Desert Tour From Marrakech 12-day

About This Tour

12 days - 11 nights · Marrakech

This 12 days - 11 nights private tour starts and finishes in Marrakech, and it is run for your party alone: your own driver-guide, your own vehicle, no group to keep up with and no fixed departure date.

Along the way it takes in Marrakech, the red city at the foot of the High Atlas, the fortified ksar of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site whose earthen towers rise in tiers above the Ounila river and Ouarzazate, the desert film town behind the Atlas Studios and the Taourirt kasbah.

The Sahara is the centre of the trip: a camel ride into the dunes of Erg Chebbi for sunset, dinner and a night at a desert camp, and sunrise back over the sand the next morning.

The itinerary below is the one most travellers follow, but none of it is fixed. Days can be added or dropped, the pace slowed, and the accommodation moved up or down to suit you. Tell us your dates and what you want to see, and we will send a plan and a price for your own group.

Tour Highlights

The best of this journey

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Desert Tour From Marrakech 12-day

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Tour Itinerary

Day by day, 11 days

• Iti1

  Day 1: Welcome to Marrakech: transfer to your Hotel / Riad

  Welcome to Marrakech! Upon landing at the airport, you’ll be accompanied to your selected accommodation—whether it’s a charming riad tucked away in the Medina or a sleek, modern hotel. Take some time to rest and recharge after your journey, or immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere with a leisurely stroll through the bustling streets.

  In the evening, indulge in a traditional Moroccan dinner and get ready for the exciting experiences ahead. Be sure to visit Jemaa el-Fna, the city’s iconic main square and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where storytellers, musicians, henna artists, and an enticing variety of food stalls come together to create a mesmerizing scene.

  Today is on foot with a licensed local guide, because the old city is a place you have to be walked through to understand.

  In Marrakech that usually means the Koutoubia minaret, the Bahia palace, the Saadian tombs and the souks behind Jemaa el-Fna, ending in the square itself as the food stalls are lit.

  The Bahia palace was built for a grand vizier who wanted every room to open onto a courtyard, and its painted cedar ceilings took craftsmen years.

  The souks are organised by trade, so you pass a lane of dyers, then one of slipper makers, then the ironworkers, each with its own noise and smell.

  Accommodation: Riad Aslal, Marrakech — or similar Meals: Breakfast
• Iti2

  Day 2: Full Day to Visit Marrakech with a local guide

  Your journey through Marrakech’s rich history and dynamic culture starts with a visit to the breathtaking Ben Youssef Madrasa. Once an esteemed Islamic college, it is admired for its stunning architecture, featuring intricate stucco work, carved cedar wood, and vibrant zellij tilework.

  Next, step into the splendor of the Bahia Palace, a 19th-century masterpiece adorned with picturesque courtyards, lush gardens, and elaborate mosaics. Continue your exploration at the historic El Badi Palace, once a grand royal residence, now in ruins, offering a fascinating insight into the luxury of the Saadian dynasty.

  Your adventure continues with a stop at the Saadian Tombs, a long-lost treasure rediscovered in 1917, where you can marvel at the beautifully decorated mausoleums of the Saadian rulers. The architectural tour concludes with the majestic Koutoubia Mosque, the largest in Marrakech, known for its striking minaret that dominates the city’s skyline.

  In the afternoon, take a break from the city’s lively energy with a visit to the peaceful Majorelle Garden. Designed by French artist Jacques Majorelle and later restored by fashion icon Yves Saint Laurent, this enchanting botanical haven is filled with exotic plants, vivid blue structures, and calming water features. It’s the perfect place to unwind and reflect on the beauty and heritage of Marrakech.

  Today is on foot with a licensed local guide, because the old city is a place you have to be walked through to understand.

  In Marrakech that usually means the Koutoubia minaret, the Bahia palace, the Saadian tombs and the souks behind Jemaa el-Fna, ending in the square itself as the food stalls are lit.

  The souks are organised by trade, so you pass a lane of dyers, then one of slipper makers, then the ironworkers, each with its own noise and smell.

  The Bahia palace was built for a grand vizier who wanted every room to open onto a courtyard, and its painted cedar ceilings took craftsmen years.

  Accommodation: Riad Aslal, Marrakech — or similar Meals: Breakfast
• Iti3

  Day 3: Marrakech → Ait Ben Haddou → Ouarzazate → Skoura → Dades Valley:

  Today, set off on an exhilarating journey through the breathtaking Atlas Mountains. Your adventure begins with a stop at a scenic viewpoint, where you can capture stunning photos of the rugged terrain, snow-capped peaks, and dramatic valleys. As you continue along the winding mountain roads, you’ll pass traditional Berber villages, their earthen homes blending harmoniously with the hillsides.

  Next, explore the UNESCO-listed Ait Ben Haddou, an ancient fortified village that has served as the backdrop for iconic films like Gladiator and Lawrence of Arabia. Stroll through its narrow alleys, admire the striking clay architecture, and climb to the top for sweeping views of the surrounding landscape.

  Your journey continues to Ouarzazate, known as the “Hollywood of Morocco,” where you’ll visit the renowned Atlas Film Studio. From there, travel through the picturesque Rose Valley, famous for its fragrant rose gardens and the annual Rose Festival in May. This lush valley, dotted with kasbahs and vibrant greenery, offers endless photo opportunities.

  As you reach the awe-inspiring Dades Canyons, prepare to be captivated by its dramatic rock formations and deep gorges. The winding road through the canyon provides breathtaking vantage points at every turn. End the day in a cozy guesthouse nestled in the serene Dades Valley, where you’ll enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner and reflect on the unforgettable experiences of the day.

  Hoje ha distancia, mas compensa: a estrada atravessa Marrakech, the red city at the foot of the High Atlas and the fortified ksar of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site whose earthen towers rise in tiers above the Ounila river.

  No hay mas horario que el vuestro, asi que las buenas paradas se disfrutan con calma.

  Accommodation: Riad Paradise Dades, Dades Valley — or similar Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
• Iti4

  Day 4: Dades Valley → Tinghir gorge → Erfoud → Merzouga (Erg Chebbi)

  Your journey continues with a visit to the breathtaking Todra Gorge, where sheer cliffs soar dramatically on either side of the river, creating a spectacular natural wonder. A haven for rock climbers and hikers, this awe-inspiring canyon offers a perfect blend of adventure and scenic beauty.

  After exploring the gorge, set off for the enchanting town of Merzouga, the gateway to the vast Sahara Desert. Upon arrival, embark on a camel trek across the mesmerizing golden dunes, immersing yourself in the tranquil beauty of the desert. As the sun sets over the horizon, painting the sky in warm hues, continue your ride to a luxurious glamping site. Here, beneath a blanket of stars and enveloped in the peaceful silence of the Sahara, you’ll spend an unforgettable night in the heart of the desert.

  The desert takes the second half of the day: a camel ride into the dunes timed for the light, with the sand turning from gold to deep orange as the sun drops.

  Dinner is at camp under a sky with no light pollution at all, usually with drums around the fire, and the night is spent in a tent before the sunrise back over the dunes.

  Dinner at camp is tagine cooked over the fire, and the drums usually come out once the plates are cleared.

  Sunrise over the dunes comes early but nobody regrets it: the light arrives before the heat, and the sand is still cold underfoot.

  Accommodation: Riad Chebbi, Merzouga — or similar Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
• Iti5

  Day 5: Explore Merzouga area (Erg Chebbi Sahara Desert)

  Today, we’ll explore the desert area and the magnificent Erg Chebbi sand dunes. We’ll do a tour of the dunes in the desert so you can witness how nomads live and the incredible shifting contrasts of the landscape.

  Then, go witness the Gnawa musicians in the “black village” of Khamlia. In the historic capital of Rissani, lunch should also include a classic Berber pizza. After viewing the afternoon sunset over the sand dunes, we will ride camels back to the desert camp where we will spend the night.

  We will have a traditional tagine dinner, drink delicious mint tea, and listen to traditional Berber music while watching the stars and the rising moon in the amazing Sahara desert.

  A full day out in the Sahara: the nomad families who still live in the black tents around the erg, the old Mascara galleries where kohl was mined, the village of Khamlia and its Gnawa musicians, whose sung history came north with the caravans from Mali.

  Sunset is watched from a high dune, and the sand shifts through gold, orange and finally a deep red as the light goes.

  The fossil beds around Erfoud were a shallow sea 400 million years ago, and the black marble cut there is full of orthoceras and trilobites.

  A 4x4 run over the flat hammada beyond the dunes reaches ground no ordinary car gets to, including the dry lake bed that floods in a wet spring.

  Accommodation: Tawada Desert Camp, Erg Chebbi — or similar Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
• Iti6

  Day 6: Merzouga → Ziz Valley → Midelt → Ifrane → Fes

  Begin your day early to witness the mesmerizing sunrise over the rolling dunes of the Sahara Desert—a truly unforgettable sight. After enjoying breakfast, set out on your journey toward Fes. Your first stop is the stunning Ziz Valley, where lush palm groves and dramatic landscapes create the perfect backdrop for breathtaking photos.

  Continue your road trip to Midelt, where you’ll pause for a delightful lunch while taking in the scenic mountain views. From there, venture into the enchanting Cedar Forest, a serene nature reserve home to the playful Barbary macaques. Take a moment to explore the forest and observe these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat.

  Next, visit the charming town of Ifrane, often called “Little Switzerland” due to its European-style architecture and refreshing climate. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through its pristine streets, well-manicured gardens, and peaceful ambiance.

  Finally, continue your journey to Fes, arriving in the evening. Settle into your accommodation and unwind, preparing for an exciting exploration of one of Morocco’s most historic and vibrant cities the following day.

  E um dia de estrada no melhor sentido: a paisagem muda a toda a hora e passa-se por Merzouga, the last village before the sand and the Ziz valley, a green ribbon of date palms cut through bare rock.

  Le soste le decidete voi: un punto panoramico, un caffe lungo la strada, un paese che merita dieci minuti a piedi.

  Accommodation: Riad Fes Salam, Fes — or similar Meals: Breakfast
• Iti7

  Day 7: Fes sightseeing tour with a local guide

  Today, immerse yourself in the fascinating history and vibrant culture of Fes with a guided sightseeing tour. Begin at the magnificent Royal Palace, an architectural masterpiece adorned with grand golden doors and intricate tilework. While entry is not permitted, its stunning exterior is a sight to behold. Then, explore the Jewish Quarter (Mellah), offering a glimpse into the city’s rich multicultural heritage.

  Next, step into the heart of Fes by wandering through its UNESCO-listed Medina, one of the world’s best-preserved medieval cities. Visit the University of Al Quaraouiyine, the oldest continually operating higher education institution in the world. As you navigate the bustling streets, you’ll encounter lively souks, historic mosques, and beautifully designed madrasas. Don’t miss the Bou Inania Madrasa, renowned for its exquisite tilework and intricate wood carvings.

  Continue your journey with a stop at the famous Chouara Tannery, one of the world’s oldest tanneries, where you can observe the traditional leather-making process that has remained unchanged for centuries. Finally, conclude your exploration at the iconic Blue Gate (Bab Boujloud), the grand entrance to the Medina. With its striking blue and green tiles, this architectural gem is the perfect backdrop for capturing memories of your time in Fes.

  A local guide who lives in the city walks you through it on foot, which is the only way the medina makes sense.

  In Fes that means Fes el-Bali, the walled medina founded in the ninth century, the Chouara tanneries seen from the terraces above, the Al-Qarawiyyin mosque and university, and the mosaic and brass workshops still working in the lanes.

  The mosaic workshops still cut each zellij tile by hand with a chisel, which is the only way the pieces lock without a gap.

  Fes el-Bali is the largest car-free urban area in the world, which is why the whole day is walked and why a guide is worth having.

  Accommodation: Riad Fes Salam, Fes — or similar Meals: Breakfast
• Iti8

  Day 8: Fes → Roman ruins → Chefchaouen

  Depart from Fes and make your way to Meknes, one of Morocco’s historic imperial cities. Begin your exploration at the magnificent Bab Mansour, an ornate gateway that stands as a testament to Meknes’ former grandeur. Continue to the impressive Heri es-Souani granaries, once used to store vast supplies for the city, and visit the serene Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, the final resting place of the sultan who transformed Meknes into a royal capital.

  Next, travel to the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stroll through the remarkably preserved remnants of this once-thriving Roman city, where intricate mosaics, grand temples, and towering arches offer a fascinating glimpse into Morocco’s classical past.

  Your journey then leads you to the enchanting town of Chefchaouen, famously known as the “Blue City” for its stunning blue-washed streets and buildings. Spend the evening wandering through its picturesque alleyways, exploring vibrant markets, and relaxing in cozy cafés, soaking in the city’s peaceful and dreamy atmosphere.

  Oggi la distanza si sente, ma ne vale la pena: la strada attraversa Fes, the oldest of the imperial cities and the Roman ruins of Volubilis, with mosaics still in place where the houses stood.

  There is no schedule to hold to but your own, so the good stops get the time they deserve.

  Accommodation: Dar Echchaouen, Chefchaouen — or similar Meals: Breakfast
• Iti9

  Day 9: Chefchaouen → Tangier → Assilah

  This morning, leave behind the enchanting streets of Chefchaouen and journey to Tangier, a captivating coastal city where the Mediterranean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean. Begin your exploration at the Kasbah Museum, located within the former Sultan’s palace, where you can delve into the city’s rich history. Stroll through the bustling Medina, soaking in its vibrant energy and cultural charm.

  Next, visit the legendary Caves of Hercules, a site shrouded in mythology and offering breathtaking views of the ocean. From there, continue to the picturesque coastal town of Asilah, renowned for its whitewashed buildings adorned with colorful murals. Wander through the Medina’s narrow streets, relax on the golden beaches, and immerse yourself in the town’s artistic and laid-back atmosphere.

  Es un dia de carretera en el mejor sentido: el paisaje cambia sin parar y se pasa por Chefchaouen, the blue-washed town in the Rif mountains and Tangier, where the Mediterranean meets the Atlantic.

  Stops are yours to call: a viewpoint, a roadside cafe, a village worth ten minutes on foot.

  Accommodation: Riad Al Alba, Asilah — or similar Meals: Breakfast
• Iti10

  Day 10: Asilah → Rabat → Casablanca

  Depart from Asilah and head toward Rabat, Morocco’s capital, where history and modernity blend seamlessly. Begin your exploration at the Hassan Tower, the striking yet unfinished minaret of a once-ambitious mosque, and visit the nearby Mausoleum of Mohammed V, a masterpiece of Moroccan architecture and craftsmanship. Then, wander through the Kasbah of the Udayas, a historic fortress offering breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and charming blue-and-white-washed alleyways.

  From Rabat, continue your journey to Casablanca, Morocco’s largest and most cosmopolitan city. Visit the awe-inspiring Hassan II Mosque, one of the world’s largest mosques, famed for its stunning oceanfront location and intricate design. Take a leisurely stroll along the scenic Corniche, enjoying the city’s coastal charm. In the evening, savor a farewell dinner at one of Casablanca’s finest restaurants, reminiscing about your unforgettable journey through Morocco.

  Today is a driving day in the best sense, with the country changing as you go, passing Asilah, a whitewashed Atlantic town with painted medina walls and Rabat, the capital, with the Hassan Tower and the Kasbah of the Udayas above the river.

  The vehicle is private and the pace is yours, so the driver stops wherever the view, a mint tea or a photograph is worth it.

  Accommodation: Val D'Anfa, Casablanca — or similar Meals: Breakfast
• Iti11

  Day 11: Casablanca → Marrakech

  Today is day we travel back to Marrakech. The trip will be around 3 hours driving on the highway.

  Departure: End of the tour

What the Price Includes

Everything covered in the price

If this itinerary does not quite match what you had in mind, tell us your ideas and we will rebuild it around them.

Tour Map

Marrakech

Know Before You Go

Practical travel notes

• The cost of your tour varies depending on the number of participants in your group.
• The estimated driving durations do not include stops for sightseeing, photos, or meals, so plan accordingly.
• Our comfortable 4x4 vehicles seat up to four adults. For groups of five or larger, we provide a spacious van.
• We advise beginning your desert expedition at 08:00 AM on Day 1, though this can be adjusted based on your preference.
• Sandboards are available at your Luxury Desert Camp for you to enjoy at any time during your stay.