grand 10-day tour of Morocco starting from Marrakech and Essaouira and journeying through the Sahara Desert to Fes and Chefchaouen. Over these 10 days and 9 nights, you’ll discover a multitude of amazing sites, including the highlights of Marrakech and Essaouira, the majestic High Atlas Mountains, and the scenic Tizi-N-Tichka Pass. Your adventure includes visits to the iconic Ait-Ben-Haddou Kasbah and the city of Ouarzazate, often referred to as the “Gateway to the Desert.” You’ll also explore the historic Amridil Kasbah, the picturesque Dades Valley, and the dramatic Todra Gorges.

Experience the Merzouga Sahara Desert with a camel ride, witness stunning sunsets and sunrises, and spend a night in a desert camp. Delve deeper into the desert of Merzouga with a thrilling 4×4 adventure. The journey continues with visits to the traditional market in Rissani and the fossil-rich town of Erfoud. Discover the “Switzerland of Morocco,” Ifrane, and explore the Cedars Forest, home to the native Barbary macaques.

The tour also includes exploration of the imperial cities of Fes and Meknes, a visit to the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis, and a stroll through the enchanting blue city of Chefchaouen. Your journey concludes in the vibrant city of Tangier.

ITINERARY : 10 DAYS TOUR OF MARRAKECH

Day 1: Arrival in Marrakech

Begin your 10-day Morocco tour with a pick-up from the airport in Marrakech. After a brief tour of the city, you will be transferred to your accommodation for an overnight stay in a traditional Riad.

Day 2: Marrakech to Essaouira

After breakfast, we drive west to the coastal city of Essaouira. Along the way, we’ll make stops to see the goats in the argan trees and enjoy panoramic views. Upon reaching Essaouira, formerly known as Mogador, you’ll explore one of Morocco’s key coastal cities. The visit includes the fishing port, ancient ramparts with cannons, and the old Medina. Overnight stay in Essaouira.

Day 3: Essaouira to Marrakech – Guided Tour

After breakfast, we return to Marrakech to explore its highlights with a local guide. As one of Morocco’s imperial cities, Marrakech offers a wealth of historical and cultural sites, including the Bahia Palace, Saadian Tombs, and the Ben Youssef Quranic Mosque. Enjoy a stroll through the largest traditional souk in Morocco and have free time for lunch near Jemaa El-Fna Square. Later, visit the Koutoubia Mosque, the largest mosque in Marrakech, and the Majorelle Garden. You will be transferred back to your accommodation, with the option to explore Jemaa El-Fna Square on your own.

Day 4: Marrakech – High Atlas Mountains – Telouat Kasbah – Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah – Ouarzazate

After breakfast, we depart from your accommodation in Marrakech, driving through the stunning High Atlas Mountains and the Tizi-N-Tichka pass. There will be stops for panoramic views of the breathtaking landscapes. The journey continues with a visit to the historic Telouat Kasbah.

Next, explore the famous Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a fortified village featured in many films, including Gladiator, Alexander, and The Mummy, as well as the TV series Game of Thrones. We then head to Ouarzazate, known as “The Gate of the Desert.” Dinner and overnight stay in a hotel.

Day 5: Ouarzazate – Skoura (Kasbah Amridil) – Rose Valley – Dades Valley – Todra Gorges – Erfoud – Merzouga Sahara

After breakfast, visit the Atlas Studios, where many famous movies were filmed, and explore the Taourirt Kasbah in Ouarzazate. Then, drive southeast to visit the Amridil Kasbah, surrounded by palm groves in Skoura. Continue to the Rose Valley, where an annual Rose Festival is held in May, showcasing local rose products.

The tour proceeds through the Dades Valley, with a stop to admire the spectacular landscape of the Dades Gorges. Next, visit the Todra Gorges, where the Todra River has carved a grand red cliff-sided canyon through the mountains. You’ll have free time for lunch and a chance to explore the gorges’ stunning beauty.

In the afternoon, arrive at the Sahara Desert in Merzouga. You’ll switch to camels to cross the sandy desert, stopping to witness the magical sunset atop a high dune. Continue to the desert camp, where you can enjoy Berber drum music and dance around the campfire under a vast, starry sky. Dinner and overnight stay at the camp.

Day 6: Explore Merzouga Region – Nomads – Khamlia – Merzouga Lake – Erg Chebbi – Palm Grove

Start your day early to catch the mesmerizing sunrise in the desert, followed by breakfast. You’ll return by camel to Merzouga, where your driver will be waiting. This day is dedicated to exploring the Merzouga region, which boasts incredible sites like sand dunes, wild lakes, mines, fossil areas, and beautiful oases—ideal for outdoor activities.

Begin with an off-road drive to visit an ancient eyeliner mine, then visit local nomads in their handmade woven tents and enjoy Berber tea while learning about their lifestyle. Your next stop is Khamlia village, where you’ll experience Gnaoua music and dance performances by residents originally from sub-Saharan countries like Mali, Sudan, and Niger. After lunch in a restaurant, take a stroll through a palm grove and visit Merzouga Lake, also known as Flamingos Lake. Dinner and overnight stay in a hotel.

Day 7: Merzouga Dunes – Erfoud – Midelt – Cedars Forest – Ifrane – Fes

After breakfast, depart the desert to visit Rissani, the ancient capital of Tafilalet, which remains a major trading center with a lively souk. After exploring the Rissani souk, continue to Erfoud to visit a workshop of fossilized marble.

The journey continues along the Ziz River, with a stop for a panoramic view of the valley. Enjoy lunch in Midelt, then visit the Cedars Forest, home to the native Barbary macaques, where you can interact with them. The day concludes with a visit to Ifrane, known for its cool climate, snow, and alpine-style houses, earning it the nickname “Switzerland of Morocco.” Finally, you’ll be dropped off at your accommodation in Fes.

Day 8: Guided Tour of Fes

After breakfast, embark on a guided tour of Fes, one of Morocco’s imperial cities and a cultural and religious center. The tour begins with a visit to the Royal Palace gate, followed by a tour of the well-preserved medieval Medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enter the Medina through the Blue Gate, or Bab Boujloud, with a local guide to visit sites such as the Medrasa Bouanania, the Najjarine Fountain, the Tanneries, and the Quaraouin Mosque and University—the world’s oldest university. After exploring the Medina, visit the Jewish quarter, “The Mellah,” and drive to an ancient fortress for panoramic views of the Medina and the city of Fes. Return to your riad for the night.

Day 9: Fes – Meknes – Volubilis Ruins – Chefchaouen

After breakfast, depart for Meknes, the Ismaili capital and one of Morocco’s imperial cities. Explore sites like Bab Al-Mansour, Sahrij Souani Basin, the Royal Stables, the Granary, and the Moulay Ismail Mausoleum. You’ll have free time for lunch before continuing to the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its beautiful mosaics, ancient pillars, and archways.

After exploring the ruins, head north through Ouazzane to reach Chefchaouen in the Rif Mountains. Known as the “Blue City,” Chefchaouen is famous for its buildings and alleyways painted in shades of blue. Overnight stay in a hotel.

Day 10: Transfer to Tangier Airport

After breakfast, enjoy some free time to explore the charming alleyways of the Blue City. Depending on your flight schedule, you’ll then drive through the scenic Rif Mountains to Tangier, where you’ll be transferred to the airport, marking the end of your 10-day Marrakech tour.