Day 1: Casablanca – Rabat

12-day Morocco Sahara Desert trip departure: Your journey begins with a visit to the iconic Hassan II Mosque, an architectural masterpiece and one of the largest mosques in the world. After exploring Casablanca, travel to Rabat, Morocco’s capital city. Visit the Royal Palace, Hassan Tower, Mausoleum of Mohammed V, and the charming Kasbah of the Udayas. Dinner and overnight stay in Rabat.

Day 2: Rabat – Meknes – Volubilis – Fes

Depart Rabat and head to Meknes, an imperial city known for its historical significance. Visit the Bab Mansour Gate, Heri es-Souani granaries, and the Moulay Ismail Mausoleum. Continue to the Roman ruins of Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring ancient mosaics and well-preserved ruins. End the day in Fes, where you’ll enjoy dinner and stay overnight in a traditional riad.

Day 3: Fes Guided Tour

Spend the day exploring the cultural and spiritual heart of Fes. Visit the UNESCO-listed Medina, the Al Quaraouiyine University, Bou Inania Madrasa, Chouara Tannery, and the Jewish Quarter (Mellah). Wander through the bustling souks and discover the city’s rich history. Dinner and overnight stay in Fes.

Day 4: Fes – Ifrane – Cedar Forest – Midelt – Merzouga

Leave Fes in the morning and travel through the Middle Atlas Mountains, stopping in Ifrane, nicknamed the “Switzerland of Morocco.” Visit the Cedar Forest near Azrou to see Barbary macaques before continuing to Midelt for lunch. Pass through the stunning Ziz Valley and arrive in Merzouga, at the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay in a desert riad or hotel.

Day 5: Merzouga – Camel Trek – Desert Camp

Spend the day exploring the Merzouga region. Visit the village of Khamlia, known for its Gnawa music, and stop by a Berber nomad camp to learn about their traditional way of life. Optional activities such as sandboarding or quad biking are available.

In the late afternoon, embark on a camel trek into the Erg Chebbi dunes to witness a stunning desert sunset. Arrive at your desert camp for a traditional Moroccan dinner, live Berber music, and a night of stargazing. Overnight in a standard or luxury camp.

Day 6: Merzouga – Rissani – Todra Gorge – Dades Valley

Wake up early to watch the sunrise over the dunes, followed by breakfast. Return to Merzouga on camelback or by 4×4 and travel to Rissani, a historic trading hub known for its vibrant souks.

Continue to the breathtaking Todra Gorge, where towering cliffs create one of Morocco’s most dramatic landscapes. After exploring the gorge, head to the Dades Valley, known as the “Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs.” Dinner and overnight stay in a guesthouse or hotel.

Day 7: Dades Valley – Valley of Roses – Ouarzazate – Aït Benhaddou

After breakfast, drive through the Dades Valley and the fragrant Valley of Roses, renowned for its rosewater products. Stop in Ouarzazate, the “Hollywood of Morocco,” to visit the Taourirt Kasbah or Atlas Film Studios.

Later, explore the UNESCO-listed Aït Benhaddou, a stunning ksar and filming location for many famous movies. Enjoy dinner and overnight in a riad near Aït Benhaddou.

Day 8: Aït Benhaddou – High Atlas Mountains – Marrakech

After breakfast, take a guided tour of Aït Benhaddou, learning about its unique mudbrick architecture. Cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, stopping for photos along the way. Arrive in Marrakech, where you’ll have dinner and stay overnight in a traditional riad.

Day 9: Marrakech Guided Tour

Explore the vibrant city of Marrakech with a local guide. Visit the Koutoubia Mosque, Bahia Palace, Saadian Tombs, and the serene Majorelle Garden. Discover the bustling Medina and soak in the atmosphere of Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, with its performers, food stalls, and artisans. Dinner and overnight stay in Marrakech.

Day 10: Marrakech – Essaouira – Marrakech

Take a day trip to Essaouira, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the Atlantic coast. Explore the Skala de la Kasbah, bustling fishing port, and charming medina, known for its artisan workshops and unique crafts. Enjoy fresh seafood by the harbor before returning to Marrakech for an overnight stay.

Day 11: Marrakech – Casablanca

After breakfast, enjoy some free time in Marrakech for shopping or relaxation. Later, travel back to Casablanca, where you can revisit the Hassan II Mosque or explore the Corniche area. Dinner and overnight stay in Casablanca.

Day 12: Departure from Casablanca

After breakfast, transfer to the Casablanca airport for your departure flight, marking the end of your private Morocco tour.