Home ➤ Marrakech Tours ➤ 12 Days Tour from Marrakech
12 Days Tour from Marrakech: Sahara to the Sea
4.9 (120 reviews)
- Marrakech → via Merzouga
Duration
12 Days / 11 Nights
Languages
Departure
Marrakech
Tour Overview
Welcome to the ultimate Moroccan adventure with Hassan Tours Morocco! This 12-day tour, which starts in Marrakech, is designed to showcase the best of our country’s diverse landscapes and rich history. You will travel from the snowy peaks of the High Atlas Mountains to the golden dunes of the vast Sahara Desert.
Along the way, you will discover the magic of our imperial cities, explore ancient clay kasbahs, and wander the vibrant, colorful markets of Fes and Marrakech. The tour concludes with the striking blue streets of Chefchaouen and the fresh ocean breeze of Essaouira. This journey is the absolute best way to experience the heart and soul of Morocco!
Tour Highlights
Vibrant Marrakech: Explore the bustling souks and the famous Jemaa el-Fnaa Square.
Ait Benhaddou: Cross the stunning High Atlas Mountains and visit the UNESCO-listed clay fortress.
Sahara Magic: Ride a camel and sleep under the stars at a traditional camp in the Merzouga Desert.
Ancient Fes: Step back in time as you wander through the winding alleys of the world’s oldest medina.
The Blue Pearl: Wander the dreamy, blue-washed streets of Chefchaouen.
Essaouira on the coast: Enjoy fresh seafood and the Atlantic Ocean breeze in this historic port town.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrival in the Magic Red City
Your amazing 12 days tour from Marrakech begins the moment you land at the airport! Our friendly driver will welcome you and transfer you directly to your beautiful riad in the heart of the medina. Depending on your arrival time, take a gentle stroll to the famous Jemaa el-Fna square, alive with storytellers, fresh juice stalls, and colorful performers, before resting for the night.
Discovering the Secrets of Marrakech
After enjoying a traditional breakfast, a local expert guide will show you the city’s historical wonders. Admire the imposing Koutoubia Mosque, walk through the stunning Bahia Palace, and discover the hidden Saadian Tombs. Spend the rest of your day exploring the bustling souks and shopping for spices, leather goods, and beautiful lanterns before returning to your riad.
Over the Mountains to the Valley of Roses
We leave the city behind and drive up the magnificent High Atlas Mountains via the winding Tizi N’Tichka Pass. In the afternoon, we arrive at Ait Benhaddou, a spectacular clay fortress that has been featured in films such as Gladiator. Then, we pass through the city of Ouarzazate, the lush Skoura palm grove, and the sweet-smelling Valley of Roses before spending the night in the beautiful Dades Valley.
Giant Canyons and the Golden Sahara
Today, we will witness the dramatic beauty of the Todra Gorges, where a river has carved a massive canyon between towering rock walls. As we drive further south, the landscape shifts to a dry desert. Upon arriving in Merzouga, your camel will be waiting for you. Ride into the golden dunes at sunset, then arrive at our traditional Berber desert camp. Enjoy a warm fire and drum music, then spend the night under the stars.
Immersing in Nomadic Desert Life
Wake up early to see the sun paint the sand dunes a bright shade of gold. After breakfast, we will explore the deep desert in a 4×4 vehicle. We’ll share mint tea with a local nomadic family and visit the village of Khamlia, where we’ll listen to spiritual Gnawa music. Then, enjoy a free afternoon to relax or walk on the dunes before spending the night in a comfortable hotel on the edge of the desert.
Through the Cedar Forest to Fes
After saying goodbye to the Sahara, we drive north through the vast Ziz Valley. We stop at a high viewpoint to admire the thousands of green palm trees. After having lunch in Midelt, we will enter the Middle Atlas Mountains. We will stop in the cedar forest of Azrou to photograph the friendly wild monkeys and pass through Ifrane, a spotless town that resembles a Swiss village. Then, we will arrive at your riad in Fes.
The Ancient Alleys of Fes
Today is dedicated to exploring Morocco’s cultural capital. An expert local guide will lead you through the narrow alleys of the old Fes medina, which is filled with thousands of them. You will visit famous tanneries, beautiful traditional Islamic schools, and bustling souks filled with handmade crafts. Afterwards, you will admire the golden gates of the Royal Palace before enjoying another comfortable night in your riad.
Roman Ruins and the Blue City
After breakfast, we will drive to Meknes, an imperial city known for its enormous historical gates. Then, we will explore Volubilis, an incredible site of ancient Roman ruins featuring 2,000-year-old pillars and mosaic floors. In the afternoon, we will climb into the Rif Mountains to reach Chefchaouen. The walls and doors here are painted in beautiful shades of blue. Relax and spend the night in this peaceful town.
The Elegant Capital and the Ocean
We travel to Rabat to feel the fresh breeze of the Atlantic Ocean. Here, we visit the historic Kasbah of the Udayas and the impressive Hassan Tower, surrounded by majestic marble pillars. In the late afternoon, we drive down the coast to the massive city of Casablanca, where you will have time to rest and spend the night in a comfortable hotel.
The Hassan II Mosque and Back to Marrakech
In the morning, we visit the magnificent Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca. One of the largest in the world, it sits right over the ocean waves. After admiring its stunning interior tiles and intricate details, we take the highway back to Marrakech. You will arrive in the afternoon with plenty of free time to relax at your hotel or enjoy a quiet dinner in the city.
The Ocean Pearl of Essaouira
On your last full day, we take a relaxing day trip to the coast! We drive to Essaouira, passing argan trees where you might spot goats climbing the branches. Essaouira is a windy, beautiful coastal town with white houses and blue doors. Walk along the old Portuguese ramparts, eat fresh seafood at the harbor, and browse local art in the medina. We will spend the night here by the sea.
Farewell to Morocco
Enjoy one last delicious breakfast by the ocean. Depending on your flight time, our driver will transfer you safely from Essaouira back to the Marrakech airport. This concludes your incredible journey, leaving you with a heart full of amazing memories from the desert to the sea!
What's Included & Excluded
- Included
- Enjoy convenient pick-up and drop-off at Marrakech Airport for your 12-day tour.
- Enjoy a private, comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle for the entire journey.
- A friendly, English-speaking driver will guide you every day.
- You will enjoy 11 nights of accommodation in beautiful riads and hotels, as well as one night in a Berber desert camp.
- Enjoy a sunset camel trek in the Sahara Desert (one camel per person).
- You will have expert local city guides for your walking tours in Marrakech and Fes.
- All daily breakfasts are included at your accommodations.
- Not Included
- International flight tickets.
- Daily lunches and extra snacks.
- Drinks and bottled water.
- Tips for the driver, guides and camp staff.
Tour Route Map
Our Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a private trip or a shared group tour?
When you book this 12 days tour from Marrakech with Marrocos Hassan Tour, you get a completely private experience. You will have your own vehicle and driver, giving you total flexibility to travel at your own pace.
What should I wear during the camel ride in the Sahara?
We recommend wearing comfortable, loose-fitting clothing, a light jacket for the cool evening air, and a scarf or sunglasses to protect your face from the desert sun and sand.
Are the walking tours in Fes and Marrakech difficult?
Not at all! The medina walking tours are taken at a slow, relaxed pace. The ancient alleys are mostly flat, making it an easy and highly enjoyable stroll for travelers of all ages.
Can we skip the camel trek and still go to the desert camp?
Absolutely! If you prefer not to ride a camel, we can easily arrange a comfortable 4×4 vehicle to drive you straight over the dunes to the desert camp so you don’t miss the magical evening under the stars.
Reviews
What our travelers say
- 4.9 · 184+ verified reviews
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