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12 Day Morocco Tour of the Sahara and Imperial Cities from Casablanca
Overview
12 Days Morocco Tour. This 12 day and 11 night journey begins in Casablanca with a visit to the Hassan II Mosque, followed by the highlights of Rabat, including Hassan Tower and the Kasbah of the Udayas. Travel to Meknes and the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis, then spend a full day exploring the historic city of Fes. Continue to Ifrane, Azrou, and Morocco’s largest cedar forest.
In the Sahara, experience the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi with camel rides, stunning sunrises and sunsets, and an overnight stay in a desert camp. Enjoy Gnaoua music in Khamlia, and visit the Draa and Dades Valleys, Ouarzazate, and the famous Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou. Explore the UNESCO-listed city of Marrakech, then continue to the coastal town of Essaouira (Mogador), before returning to Marrakech for further sightseeing.
- Duration: 12 days/11 nights
- Start: Casablanca
- End: Casablanca
- Tour Style: Private & Small group
- Price: Check it below
Highlights of the 12 Day Morocco Tour of the Sahara and Imperial Cities from Casablanca:
- Hassan II Mosque & Casablanca Corniche – Explore Morocco’s largest mosque and enjoy a stroll along the Atlantic coast.
- Rabat’s Kasbah of Udayas & Hassan Tower – Discover panoramic views, historic sites, and the unfinished mosque of the Almohad era.
- Meknes Medina & Bab Mansour – Explore the imperial city with its grand gates, palaces, and granaries.
- Volubilis Roman Ruins – Walk among the ancient Berber-Roman ruins near Meknes, with mosaics and historical insights.
- Fes Medina & Tanneries – Experience the old imperial city with local guides, visiting artisan workshops, Al Karaouine University, and the Jewish Quarter.
- Sahara Desert & Camel Trek in Merzouga – Ride camels over Erg Chebbi dunes and spend a night in a desert camp under the stars.
- Nomad Villages & Gnawa Music – Meet Berber families, enjoy traditional music in Khamlia village, and taste local cuisine like Berber pizza.
- Todra Gorges & Dades Valley – Marvel at the towering gorges, dramatic rock formations, and the scenic Dades Valley.
- Ait Benhaddou Kasbah & Atlas Mountains – Tour the UNESCO site kasbah and drive through the Tizi N’Tichka pass, crossing the High Atlas.
- Essaouira Day Trip – Explore the coastal “Jewel of the Atlantic,” its medina, port, handicraft markets, and argan oil cooperatives.
Itinerary of the 12 Day Morocco Tour of the Sahara and Imperial Cities from Casablanca:
Day 1: Arrival ⇢ Casablanca
Arrive at Casablanca Mohamed V Airport. Explore the historical heritage of Morocco’s largest city, including Hassan II Mosque and the Coastal Seaside Corniche. Return to the hotel for overnight stay.
Day 2: Casablanca ⇢ Rabat
Depart to Rabat, the capital of Morocco. First stop at the Kasbah of Udayas, the oldest part of Rabat, with panoramic views over the Bu Regreg River and the Atlantic Ocean. Continue to Hassan Tower and the Mausoleum, an unfinished mosque started by the Almohad ruler Yacoub Al-Mansour. Evening free to enjoy at leisure. Overnight in Rabat.
Day 3: Rabat ⇢ Meknes ⇢ Volubilis ⇢ Fes
Travel through fertile farmlands where olives, grain, vegetables, and grapes are cultivated. Stop at Meknes to visit Medersa Bou Inania, Bab Mansour, the gateway to Moulay Ismail Palace, and Heri es-Souani, the former royal stables and granaries. Continue to Volubilis (Walili in Berber), the partially excavated Roman ruins near Meknes. Arrival in Fes and overnight in a hotel or riad.
Day 4: Full Day ⇢ Fes
Explore the attractions of Fes, Morocco’s ancient imperial city. Begin at the Royal Palace Gate, followed by a visit to a ceramics cooperative to see traditional Moroccan crafts. Wander through the narrow streets of the Medina, including the Jewish Quarter and the famous Tanneries. The tour also highlights cultural and historical landmarks, including the Al Karaouine University. Overnight in Fes.
Day 5: Fes ⇢ Ifrane ⇢ Midelt ⇢ Ziz Valley ⇢ Merzouga Desert
Depart Fes for the Sahara Desert, passing through Ifrane and the cedar forests of Azrou, home to wild monkeys—a perfect photo opportunity. After lunch in a small Berber village, continue through the scenic Middle Atlas Mountains, passing Midelt, Rich, and Erfoud, the gateway to the Tafilalet Oasis. Upon arrival in Merzouga, rest briefly before riding camels into the dunes for an overnight stay in a desert camp under the starry sky.
Day 6: Full Day ⇢ Merzouga Desert ⇢ Nomads ⇢ Khamlia Village
Wake early to witness the stunning sunrise over the dunes. Ride camels back to meet your driver and begin a desert tour visiting Nomad families and Gnaoua village Khamlia, where you will enjoy traditional Gnawa music performed with authentic instruments. Share a meal of traditional Berber Pizza before returning to your hotel or riad. Overnight in Merzouga.
Day 7: Merzouga ⇢ Rissani ⇢ Todra Gorges ⇢ Dades Valley
Enjoy sunrise in the Merzouga Desert followed by a camel ride back to the village. After breakfast and shower, depart for Rissani, a historic town known as the birthplace of Morocco’s ruling family. Continue to Tinghir and the spectacular Todra Gorges, the highest and narrowest gorges in Morocco. Enjoy lunch in the gorge and then drive through Dades Valley, admiring the unique rock formations known as “monkey toes.” Overnight in Dades Valley.
Day 8: Dades Valley ⇢ Skoura ⇢ Ouarzazate
After breakfast, drive through Dades Valley towards Roses Valley and the town of Skoura along the scenic “Road of a Thousand Kasbahs,” ideal for photography stops. Visit Kalaat Mgouna, known as “the Rose City.” Continue to Ouarzazate via Amridil Kasbah, an 18th-century Berber fortress, and explore Kasbah of Taourirt and the cinema museum. Overnight in Ouarzazate.
Day 9: Ouarzazate ⇢ Ait Benhaddou Kasbah ⇢ Marrakech
Depart Ouarzazate for Marrakech via the High Atlas Mountains. Visit Atlas Film Studios, followed by the UNESCO World Heritage Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, famous as a filming location for numerous movies. Stop for lunch at a local restaurant in the village. In the afternoon, continue over the Tizi N’tichka Pass (2260 m) with stunning mountain views before arriving in Marrakech. Drop off at your hotel or riad.
Day 10: Full Day ⇢ Marrakech
Today will feature an optional private guided tour of Marrakech with an official guide. Visit the Koutoubia Mosque, the Medina, and its bustling souks. Explore hidden gems of the city including Ali Ben Youssef Koranic School, the Saadian and Bahia Palaces, and the vibrant Majorelle Gardens. Return to your riad in the Medina for overnight stay.
Day 11: Marrakech ⇢ Essaouira ⇢ Marrakech
Morning departure to the coastal city of Essaouira (approx. 2.5-hour drive). Discover the charming Medina alleys, browse local handicrafts, and experience the city’s unique cultural blend. Known as the “City of the Wind”, Essaouira features Portuguese-influenced architecture with blue doors and white-washed walls, earning it the nickname “Jewel of the Atlantic.” Visit a women’s cooperative producing argan oil, celebrated for culinary, cosmetic, and medicinal uses. Enjoy lunch in the Medina or at the port, then return to Marrakech for overnight stay at a riad.
Day 12: Marrakech ⇢ Casablanca Airport
After breakfast at your riad, transfer to Casablanca Mohamed V Airport for your departure flight. End of the 12-day Sahara and Imperial Cities tour.
Gallery
Inclusive and Exclusive of the tour
Price Includes:
- Private transportation by air-conditioned 4×4, minibus, or bus
- Multilingual driver/guide
- Local guides in Fes and Marrakech
- Fuel for the vehicle
- 10 nights in hotels or riads (breakfast included)
- 1 night in a desert camp (dinner and breakfast included)
- Camel ride in the desert
- Sandboarding activity
Price Excludes:
- Drinks
- Lunches
- Entrance fees to monuments
Map of the tour
tour price:
The pricing for This tour starts at €160 per person. Please note that the cost can vary based on factors such as the number of travelers, your choice of accommodations, and the time of year. Larger groups benefit from lower per-person rates.
The €160 per person rate applies to groups of 17 or more.
For smaller groups, such as 2 travelers, the price starts at €269 per person.
For personalized pricing tailored to your group, please contact us using the form below. Our team will provide the rates that best match your needs.
Booking
Please use the form below to email us at compassmoroccotours@gmail.com, and we will respond as fast as possible. You can also send a WhatsApp message or call us at +212 676-594706. We look forward to hearing from you!
REVIEWS
Reviews
★★★★★
Our 7-day Morocco tour with Compass Morocco Tours was simply incredible! From Marrakech to the Sahara, everything was perfectly organized. Our driver Youssef was knowledgeable and friendly, and the desert camp in Merzouga was beyond amazing. Highly recommend this company for anyone visiting Morocco!
★★★★★
We had such a wonderful experience with Compass Morocco Tours! The team was professional, our guide was patient and informative, and the landscapes were breathtaking. The camel ride and night under the stars in the Sahara were unforgettable moments for my family.
★★★★★
Compass Morocco Tours made our trip seamless and stress-free. The itinerary covered so much — from the bustling souks of Fes to the peaceful dunes of Erg Chebbi. The vehicle was super comfortable, and we felt safe and well cared for the entire journey.
★★★★★
Traveling through Morocco with Compass Morocco Tours was a dream come true. Every detail was thought out — beautiful riads, delicious food, and amazing hospitality. Our driver Hassan shared so much about Moroccan culture and history. A truly authentic experience!
★★★★★
I can’t say enough good things about Compass Morocco Tours! The desert night was magical — luxury tents, great music, and friendly Berber hosts. It felt like a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, and I’d absolutely do it again.
★★★★★
What a fantastic journey! Compass Morocco Tours made sure everything ran smoothly from start to finish. The views through the Atlas Mountains and the sunset over the dunes were simply breathtaking. Thank you for an unforgettable experience!
★★★★★
Amazing experience with Compass Morocco Tours! The driver was very kind and flexible, always making sure we were comfortable. The tour was well-balanced between cultural visits and time to relax. Morocco completely stole my heart!
★★★★★
Our 5-day desert tour was outstanding. The Compass Morocco Tours team handled everything perfectly — great communication before the trip, comfortable hotels, and a driver who became like a friend. Highly recommended for anyone who wants to see the real Morocco.
★★★★★
This was one of the best travel experiences I’ve ever had. Compass Morocco Tours exceeded all expectations. The camp in Merzouga was so peaceful, and waking up to the sunrise over the dunes was just magical. Merci for such wonderful memories!
★★★★★
Compass Morocco Tours provided excellent service throughout our journey. The tour was well-paced, full of local insights, and every stop felt meaningful. Morocco is beautiful, and this company made it even more special.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to pay for the tour?
Our payment process is simple and flexible. To confirm your booking, we ask for a small deposit, which can be paid through PayPal, bank transfer, or Wise. The remaining balance can be settled in cash on the first day of your tour directly with your driver or guide. We accept euros, US dollars, or the equivalent in Moroccan dirhams.
What is the best desert tour from Marrakech?
The best desert tour from Marrakech depends on how much time you have. The 3-day Marrakech to Merzouga desert tour is the most popular, as it allows you to experience the majestic dunes of Erg Chebbi, ride camels, and sleep in a luxury desert camp under the stars. If you have more time, the 4-day or 5-day desert tours offer a deeper and more relaxed exploration of Morocco’s desert landscapes and kasbahs.
Can I skip the camel ride to the camp?
Yes, absolutely. If you prefer not to ride a camel, we can take you to the camp in a comfortable 4×4 vehicle instead
How far is the desert from Fes?
The desert is around 500 km (about 311 miles) from Fes, which takes roughly 7 and a half hours to drive.
What type of vehicles are used for this trip?
Your comfort is our top priority. At Compass Morocco Tours , we provide modern and comfortable vehicles suited to every group size. Depending on your needs, you’ll travel in vehicles such as a Toyota Prado Land Cruiser TX, Ford Tourneo Custom, or a Mercedes Benz Sprinter minibus for larger groups. We believe that a smooth and comfortable journey makes your entire travel experience more enjoyable.
Does the camp have private bathrooms?
Certainly. All the camps we offer are luxury desert camps, designed to provide maximum comfort and equipped with private en-suite bathrooms for your convenience.
Can you do a day trip to the desert from Marrakech?
Technically, you cannot reach the real Sahara Desert on a day trip from Marrakech because it is too far away. However, you can take a day trip to the Agafay Desert, located just 40 minutes from Marrakech. Agafay offers a desert-like experience with rocky landscapes, camel rides, quad biking, and stunning views of the Atlas Mountains.
Is it worth going to the Sahara Desert in Morocco?
Absolutely! A visit to the Sahara Desert is one of the most unforgettable experiences in Morocco. Watching the sunset and sunrise over the vast dunes, riding camels across the golden sands, and spending a night in a luxury desert camp under the starry sky create truly magical memories that stay with you forever.
What is the closest desert to Marrakech?
The Agafay Desert is the nearest desert to Marrakech, located about 30 to 40 km southwest of the city. Unlike the Sahara, it’s a rocky desert with rolling hills and arid landscapes, but it provides a perfect short getaway for travelers looking to experience a desert atmosphere without the long journey.
Is the Sahara Desert close to Marrakech?
Not exactly. The Sahara Desert lies about 560 km from Marrakech. Traveling to the Erg Chebbi dunes in Merzouga takes approximately 8 to 10 hours by road. Most tours break up the journey over two days, with an overnight stay in either the Dades Valley or Ouarzazate to make the trip more comfortable and enjoyable.
How far in advance should we book this tour?
It’s always a good idea to book your tour as early as possible to guarantee your preferred dates and ensure availability — after all, the early bird gets the best experience!
How long does it take to get to the desert from Marrakech?
The journey to Merzouga, home of the famous Sahara dunes, takes around 8 to 10 hours by road. Most desert tours divide the trip into several days to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to explore breathtaking sites such as the High Atlas Mountains, the Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, and the stunning Dades Gorges.
How do I get from Marrakech to the desert?
The easiest and most comfortable way to reach the desert is by joining a private or small-group tour from Marrakech. Your driver-guide will take you on a scenic journey across the Atlas Mountains, passing through picturesque valleys and historic kasbahs before arriving in the Sahara Desert. While renting a car is also an option, a guided tour provides local insight, stress-free travel, and a richer overall experience.
Where is the best desert in Morocco?
The Erg Chebbi dunes near Merzouga are widely regarded as the best desert experience in Morocco, known for their breathtaking golden sand dunes and genuine desert ambiance. Another excellent choice is Erg Chigaga, located near M’Hamid, offering a more remote and untouched landscape—ideal for travelers in search of adventure, peace, and an authentic off-the-beaten-path experience.