Your Morocco itinerary 12 days starts with a warm reception at Mohammed V International airport! Your local driver will pick you up and take you to visit the incredible Hassan II Mosque, which sits beautifully right on the ocean.

Afterward, we leave Casablanca and head to Rabat, Morocco’s capital. Here, you’ll visit the famous Hassan Tower and wander through the stunning blue-and-white streets of the Kasbah of the Udayas.

The day concludes as we arrive at your hotel/riad, ensuring you unwind and recharge for the exciting adventure that lies ahead.
Please note that for late-night arrivals, we provide a serene night at your Casablanca hotel before the tour kicks off.

Driving distance: Approximately 130 km
Driving time: Approximately 2hr 15 min

Start your morning with a delicious breakfast at your hotel or riad in Rabat before setting off for Chefchaouen, Morocco’s famed “Blue Pearl” nestled in the scenic Rif Mountains.

Upon arrival, check into your riad and step out to explore the serene, blue-washed streets that make every corner a photographer’s dream. Enjoy a peaceful day wandering the medina at your own pace, taking in the local artisan shops, colorful wooden doors, and sweeping mountain backdrops.

After that, you can pause for a relaxing coffee at a local café, browse the small markets, or stroll the quiet alleys painted in dreamy shades of blue. Later in the afternoon, visit the fresh spring of Ras El Ma, then take a brief hike up to the Spanish Mosque just in time to watch an amazing sunset over the city.

Driving distance: Approximately 255 km
Driving time: Approximately 5 hr

After breakfast, leave Chefchaouen and drive through the Rif Mountains to Volubilis, a famous historic site with Morocco’s best-preserved Roman ruins. Enjoy walking through the large grounds to see ancient temples, old merchant homes, and colorful, centuries-old floor mosaics.

On the way, you can also stop in Meknes, a calm city with a quieter medina and friendly shopkeepers. It’s a great place to explore the historic Imperial City and take a peaceful walk before reaching your main destination.

By late afternoon, you’ll arrive in Fes and check into your riad inside the old medina. Spend the rest of the evening relaxing or taking a short walk through the atmospheric surrounding streets.

Driving distance: Approximately 260 km
Driving time: Approximately 4 hr 30 min

After breakfast, your local guide will meet you at your riad to start exploring Fes el-Bali, the ancient heart of the city.
You’ll start at the stunning Royal Palace gates, then walk through the Mellah, the historic Jewish quarter. Next, visit a local craft workshop to watch artisans make traditional pottery, metalwork, and textiles.

From there, head into the medina to see the Bou Inania Madrasa and Al Quaraouiyine University, the oldest operating university in the world. You’ll also stop at the famous Chouara Tannery to watch leather being dyed by hand in giant stone vats.
After the tour, return to your riad and enjoy a quiet evening in the heart of the city.

After a delicious breakfast at your riad in Fes, leave the city and drive through the Middle Atlas Mountains toward the Sahara Desert. Your first stop is Ifrane, known as “Little Switzerland” for its clean streets and European-style architecture. Next, visit the quiet cedar forest near Azrou, home to wild Barbary macaque monkeys.

Enjoy a relaxing lunch break in Midelt or Rich, then travel through the beautiful Ziz Valley, famous for its vast palm groves and oasis views.
By late afternoon, you’ll arrive at the golden dunes of Merzouga. Check into your riad and get ready for the days ahead.

Driving distance: Approximately 500 km
Driving time: Approximately 7 hr 30 min

Today is dedicated to exploring the beautiful Merzouga region, a landscape filled with golden dunes, desert lakes, ancient mines, and lush oases.
Start the morning with an off-road drive to visit an old eyeliner mine, then visit a local nomad family in their traditional woven tent to learn about their way of life over Berber tea.

Next, head to Khamlia village to enjoy lively Gnaoua music and dance performances, performed by locals whose heritage traces back to Sub-Saharan Africa. After a break for lunch, take a peaceful stroll through the palm groves of Hassi Labied village.

In the late afternoon, return to Merzouga to meet your camel trek across the dunes. Stop at the top of a high dune to try sandboarding and watch a spectacular desert sunset. Finish your day at a luxury desert camp with a delicious dinner, music around the campfire, and an unforgettable night under the starry sky.

Start your morning early to watch a beautiful sunrise from a high dune near the camp. After breakfast, head back to Merzouga by camel or 4×4, where your driver will meet you.

Leave the desert behind and drive to Rissani, an ancient trading town with a lively local market. Frequented on market days: Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. From there, continue to Erfoud to visit a fossil workshop if you’d like.

Next, drive through the palm groves of Touroug and Tinjdad on your way to Todra Gorges, a stunning red-rock canyon carved by the Todra River that is popular with rock climbers. Take some time to walk through the canyon and admire the views.

After lunch, head toward the Dades Valley. Along the way, stop to see the famous “monkey fingers” rock formations and enjoy a scenic viewpoint overlooking the valley. Arrive at your hotel in the evening for dinner and your stay.

Driving distance: Approximately 310 km
Driving time: Approximately 5 hr 30 min

Enjoy breakfast at your riad before heading toward Marrakech through Kalaa Magouna in the Rose Valley, famous for its annual May Rose Festival and local products like rose water, perfumes, and oils.

Next, drive through the palm groves of Skoura to reach Ouarzazate, where you can visit famous film studios if you wish. From there, we head to explore the iconic Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site featured in famous films and shows like Gladiator and Game of Thrones.

After lunch, continue to Marrakech over the scenic Tizi-N-Tichka Pass in the High Atlas Mountains, stopping along the way for photos at amazing viewpoints. Arrive in Marrakech in the evening for an overnight stay at your riad.

Driving distance: Approximately 350 km
Driving time: Approximately 6 hr 30 min

Enjoy breakfast at your accommodation before meeting your professional local guide to explore Marrakech, one of Morocco’s four ancient Imperial Cities.

Your morning tour includes visits to the Bahia Palace, the historic Saadian Tombs, the impressive Koutoubia Mosque -the largest in Marrakech- and the beautiful Ben Youssef Madrasa. Afterward, enjoy a guided stroll through Morocco’s traditional market.

Take a lunch break near the famous Jemaa El-Fna Square; we will take you to visit the vibrant Majorelle Garden. After that, we return to your hotel; the rest of the evening is yours to wander around Jemaa El-Fna Square at your own pace.

After breakfast, drive west from Marrakech toward the coastal city of Essaouira (formerly known as Mogador). Along the way, stop to see the famous argan trees—where you might catch a glimpse of local goats climbing the branches—and pause at a high scenic viewpoint to take in panoramic views of the city below.

Upon arrival in Essaouira, spend the day exploring its historic fishing port, old sea walls lined with cannons, and charming blue-and-white medina. Enjoy a lunch of fresh seafood by the harbor, watch the traditional fishing boats come in, and take a relaxing stroll along the coast. Spend the night at your accommodation in Essaouira.

Driving distance: Approximately 180 km
Driving time: Approximately 3 hr 30 min

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before starting your journey from the coastal town of Essaouira back to Casablanca.
Before heading out, take some free time to soak up the morning sun on the beach, stroll through the old medina, or browse the local markets for unique handmade souvenirs.

Afterward, sit back and relax on the drive to Casablanca (about four and a half hours), enjoying the changing countryside along the way. Upon arrival, check into your comfortable hotel to rest, unwind, and reflect on the unforgettable memories from your 12 days in Morocco.

Driving distance: Approximately 380 km
Driving time: Approximately 4 hr 30 min

As your unforgettable 12-day Morocco tour comes to an end, we’ll make sure your journey home is completely stress-free. Your driver will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport (CMN) in plenty of time for your flight.

Thank you for choosing Desert Morocco Tours! It has been an absolute privilege exploring our country with you. We hope the memories you’ve made over these 12 days stay with you forever. Wishing you safe travels home, and we look forward to welcoming you back on your next adventure!