternoon free for the beach, Souk El Had, or the Agadir Oufella Kasbah ruins.
Overnight: Hotel or riad in Agadir
- 12
Day 12Agadir → Airport Transfer
Private transfer to Agadir Al Massira Airport for departure.
Want to add a night, slow the pace or end in another city? Every private itinerary can be adjusted. Ask us to customise it.
Good to know
What's included
Included
- Comfortable, air-conditioned private vehicle with an experienced English-speaking driver/guide throughout
- All private airport, hotel, and intercity transfers
- Half Board accommodation in Dades Gorges and both nights at the Merzouga luxury desert camp
- Bed & Breakfast accommodation in Marrakech, Fes, Chefchaouen, Casablanca, Essaouira, and Agadir
- Official, licensed local guides for the Marrakech Medina and Fes Medina
- Full 4x4 Merzouga desert excursion (nomad visit, Khamlia Gnawa music, Rissani souk)
- Sunset and sunrise camel treks in the Erg Chebbi dunes
- Traditional Berber music around the campfire
Not included
- Lunches and beverages
- Entrance fees to historical monuments, museums, or mosques (such as Hassan II Mosque)
- Tips and personal expenses
Per person, in euros
Prices
| Room type | Price per person |
|---|---|
| Single1 person per room | €3,874 |
| Double2 people per room | €2,099 |
| Triple3 people per room | €1,692 |
| Quadruple4 people per room | €1,467 |
Prices include taxes. Groups, children and camp upgrades priced on request.
Before you go
Practical information
Meeting point
Your hotel or riad in Agadir, usually between 7:00 and 8:00 AM. Exact time confirmed on booking.
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 14 days before departure. 50% refund between 7 and 14 days. Free date changes whenever possible.
What to bring
Comfortable layers, a warm jacket for desert nights, sunglasses, high-SPF sunscreen and a scarf or hat.
Fitness
Suitable for most fitness levels. Light walking and an optional camel ride. Tell us about any mobility needs.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Is this tour private or shared?
You can take this tour privately, with your own driver-guide and vehicle, or join a shared small-group departure (up to 17 guests) where available. Tell us which you prefer when you enquire.
Is this tour suitable for first-time desert travelers?
Absolutely. Our guides are experienced with travelers of all backgrounds and will make sure you feel comfortable and safe throughout the journey. No prior desert experience is required.
What type of accommodation is used?
We use a mix of traditional riad hotels in cities and authentic Berber desert camps with private tents, comfortable bedding, and camp lighting. Luxury glamping options are available on request.
Are meals included in the tour?
Most meals are included as listed in the "What's Included" section. Breakfast is provided at hotels; dinners and breakfasts at the desert camp are always included. Lunches in cities may be at your own expense.
How do I get to the departure city?
We pick you up from your hotel or riad in Agadir. We can also arrange airport transfers and recommend trusted hotels if needed, just ask when booking.
Can I change the itinerary?
Yes. Every private tour can be adjusted: add a night, swap a stop, upgrade your desert camp or finish in a different city. We will send an updated itinerary and price.
What is the best time of year to visit the Sahara?
October to April offers the most comfortable temperatures (15–25°C / 59–77°F during the day). July and August are very hot but manageable with proper preparation. The desert is beautiful year-round.
You might also like
More tours from Agadir
7 Days Morocco Imperial City & Sahara Desert Tour from Agadir (Round Trip)
Embark on the ultimate Moroccan vacation with this highly-rated 7-Day Morocco Sahara Desert Tour from Agadir. This masterfully planned itinerary combines the breezy Atlantic coast of Essaouira, the cultural energy of Marrakech, the dramatic High Atlas Mountains, and a comprehensive Sahara Desert excursion featuring luxury glamping. Organized by Visit Sahara Desert, this is the complete Moroccan journey.
From€1,283per person
5 Days Sahara Desert Tour from Agadir to Merzouga via Marrakech (Round Trip)
Embark on the ultimate Moroccan adventure with this premier 5-Day Sahara Desert Tour from Agadir. This comprehensive itinerary is perfectly designed to combine the vibrant imperial charm of Marrakech, the dramatic peaks of the High Atlas Mountains, ancient UNESCO heritage sites, stunning canyons, and a full Sahara Desert excursion with luxury glamping. Organized by Visit Sahara Desert, this highly optimized route ensures you experience the absolute best of Southern Morocco.
From€910per person
4 Days Sahara Desert Tour from Agadir to Merzouga (Round Trip)
Experience the ultimate Moroccan adventure with this top-rated 4-Day Sahara Desert Tour from Agadir. This expanded itinerary allows you to fully immerse yourself in the magic of the Sahara, combining ancient UNESCO World Heritage sites, stunning gorge walks, a full desert excursion, and premium glamping. Organized by Visit Sahara Desert, this trip is designed to connect you with the raw beauty and rich nomadic culture of southern Morocco.
From€714per person