12 days in Morocco

Enjoy an unforgettable experience with this 12-day tour of Morocco, departing from Casablanca. You’ll explore the imperial cities, the Atlas Mountains, the Sahara Desert, and traditional Berber villages. Official guided tours of Fez and Marrakech will allow you to discover Moroccan history, culture, and craftsmanship. The tour also includes excursions to Chefchaouen, Volubilis, Todra Gorges, Dades Valley, Ait Ben Haddou, and the coastal city of Essaouira. Perfect for those who love photography, adventure, culture, and nature.

Tour Highlights

• Casablanca : Hassan II Mosque and corniche on the Atlantic Ocean.
• Rabat : Kasbah of the Oudayas, Hassan Tower, Mausoleum of Mohammed V.
• Chefchaouen : Blue Medina, Uta el-Hammam square and historic kasbah.
• Volubilis : Roman ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Fes : Guided tour of the imperial city, medina, Medersa Bou Inania, tanneries and artisanal souks.
• Middle and High Atlas : Cedar forests, Berber villages and breathtaking views.
• Merzouga : 2 nights in the desert, camel rides, spectacular sunsets and meeting nomads.
• Todra Gorges and Dades Valley : Canyons, historic kasbahs and lush oases.
• Ouarzazate and Ait Ben Haddou : UNESCO World Heritage Kasbahs and iconic movie set views.
• Marrakech : Guided tour of the imperial city, Jemaa el-Fna square, historic palaces and gardens.
• Essaouira : UNESCO World Heritage Medina, port and local specialties.

Day 1: Arrival in Casablanca

Upon arrival at Casablanca International Airport, you’ll be greeted by our professional driver. Transfer to your centrally located hotel and check in. After check-in, you’ll have free time to relax and soak up the vibrant, cosmopolitan atmosphere of Morocco’s most modern city. The wide streets, modern buildings, and lively neighborhoods immediately contrast with the imperial cities you’ll visit in the following days. Depending on your arrival time, you can take a short stroll along the corniche and admire the views of the Atlantic Ocean. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Casablanca is a major cultural and economic hub in Morocco, a place where modernity blends with traces of French colonial history. Strolling through the main neighborhoods, you’ll see elegant buildings, lively squares, and local boutiques offering a glimpse of contemporary Moroccan craftsmanship.

In the evening, you can choose to relax at your hotel or explore the surrounding area. The corniche and the coastal cafes offer a pleasant introduction to modern Moroccan life. An overnight stay in Casablanca marks the beginning of a tour rich in excitement, history, and breathtaking scenery.

Day 2: Casablanca – Rabat – Chefchaouen

After breakfast, depart to visit the Hassan II Mosque , one of Morocco’s most important architectural symbols. Situated partly on the Atlantic Ocean, the mosque impresses with its size and refined decorative details. The guided tour allows you to understand the monument’s religious and cultural importance, admiring Morocco’s tallest minaret and the marvelous interior mosaics.

Continue to Rabat , the capital of Morocco. Here you will visit the Kasbah of the Udayas , with its narrow white and blue streets and gardens overlooking the ocean, the Hassan Tower , and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V. Strolling through the historic center, you will discover the history of the city and the dynasties that have shaped the country. Your local guide will share interesting facts and anecdotes about life in Rabat.

In the afternoon, depart for Chefchaouen , crossing the Rif Mountains. The landscapes gradually change, with green hills, traditional villages, and breathtaking views. Arrive in the famous blue city in the late afternoon , settle into a traditional riad, and spend the night. The evening is perfect for a stroll through the medina, bathed in warm lights, and soaking up the city’s unique atmosphere.

Day 3: Chefchaouen – Visit the Blue City

A full day dedicated to exploring Chefchaouen , one of Morocco’s most evocative cities. Stroll through the blue medina, among quiet streets, houses painted in different shades of blue, and decorated doors, making every corner photogenic and charming. Every alley offers perfect views for photographs or simply to savor the city’s tranquility.

Visit the main square of Uta el-Hammam and the historic kasbah , with free time to explore artisan workshops and local shops. You’ll watch artisans at work and discover fabrics, ceramics, and traditional products. Your guide will share the history of Chefchaouen and local traditions.

In the afternoon, you can climb to a panoramic viewpoint overlooking the city and the surrounding mountains, ideal for watching the sunset. Return to the riad in the late afternoon, enjoy dinner on your own, and spend the night. Chefchaouen offers a unique experience, perfect for immersing yourself in the culture and tranquility of northern Morocco.

Day 4: Chefchaouen – Volubilis – Fes

After breakfast, depart early in the morning for Fez , crossing mountain landscapes and verdant valleys. Along the way, stop at the Roman ruins of Volubilis , a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Morocco’s most important archaeological sites. Strolling among the ancient columns, arches, and mosaics, you’ll admire the site’s extraordinary preservation and understand the city’s importance during the Roman era. Your guide will provide detailed explanations of the customs, architecture, and daily life of the Romans who inhabited these lands.

After the visit, you’ll have the opportunity to take panoramic photographs of the vast surrounding plains and hills surrounding Volubilis. The route continues through small Berber villages and fertile countryside, an opportunity to observe Moroccan rural life and the still very authentic local culture. Lunch is available along the way.

In the afternoon, arrive in Fez and settle into a traditional riad located in the heart of the medina or nearby. Free time for an initial independent exploration of the city’s outer neighborhoods, soaking up the unique atmosphere and energy of Morocco’s cultural capital. Dinner and overnight stay in Fez.

Day 5: Fes – Guided Tour of the Imperial City

After breakfast, meet your local official guide for a comprehensive tour of Fez , considered the cultural and spiritual capital of Morocco. The medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a veritable labyrinth of narrow streets, artisan workshops, Koranic schools, and historical monuments. Your guide will explain the history of the dynasties, religious traditions, and the city’s evolution over the centuries.

During the day, you’ll visit iconic sites such as the Al Quaraouiyine Mosque , the Bou Inania Medersa , and the traditional tanneries , where leatherwork is still carried out using ancestral techniques. Strolling through the souks, you’ll observe artisans at work, discover spices, fabrics, and traditional objects, and gain an understanding of the city’s economic and cultural dynamics.

In the afternoon, continue your visit to panoramic viewpoints offering breathtaking views of the medina and the surrounding hills. These are ideal moments for spectacular photos and to fully immerse yourself in the city’s atmosphere. Return to the riad in the late afternoon, enjoy dinner on your own, and spend the night in Fez.

Day 6: Fes – Ifrane – Midelt – Ziz Valley – Merzouga

Early morning departure from Fes towards southern Morocco, crossing the Middle Atlas Mountains , where the landscapes gradually change, including cedar forests, rivers, and picturesque Berber villages. Stop in Ifrane , a tidy and green city, famous for its elegant architecture and manicured gardens, ideal for a relaxing stroll and photographing the unique mountain setting.

Continue to Midelt , a mountain town located between the Middle and High Atlas Mountains, famous for its apple orchards and the natural beauty of its surrounding landscapes. Lunch at a local restaurant and a short break to admire daily life in the villages along the way. Your guide will provide explanations of Berber customs, local agriculture, and the traditions associated with this mountainous region.

In the afternoon, we arrive in the Ziz Valley , famous for its vast palm groves and oases marking the entrance to the desert. We continue to Merzouga , at the foot of the spectacular Erg Chebbi dunes . We settle into a hotel or riad, enjoy a camel ride at sunset, enjoy a Berber dinner, and spend the night under the starry Saharan sky.

Day 7: Merzouga – Desert Exploration and Nomad Villages

Sunrise over the dunes with breakfast in the desert, one of the most evocative moments to photograph the warm colors of the sand and the spectacular silence of the Sahara. Afterwards, visit the Saharan nomads , discovering their lifestyle, traditional tents, and daily practices related to herding and life in the desert.

Stop at the village of Khamlia , known for its Gnawa music. Enjoy a cultural exchange with local musicians, listening to traditional rhythms while your guide explains the history of the music and its rituals. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure to hike among the dunes, explore the desert on foot, or simply relax and enjoy the tranquility.

Spectacular sunset over the dunes with the opportunity to photograph one of Morocco’s most famous panoramas. A traditional Berber dinner and a second night in the desert camp, sleeping under the stars and experiencing the silence and magic of the Sahara desert in a unique way.

Day 8: Merzouga – Todra Gorges – Dades Valley – Ouarzazate

Early morning departure from the desert for the Todra Gorges , an impressive canyon with vertical walls hundreds of meters high. A guided walk through the gorges, with time for photographs and to admire the contrast between the rock walls and the riverbed below. The guide provides geological and historical explanations of the gorges and surrounding villages.

Continue to the Dades Valley , known for its historic kasbahs, palm groves, and extraordinary wind-sculpted rock formations. Along the way, photo stops at scenic viewpoints and visits to small traditional villages. The Dades Valley offers a complete immersion in natural landscapes and Berber culture.

In the afternoon, arrive in Ouarzazate , a city famous for its film studios and the kasbahs that have inspired numerous international films. Check in to your hotel or riad, have dinner, and spend the night. The evening is free to enjoy the city’s atmosphere and relax after a long day of travel.

Day 9: Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – High Atlas – Marrakech

After breakfast, depart to visit the famous Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou , a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This extraordinary red clay fortified city is a perfect example of traditional Moroccan architecture and has served as a backdrop for numerous international films. A guided walk among the towers and narrow streets of the kasbah will include detailed explanations of the history, culture, and lifestyle of the families who once lived there.

Next, we continue across the High Atlas Mountains , passing through the Tizi n’Tichka Pass . Along the way, we make scenic stops to admire the valleys, Berber villages, and spectacular landscapes that change with the altitude. Your guide provides insights into life in the mountain villages and the Berber traditions that are still alive today.

In the late afternoon, arrive in Marrakech and settle into a riad or hotel in the heart of the city. Free time for a first tour of the medina or to rest after the long day of travel. Dinner and overnight stay in Marrakech, ready for the next day’s guided exploration.

Day 10: Marrakech – Guided Tour of the Imperial City

After breakfast, meet your Marrakech official guide for a comprehensive tour of the imperial city. Marrakech is famous for its energy, vibrant colors, and bustling markets. During the morning, you’ll visit the main historical monuments: the Koutoubia Mosque , the Bahia Palace , the Saadian Tombs , and one of the city’s historic gardens. Your guide will share the history of the city, its dynasties, and local traditions, offering a thorough understanding of Morocco.

Stroll through the medina and the famous Jemaa el-Fnaa square , the beating heart of the city. Here you can observe street performers, merchants, snake charmers, and the vibrant daily life of the city. Your guide will explain the origins of the traditions, the gastronomic culture, and the rituals associated with the square and the markets.

In the afternoon, enjoy free time for shopping or exploring the hidden corners of the medina. Transfer to the riad for the overnight stay. This day offers a full immersion in the history, culture, and unique atmosphere of Marrakech, with a perfect balance of guided tours and free time.

Day 11: Marrakech – Excursion to Essaouira

After breakfast, depart in the morning for a day trip to Essaouira , a beautiful coastal city famous for its UNESCO-listed medina and relaxed atmosphere. Along the way, you’ll pass through rural landscapes and small villages, observing the daily life of Moroccans away from the big cities. Arrival in Essaouira in the late morning.

Guided tour of the medina, with its fortified walls, narrow streets, and picturesque harbors. Your local guide will explain the city’s history, maritime traditions, and the Portuguese and French influences on its architecture. Stroll among local craft workshops, art galleries, and shops selling traditional products such as silver, textiles, and thuja wood objects.

In the afternoon, you’ll have free time to explore the beach, sample seafood specialties at local restaurants, or go shopping. In the evening, return to Marrakech. Arrival at the riad, dinner at your leisure, and overnight stay. This day combines culture, sea, and relaxation, offering a different experience from the desert and imperial cities.

Day 12: Marrakech – Transfer to Casablanca and End of the Tour

After breakfast, you’ll have free time for a final stroll through Marrakech’s medina or to shop for souvenirs in the souks. Your guide or driver will be available to provide any clarifications or suggestions regarding your final visits.

In the afternoon, depart for Casablanca through varied landscapes, including mountains, villages, and plains. Along the way, optional photo stops at scenic spots and in the cities along the way. Arrival at Casablanca International Airport according to your flight schedule.

The tour ends with unforgettable memories of Morocco: imperial cities, mountains, desert, coasts, and traditional villages. This 12-day itinerary offers the perfect combination of culture, adventure, and relaxation, ensuring a complete and immersive experience of the country.

What’s Included in the Tour

• Private transportation with a professional driver for the entire tour.
• Accommodation in a riad/hotel with daily breakfast.
• 2 nights in the Merzouga desert in a camp.
• Camel rides in the desert.
• Official guided tours in Fes and Marrakech.
• All transfers according to itinerary.
• Traditional Berber dinner in the desert.
• 24/7 assistance throughout the tour.

What’s Not Included in the Tour

• International flights and airport taxes.
• Meals not indicated in the program.
• Drinks, tips and personal expenses.
• Optional activities not mentioned in the program.
• Travel insurance.

FAQs

Is 12 days enough in Morocco?

Yes. Twelve days allows travelers to visit Morocco’s main highlights, including Casablanca, Chefchaouen, Fes, the Sahara Desert, Marrakech, and Essaouira.

What is the best route for 12 days in Morocco?

Casablanca → Rabat → Chefchaouen → Fes → Merzouga → Dades Valley → Ait Ben Haddou → Marrakech → Essaouira → Casablanca.

Is the Sahara Desert included?

Yes. This itinerary includes Merzouga, camel trekking, and a luxury desert camp experience.

Can this tour be customized?

Yes. Private Morocco tours can be fully customized according to your interests, accommodation preferences, and travel dates.

Is this itinerary suitable for families?

Absolutely. The route is ideal for couples, families, and small groups seeking a balanced cultural and adventure experience.

12 days morocco itinerary Map