12 Days Desert Tour from Marrakech

As soon as you arrive at Marrakech airport, you’ll be greeted with a warm welcome and taken to your delightful Riad, perfectly located in the heart of the vibrant medina. After settling in, the adventure begins with your first encounter with the  soul of the city. 

Wander through the lively streets and dive straight into the magic of Marrakech, with a visit to the iconic Jemaa el Fna square a sensory wonderland where storytellers, musicians, and street performers bring the night to life. As the sun sets and the square glows under lantern light, you'll soak in the energy of this legendary city before retreating to your peaceful Riad for a restful night.

In the morning, we’ll kick off our unforgettable 12 day Marrakech Desert Tour with a deep dive into the city’s rich history and charm. Marrakech, established in the 11th century by the Almoravids, continues to resonate with the rich legacy they left behind. You'll admire the majestic Koutoubia Minaret, an iconic symbol of the city and a masterpiece of Almohad architecture. 

Our exploration continues with visits to the stunning Saadian Tombs and the beautifully ornate Bahia Palace, each offering a glimpse into the city’s regal past. Wandering through the winding alleys of the Medina, you’ll feel the pulse of traditional Moroccan life before arriving at the famous Jemaa el Fna square a mesmerizing open air theatre where street performers, storytellers, and colorful stalls create a magical atmosphere. After a full day immersed in the  soul of Marrakech, you’ll retreat for a restful night in your welcoming hotel or riad.

On the third day of your 12 Days Desert Tour from Marrakech to Merzouga, we’ll pick you up bright and early at 8 AM from your riad or hotel, setting off on an unforgettable journey through the majestic High Atlas Mountains. As we wind our way up the Tizi n'Tichka Pass, Morocco's highest road, we'll pause at scenic viewpoints to soak in breathtaking panoramas and snap photos of Berber villages that seem to melt into the earthy mountain landscape. 

Our route then leads us southward to the iconic Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has served as the backdrop for legendary films like Lawrence of Arabia, Gladiator, and Game of Thrones. After exploring this ancient fortified village and enjoying a local lunch, we continue on to Ouarzazate famously dubbed the “Gateway to the Desert” and home to a majestic kasbah that embodies the region’s Berber heritage. 

From here, we journey through the lush Skoura Oasis, where over 700 palm trees shade traditional kasbahs scattered across the landscape. As we pass through the fragrant Valley of the Roses, known for its blooming damask roses and celebrated Rose Festival each May, you’ll witness a side of Morocco brimming with natural beauty. By evening, we arrive in the serene Dades Valley, where a charming local hotel or riad awaits to offer you rest, comfort, and a taste of authentic hospitality amidst the valley's rocky gorges.

After breakfast, we kick off the fourth day of our 12 Days Marrakech Desert Tour with a scenic drive through the Dades Valley, stopping at one of the most breathtaking viewpoints where the valley unfolds like a postcard of kasbahs and winding roads carved into rugged mountains.

Continuing our journey, we make our way to the spectacular Todra Gorges near Tineghir a dramatic canyon framed by towering cliffs and surrounded by palm groves and traditional pisé villages. This natural wonder is a paradise for climbers and photographers alike, offering a mix of raw beauty and serenity. 

After enjoying a peaceful walk through the gorge and a delicious lunch in either Tinejdad or Touroug, we set our sights on the highlight of the day the golden dunes of Merzouga. As we reach the edge of the Sahara, you'll go on a magical camel caravan, riding into the heart of Erg Chebbi's vast sea of dunes.

The journey culminates in a desert camp nestled beneath the stars, just in time to witness one of the most soul stirring sunsets imaginable. As night falls, you'll be treated to a traditional dinner and Berber hospitality, drifting off to sleep in a cozy nomadic tent under a sky ablaze with stars a true once in a lifetime experience.

Get ready for a day that feels like a dream out of the Sahara! Before the sun even peeks over the horizon, we’ll rise early to witness the magical sunrise from the towering dunes of the Erg Chebbi a moment where golden light dances over endless waves of sand. After returning to Merzouga atop gentle dromedaries, we’ll enjoy a hearty breakfast to fuel a day of unforgettable desert exploration.

Our journey takes us deep into the dunes, where the vast sea of sand stretches toward the Algerian mountains in the distance. At the Tissardmin oasis, we’ll uncover ancient fossils hidden beneath the earth silent witnesses to the region’s prehistoric past. 

Then, it’s off to visit a nomadic community, where we’ll get a rare glimpse into their fascinating lifestyle and timeless traditions. A scenic viewpoint awaits us next, offering a breathtaking panorama of the entire Erg Chebbi the heart of Morocco’s desert majesty. In the village of Khamlia, founded by people of Malian origin, we’ll pause for traditional tea and immerse ourselves in the soul stirring rhythms of live Gnawa music.

Returning to our hotel in the afternoon, the rest of the day is yours to wander the town or climb nearby dunes for a sunset you’ll never forget. As the sky deepens into twilight, we’ll gather for dinner and settle in for a peaceful night’s rest wrapping up an extraordinary fifth day of our 12 day Marrakech Desert Tour.

As soon as you're ready, we’ll go on the sixth unforgettable day of our 12 day desert adventure from Marrakech to Merzouga, journeying northward through the lush palm grove of Tafilalet a sea of green stretching for over 20 kilometers, making it one of the largest palm groves on the planet. Our road winds into the breathtaking Ziz Valley, nourished by a river that flows down from the High Atlas Mountains, feeding life into the desert below. We’ll stop to take in the sweeping views of the valley and the peaceful city of Aoufous resting in its embrace. 

Midday brings us to Midelt, nestled in the heart of the Atlas Mountains, where we’ll enjoy a relaxing break and a satisfying lunch. In the afternoon, we venture deeper into nature, cruising through the mysterious cedar forests and if fortune favors us, we may even spot the playful Barbary monkeys leaping through the trees. Then comes a delightful stop in Ifrane, perched 1,630 meters above sea level on the northwest edge of the Middle Atlas. 

With its clean boulevards, Alpine style architecture, manicured gardens, and fresh mountain air, it’s no wonder Ifrane is lovingly called the "Moroccan Switzerland." It’s also home to the famed Michlifen ski resort one of the top slopes in the world. As the sun dips toward the horizon, we arrive in the ancient city of Fez around 6:00 PM, where comfort awaits us in a charming riad or hotel, ready to host us for the night.

After enjoying a rich and flavorful breakfast at our Riad, we dive into the cultural heart of Fez with a guided tour that begins in the city’s newer quarters. Our first stops include the majestic Royal Palace and the historic Jewish quarter, known as the Mellah, echoing with centuries of shared traditions.

From there, we ascend to a panoramic viewpoint near the South Tower, offering a stunning bird’s eye view of the ancient Medina and its iconic minarets a glimpse into a world preserved in time. But the true magic begins as we step into the maze like alleys of the Medina itself, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that feels like a living museum. 

Every turn reveals artisans at work potters shaping clay, dyers splashing  colors each corner alive with the sounds and scents of the past. You’ll feel as if time has frozen, especially when standing beneath the ancient clock of La Magana Bounania, which has stood still for over 1,200 years. It's a mesmerizing journey through history, culture, and human spirit. As the day winds down, we return to our Riad, ending the seventh day of our 12 day desert adventure wrapped in the timeless charm of Fes.

On the eighth day of our unforgettable 12 day tour from Marrakech, we set off early after breakfast toward the imperial city of Meknes, where panoramic views greet us before we dive into its rich history. We begin our journey at the magnificent 17th-century ramparts, entering the city through the iconic gates of Bab Berdine and Bab El Khamis.

As we wander through the city, we uncover the impressive royal stables and grain silos silent reminders of Meknes’ grand past before arriving at the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, An impressive landmark that was once the sole mosque in Morocco accessible to non-Muslims.

From there, we make our way to the ornate Bab Mansour, a true architectural gem and symbol of Meknes. The journey continues with a step even further back in time as we explore the awe inspiring Roman ruins of Volubilis, where ancient mosaics and crumbling columns tell tales of an empire long gone. As the sun begins to dip, we travel north to the enchanting Blue City of Chefchaouen, where we’ll spend the night surrounded by its dreamy hues and mountain charm.

Our morning begins with a scenic drive to Morocco’s elegant capital, Rabat, where history whispers through its ancient walls. We start at the striking Kasbah of the Udayas, a fortress built in the 12th century by a fierce tribe of warriors, standing proudly above the Atlantic waves. Strolling through its winding blue-and-white streets feels like walking through the pages of a fairytale.

Next, we marvel at the iconic Hassan Tower a grand but unfinished minaret with four uniquely adorned facades, each telling a different tale in pink hues, except one weathered to a soft gray by the sea breeze. Beside it rests the beautifully preserved Mausoleum, a serene tribute to Moroccan royalty.

As the sun begins to dip, we journey onward to Casablanca, arriving in the late afternoon where the city buzzes with modern life and coastal charm. The day ends with a restful overnight stay at your hotel, wrapping up another unforgettable chapter of our Moroccan adventure.

After a delicious breakfast, we’ll set off on the highway toward the  red city of Marrakech. Along the way, we’ll pause for a relaxing break and enjoy a refreshing coffee before continuing our journey. Arriving in Marrakech by afternoon, you’ll have time to unwind and soak in the atmosphere before settling in for a cozy overnight stay at your hotel or riad.

After breakfast, we journey to Essaouira, a charming coastal town nestled beyond the Argan Valley. This city is a captivating blend of small squares, ancient walls, sturdy fortifications, and rich historic monuments, offering a unique tapestry of culture, tradition, and craftsmanship. Known as “The Pearl of the Atlantic” and “Sleeping Beauty,” Essaouira enchants visitors with its bright white buildings reminiscent of Andalusian villages and its  Medina, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2001. 

The city’s spirit is woven from centuries of cultural fusion Phoenicians, Romans, Berbers, Carthaginians, Portuguese, and French all leaving their mark here. Essaouira is truly a place where history, light, and wind come alive, inviting you to find inner peace and marvel at its well preserved heritage. Overnight stays allow you to soak in the magic of this well kept treasure.

After enjoying breakfast, you will be transferred to Marrakech airport at the time that suits your flight, marking the end of our unforgettable 12 Days Desert Tour from Marrakech exploring the wonders of Morocco from Marrakech.