9 days tour from Marrakech to the desert and Imperial Cities

9-Day Tour from Marrakech to the Desert & Imperial Cities

The Ultimate Morocco Itinerary: A Journey Through the Sahara, Ancient Medinas, and Royal Architecture

This 9-day tour from Marrakech to the desert and imperial cities is one of the most complete and inspiring travel experiences in Morocco. A perfect blend of Saharan magic, imperial grandeur, and warm Berber hospitality. From the golden dunes of Merzouga to the vibrant souks of Fes, each stop offers a deep immersion into Morocco’s history, natural beauty, and rich traditions.

Day 1: Arrival in Marrakech – Welcome to Morocco

Arrival at Marrakech airport and transfer to a traditional riad in the heart of the medina. Free time to settle in and soak up the unique atmosphere of Jemaa el-Fna Square, the lively heart of the Red City.

Day 2: Guided Tour of Marrakech – History & Colors

After breakfast, meet your local guide and begin your exploration of Marrakech’s iconic sites:

Koutoubia Mosque (exterior view)
The beautiful Bahia Palace
The Saadian Tombs
Colorful artisan souks: spices, leather, ceramics, and more
The stunning Majorelle Garden and Berber Museum

Dinner at your leisure. Overnight stay in your riad.

Day 3: Marrakech – Ait Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate – Dades Valley

Depart Marrakech and cross the High Atlas Mountains via the scenic Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260m). Enjoy several photo stops along the way.

Ait Ben Haddou
Explore the most famous ksar in Morocco and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its use in blockbuster films.

Ouarzazate & the Dades Valley
Brief stop in Ouarzazate before continuing along the “Road of a Thousand Kasbahs” to the breathtaking Dades Gorges. Dinner and overnight in a charming riad.

Day 4: Dades – Todra Gorges – Merzouga (Sahara Desert)

After breakfast, drive to the stunning Todra Gorges, perfect for walking and photography among towering rock walls.

Sahara Desert Adventure
Arrive in Merzouga, gateway to the Erg Chebbi Dunes. Set out on a camel ride into the heart of the desert.

Night Under the Stars
Enjoy a traditional Berber dinner, music around the campfire, and sleep under the stars in a nomadic-style tent.

Day 5: Merzouga – Rissani – Ziz Valley – Midelt

After watching the sunrise over the dunes and breakfast at the camp, ride back by camel and depart northward.

Along the Ziz Valley
Stop in Rissani, a historic caravan town, then travel through the lush Ziz Valley, lined with palm groves and ancient ksar. Arrive in Midelt, nestled at the foot of the Middle Atlas. Dinner and overnight stay.

Day 6: Midelt – Ifrane – Fes

Breakfast and departure through the forested region of the Middle Atlas.

Cedar Forest & Ifrane
Stop in Azrou to see wild Barbary macaques, then pass through Ifrane, known as “the Switzerland of Morocco” for its Alpine-style charm. Arrive in Fes and check in to your riad.

Day 7: Guided Tour of Fes – Spiritual Capital of Morocco

Spend the day exploring Fes el-Bali, the oldest of Morocco’s imperial cities.

Visit Al-Qarawiyyin University, one of the world’s oldest
See the famous Chouara Tanneries
Explore Bou Inania Madrasa
Discover the maze-like souks, artisan workshops, mosques, and fountains

Optional: Traditional Moroccan dinner with folkloric show. Overnight stay in a historical riad.

Day 8: Fes – Meknes – Volubilis – Rabat

After breakfast, set off to explore two significant historical sites:

Meknes: The Moroccan Versailles
Visit the Bab Mansour Gate, royal stables, and granaries of Moulay Ismail.

Volubilis & Rabat
Continue to the Roman ruins of Volubilis, remarkably preserved and UNESCO-listed. Arrive in Rabat, the capital of Morocco. Visit the Hassan Tower, Mausoleum of Mohammed V, and the Kasbah of the Udayas.

Dinner at your leisure. Overnight stay in Rabat.

Day 9: Rabat – Casablanca – Marrakech (or Casablanca Airport)

Morning departure for Casablanca. Enjoy a panoramic tour and visit the majestic Hassan II Mosque, dramatically located over the ocean.

Final transfer to Marrakech or Casablanca Airport, according to your travel plans.
End of our services.

Tour Includes:

Private transport with Italian-speaking driver
8 nights in authentic riads, hotels, or desert camp
Daily breakfasts and 5 dinners
Camel trek and overnight stay in the desert
Licensed guides in Marrakech and Fes
Entry to major historical sites
Ongoing assistance and flexible itinerary

Why Choose This Tour

This 9-day tour from Marrakech to the Sahara and Imperial Cities is the ideal way to explore Morocco in depth—from its majestic deserts and royal architecture to its vibrant culture and warm hospitality. Designed for those who seek authenticity, comfort, and a slower, more immersive travel experience, this itinerary brings together all the highlights of Morocco in one unforgettable journey.