Your Route at a Glance
A loop that starts and ends in Casablanca: north to Rabat and the Blue City, east through Fes and the Atlas, deep into the Sahara, then back west via the kasbah road to Marrakech, with a day in the High Atlas.
Casablanca→
Rabat→
Chefchaouen→
Fes→
Ifrane→
Midelt→
Ziz Valley→
Merzouga→
Todra Gorge→
Dades Valley→
Roses Valley→
Ouarzazate→
Ait Ben Haddou→
Marrakech→
Imlil→
Marrakech→
Casablanca
12days
1night in Chefchaouen
2nights in Fes
2nights in Merzouga
3nights in Marrakech
Day1
Arrival in Casablanca & Drive to Rabat
Casablanca → Rabat · about 90 km · 1.5 hours
Welcome to Morocco! Your driver meets you at Mohammed V International Airport and helps with your luggage. After a little rest, set off along the Atlantic coast to Rabat, the elegant capital of the kingdom. Need extra transfers? See our private driver in Casablanca service.
Day Highlights
- Airport meet & greet: your private driver waits with a name sign; welcome water and a short briefing on the trip.
- Scenic drive north: follow the coastal road toward Rabat, passing Mohammedia and the Bouregreg valley.
- Hotel check-in: freshen up and relax after your flight.
- Evening stroll: walk along the Bouregreg riverfront or the Oudayas quarter at sunset, then enjoy a first Moroccan dinner.
Tip: If you land early and have energy, ask your driver to stop at the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, one of the largest mosques in the world, set right on the ocean.
Day4
Fes City Tour with Official Guide
Full day in the world's largest car-free medieval medina
Today you walk through more than a thousand years of history with a licensed local guide. Fes el-Bali is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with around 9,000 alleys, and a guide makes sure you see the best of it without getting lost.
Day Highlights
- Royal Palace gates and Mellah: admire the brass doors and tiled arches, then walk through the old Jewish quarter.
- Bou Inania Madrasa: a masterpiece of carved cedar, zellige mosaics and stucco.
- Al-Qarawiyyin area: the exterior of the oldest continuously operating university in the world.
- Chouara Tannery: watch leather being dyed in stone vats the same way it has been done for centuries.
- Artisan workshops: pottery, weaving, brass and woodwork, plus lunch in a traditional restaurant.
- Panoramic viewpoint: end with a sunset view over the medina from the Merenid Tombs hill.
Tip: Wear comfortable shoes. The medina has many steps, and the leather smell at the tannery is strong, so bring a mint leaf, which locals offer for exactly this reason.
Day8
Dades – Roses Valley – Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – Atlas – Marrakech
Dades → Marrakech · about 400 km · 8 to 9 hours with stops
A big day of famous sights: the rose-scented valley, Morocco's "Hollywood," a UNESCO-listed earthen fortress, and finally the High Atlas pass before arriving in the Red City.
Day Highlights
- Roses Valley (Vallée des Roses): villages around Kelaat M'Gouna known for rose water and rose products. The harvest is in spring, but the valley is scenic all year.
- Skoura oasis: a quick look at the palm grove and its kasbahs.
- Ouarzazate: the film capital of Morocco. Visit Taourirt Kasbah or the Atlas Studios area.
- Ait Ben Haddou: a UNESCO World Heritage ksar, featured in many famous films. Cross the river and climb to the top for the view.
- High Atlas crossing: drive over the Tizi n'Tichka pass (about 2,260 m) through Berber villages and sweeping mountain views.
- Arrival in Marrakech: check in, then enjoy dinner or a first look at Jemaa el-Fna square in the evening.
Tip: It is a long driving day, so we start early. Carry snacks, water and a light jacket for the mountain pass.
Day10
Day Trip to Imlil in the High Atlas
Marrakech → Imlil → Marrakech · about 65 km each way · 1.5 hours each way
Escape the city for a day in the Atlas Mountains. Imlil is a peaceful Berber village at the foot of Mount Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa at 4,167 m, with walking trails, walnut trees and fresh mountain air. Read more about the Imlil day trip from Marrakech.
Day Highlights
- Morning departure: leave Marrakech after breakfast and drive south into the High Atlas foothills.
- Asni and the Ait Mizane valley: a scenic road through villages, terraced fields and river valleys, with photo stops along the way.
- Imlil village: arrive at the base of the Toubkal massif, around 1,740 m above sea level.
- Village walk: an easy walk through Imlil and neighboring Berber hamlets such as Aremd, with a local guide or by mule if you prefer.
- Tea with a Berber family: visit a traditional mountain home, taste mint tea and homemade bread, and learn about village life.
- Optional waterfall walk: a short hike toward a small waterfall for more mountain views, depending on your pace and the season.
- Return to Marrakech: drive back in the late afternoon, with time for an evening in the medina.
Tip: Bring a light jacket and sturdy shoes. Mountain weather changes quickly, and it can be much cooler than Marrakech, especially in winter.
Best Time to Take This Tour
This route crosses the coast, the mountains and the Sahara, so the weather changes a lot from day to day. Spring and autumn give the most comfortable conditions everywhere.
Spring
March to May
Mild days, green countryside and warm but comfortable desert evenings. The Roses Valley is at its best around April and May, and the Atlas trails around Imlil are clear.
Best overall
Autumn
September to November
Clear skies and warm days, with the desert cooling down nicely from October. A great season for the dunes and for photography.
Excellent
Summer
June to August
Very hot in Marrakech, the Sahara and the south, with daytime temperatures often above 40°C. Possible, but plan early starts and keep the afternoons slow. Imlil and the mountains stay cooler.
Hot
Winter
December to February
Sunny but cool days and cold desert nights. Rain is possible in Chefchaouen and Fes, and snow can fall in the Atlas, around Ifrane and above Imlil. Bring warm layers.
Cool, fewer crowds
Our pick: April to May and October to early November for the best balance of weather, scenery and comfort on every leg of the trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to the questions travelers ask most before booking.
Is this a private tour?
Yes. You travel with your own private vehicle and professional driver, so the pace and stops can be adapted to your group. Browse more Morocco desert tours.
How long are the driving days?
Most days are 1.5 to 5 hours. The two longest days are Day 5 (Fes to Merzouga) and Day 8 (Dades Valley to Marrakech), each around 8 to 9 hours including stops for sights, photos and breaks.
What is the desert camp like?
You spend the night in a Berber-style camp in the dunes of Merzouga, after a sunset camel trek. Camp comfort varies from simple tents to deluxe camps with private bathrooms, so tell us which level you prefer.
Can the itinerary be changed?
Yes. Dates, hotels, the order of visits and the number of nights can be adjusted to suit your interests, your budget and the season.
Is the Imlil day trip difficult?
No. It is an easy village walk at around 1,740 m with no climbing required. Climbing Mount Toubkal is a separate multi-day trek and is not part of this itinerary.
Is the tour suitable for children and older travelers?
Yes, with some preparation. The long driving days and the camel ride suit most ages, but the medinas and Chefchaouen have many steps. Tell us the ages in your group so we can plan the pace.
Do I need a visa for Morocco?
Many nationalities, including citizens of the US, UK, EU countries and Canada, can enter visa-free for up to 90 days. Rules depend on your passport, so please check the current requirements before you travel. General travel information is available from the Moroccan National Tourist Office.
What should I pack?
Comfortable walking shoes, light layers and a warm jacket for evenings, sunglasses, a hat and scarf, sunscreen, a small overnight bag for the desert camp, and modest clothing for religious sites.
How do I book this tour?
Send us your travel dates, group size and preferred hotel level, and we will prepare a personal quote and confirm the details with you. Use our contact page or the details at the end of this page.