8-Day Private Desert Tour: Rabat to Marrakech via the Sahara
8 Days / 7 Nights · Moderate
An unforgettable 8-day private desert tour spanning Morocco's imperial cities, blue alleys, and the golden Sahara. Begin in Rabat with a visit to the iconic Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, then journey north to Chefchaouen, the Blue Pearl of Morocco, and the ancient imperial city of Fez with its enchanting medina and world-renowned tannery. From Fez, travel south through the monkey forests of Ifrane and the Tizi Valley to the Sahara Desert at Merzouga, where you'll enjoy two nights of desert magic: camel rides, Gnawa music in Khamlia village, and glamping under the stars at Erg Chebbi. Continue through the dramatic Todra and Dades Gorges before returning to Marrakech via the Rose Valley, Ait Benhaddou, and Ouarzazate. This tour combines Morocco's cultural treasures, natural wonders, and authentic desert experiences in one epic journey.
Highlights
- Rabat: Chellah ruins and Kasbah of the Udayas
- Casablanca: iconic Hassan II Mosque
- Chefchaouen: the Blue Pearl of Morocco
- Volubilis: Roman ruins UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Fez: ancient medina, vibrant souks, and famous tannery
- Ifrane and the monkey forest of Azrou
- Merzouga: two nights at Erg Chebbi dunes with camel rides
- Khamlia village: Gnawa music and nomadic hospitality
- Todra Gorge: dramatic canyon hike and Berber lunch
- Dades Gorge: monkey paws rock formation
- Valley of the Roses
- Ait Benhaddou: Game of Thrones filming location
- Ouarzazate: Hollywood of Morocco
What's Included
- English- and French-speaking driver
- Comfortable, private air-conditioned vehicle
- Flexibility to ask your driver for stops (breaks, coffee, photos, etc.)
- Camel ride in the desert
- French- and English-speaking guide in Fez for the city tour
Itinerary
Day 1: Rabat - Casablanca - Rabat
Arrival in Rabat, then drive to Casablanca passing near Berber villages. Visit the Hassan II Mosque, the second-largest functioning mosque in Africa and the 14th largest in the world, with its 210-meter minaret and a laser at the top pointing toward Mecca. Completed in 1993, the mosque sits on a promontory overlooking the Atlantic Ocean where worshippers can pray over the sea. Return to Rabat for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 2: Rabat to Chefchaouen
After breakfast at your riad, explore the charm of Rabat with a tour of its historic sites, including the magnificent ruins of Chellah (a fortified medieval necropolis on the banks of the Bou Regreg River), the Kasbah of the Udayas, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Hassan Tower, a 44-meter minaret of an incomplete 12th-century mosque. Enjoy a guided tour of Salé before continuing your journey to Chefchaouen, the Blue Pearl of Morocco, known for its charming blue alleys and magical atmosphere.
Day 3: Chefchaouen to Fez
After breakfast, tour Chefchaouen and soak in its magical atmosphere as you stroll through winding blue alleys, discovering hidden gems and perfect photo spots. En route to Fez, visit the stunning Roman ruins of Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Check in at your riad in Fez and relax for the evening.
Day 4: Fez: City Tour
Begin the day with breakfast and discover the secrets of Fez with a guided city tour led by your English- and French-speaking guide. Known for its enchanting medina, bustling souks, grand tannery, and the oldest university in the world founded by a woman, Fez is a UNESCO-protected city. In the afternoon, enjoy shopping, visit a hammam, or simply relax before dinner. Experience the excellent restaurants Fez has to offer.
Day 5: Fez - Ifrane - Midelt - Merzouga
Embark on an unforgettable journey to Merzouga, the gateway to the Sahara Desert. Pass through the picturesque village of Midelt and marvel at the stunning Tizi Valley, with several photo stops and a drive through the monkey forest. Arrive at your desert camp for the night, where you'll enjoy a glamping experience Sahara-style. Watch the sunset over a dune, followed by dinner and a night in your luxury tent near the Erg Chebbi dunes.
Day 6: Merzouga: Desert Exploration
After breakfast and sunrise viewing, your driver will take you on a tour around the dunes to see the golden sands of Merzouga. Visit the village of Khamlia to meet local Berber nomads and enjoy their hospitality and Gnawa music, then continue to Rissani, known for its traditional market. In the afternoon, take a camel ride through the Erg Chebbi dunes at sunset. Return to your luxury desert camp for dinner and an evening of local entertainment under the stars.
Day 7: Merzouga - Todra Gorge - Dades Gorge - Boumalne Dades
Wake up to a breathtaking sunrise over the Sahara dunes and enjoy a memorable breakfast. Continue your journey through the village of Tinjdad to Todra Gorge, where you'll take a short hike and enjoy a traditional Berber lunch. Then head to the Dades Valley, where your riad awaits. Visit the Dades Gorges and the famous 'monkey paws' rock formation. Take a shower to wash off the desert sand and enjoy a delicious dinner at the riad.
Day 8: Boumalne Dades - Ouarzazate - Ait Ben Haddou - Marrakech
After breakfast, begin your journey to Marrakech via the Rose Valley. Continue on to Ait Benhaddou, the famous backdrop for Game of Thrones, and Ouarzazate, known as the Hollywood of Morocco and home to Atlas Studios. Arrival in Marrakech in the afternoon, marking the end of your epic desert adventure.