12-Day Grand Morocco Tour: Fes, Sahara Desert, Marrakech, Essaouira & Casablanca
The journey
Tour overview
A comprehensive 12-day loop from Fes through the Sahara Desert, imperial Marrakech, coastal Essaouira, and Casablanca — Chefchaouen's blue streets, a luxury desert camp in Erg Chebbi, Ait Benhaddou, and the Hassan II Mosque all in one unforgettable journey.
Day 1: Fes Airport Arrival – Transfer to your Riad Your ultimate Morocco cultural tour begins with a seamless arrival at Fes-Saïs Airport and a private transfer to your charming accommodation in the historic ancient city. Overnight in Riad Fez Mahal or La Perle de La Medina (Bed & Breakfast)
Day 2: Full-Day Fes Old City Medina Guided Walking Tour An immersive walking tour of Fes El Bali — the intricate tilework of the Bou Inania Madrasa, the iconic Blue Gate (Bab Boujloud), the ancient Al-Qarawiyyin University, and the famous Chouara Tannery. Overnight in Riad Fez Mahal or La Perle de La Medina (Bed & Breakfast)
Day 3: Fes – Day Trip to Chefchaouen (The Blue City) – Return to Fes A scenic day trip into the Rif Mountains to visit Morocco's world-famous "Blue City" — dreamy wash-blue streets, the Outa el-Hammam square, and the Ras El Maa waterfall. Overnight in Riad Fez Mahal or La Perle de La Medina (Bed & Breakfast)
Day 4: Fes – Ifrane – Barbary Monkey Forest – Ziz Valley – Merzouga Luxury Desert Camp We depart for the Sahara via Ifrane, the "Switzerland of Morocco," then the cedar forests of Azrou to meet wild Barbary macaques. By late afternoon, arrive at Erg Chebbi for a sunset camel trek and a night at your luxury desert camp. Overnight in Tiziri Camp or Sahara Eden Camp (Half Board)
Day 5: Deep Sahara Desert Excursion – Tea with Nomads – Khamlia Gnaoua Music – Flamingo Lake A full-day 4x4 excursion to nomad families, Khamlia village's spiritual Gnaoua music, and the seasonal flamingo lake of Dayet Srji. Overnight in Tiziri Camp or Sahara Eden Camp (Half Board)
Day 6: Merzouga Desert – Rissani Souks – Todra Gorges – Dades Gorges Explore the historic trading souks of Rissani, then the spectacular Todra Gorges and the curious "monkey finger" rock formations of the Dades Valley. Overnight in Dades Paradise or Dar Blues (Half Board)
Day 7: Dades Gorges – Valley of the Roses – Ait Benhaddou Kasbah – High Atlas – Marrakech Journey through the Valley of the Roses to the UNESCO World Heritage Ait Benhaddou Kasbah, then cross the High Atlas via the Tizi n'Tichka pass to Marrakech. Overnight in Riad Nessma and Spa or Riad Touda (Bed & Breakfast)
Day 8: Full-Day Marrakech Sightseeing Guided Tour The Bahia Palace, the Koutoubia Mosque, the Saadian Tombs, the Majorelle Garden, and the souks leading into Jemaa el-Fnaa square. Overnight in Riad Nessma and Spa or Riad Touda (Bed & Breakfast)
Day 9: Marrakech – Drive to Essaouira Coastal Old Town Drive west through argan forests to the whitewashed coastal town of Essaouira. Overnight in Riad Mimouna or Riad Malaika (Bed & Breakfast)
Day 10: Full Day at Leisure in Essaouira Free time along the sea-facing ramparts, the blue-and-white medina, and the local art galleries. Overnight in Riad Mimouna or Riad Malaika (Bed & Breakfast)
Day 11: Essaouira – Drive to Casablanca – Hassan II Mosque Visit Drive north to Casablanca and visit the magnificent Hassan II Mosque, standing over the Atlantic. Overnight in Hotel Club Val D'Anfa or Casa Diamond (Bed & Breakfast)
Day 12: Casablanca – Transfer to Casablanca Mohammed V Airport A final breakfast in Morocco before your private transfer to Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport (CMN).
- Duration
- 12 Days
- Starts in
- Fes (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
- Full-day guided walking tour of the UNESCO-listed Fes El Bali medina, including the Chouara Tannery and Al-Qarawiyyin University
- Day trip to the blue-washed streets of Chefchaouen in the Rif Mountains
- Barbary monkey forest visit in the cedar forests of Azrou
- Sunset camel trek and two nights of luxury glamping in the Erg Chebbi dunes
- Full-day 4x4 Sahara excursion with nomadic families, Khamlia Gnaoua music, and the seasonal flamingo lake
- UNESCO-listed Ait Benhaddou Kasbah, filming location for Gladiator and Game of Thrones
- Full-day guided Marrakech sightseeing tour and two days at leisure on the Essaouira coast
- Hassan II Mosque visit in Casablanca, one of the largest mosques in the world
Day by day
Itinerary
- 1
Day 1Fes Airport Arrival – Transfer to your Riad
Private transfer from Fes-Saïs Airport to your riad in the medina.
Overnight: Riad Fez Mahal or La Perle de La Medina
- 2
Day 2Full-Day Fes Old City Medina Guided Walking Tour
Bou Inania Madrasa, Bab Boujloud, Al-Qarawiyyin University, and the Chouara Tannery.
Overnight: Riad Fez Mahal or La Perle de La Medina
- 3
Day 3Fes – Day Trip to Chefchaouen – Return to Fes
A day trip to Morocco's Blue City in the Rif Mountains.
Overnight: Riad Fez Mahal or La Perle de La Medina
- 4
Day 4Fes – Ifrane – Barbary Monkey Forest – Ziz Valley – Merzouga
Ifrane, the Azrou cedar forest, and a sunset camel trek into Erg Chebbi.
Overnight: Tiziri Camp or Sahara Eden Camp
- 5
Day 5Deep Sahara Excursion – Nomads – Khamlia Gnaoua Music – Flamingo Lake
Full-day 4x4 excursion across the Sahara.
Overnight: Tiziri Camp or Sahara Eden Camp
- 6
Day 6Merzouga – Rissani Souks – Todra Gorges – Dades Gorges
Rissani trading souks, Todra Gorges, and the Dades Valley.
Overnight: Dades Paradise or Dar Blues
- 7
Day 7Dades Gorges – Valley of the Roses – Ait Benhaddou – Marrakech
Ait Benhaddou Kasbah and the Tizi n'Tichka pass to Marrakech.
Overnight: Riad Nessma and Spa or Riad Touda
- 8
Day 8Full-Day Marrakech Sightseeing Guided Tour
Bahia Palace, Koutoubia Mosque, Saadian Tombs, Majorelle Garden.
Overnight: Riad Nessma and Spa or Riad Touda
- 9
Day 9Marrakech – Drive to Essaouira
Drive west through argan forests to the Atlantic coast.
Overnight: Riad Mimouna or Riad Malaika
- 10
Day 10Full Day at Leisure in Essaouira
Free time in the coastal medina and ramparts.
Overnight: Riad Mimouna or Riad Malaika
- 11
Day 11Essaouira – Casablanca – Hassan II Mosque
Drive to Casablanca and visit the Hassan II Mosque.
Overnight: Hotel Club Val D'Anfa or Casa Diamond
- 12
Day 12Casablanca – Transfer to Airport
Private transfer to Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport.
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
- Private air-conditioned vehicle with English-speaking driver/guide for all 12 days
- All private airport, hotel, and intercity transfers
- Half Board accommodation for both nights at the Merzouga luxury desert camp and one night in Dades Gorges
- Bed & Breakfast accommodation in Fes, Chefchaouen, Marrakech, Essaouira, and Casablanca
- Licensed local guides for the Fes Medina and Marrakech sightseeing tours
- Full 4x4 Merzouga desert excursion (nomad visit, Khamlia Gnaoua music, flamingo lake)
- Sunset camel trek in the Erg Chebbi dunes
- Traditional Berber music around the campfire
Not included
- Lunches and beverages
- Entrance fees to 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 | €3,536 |
| Double2 people per room | €2,011 |
| Triple3 people per room | €1,665 |
| Quadruple4 people per room | €1,424 |
Prices include taxes. Groups, children and camp upgrades priced on request.
Before you go
Practical information
Meeting point
Your hotel or riad in Fes, 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 Fes. 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.
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