7-Day Morocco Tour from Marrakech: Sahara & Imperial Cities

Overview

• Camel ride
• Hotel pickup
• Night in a desert camp
• Private tour

Experience the best of Morocco on a private 7-day grand tour starting and ending in Marrakech. Cross the High Atlas Mountains, explore the historic kasbah of Aït Ben Haddou and discover the dramatic landscapes of southern Morocco before reaching the golden Erg Chebbi dunes near Merzouga. Enjoy a memorable Sahara desert camp experience, then continue north to Fes to explore its remarkable medieval medina, traditional souks and historic architecture.

Discover the blue-painted streets of Chefchaouen in the Rif Mountains before travelling along the Atlantic coast to Rabat and Casablanca. From ancient cultural landmarks to mountain scenery, desert landscapes and vibrant coastal cities, this journey offers first-time visitors a wide-ranging introduction to Morocco in one week.

Travel privately with a dedicated vehicle and enjoy a carefully planned route connecting the country’s most celebrated destinations, returning to Marrakech on the seventh day.

Highlights

• Ait Ben Haddou, the Dades Valley and the Todra Gorge
• A night in the Erg Chebbi dunes
• A full day in the medina of Fes
• Roman ruins of Volubilis and the blue town of Chefchaouen
• Rabat and the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca

Day by day

1. Day 1

   Marrakech – High Atlas – Aït Ben Haddou – Dades Valley

   Depart Marrakech in your private vehicle and cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka pass. Enjoy mountain views and scenic stops along the winding road.

   Continue to Aït Ben Haddou, the famous fortified settlement known for its traditional earthen architecture. Explore the historic lanes and viewpoints before travelling through Ouarzazate and the landscapes of southern Morocco.

   Continue towards the Dades Valley, passing changing mountain scenery and traditional villages. Arrive at your accommodation for dinner and a relaxing evening.

2. Day 2

   Dades Valley – Todra Gorge – Merzouga Sahara

   After breakfast, travel through the Dades region towards Todra Gorge, where towering canyon walls create one of southern Morocco’s most striking landscapes. Enjoy time for a short walk and photographs.

   Continue east through oasis towns and desert-edge scenery to Merzouga, the gateway to the Erg Chebbi dunes. Depending on your package, travel into the dunes by camel or another arranged transfer to your desert camp.

   Watch the sunset over the Sahara, enjoy dinner at camp and experience the peaceful atmosphere of the desert after dark.

3. Day 3

   Merzouga – Ziz Valley – Middle Atlas – Fes

   Rise early to enjoy sunrise over the dunes before breakfast and departure. Travel north through the Ziz Valley, with its extensive palm groves and oasis landscapes.

   Continue through the Middle Atlas region, where the scenery changes from arid plains to mountain towns and forested areas. Breaks can be arranged along the route, depending on driving conditions and arrival time.

   Arrive in Fes in the evening. This is a long transfer day, so the main sightseeing in Fes is reserved for the following day.

4. Day 4

   Fes Sightseeing

   Spend a full day discovering Fes, one of Morocco’s most historically significant cities. Explore the winding streets of Fes el-Bali, where traditional workshops, lively souks and historic buildings preserve centuries of craftsmanship.

   Visit the city’s historic madrasas and artisan quarters, admire traditional zellige tilework and carved cedar wood, and discover the famous tanneries from an appropriate viewpoint if accessible.

   A local guide can help explain the medina’s history, architecture and cultural traditions. Take time for a traditional Moroccan lunch and browsing the craft shops before returning to your accommodation.

5. Day 5

   Fes – Chefchaouen, the Blue City

   Leave Fes and travel through northern Morocco towards Chefchaouen, a picturesque town nestled in the Rif Mountains.

   Spend the afternoon exploring the famous blue-painted lanes, small artisan shops and welcoming squares of the medina. Visit the area around Plaza Uta el-Hammam and the historic kasbah, subject to opening times.

   If time and conditions allow, walk to a viewpoint for panoramic views across the blue rooftops and surrounding mountains. Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the town before spending the night in a local riad or hotel.

6. Day 6

   Chefchaouen – Rabat – Casablanca

   Depart Chefchaouen and travel towards Rabat, Morocco’s capital. Depending on road conditions and the time available, visit the Kasbah of the Udayas, known for its whitewashed buildings, blue-painted lanes and views over the Atlantic coast.

   Continue with a short visit to key central landmarks such as Hassan Tower and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, subject to the day’s schedule.

   Travel onward to Casablanca and settle into your accommodation. If arrival time permits, enjoy an evening walk along the Corniche or admire the exterior of the Hassan II Mosque.

7. Day 7

   Casablanca – Marrakech

   Begin the day with a visit to the Hassan II Mosque, one of Casablanca’s most famous landmarks. An interior tour may be possible depending on opening times, prayer schedules and ticket availability.

   Depending on your departure time, enjoy a brief look at Casablanca’s coastal district before returning to Marrakech by private vehicle. Allow sufficient time for the drive and any planned stops.

   Arrive in Marrakech later in the day, where your seven-day private journey concludes with drop-off at your agreed location.

What is included

Where you stay

Hotels, riads or guesthouses in the Dades Valley, Fes (2 nights), Chefchaouen and Rabat, plus 1 night in a desert camp. Comfort level chosen with you.

Photos

Good to know

The route and the number of nights in each place can be changed. The tour can also start in Casablanca or Fes.

Every trip is private and can be adjusted: dates, pace, stops and the comfort level of your accommodation. Prices depend on group size and season, so we send a written quote with everything that is included.