A 12-Day Private Tour of Culture, History, and Natural Scenes

Explore Casablanca, Fez, Marrakech, the Atlas Mountains, and enjoy a night in a desert camp.

private tour in morocco in the sahara and other cities

About This Private Tour in Morocco

This private tour gives you a good look into the culture, history, and scenery of Morocco. Starting in Casablanca, you’ll visit landmarks like the Hassan II Mosque and enjoy a seaside dinner to begin your trip. You’ll then visit important cities like Rabat, Meknes, and Fez, where you’ll see places like the Royal Palace, ancient Roman ruins, and the old medinas. Each stop offers something interesting, including the mosaics at Volubilis and the markets of Fez.

As you continue, you’ll experience Morocco’s different landscapes, from the cedar forests in the Atlas Mountains to the sand dunes of Merzouga. You’ll stop in the town of Midelt and spend a night in a desert camp. The tour also takes you through the Todra Gorges and the Dades Valley, known for its rock formations and kasbahs.

Near the end, you’ll visit Ouarzazate, known for its kasbahs and movie sets, the coastal city of Essaouira, and the streets of Marrakech. You’ll have time to see its historical sites, gardens, and markets. The tour finishes with a relaxing drive back to Casablanca for your departure, bringing your Moroccan journey to a close.

Tour Plan Day by Day

The tour follows a well-planned itinerary, but it's flexible and can be customized to fit your preferences. If you'd like to make any changes or add suggestions, feel free to reach out to the agency, and they'll be happy to adjust the trip to suit your needs. Here's the original plan so you can know what to expect from the tour.

Day 1: Casablanca
Your adventure begins the moment you arrive in Casablanca, where you'll be greeted at the airport and transferred to your hotel. After settling in, we’ll take you to explore one of the city's most iconic landmarks, the Hassan II Mosque, renowned for its breathtaking architecture. Later, you’ll enjoy a special welcome dinner at a coastal restaurant, giving you your first taste of Morocco’s rich culinary heritage. Your hotel offers beautiful views of the mosque, making for a peaceful and memorable first night.
Day 2: Rabat - Meknes - Volubilis - Fez
After breakfast, you’ll travel from Casablanca to Fez, stopping first in Rabat, Morocco’s capital city. Here, you’ll explore historic sites before continuing to Meknes, known for its grand Bab Mansour gate and the impressive Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail. The journey takes you further to the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis, where you can marvel at the well-preserved mosaics and architecture. After passing through the sacred town of Moulay Idriss for a quick photo stop, you’ll arrive in Fez by late afternoon and check into a traditional riad inside the old medina.
Day 3: Fez
Spend the day immersing yourself in the cultural heart of Morocco, the city of Fez. Your guide will take you to explore its many treasures, including a panoramic view of the medina, a visit to a local pottery factory, and a walk through the ancient streets filled with hidden gems. You’ll also see the impressive Royal Palace, the historic Jewish quarter, and the vibrant tanneries. Lunch will be served with a view over the city, as you absorb the incredible history of Fez, home to one of the world’s oldest universities.
Day 4: Azrou - Midelt - Ziz Valley - Merzouga Desert
Today, you’ll leave Fez behind and head toward the desert, with scenic stops along the way. Journey through the Middle and High Atlas Mountains, stopping to visit the cedar forests, where you might spot some wild Barbary apes. After lunch in Midelt, you’ll continue through the dramatic landscapes of the Ziz Valley, known for its lush palm groves and vast stretches of desert. By late afternoon, you’ll arrive in the village of Merzouga, where a refreshing glass of mint tea awaits at your desert hotel.
Day 5: Merzouga
Begin your day with a cultural exploration of the Merzouga region, visiting the Gnawa people and experiencing their unique music and way of life. A visit to the nearby lake of Merzouga offers a chance to spot a variety of bird species. You’ll also explore the market town of Rissani, known for its traditional souks and connection to Morocco’s royal history. In the afternoon, embark on a camel trek into the mesmerizing sand dunes of Erg Chebbi, where you’ll spend the night at a luxury desert camp equipped with all the comforts you need, including air conditioning and modern facilities.
Day 6: Todra Gorges - Tinghir Palm Groves - Dades Gorges
Rise early to catch a stunning desert sunrise, then after breakfast, continue your journey through the Todra Gorges, where towering cliffs surround a narrow valley. Enjoy lunch amid the impressive rock formations before traveling through the lush Tinghir palm groves. The day ends in the beautiful Dades Valley, where you’ll check into a luxury hotel with panoramic views of the dramatic landscape, famous for its unique rock formations, such as the "monkey fingers."
Day 7: Dades Valley - Kasbah Amridil - Skoura Palm Groves - Ouarzazate
This morning, you’ll drive through the picturesque Dades Valley, a route lined with ancient kasbahs. Stop at Kalaat Mgouna, the “city of roses,” where you can pick up rose-based beauty products before continuing to the 18th-century Kasbah Amridil. The day ends in Ouarzazate, Morocco’s gateway to the Sahara, where you’ll have time to relax and explore this charming town.
Day 8: Ouarzazate - Ait Ben Haddou - Tizi n'Tichka Pass - Marrakech
After breakfast, visit the famous Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has served as a backdrop for numerous films. Next, you’ll drive over the scenic Tizi n'Tichka pass, the highest in Morocco, offering breathtaking views of the High Atlas Mountains and surrounding Berber villages. By late afternoon, you’ll arrive in the vibrant city of Marrakech, where your riad inside the medina awaits.
Day 9: Excursion to Essaouira
Today, venture to the coastal city of Essaouira, known for its windswept beaches and blue-washed medina. Explore its Portuguese-influenced architecture and visit the local handicraft markets. You’ll also stop by an argan oil cooperative to learn about its production and even see goats climbing the argan trees. After a relaxing day by the sea, return to Marrakech in the evening.
Day 10: Explore Marrakech
Spend the day discovering Marrakech, starting with a visit to the Koutoubia Mosque and the Saadian Tombs. Stroll through the beautiful Bahia Palace and admire the vibrant artisan crafts in the bustling medina. After lunch near the famous Jamaa El Fna square, explore the lush Majorelle Gardens and the modern Gueliz district before returning to your riad.
Day 11: Free Day in Marrakech
Enjoy a full free day to explore Marrakech at your own pace. Whether you choose to revisit your favorite spots or explore new ones, the city offers endless discoveries. In the evening, you’ll celebrate your journey with a special farewell dinner.
Day 12: Marrakech - Casablanca
On your final day, we’ll transfer you back to Casablanca for your departure flight. Depending on your flight time, the drive offers a last chance to reflect on the incredible memories made during this unforgettable Moroccan tour.