8-Day Private Tour: Marrakech, Sahara & Imperial Cities
8 Days / 7 Nights · Moderate
An 8-day private tour beginning and ending in Marrakech that combines Morocco's greatest desert adventures with its most celebrated imperial cities. Start with a guided tour of Marrakech's vibrant medina, then journey through the High Atlas Mountains to the dramatic Dades Canyons and the breathtaking Todra Gorges. Experience the magic of the Sahara at Merzouga with a camel ride at sunset and a night in a luxury desert camp at Erg Chebbi. From the desert, travel north through the Ziz Valley and cedar forests of Azrou to the ancient imperial city of Fez, where a guided tour reveals its enchanting medina and famous tannery. Continue to Rabat and Casablanca, visiting the Roman ruins of Volubilis, the Hassan Tower, and the iconic Hassan II Mosque before returning to Marrakech. This comprehensive tour showcases the very best of Morocco in one unforgettable journey.
Highlights
- Marrakech: guided medina tour
- Cross the High Atlas Mountains via Tizi N'Tichka Pass
- Ait Ben Haddou: UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Dades Canyons and Valley of the Roses
- Todra Gorges: dramatic limestone cliffs
- Merzouga: camel ride and luxury desert camp at Erg Chebbi
- Ziz Valley and cedar forests of Azrou
- Fez: guided city tour of the ancient medina and tannery
- Volubilis: Roman ruins UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Rabat: Hassan Tower and Mohammed V Mausoleum
- Casablanca: iconic Hassan II Mosque
What's Included
- English- and French-speaking driver
- Private, comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle
- Complimentary dinners in Boumalne Dades and Merzouga
- All breakfasts
- Flexibility to ask the driver for stops (breaks, coffee, restrooms, photos)
- Camel ride in the desert
- Sandboarding (upon request)
- Luxury tent in a Berber camp with private bathroom
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Marrakech
Arrival at Marrakech airport. Transfer from the airport to your riad, where you can settle in and begin absorbing the vibrant atmosphere of the Red City.
Day 2: Marrakech: Guided Medina Tour
Enjoy a full day tour of the Marrakech Medina with your guide. Discover the vibrant souks, historic palaces, and hidden gems of this UNESCO-listed old city. Explore landmarks such as the Bahia Palace, Ben Youssef Madrasa, and the lively Jemaa el-Fnaa square, with free time for shopping or a hammam visit.
Day 3: Marrakech to Boumalne Dades
Start your journey with an early morning departure from Marrakech at 8:30 AM, heading towards the majestic High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi N'Tichka Pass. Enjoy the scenic drive through Berber villages before reaching the UNESCO-listed Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, famous for its appearances in Gladiator and Game of Thrones. Explore this historic site and stop for lunch before continuing to Ouarzazate, nicknamed the 'Hollywood of Africa.' The journey proceeds through the palm groves of Skoura and the Valley of the Roses, ending at your hotel near the spectacular Dades Canyons in Boumalne Dades.
Day 4: Boumalne Dades - Tinghir - Merzouga
The day begins with a 9:00 AM drive to the oasis of Tinghir, where you can explore lush palm groves and the spectacular Todra Gorges. Next, head towards the town of Tinjdad, then arrive at the village of Erfoud, the birthplace of Morocco's ruling dynasty, and visit the local date market. The day ends in Merzouga with a camel excursion, where you can admire a spectacular sunset and spend the night in a luxury desert camp under the stars, with dinner around the fire and local entertainment.
Day 5: Merzouga to Fez
Opt for an early morning to witness the sunrise over the dunes before heading to Fez. The journey takes you through the Ziz Valley, Midelt, the Middle Atlas Mountains, and the cedar forests of Azrou, where you may spot Barbary macaques in the 'monkey forest.' Arrive in Fez in the late afternoon.
Day 6: Fez: Guided City Tour
Tour of the Fez Medina with an English- and French-speaking guide. Discover the enchanting medina, bustling souks, the grand tannery, and the world's oldest university. Enjoy free time for shopping, a hammam visit, or exploring the excellent restaurants of Fez.
Day 7: Fez - Rabat - Casablanca
From Fez to Casablanca, passing through Rabat, you will discover a variety of historical and cultural sites. Highlights include the ancient Roman city of Volubilis, the Hassan Tower and Mohammed V Mausoleum in Rabat, and the iconic Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca.
Day 8: Casablanca to Marrakech: Departure
Transfer from your hotel in Casablanca to Marrakech airport, marking the end of your unforgettable 8-day Moroccan adventure.