This 9 days Marrakech Desert and Imperial Cities Tour is ideal for travelers who want to explore Morocco’s diverse landscapes and culture. It takes you through mountains, valleys, kasbahs, gorges, and the great Sahara Desert. The tour begins in Marrakech and crosses the High Atlas Mountains toward Ait Ben Haddou and Ouarzazate. You continue through the Dades and Todra Gorges before reaching Merzouga and its golden dunes. You enjoy camel trekking and spend a night in a luxury desert camp under the stars. The journey then leads to Fes through the Ziz Valley and the Middle Atlas. Your adventure ends in Chefchaouen, the beautiful blue town, with stunning views and rich cultural experiences.
Highlights: 9 days Marrakech Desert and Imperial Cities Tour
• Cross the High Atlas Mountains
• Visit Ait Ben Haddou & Ouarzazate
• Explore Dades Valley & Todra Gorge
• Camel trekking & luxury Sahara camp
• Discover Fes, Ifrane & Cedar Forest
• Visit Meknes & Volubilis ruins
• Explore Chefchaouen, the Blue Pearl
• Scenic landscapes, Berber villages & imperial history
Itinerary: 9 days Marrakech Desert and Imperial Cities Tour
Day 1: Arrival in Marrakech
Your tour begins in Marrakech, where you are welcomed upon arrival and transferred to your hotel located near the historic medina. The rest of the day allows you to get familiar with the city’s atmosphere as you stroll through the lively souks, admire the red walls glowing at sunset, and take in the sounds and energy of Jemaa el Fna square, where storytellers, musicians, and food stalls create an iconic Moroccan experience. Overnight in Marrakech.
Day 2: Marrakech Guided Tour
After breakfast, you begin a full-day discovery of Marrakech with a local guide. You walk through the UNESCO-listed medina and its maze of narrow alleys. You visit the elegant Bahia Palace and its peaceful courtyards. Then you admire the Saadian Tombs, hidden for centuries and rich in history. You also learn about the Koutoubia Mosque, the city’s iconic landmark. Afterward, you continue to the vibrant artisan souks filled with colors and traditional crafts. If time allows, you visit the Majorelle Garden and the Yves Saint Laurent Museum for a quiet moment surrounded by art and nature. In the evening, you return to your hotel for overnight.
Day 3: Marrakech – High Atlas – Ait Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate – Dades Valley
Your journey toward the desert begins after breakfast. You travel through the High Atlas Mountains along the winding road of the Tizi n’Tichka Pass. The views are wide and dramatic, with rugged peaks, terraced fields, and old Berber villages. You stop at Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage ksar famous for its earthen buildings and film appearances. You then continue to Ouarzazate, known as the “Gateway to the Desert.” From there, you follow the Valley of Roses toward the Dades Valley. The region offers striking rock formations, deep canyons, and lush green fields. Dinner and overnight are in a charming hotel overlooking the valley.
Day 4: Dades Valley – Todra Gorge – Erfoud – Merzouga
After breakfast, you leave the Dades region and follow a scenic route through mountain landscapes and fortified villages until reaching the impressive Todra Gorge, where massive limestone cliffs rise dramatically on both sides to create one of the most spectacular natural sites in Morocco. After enjoying free time to walk through the canyon and take photos, the journey continues through palm groves and desert towns until reaching Erfoud, known for its fossil workshops and desert gateway atmosphere. As you approach Merzouga, the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi appear in the distance, slowly growing taller as you enter the Sahara region. You arrive at your desert hotel for dinner, relaxation, and overnight.
Day 5: Merzouga Exploration – Nomads – Camel Trek – Desert Camp
This day is dedicated to discovering the secrets of the Sahara. After breakfast, you embark on an off-road exploration around the dunes, visiting nomad families living in traditional tents where you learn about their lifestyle and hospitality. You then head to Khamliya village to enjoy a Gnawa music performance, continue to panoramic viewpoints, seasonal lakes when available, fossil areas, and hidden oases that show the diversity of the desert environment. In the afternoon, you return to the village and prepare for your camel trek. Riding through the soft dunes as the sun begins to set creates unforgettable moments, and you reach your luxury desert camp in time to watch the sky turn golden. After a delicious dinner, local Berber musicians gather around the fire to play traditional rhythms, allowing you to enjoy a magical night under countless stars before sleeping in your comfortable tent.
Day 6: Merzouga – Ziz Valley – Midelt – Ifrane – Fes
You wake up early to witness the breathtaking sunrise over the dunes before returning to Merzouga for breakfast. Your journey to Fes begins through the long palm groves of the Ziz Valley, where ancient ksour, green oases, and date plantations line the river. After passing through Errachidia and crossing the Middle Atlas Mountains, you arrive in Midelt for a relaxing break before continuing to the Cedar Forest, home to playful Barbary macaque monkeys. The road then leads to Ifrane, known for its alpine-style houses and clean landscapes, giving it the nickname “Switzerland of Morocco.” You continue to Fes, arriving in the evening for overnight.
Day 7: Fes Guided Tour
After breakfast, a full-day guided tour introduces you to the cultural and spiritual heart of Morocco. You explore the vast medieval medina, one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited areas. With its narrow streets filled with artisan workshops and traditional markets. Highlights include the Al-Qarawiyyin University, considered one of the oldest in the world, the colorful Chaouwara tanneries. The Nejjarine Fountain, and the beautifully restored Bou Inania Madrasa. You also explore the Royal Palace gates and panoramic viewpoints overlooking the city’s ancient rooftops. After an enriching day, return to your hotel for overnight.
Day 8: Fes – Meknes – Volubilis – Chefchaouen
After breakfast, you leave Fes and travel to Meknes, one of Morocco’s imperial cities. You visit the impressive Bab Mansour gate, Lahdim Square, and the Royal Stables built by Sultan Moulay Ismail. Next, you continue to the Roman ruins of Volubilis, a well-preserved site known for its mosaics and ancient streets, showcasing the grandeur of Roman North Africa. After exploring the ruins, you drive through the green landscapes and rolling hills of the Rif Mountains. You arrive in Chefchaouen, the famous blue town set against dramatic cliffs. The town has a calm and peaceful atmosphere. You have the evening free to wander the charming blue-painted alleys. Overnight in Chefchaouen.
Day 9: Chefchaouen – Transfer to Fes or Tangier – End of Tour
Your final morning is free to explore more of Chefchaouen, take photos of its blue walls, enjoy a café on a quiet square, or climb to the Spanish Mosque for panoramic views of the city. Later, you depart toward either Fes or Tangier, depending on your travel plans. Your 9-day tour ends with wonderful moments, diverse landscapes, and unforgettable cultural experiences across Morocco.
Included
• Private transportation
• English or Spanish-speaking driver
• Hotels & luxury desert camp
• Camel trekking
• Dinner & breakfast
• Marrakech and Fes guided tours
• Pick-up & drop-off
Excluded
• Lunches
• Drinks
• Personal expenses
• Entrance fees
