10 Day Desert Tour from Marrakech
Duration: 10 Days/9 Nights Distance: 1650 km
Start: Marrakech End: Casablanca
Type: Private Tour
Highlights at a Glance
- Discover the vibrant medina of Marrakech: Koutoubia Mosque, Saadian Tombs & Bahia Palace
- Scenic drive through the High Atlas Mountains via Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260 m)
- Visit UNESCO site Aït Ben Haddou, famous film location (Gladiator, Game of Thrones)
- Explore Ouarzazate, the “Hollywood of Africa” & Atlas Film Studios
- Walk through the stunning Todra Gorges and palm groves
- Sunset camel trek into the Erg Chebbi dunes & overnight in a luxury desert camp
- Experience authentic Berber nomad life and live Gnawa music in Khamlia
- Admire the landscapes of the Ziz Valley, the Cedar Forest with Barbary macaques & alpine Ifrane
- Explore the medieval medina of Fez (UNESCO World Heritage & world’s first university)
- Stroll the enchanting blue streets of Chefchaouen, the “Blue Pearl”
- Visit Rabat: Mausoleum of Mohammed V & the Kasbah of the Udayas
- End your journey in Casablanca, home to the impressive Hassan II Mosque
Tour Program
Day 1 : Arrival in Marrakech - Transfer to the Hotel
Upon your arrival at Marrakech airport, our driver will be waiting for you at the exit, holding a sign with your name. You will be transferred comfortably to your Riad, where you can relax and recover from your flight. Take the evening at leisure and get ready to begin your tour the following day.
Day 2 : Marrakech Sightseeing with local guide
Distance: You have a walking tour with local guide
Your 10-day Morocco tour begins with a guided exploration of Marrakech. In the morning, your local guide will meet you at your hotel and take you through the vibrant medina of Marrakech.
You will visit the iconic Koutoubia Mosque, famous for its impressive minaret, the Saadian Tombs from the 16th century adorned with intricate mosaic tiles, and the elegant Bahia Palace, a 19th-century masterpiece of Moroccan architecture. A lunch break will be arranged during the tour.
Afterwards, you will have the chance to discover the fascinating souks of Marrakech and wander through the narrow alleyways leading to the bustling Djemaa El-Fna Square.
In the afternoon, enjoy some free time at leisure. As evening falls, immerse yourself in the magical atmosphere of Jemaa El-Fna, where snake charmers, musicians, acrobats, dancers, storytellers, and entertainers bring the square to life.
Overnight stay in your hotel in Marrakech.
Day 3 : Marrakech – High Atlas Mountains - Aït Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate – Dades Valley
Distance: 323km Time on the road: 5h 30min
Your tour begins with a pick-up by your local guide from your Riad or any preferred location in Marrakech. From there, we head toward the Dades Valley, our destination for the first night.
Our adventure begins with a scenic drive through the Tizi n’Tichka Pass in the High Atlas Mountains. This winding mountain road offers breathtaking views of dramatic landscapes and traditional Berber villages. We’ll make our first stop at the highest point of the pass—an altitude of 2,260 meters—where you can take in the panoramic views and capture unforgettable photos.
Our first major stop is the famous Aït Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its beautiful Kasbahs and fortified architecture. This iconic Ksar has been featured in many films and series, including Game of Thrones, Lawrence of Arabia, and Gladiator. Your guide will lead you on a short walk across the river and up through the narrow alleys to the top of the hill for a stunning view of the Ounila Valley.
After lunch in the village, we continue to Ouarzazate, often called the “Hollywood of Africa” due to its film studios and cinematic landscapes. We then pass through Kalaat M’Gouna, known as the “City of Roses,” famous for its annual Rose Festival held each April.
The day ends in the Dades Valley, where you’ll enjoy dinner and a peaceful night at your Riad.
Day 4 : Dades Valley - Todgha Gorges - Tinjdad - Erfoud - Sahara Desert
Distance: 253km Time on the road: 3h 45min
After enjoying a traditional Moroccan breakfast at your Riad in Dades, we begin our journey to one of Morocco’s most iconic destinations – Merzouga and the Sahara Desert.
We’ll travel along the famous Road of a Thousand Kasbahs, passing through the scenic Berber villages of the Dades Valley toward Tineghir. This area is known for its lush palm groves stretching over 15 kilometers, leading to the dramatic Todra Gorges, towering nearly 300 meters high. Here, you’ll have time to take a short walk through the canyon, surrounded by breathtaking rock formations and traditional Berber life.
After the visit, we continue our drive, with the option to stop for lunch in either Tinjdad or Touroug, depending on your preference and your hunger.
In the afternoon, we arrive at the Erg Chebbi dunes in Merzouga, the gateway to the Sahara Desert. Your camels will be waiting to take you on a magical ride across the golden dunes at sunset—a truly unforgettable desert experience. Meanwhile, your luggage will be transported to the camp in a 4×4 vehicle.
Upon arrival at your luxury desert camp, the staff will welcome you and show you to your private tent, where you can enjoy a shower and relax. In the evening, enjoy a delicious traditional Moroccan dinner followed by Berber music and drumming under the stars—a perfect end to an unforgettable day in the Moroccan Sahara.
Day 5 : Erg Chebbi Desert Experience
Distance: 50km Time on the road: drive off road
After breakfast, your journey continues around the spectacular Erg Chebbi dunes, one of Morocco’s most breathtaking desert landscapes. Here you will find the country’s highest sand dune, rising over 250 meters, once part of the legendary Paris-Dakar rally route that stretches towards the Algerian border.
We will follow a path that leads to a traditional nomad camp, where you will have the chance to discover the lifestyle and customs of desert nomads. After spending some time with them, we will stop at a scenic viewpoint offering a panoramic view of the entire Erg Chebbi desert.
The tour continues to the village of Khamlia, famous for its vibrant Gnawa music. Enjoy a cup of mint tea while listening to a live performance of these spiritual desert rhythms.
Afterwards, return for lunch at a local restaurant before heading to your hotel near the dunes. The afternoon is yours to relax, take a refreshing swim, or simply enjoy the tranquility of the Sahara. Dinner and overnight stay at your desert hotel.
Day 6 : Desert - Ziz valley - Cedar forest – Ifrane - Fez
Distance: 462km Time on the road: 7h 30min
Begin your day with an unforgettable sunrise over the golden sand dunes of the Sahara. After breakfast, the journey to Fez takes you through some of Morocco’s most beautiful landscapes. Pause at the breathtaking Ziz Valley for photos, continue across the dramatic Atlas Mountains, and stroll through the peaceful Cedar Forest, home to the famous Barbary macaque monkeys. On the way, discover Ifrane, often called the “Switzerland of Africa” for its alpine charm. Arrive in Fez in the evening and settle into your hotel.
Day 7 : Fez Sightseeing Tour
Distance: You have a walking tour with local guide
After breakfast, you will spend the entire day exploring Fez, Morocco’s spiritual and cultural capital. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Fez is the country’s oldest imperial city and home to the world’s first university, founded in the 9th century. With its remarkably well-preserved medieval architecture, Fez feels like a living museum, where time stands still between the Middle Ages and the present day.
As you wander through the labyrinth of 9,000 narrow streets in the Fez Medina, you will encounter lively markets filled with fresh produce, fragrant spices, and traditional Moroccan sweets flavored with cinnamon and honey. Donkeys and mules remain the main means of transportation, adding to the authentic atmosphere. The rhythmic hammering of metalworkers crafting pots and utensils, combined with the echoing call to prayer, creates a timeless soundscape that has endured for centuries.
Your guided tour will also take you through the bustling souks of Fez, where master artisans still practice age-old crafts: handwoven silk and Berber carpets, leather goods, gold and silver jewelry, and more.
After an enriching day discovering the treasures of Fez Medina, your driver will return you to your hotel for the evening.
Day 8 : Fez – Chefchaouen
Distance: 197km Time on the road: 3h 45min
Today your Morocco tour continues towards Chefchaouen, famously known as the “Blue Pearl of Morocco” and often called the “Pearl of the North.” Considered one of the most picturesque towns in northern Morocco, Chefchaouen is renowned for its enchanting shades of blue and white that cover the city’s streets and houses.
The drive takes you through the scenic Rif Mountains, offering stunning landscapes along the way. Upon arrival in Chefchaouen, you will have free time to explore at your own pace. Stroll through the charming medina, visit the historic Kasbah, relax at Outa el Hammam Square, or discover local culture at the Chaouen Art Museum. Don’t miss a walk through the narrow blue-painted alleys, perfect for memorable photos.
In the afternoon, you can hike up to the Spanish Mosque, where you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking panoramic view over the entire blue city, especially magical at sunset.
Overnight stay in Chefchaouen.
Day 9 : Chefchaouen – Rabat – Casablanca
Distance: 340km Time on the road: 5h
After breakfast, your Morocco tour continues with a scenic drive from Chefchaouen to Casablanca, stopping in Rabat, the country’s political and administrative capital.
In Rabat, you will visit the magnificent Mausoleum of Mohammed V, the resting place of King Mohammed V and his sons, King Hassan II and Prince Moulay Abdellah. This masterpiece of Moroccan architecture is one of the city’s most important landmarks. You will also explore the historic Kasbah of the Udayas (Oudayas), a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its Andalusian-style gardens, narrow blue-and-white streets, and stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.
After your guided visit in Rabat, the journey continues to Casablanca, Morocco’s modern economic hub. Upon arrival, you will check into your hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 10 : Casablanca – Airport Transfer
Distance: 30km Time on the road: 40min
Your 10-day Morocco tour from Marrakech comes to an end today after an unforgettable journey through the country’s most iconic cities and landscapes. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have the chance to visit the impressive Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, one of the largest and most beautiful mosques in the world, located on the Atlantic coast.
After the visit, we will provide a comfortable transfer to Casablanca Airport (CMN) for your departure flight.
Accommodations
| Category 1 | |
|---|---|
| Marrakech | Riad El Walida |
| Dades | Hotel Babylon Dades Gorges |
| Desert Night 1 | Sahara Desert Luxury Camp |
| Desert Night 2 | Riad Dar Hassan |
| Fez | Riad Tahra |
| Chefchaouen | Riad Hicham |
| Casablanca | Hotel Kenzi Basma |
| Category 2 | |
|---|---|
| Marrakech | Riad Nesma |
| Dades | Riad Dades Paradise |
| Desert Night 1 | Caravanserai Luxury Desert Camp |
| Desert Night 2 | Riad Chebbi |
| Fez | Palais Houyam |
| Chefchaouen | Dar Echchaouen |
| Casablanca | Hotel Odyssee Center |
| Category 3 | |
|---|---|
| Marrakech | La Maison Arabe |
| Dades | Eden Boutique Hotel |
| Desert Night 1 | Desert Luxury Camp |
| Desert Night 2 | Desert Luxury Camp |
| Fez | Palais Faraj |
| Chefchaouen | Lina Ryad & Spa |
| Casablanca | Casablanca Mariott Hotel |
*In case the listed hotel is fully booked, we will provide a similar option of the same category and inform you accordingly.
What’s included in our Morocco desert tours
- Included:
- Pick up and drop off from to the airport
- Transport in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle
- Professional English-speaking driver/guide (or request other preferred language)
- Accommodation in carefully selected hotels and traditional riads
- Breakfasts throughout the tour
- Dinners in the desert and Dades gorge
- Camel ride experience in the Sahara Desert
- Overnight stay in a Merzouga desert camp
- Sandboarding
- Local guides in Marrakech and Fez
- Not Included:
- Lunches and beverages
- Personal expenses and optional activities
* Final price depends on the accommodation category selected and the group size
- Map for the tour
- Book this Tour now!
