8-Day Morocco Itinerary: Imperial Cities & Sahara Desert Adventure

DAY 01 - Arrival at Rabat Airport – Transfer to Hotel

Your driver will meet you at Rabat–Salé Airport to begin your 8-day Moroccan adventure from Rabat to Marrakech via the Sahara. You will then be transferred to your hotel for a good night’s rest.

DAY 02 - Rabat – Meknes – Volubilis – Fes

After breakfast, you will meet your local guide for a day of exploring Moroccan history and culture. You begin your tour of Rabat at the Kasbah of Oudayas, where you will walk through picturesque streets painted in blue and white and see the fragrant Andalusian gardens that bloom year-round.

Afterward, you will visit Hassan Tower, the remains of what was to be the largest mosque in the world, and you will see the exquisitely decorated Mausoleum of Mohammed V, the founder of modern Morocco. If time permits, you will also have the opportunity to view the Royal Palace from the outside and appreciate its impressive gates.

Then you continue the journey by driving approximately two and a half hours to Meknes, one of Morocco’s imperial cities, where you can admire its impressive architecture and rich history. Arriving at the magnificent Bab Mansour gate, one of Morocco's most beautiful gates, you can walk through the royal stables and granaries before making your final stop at Place El Hedim, the city's main square, where you can witness the bustle of daily life.

After Meknes, you will continue to Moulay Idris, Morocco's holy city, where the shrine of the founder of the first Moroccan dynasty stands, dating back over 12 centuries.

Finally, your last stop will be at the UNESCO World Heritage site, Volubilis, the best-preserved Roman ruins in North Africa. You will walk among palaces, baths, and administrative offices, taking in the ancient mosaics that reveal the city’s former grandeur.

Later, transfer to Fes (about 1.5 hours) and check into your riad for the night.

• Drive: Rabat to Fes—approx. 228 km (around 4-5 hours)

DAY 03 - Full-Day Guided Tour of Fes

This day is dedicated to exploring the spiritual city of Morocco, Fes. Explore the Old Medina of Fes, a seemingly endless maze, for the majority of the day. First, visit the royal palace with its grand, arched seven doors. Next to it, there is Mellah (the Jewish Quarter).

Thereafter, you will stroll down narrow alleys, discovering historical sights such as Al-Qarrouine University, renowned as the world's oldest. Then, visit the Chouara Tannery, a dramatic area where leather is tanned. Additionally, you will see some local artisanal places, such as Seffarine and Attarine.

After lunch in one of the local traditional restaurants in Boujloud (the main entrance to the old city), you will go outside the old town to see a spectacular view of the whole city.

Finally, you will return to the same riad where you stayed the night before.

DAY 04 - Fes – Merzouga Desert via Atlas Mountains

After breakfast, we will travel through the Middle Atlas cities, starting in Immouzer. Then, we will stop at Ifrane, known as the little Switzerland. Next, we will head to the Cedar Forest near Azrou, in the first place, to discover the way of life of the Barbarian Apes. Additionally, the location offers beautiful opportunities for taking memorable pictures.

After that, we will continue the Morocco tour via the Desert to Midelt. We can take a break and have a delicious Moroccan lunch in one of the traditional restaurants. Passing through Tizi Ntalghamt, to the spectacular Ziz valley, situated in a volcanic rock, where you will enjoy the panoramic views of the landscape.

Then, we will pass through Erfoud, the city of fossils, and Rissani. Arriving at Merzouga village, we will ride our camels for 1 hour to the heart of the desert, reaching the high dune of Erg Chebbi to watch the spectacular sunset. Finally, we will ride back on the camels with our experienced camel man. Dinner will be served in Berber tents in the desert, and you will spend the night there under the magical sky.

• Drive: Fes to Merzouga - approx. 495 km (around 7-8 hours)

DAY 05 - Merzouga Desert – Todra Gorge – Dades Valley – Skoura

The next morning, you will wake up a little early to watch the unforgettable sunrise. Then, you will trek back to Merzouga with your experienced camel man. After a refreshing shower and a delicious breakfast, continue your Morocco trip via the Desert. We will head to the Todra Gorges, passing through Tinghir. Significantly, Toudgha Gorge is the narrowest and the highest canyon in Morocco. After indulging yourself in this amazing valley and taking lunch, we will discover another unique one called the Dades Gorges. Namely, the valley contains some breathtaking sand castles, and a unique rock called “the monkey toes”.

After lunch, you drive along the green Dades Valley and Rose Valley, which are full of rose farms and interesting cliff formations, and then head to the lush Skoura Oasis.

You will arrive in and check into a typical guesthouse, and your overnight stay will be in the Skoura oasis in a traditional riad.

• Drive: Merzouga to Skoura - approx. 196 km (around 4-6 hours)

DAY 06 - Skoura Palm grove – Ouarzazate – Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou – Marrakech

After breakfast and check-out, you'll have the opportunity to take an optional (for an additional fee) two-hour guided walk in the Skoura oasis. Walking the palm-lined paths through what was once a route for caravans carrying goods is a special experience that will take you past villages and gardens featuring olives, pomegranates, and figs, all set within a lovely desert landscape.

Next, you will travel for approximately thirty minutes to the small town of Ouarzazate. Ouarzazate is known as "Morocco's Hollywood" for its role and involvement in filming (and is considered the movie capital of Morocco). You will have the opportunity to visit the Taourirt Kasbah, formerly the seat of the powerful Glaoui dynasty, which is also partly restored by UNESCO and is open to visitors.

After that, you will drive about twenty minutes to Ait Ben Haddou, a beautiful ksar that is several centuries old and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will walk through the old, fortified alleys of Ait Ben Haddou, which were once a stop for caravans crossing the Sahara, carrying crucial and rare items such as salt, gold, silver, and spices.

Optionally, will have lunch at a local restaurant. After eating, you will continue your journey over the High Atlas Mountains and travel via the spectacular Tizi-n-Tichka Pass, with its height at 2260 m, and in our opinion, offering the most beautiful scenery in Morocco.

Finally, in the late afternoon, you will arrive in Marrakech and check into your hotel or riad in the medina.

• Drive: Boumalne Dades to Marrakech - approx. 196 km (around 4-6 hours)

DAY 07 - Marrakech Guided City Tour

Start your day with breakfast before meeting your local guide for a visit to the Majorelle Garden, an artist's vibrant oasis owned by designer Yves Saint Laurent, exhibiting beautiful blue buildings and exotic plants.

You will admire the Koutoubia Mosque's minaret, the emblem of Marrakech, from the outside, visible for miles. Non-Muslims are not permitted to enter.

Next, move on to Jemaa el-Fna square, a crazy spectacle of snake charmers, acrobats, Gnaoua musicians, henna artists, fortune tellers, and street vendors selling orange and date juices—the essence of Moroccan street culture.

You will visit the 18th-century Bahia Palace, featuring exquisite tile work, lovely gardens, and impressive architecture.

Then you'll have optional activities (for an additional charge) that may include shopping in the souks, visiting additional historical sites, and hiring a private guide for a personalized tour of the medina.

Overnight in the same riad, including breakfast.