12 days morocco itinerary
This 12-day journey is the ultimate Moroccan experience, blending history, culture, nature, and adventure. From the bustling souks of Marrakech to the golden dunes of the Sahara, from the blue-washed streets of Chefchaouen to the coastal charm of Essaouira, this trip offers it all. You’ll ride camels in the desert, wander through ancient medinas, visit UNESCO-listed sites, and soak in the vibrant energy of Morocco’s imperial cities.
Prepare for breathtaking landscapes, delicious Moroccan cuisine, and warm Berber hospitality as you take on this unforgettable adventure!
Departure & Return Location
Your hotel
Departure Time
8:00 AM
Price Includes: 12 day morocco itinerary
Price Excludes: 12 day morocco itinerary
Highlights 12 day morocco itinerary
- Explore Marrakech, Fes, Chefchaouen, Tangier, Asilah, Rabat, Casablanca & Essaouira
- Ride camels & camp in the Sahara Desert
- Visit the UNESCO-listed Ait Ben Haddou
- Walk through the Roman ruins of Volubilis
- Explore the blue streets of Chefchaouen
- Visit the coastal town of Asilah
- See the impressive Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca
Day 1: Arrival in Marrakech
Welcome to Morocco! Your driver will meet you at the Marrakech Menara Airport and transfer you to your riad in the heart of the old medina. Depending on your arrival time, explore the Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, watch snake charmers, listen to musicians, and experience the magic of Marrakech’s souks. Overnight in a traditional riad.
Day 2: Marrakech – Ait Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate – Dades Valley
After breakfast, begin your journey across the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260m), with breathtaking views along the way. Stop at Ait Ben Haddou, an ancient UNESCO-listed kasbah famous for its appearance in movies like Gladiator and Game of Thrones.
Continue to Ouarzazate, known as the Hollywood of Africa, and visit the Taourirt Kasbah or the famous film studios. Drive through the Valley of Roses, famous for its rose fields, before arriving at the Dades Valley, where you’ll spend the night in a beautiful guesthouse with dinner included.
Day 3: Dades Valley – Todra Gorges – Merzouga (Sahara Desert)
After breakfast, explore the Dades Gorges before heading toward the Todra Gorges, a stunning canyon with 300-meter-high cliffs, perfect for short hikes and photography.
In the afternoon, reach Merzouga, the gateway to the Erg Chebbi dunes. Switch to camels and trek across the golden sands as the sun sets over the Sahara. Arrive at your luxury desert camp, where you’ll enjoy a traditional Berber dinner, listen to drum music by the fire, and stargaze in the desert sky.
Day 4: Merzouga – Rissani – Ziz Valley – Midelt
Wake up early for a magical sunrise over the dunes before riding your camel back to the village. After freshening up, visit Rissani, an old Saharan trading post, and explore its authentic souk.
Drive through the lush Ziz Valley, known for its palm groves, and continue toward the Middle Atlas Mountains. Arrive in Midelt, a peaceful town surrounded by orchards, and enjoy a relaxing evening in a charming guesthouse.
Day 5: Midelt – Cedar Forest – Ifrane – Fes
Journey north through the Cedar Forests of Azrou, home to Barbary macaques. Stop in Ifrane, often called the Switzerland of Morocco, due to its clean streets and alpine-style houses.
Arrive in Fes, Morocco’s cultural and spiritual capital. Check into your riad and unwind before the next day’s exploration.
Day 6: Full-Day Guided Tour of Fes
With a local guide, dive into the Fes el-Bali medina, one of the world’s most fascinating old towns. Highlights include:
- Al Quaraouiyine University, the world’s oldest university
- Bou Inania Madrasa, an architectural gem
- The famous Chouara Tanneries, where leather is dyed in vibrant colors
- The Royal Palace Gates and the Jewish Quarter (Mellah)
After an immersive day, enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner and relax in your riad.
Day 7: Fes – Volubilis – Chefchaouen
Leave Fes and head to Volubilis, the best-preserved Roman ruins in Morocco. Explore its stunning mosaics and ancient structures before continuing to Chefchaouen, the famous Blue City in the Rif Mountains.
Spend the afternoon wandering through its picturesque streets, visiting Outa el-Hammam Square, and relaxing in a cozy café. Overnight in a charming riad.
Day 8: Chefchaouen – Tangier – Asilah
Enjoy a relaxing morning in Chefchaouen, capturing its blue-washed alleys and peaceful atmosphere. Then, drive to Tangier, a city rich in history and culture. Visit the legendary Cave of Hercules, the Kasbah Museum, and the lively Medina of Tangier.
Continue to Asilah, a charming coastal town known for its whitewashed walls and colorful street art. Stroll through its peaceful medina and enjoy a seafood dinner by the ocean. Overnight in Asilah.
Day 9: Asilah – Rabat – Casablanca
Drive to Rabat, Morocco’s capital city, and visit:
- The Hassan Tower, an unfinished 12th-century minaret
- The Mausoleum of Mohammed V, a masterpiece of Moroccan architecture
- The Kasbah of the Oudayas, offering stunning ocean views
In the afternoon, continue to Casablanca, Morocco’s economic hub. Visit the impressive Hassan II Mosque, the Corniche, and enjoy a delicious dinner in a seaside restaurant.
Day 10: Casablanca – Essaouira
Leave Casablanca and head down the Atlantic coast to the charming town of Essaouira. Along the way, you may spot goats climbing argan trees!
Essaouira is known for its laid-back atmosphere, blue fishing boats, and historic medina. Walk along the Skala fortress, watch the waves crash against the ramparts, and enjoy fresh seafood by the port. Overnight in a cozy riad.
Day 11: Essaouira – Marrakech
Spend a relaxing morning in Essaouira, shopping for local handicrafts, or enjoying the sea breeze. After lunch, drive back to Marrakech, where you’ll have free time to revisit your favorite spots, do last-minute shopping, or simply relax.
Day 12:Departure from Marrakech
Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy one last Moroccan breakfast before your driver transfers you to the airport. Safe travels, and we hope to see you again in Morocco!
FAQs – 12 Days Morocco Tour from Marrakech
1. What is included in the 12 Days Morocco Tour from Marrakech?
The tour typically includes private transportation, an English-speaking driver/guide, accommodation in traditional riads and hotels, a luxury desert camp in Merzouga, daily breakfasts, selected dinners, camel trekking, and pickup/drop-off services.
2. What are the main highlights of this 12-day Morocco itinerary?
Highlights usually include Marrakech, the High Atlas Mountains, Ait Ben Haddou, Ouarzazate, Dades Valley, Todra Gorge, Merzouga Sahara Desert, Fes, Meknes, Chefchaouen, Rabat, and Casablanca.
3. Is the tour suitable for families?
Yes. This private Morocco tour is ideal for families, couples, honeymooners, and small groups. The itinerary can be customized according to your interests and travel pace.
4. Can I customize the 12-day tour from Marrakech?
Absolutely. You can add extra nights, upgrade accommodations, include luxury experiences, or modify destinations based on your preferences.
5. How much driving is involved?
Morocco is a diverse country, and some travel days involve longer scenic drives, especially between the Sahara Desert and imperial cities. However, regular stops are included for sightseeing, photography, and relaxation.
6. Is the Sahara Desert worth visiting?
Yes. The Sahara Desert is one of Morocco’s most unforgettable experiences. Visitors enjoy camel trekking, sunset and sunrise over the dunes, traditional Berber music, and luxury desert camping.
7. What should I pack for the desert?
Bring comfortable clothing, sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, walking shoes, a light jacket for cooler evenings, and a camera to capture the stunning desert landscapes.
8. What type of accommodation is provided?
Accommodation includes authentic Moroccan riads, carefully selected hotels, and a luxury desert camp with private tents and modern facilities.
9. When is the best time to visit Morocco?
The best months are March to May and September to November when temperatures are pleasant for sightseeing, desert adventures, and outdoor activities.
10. Is Morocco safe for tourists?
Yes. Morocco is considered one of the safest travel destinations in North Africa. Millions of tourists visit every year to explore its cities, mountains, deserts, and coastline.
11. How many nights are spent in the Sahara Desert?
Most 12-day Morocco tours include one or two nights in Merzouga, allowing travelers to fully experience the desert atmosphere and activities.
12. Will I visit Chefchaouen during the tour?
Yes. Many 12-day itineraries include a visit to Chefchaouen, Morocco’s famous Blue City, known for its picturesque blue-painted streets and mountain scenery.
13. Is camel trekking included?
Yes. A camel ride across the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi is one of the highlights of the tour and is usually included in the package.
14. What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is generally included, along with dinners in the Sahara Desert and selected locations. Lunches and some dinners in major cities are usually not included.
15. How far in advance should I book?
Booking 2–6 months in advance is recommended, especially during spring, summer holidays, Christmas, and New Year when accommodations fill up quickly.
16. Can the tour start from Marrakech and end in Casablanca?
Yes. Many travelers choose to begin in Marrakech and finish in Casablanca, while others return to Marrakech at the end of the tour.
17. Are airport transfers included?
Yes. Most private Morocco tours include airport pickup and drop-off services for a hassle-free arrival and departure.
18. Is this tour suitable for first-time visitors to Morocco?
Definitely. Twelve days is considered one of the best durations for first-time visitors because it allows enough time to explore Morocco’s imperial cities, Sahara Desert, mountains, and cultural highlights.
19. Can dietary requirements be accommodated?
Yes. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other dietary requirements can usually be arranged with advance notice.
20. Why choose a private 12-day Morocco tour from Marrakech?
A private tour offers flexibility, personalized service, comfortable transportation, authentic cultural experiences, and the freedom to travel at your own pace while discovering Morocco’s most iconic destinations
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