12-Day Grand Morocco Tour: Fes, Sahara Desert, Marrakech, Essaouira & Casablanca
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.
Duration
12 Days
Group Size
6 – 16 people
Languages
English
Activity Level
Easy to Moderate
Availability
Year-round
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.
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.
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
Itinerary
Day 1: Fes 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
Day 2: Full-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
Day 3: Fes – 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
Day 4: Fes – 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
Day 5: Deep Sahara Excursion – Nomads – Khamlia Gnaoua Music – Flamingo Lake
Full-day 4x4 excursion across the Sahara.
Overnight: Tiziri Camp or Sahara Eden Camp
Day 6: Merzouga – Rissani Souks – Todra Gorges – Dades Gorges
Rissani trading souks, Todra Gorges, and the Dades Valley.
Overnight: Dades Paradise or Dar Blues
Day 7: Dades 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
Day 8: Full-Day Marrakech Sightseeing Guided Tour
Bahia Palace, Koutoubia Mosque, Saadian Tombs, Majorelle Garden.
Overnight: Riad Nessma and Spa or Riad Touda
Day 9: Marrakech – Drive to Essaouira
Drive west through argan forests to the Atlantic coast.
Overnight: Riad Mimouna or Riad Malaika
Day 10: Full Day at Leisure in Essaouira
Free time in the coastal medina and ramparts.
Overnight: Riad Mimouna or Riad Malaika
Day 11: Essaouira – Casablanca – Hassan II Mosque
Drive to Casablanca and visit the Hassan II Mosque.
Overnight: Hotel Club Val D'Anfa or Casa Diamond
Day 12: Casablanca – Transfer to Airport
Private transfer to Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport.
Practical Information
Meeting Point
Your hotel lobby in Fes, 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?
From
€2011
per person · double room
Price Per Person (EUR)
All prices per person in euros · includes taxes
What's 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
Free cancellation · 14 days notice
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