12 Day Grand Morocco Tour from Marrakech | Desert & Mountains

Your adventure begins in the vibrant red city of Marrakech, a cultural and historical hub of Morocco. Upon arrival at Marrakech Menara Airport, you’ll be warmly welcomed and transferred to your hotel or riad. Spend the rest of the day relaxing or exploring the nearby Jemaa el-Fnaa square, where snake charmers, storytellers, and food stalls offer a first taste of Moroccan magic. This introduction sets the tone for a rich and colorful journey.

After breakfast, travel through the High Atlas Mountains, crossing the stunning Tizi n’Tichka Pass. Stop at local villages before arriving at the UNESCO-listed Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, one of Morocco’s most iconic fortified towns. Continue to Ouarzazate, often called the “Hollywood of Africa” for its film studios and desert landscapes. Visit Taourirt Kasbah and enjoy dinner and overnight in this cinematic gateway to the Sahara.

After breakfast, leave Ouarzazate behind us, we will pass to take pictures of Taourirt Kasbah, it is is a historic fortified residence complex, it was first built in the 17th century by the Imzwarn, a powerful local family, and expanded by the Glaoui family in the 19th century, then we will reach Kelaa M’gouna, call rose land, it cultivate roses and make rose water and oil, the Monkey fingers in top mountain and Dades gorge where we will take picture of amazing zigzag road. Afterwards we will lodge in the hotel.

Drive toward the towering Todgha Gorges, where sheer limestone cliffs rise dramatically above a crystal-clear river. After exploring the canyon, continue via Erfoud, known for its fossils, and arrive at Merzouga, gateway to the Sahara. Mount a camel for a sunset trek across the towering Erg Chebbi dunes and spend the night in a luxury desert camp with traditional music under a starlit sky.

Wake early for a spectacular desert sunrise, then return to Merzouga by camel. Depart for Midelt, crossing the Ziz Valley, a lush oasis lined with palm trees and kasbah ruins. Travel through dramatic rock formations and the pre-Atlas landscapes before reaching the quiet mountain town of Midelt for a restful evening in cooler air.

Today’s journey passes through the scenic Middle Atlas Mountains. Stop in Azrou’s cedar forest to spot Barbary macaques, then continue to Ifrane, a charming alpine-style town known as “Little Switzerland.” Arrive in Fez, Morocco’s spiritual and intellectual heart, where you’ll check into your riad and enjoy a relaxing evening before diving into the old city.where you spend the day exploring Fez el-Bali, the city’s medieval medina and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With your local guide, visit the ancient Al-Qarawiyyin University, Bou Inania Madrasa, and Chouara Tanneries. Walk through narrow alleys filled with artisans, spice shops, and fountains. End the day with mint tea in a rooftop café overlooking the city’s timeless skyline.

Depart Fez and travel through the Rif Mountains to reach the picturesque blue city of Chefchaouen. Nestled in the hills, Chefchaouen’s blue-washed walls, cobbled streets, and artisan shops offer a peaceful retreat. Wander the medina, visit Plaza Uta el-Hammam, and relax at one of the cafés with panoramic views. Spend the night in a charming riad.

After breakfast, head to Rabat, Morocco’s capital city. Discover the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, the Hassan Tower, and the historic Kasbah of the Udayas overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Rabat blends modern governance with preserved heritage and offers a calm and elegant atmosphere. Overnight in a centrally located hotel.

Rabat, the administrative capital and one of Morocco’s imperial cities, is located in the northwest of the Kingdom. Today, we begin our tour at Chellah, a medieval fortified necropolis with rich Islamic and Roman history. Next, we visit the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, the final resting place of King Mohammed V and his two sons, King Hassan II and Prince Abdallah. Just across from the mausoleum stands the iconic Hassan Tower, the minaret of an incomplete 12th-century mosque and a symbol of Rabat. We then explore the picturesque Kasbah of the Udayas, perched at the mouth of the Bou Regreg River and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2012. After enjoying some leisure time in this luminous and elegant city, we continue our journey via the motorway to Casablanca, where we will spend the night in a comfortable hotel.

Casablanca, Morocco’s economic capital, offers a dynamic blend of modernity and culture with many attractions worth visiting. We begin our tour at La Corniche Beach in Ain Diab, often compared to Miami Beach for its seaside charm, where we’ll enjoy some free time and photo opportunities. Next, we drive through Anfa, a district known for its modern architecture and upscale ambiance. Our highlight stop is the majestic Hassan II Mosque, the second-largest functioning mosque in Africa and the seventh-largest in the world. Its minaret stands at 210 meters, making it the tallest minaret globally. We’ll explore both the interior and exterior of this architectural marvel, including its museum. The tour continues to Mohammed V Square, also known as Pigeon Square, a symbolic and historic public plaza located in the heart of the city. After a delicious lunch in a local restaurant, we depart for Marrakech. Following a 4-hour drive, we’ll arrive in the vibrant Red City, where we check in to our hotel or riad for the night.

We will explore Marrakech, also known as the “Red City,” named after the red sandstone used in its city walls and buildings. Our tour begins at the Koutoubia Mosque and Gardens, where the mosque’s 77-meter minaret stands as the tallest structure in Marrakech and a key landmark of the city. We will then visit the Saadian Tombs, the burial site of members of the Saadian Dynasty, rediscovered in the early 20th century and beautifully preserved. Next, we explore the Bahia Palace, a magnificent 19th-century palace known for its intricate architecture and lush interior courtyards. Our journey continues to Dar El Bacha, the palace built for Pasha Thami El Glaoui, who ruled over Marrakech from 1912 to 1956. Later, we’ll immerse ourselves in the iconic Jemaa el-Fnaa square, where a vibrant display of snake charmers, fire-eaters, musicians, acrobats, storytellers, hawkers, and street food vendors bring the heart of the medina to life. At the end of our cultural adventure, we’ll return to our hotel or riad for the night.

Depending on your flight time, you may have time for a last stroll in the medina or a relaxing morning at your riad. Your driver will transfer you to Marrakech Menara Airport, marking the end of your magical Moroccan adventure.