Morocco Travel 13 Days From Marrakech & Desert Tour

After enjoying breakfast at your riad, a knowledgeable local guide will take you on a journey through the maze-like alleys of Marrakech, uncovering hidden gardens and secret souks. The tour will continue to Djemaa el Fna, Marrakech’s cultural hub and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with the iconic Koutoubia Mosque minaret towering in the background.

As evening falls, the square comes alive with food stalls, dancers, acrobats, fortune tellers, musicians, and henna artists. After the tour, you’ll have the rest of the day to relax, perhaps at a traditional hammam or exploring more of the souks in the medina. We’ll spend the night at our hotel in Marrakech.

Upon your arrival in Marrakech, or directly from your accommodation, we will leave behind the city and head towards the majestic High Atlas Mountains. Crossing the highest mountain pass in North Africa and traveling through the Glaoua region, we will pass by numerous ancient kasbahs and fortified granaries that line the landscape.

Next, we continue to Ouarzazate, a lively southern city often called "The Hollywood of Morocco" due to its association with famous films like Gladiator, Lawrence of Arabia, Kingdom of Heaven, and several seasons of Game of Thrones. Here, we will enjoy lunch and visit the nearby Ait Benhaddou Kasbah, Morocco's most famous kasbah and a UNESCO World Heritage site, featured in many iconic films and TV shows. As the afternoon sun sets, we will drive through several oases and conclude our day in the verdant Dades Valley.

After breakfast, we will continue our Morocco travel 13 days along the Oued Todra, where the landscape is lush with olive, pomegranate, and orange trees. Our first stop will be the Todra Gorge, where you’ll have time to explore the dramatic narrow corridors, flanked by towering rock walls. As we leave the gorge, the terrain shifts to a vast, stony plain that marks the beginning of the Sahara desert.

Upon reaching our destination, we’ll leave any unnecessary luggage at a secure hotel and set off on a camel trek into the towering dunes of the Moroccan Sahara. You will have plenty of free time to roam the desert and admire the immense beauty and tranquility of the vast sand dunes. As the sun sets, we will gather around a campfire for a traditional Moroccan dinner, accompanied by live music. Afterward, you can continue to explore, now under a sky illuminated by a million stars, immersed in the profound silence of the desert night.

After waking up to the stunning desert sunrise and enjoying a hearty breakfast, you’ll have a few hours to relax before we GO on an exciting 4WD off-road tour through the dunes. During this Morocco travel 13 days, we’ll visit the oasis of Merzouga, explore the nomadic depository, and stop by Khamlia Village, where you’ll experience traditional Gnawa music. The villagers, descendants of former slaves who traveled from Senegal via the Salt Route, will share their unique cultural heritage with us.

We’ll then continue our adventure by meeting desert nomads in their tents to learn about their way of life. We’ll also visit the nearby Lake of Merzouga, home to a variety of bird species. After a delicious homemade Berber pizza for lunch, we’ll head back to our kasbah, where we’ll be welcomed with a refreshing glass of tea and have time to relax by the pool.

Take in the serene desert beauty as you enjoy some free time in the vast Sahara sands. Optional activities, such as horseback riding, ATV quad biking, or dune buggies, are available to enhance your desert experience.

In the late afternoon, enjoy a camel ride through the dunes to witness another spectacular desert sunset. For those seeking more adventure, dune buggies or ATV quad biking with a professional guide offer a thrilling ride through the golden sands, returning to your camp for another unforgettable night under the stars.

After breakfast, we will retrace our  Morocco travel 13 days back through Erfoud, heading towards the dramatic Ziz Valley—an awe-inspiring cleft in the hills surrounding the Ziz Oasis, the largest oasis in Morocco. This area is dotted with abandoned kasbahs, palm groves, and mud-brick villages, making it a paradise for photographers. As we continue, we’ll pass through a desolate plain of scrub and desert, reaching the town of Midelt, where we’ll stop for lunch. From here, we’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the towering peaks of the High Atlas Mountains rising majestically behind the town.

The landscapes we encounter are incredibly diverse, shifting from rocky, sun-scorched plains to lush, cedar-clad mountains and deep, striking canyons. In the hills south of Azrou, we might even spot a troupe of Barbary Apes, which still inhabit the local forests. Our Morocco travel 13 days continues to Ifrane, often referred to as the "Switzerland of Morocco." After crossing the plains, we’ll finally arrive in the captivating city of Fes, the cultural heart of Morocco and one of the most well-preserved medieval Islamic cities in the world. Upon arrival, our guide will assist you in finding your riad, where you can unwind and settle in for the night.

After breakfast, we will begin our exploration of Fes, starting with a visit to the Merenid Tombs. From there, we will stop at the Musée des Armes, a fortress once used to defend the city, which now showcases an impressive collection of 8,000 pieces of artillery from Makina, the arsenal built by Sultan Moulay Hassan. Our Morocco travel 13 days continues into Fes el Bali, an enchanting labyrinth of narrow streets lined with minarets and domes, where cars are unable to navigate and donkeys and mules remain popular forms of transport.

Next, we will visit the Karaouine Mosque, one of the oldest mosques in the world and historically significant as the first university in Morocco. Afterward, we’ll stroll through the city, passing landmarks like the Dar al-Magana, a 14th-century water clock, and the Zaouia al-Tijaniyya. We will then make our way to the Ech Cherabliyine Mosque (also known as the Mosque of the Slipper-makers) before diving into the souks, where you can find everything from henna and slippers to jewelry and spices.

Our next stop is the UNESCO-listed Fondouk el Nejjarine. Within this historical building, we will explore the Musée de Bois, which houses beautifully carved doors from the Bou Inania Madrasa. For lunch, we will indulge in a traditional Moroccan feast at one of the city’s exquisite palace-restaurants, where we’ll savor a variety of mezas (Moroccan tapas), a staple in the Fassi culinary tradition.

After lunch, we will visit the Musée Dar Batha, which showcases a stunning collection of pottery, leatherwork, wood carvings, books, and 19th-century manuscripts. We will then continue to Bab el-Ftouh, the "Gateway of the Aperture," and venture into the Andalusian Quarter, a picturesque residential area filled with monuments.

Our final stop will take us to Fes el-Jdid, where we will explore the royal palace and discover fascinating districts such as the Moulay Abdallah Quarter, the Mellah (Jewish Quarter), and the Ville Nouvelle (New Quarter) to the south.

After breakfast, we will head to the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the best-preserved Roman ruins in North Africa. This historical site offers a fascinating glimpse into Morocco's ancient past, with intricate mosaics that showcase the grandeur of Roman civilization. From there, we’ll continue our Morocco travel 13 days to Meknes, one of Morocco's most impressive imperial cities, often referred to as the "Versailles of Morocco" due to its magnificent palaces and monuments.

In Meknes, we’ll explore some of the city's iconic landmarks, including the Bab Mansour gate, the Sahrij Souani, and the old Medina. After lunch, we’ll make our way to Chefchaouen, ascending into the scenic valleys of the Rif Mountains. As we approach, the town of Chefchaouen, with its distinctive blue walls, will unfold before us, nestled against the rugged mountain backdrop like a sapphire jewel.

Upon arrival, we’ll head to your Riad for check-in and relaxation before venturing out for a stroll through the medina, where you can browse the unique local crafts markets. Chefchaouen, with its colors and stunning mountain views, offers a photographer's paradise. In the evening, you can unwind with a glass of aromatic red wine and savor a traditional Tagine and couscous meal on one of the hotel’s three rooftop terraces, all while enjoying the clear Moroccan night sky.

After breakfast, you will GO on a tour of Chefchaouen, the striking blue town that is often regarded as one of Morocco's most enchanting hidden gems, nestled in the mountains. Stroll through the local markets, where you’ll discover the unique crafts and goods of the Moroccan highlands.

For those seeking adventure, you can opt for an unforgettable trek to the Akchour waterfalls, a scenic 4-hour hike that takes you through stunning landscapes. In the afternoon, you’ll have time to unwind and soak in the tranquil ambiance of the Rif Mountains, allowing for a perfect balance of exploration and relaxation.

On our Morocco travel 13 days, we will make a stop in Asilah, a charming coastal town known for its whitewashed buildings, blue doors, and murals. From there, we will continue to Rabat, the imperial capital, where we will explore the Mechouar, the grand ramparts and walls surrounding the Royal Palace.

You’ll also visit the impressive Mohammed V Mausoleum, the iconic Hassan Tower, and the Kasbah des Oudayas. The Kasbah offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and is home to numerous Moroccan artisan workshops, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the region.

After breakfast, your guide will take you on a journey through the rich history of Rabat, the capital of Morocco. You will begin with a stroll around the picturesque Almohad northern walls of the Oudaïa Kasbah, followed by a visit to the iconic Hassan Tower, overlooking the Wadi Bou Regreg. This grand, unfinished mosque is one of Rabat’s most recognizable landmarks, renowned for its towering minaret where storks nest.

Next, we will visit the stunning Mausoleum of Mohammed V, adorned with intricate stained glass, white marble, and a wrought-iron entrance. A staircase leads up to the impressive dome, offering a tranquil space of reflection. Afterward, we will continue our journey to Casablanca, Morocco’s economic capital, where we will spend the night.

After breakfast, we will GO on a city tour, starting with a visit to the grand Hassan II Mosque, one of the most impressive Islamic landmarks in the world. This mosque boasts the tallest minaret in the world and is the only active mosque in Morocco open to non-Muslim visitors. Following the tour, we will depart for Marrakech.

Alternatively, if you prefer, you can choose to be dropped off at Casablanca airport instead of returning to Marrakech.

Today, we’ll make the most of our time exploring the souks of Marrakech, where you can shop for unique souvenirs or gifts for loved ones. Afterward, we’ll ensure you have plenty of time to head to Marrakech Menara airport for your departure flight.