We take pride in customizing each tour to suit your individual needs. If you have any special requests, would like to modify this tour, or are interested in an extended adventure, please share your details with us using the contact form below.
12 Day Morocco Tour from Marrakech to the Sahara via the Atlantic Coast
Overview
12 Days Tour from Marrakech. This 12 day and 11 night journey begins in Marrakech and heads toward the Atlantic Coast, stopping in Essaouira. Continue to El Jadida, a charming port city, then visit Casablanca and Rabat to see the Hassan Tower. Travel north to Tangier, cross the Rif Mountains, and explore Chefchaouen (the Blue City). Visit the Roman Berber ruins before heading to Fes, the old imperial city.
Continue through Ifrane (known as Moroccan Switzerland) and Azrou, then travel to the Merzouga Desert for camel trekking and an overnight stay in a desert camp among the dunes. Take a tour around Erg Chebbi to visit nomads and Berber villages. The route continues through Rissani Market, Todra Gorge, and Dades Valley, before visiting the Kasbah Ait Benhaddou. Cross the High Atlas Mountains and return to Marrakech to conclude your journey.
- Duration: 12 days/11 nights
- Start: Marrakech
- End: Marrakech
- Tour Style: Private & Small group
- Price: Check it below
Highlights of the 12 Day Morocco Tour from Marrakech to the Sahara via the Atlantic Coast:
- Explore Jemaa el Fnaa and the souks of Marrakech
- Visit the Koutoubia Mosque, Bahia Palace, and Majorelle Gardens
- Enjoy the laid-back coastal vibe of Essaouira
- Drive the Atlantic Coast through El Jadida and visit Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca
- Discover the Royal Palace, Hassan Tower, and Oudaya Kasbah in Rabat
- Visit Tangier, including Hercules Cave and Cape Spartel
- Wander the blue-washed Medina of Chefchaouen
- Explore the Roman Ruins of Volubilis and the Imperial city of Meknes
- Get lost in the Fes Medina, Tanneries, and Al Karaouine University
- Drive through Ifrane, the Cedar Forest of Azrou, and the Ziz Valley
- Experience the Sahara Desert with a camel trek over Erg Chebbi dunes
- Spend a magical night under a star-filled sky in a desert camp
- Visit Nomad families and enjoy Gnawa music in Khamlia
- See the spectacular Todra Gorges and the rock formations of Dades Valley
- Cross the High Atlas Mountains and visit the Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou
Itinerary of the 12 Day Morocco Tour from Marrakech to the Sahara via the Atlantic Coast:
Day 1: Marrakech ⇢ Hotel
Upon arrival at Marrakech Airport, our driver will pick you up and transfer you to the Riad. You’ll have the day to relax and explore the main square Jemaa el Fna and the local souks. Overnight in Marrakech.
Day 2: Full Day to Visit Marrakech
Enjoy a full day in Marrakech with an optional private guided tour. Visit the Mosque of Koutoubia, the Medina, and its bustling souks. Explore more of Marrakech’s hidden gems, including Ali Ben Youssef Koranic School, the Saadian Tombs, the Bahia Palace, and Majorelle Gardens. Overnight at a Riad in the Medina.
Day 3: Marrakech ⇢ Essaouira (Atlantic Coast)
Depart Marrakech for the UNESCO World Heritage-listed coastal town of Essaouira. En route, stop at Argan oil cooperatives and enjoy the scenic drive. Explore the windswept fishing port, broad beaches, the Old Medina, and the ramparts built into the cliffs. Visit the port to see the daily catch and soak in the relaxed atmosphere. Overnight at the Atlantic coast of Essaouira.
Day 4: Essaouira ⇢ El Jadida ⇢ Casablanca ⇢ Rabat
After breakfast, continue along the Atlantic Coast to Rabat. Pass through El Jadida, a small port city with UNESCO World Heritage status, and visit its Portuguese heritage. Stop in Casablanca to see the impressive Hassan II Mosque. In Rabat, explore the Mechouar, Mohammed V Mausoleum, Hassan Tower, and the Oudaya Kasbah, with its artisan galleries and views of the Atlantic Ocean. Overnight in Rabat.
Day 5: Rabat ⇢ Tangier ⇢ Rif Mountains ⇢ Chefchaouen
Depart Rabat in the morning toward Chefchaouen, passing through Tangier. Visit Hercules Cave, Achakar Beach, and Cap Spartel, where the Atlantic and Mediterranean meet. Explore Tangier’s old town before continuing through the Rif Mountains to Chefchaouen, known for its vivid blue-washed buildings. Discover Outa Hamam Square, the Medina, and the surrounding verdant valleys. Overnight in Chefchaouen.
Day 6: Chefchaouen ⇢ Volubilis ⇢ Meknes ⇢ Fes
After breakfast, depart Chefchaouen to explore the Roman ruins of Volubilis. Continue to Meknes, visiting the Medina, Sahrij Souani, Square of Lehdim, and Bab al Mansour. Explore the local souks before driving to Fes for overnight accommodation at a traditional Riad.
Day 7: Full Day to Explore Fes
Spend the day exploring Fes, the old imperial city. Visit the Royal Palace Gate, a ceramics cooperative, and take a walking tour through the narrow streets of the Medina, the Jewish Quarter, and the Tanneries. Highlights include the famous Al Karaouine University. Overnight in Fes.
Day 8: Fes ⇢ Ifrane ⇢ Azrou ⇢ Midelt ⇢ Ziz Valley ⇢ Erfoud ⇢ Merzouga
Depart Fes for the Sahara Desert, passing through Ifrane and the cedar forests of Azrou, home to wild monkeys. Stop for lunch in a small Berber village, then continue through the Atlas Mountains to Midelt. Continue to Erfoud, marking the start of the desert oasis of Tafilalet, and arrive at Merzouga. Overnight in a hotel or Riad in Merzouga.
Day 9: Merzouga ⇢ Nomads ⇢ Khamlia ⇢ Desert Camp
Wake up early to watch the sunrise over the dunes. Ride camels to meet your driver, then spend the day exploring the desert, visiting Nomad families and Gnaoua village Khamlia, enjoying traditional music. Have a traditional Berber Pizza, then ride camels across the Erg Chebbi sand dunes at sunset. Overnight in a desert camp, with Berber drumming around the bonfire.
Day 10: Merzouga ⇢ Erfoud ⇢ Todra Gorges ⇢ Dades Valley
Watch the sunrise over the dunes before departing Merzouga to Rissani, the desert gate of Erg Chebbi, with its bustling souk. Drive to Tinghir and the Todra Gorges, the highest and narrowest gorges in Morocco. After lunch, continue through Dades Valley, admiring rock formations and the “monkey toes.” Overnight in Dades Valley.
Day 11: Dades Valley ⇢ Ouarzazate ⇢ Ait Benhaddou ⇢ High Atlas ⇢ Marrakech
After breakfast, depart Dades Valley for Ouarzazate via Skoura, stopping at the Taourirt Kasbah and Atlas Film Studios. Visit Ait Benhaddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, drive back to Marrakech over the High Atlas Mountains, passing through the Tizi N’tichka Pass (2,260 m). Overnight in Marrakech.
Day 12: Marrakech ⇢ Airport
Transfer from your hotel to Marrakech Airport. End of the 12 Days Atlantic Coast & Sahara Desert tour from Marrakech.
Gallery
Inclusive and Exclusive of the tour
Price Includes:
- Private transportation by air-conditioned 4×4, minibus, or bus
- Multilingual driver/guide
- Fuel for the vehicle
- 10 nights in hotels or riads (breakfast included)
- Dinner in Merzouga Desert and Dades Valley
- 1 night in a desert camp (dinner and breakfast included)
- Camel ride in the desert
- Sandboarding activity
Price Excludes:
- Drinks
- Lunches
- Dinner in Marrakech, Essaouira, Rabat, Chefchaouen, and Fes
- Flight tickets
- 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.