16-Day Grand Morocco Tour from Marrakech: Imperial Cities, Sahara Desert & Atlantic Coast
From
Marrakech
Duration
16 Days
Destination
Sahara Desert & Atlantic coast
Tour Overview
This 16 day grand Morocco tour from Marrakech is a complete journey across the country, combining imperial cities, the Sahara Desert, the Atlas Mountains, and the Atlantic coastline. It is designed to offer a deep and diverse travel experience through Morocco’s most iconic destinations as well as its hidden gems.
Starting in Marrakech, the tour includes visits to Essaouira, Agadir, Ouarzazate, the Sahara Desert of Erg Chebbi, Fez, Chefchaouen, Tangier, Asilah, Rabat, Casablanca, and Oualidia before returning to Marrakech. Along the way, travelers will experience UNESCO World Heritage sites, traditional Berber villages, coastal towns, and breathtaking natural landscapes.
This itinerary includes guided tours, cultural encounters, scenic drives, desert adventures, and free time to explore at your own pace, offering a complete and balanced discovery of Morocco.
- Explore Marrakech with its palaces, mosques, and lively souks
- Discover Essaouira, an Atlantic coastal UNESCO-listed medina
- Visit Agadir and enjoy panoramic views from Agadir Oufella
- Travel through Taliouine and Taznakht en route to Ouarzazate
- Explore Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Cross the Todra Gorges and reach the Sahara Desert of Merzouga
- Experience a camel trek and overnight in a Berber desert camp
- Enjoy a 4×4 desert excursion and visit nomadic families
- Discover Khamlia village and traditional Gnawa music
- Visit Rissani traditional market and Erfoud fossil region
- Travel through Ziz Valley, Azrou cedar forest, and Ifrane
- Explore Fez, Morocco’s spiritual and cultural capital
- Discover Chefchaouen, the famous Blue City of the Rif Mountains
- Visit Tangier, Hercules Cave, and Cap Spartel
- Explore Asilah, a coastal artistic town
- Discover Rabat’s historical landmarks and Casablanca’s Hassan II Mosque
- Relax in Oualidia, known for its seafood and coastal scenery
- Enjoy a mix of guided tours, cultural experiences, and free time
Day 1: Arrival in Marrakech
Arrival at Marrakech Airport and transfer to a luxury riad. Free time depending on arrival.
Day 2: Marrakech Guided Tour
Visit Bahia Palace, Badi Palace, Koutoubia Mosque, Jemaa el-Fna Square, and the old medina souks. Optional visit to Majorelle Garden. Dinner in a traditional restaurant.
Day 3: Marrakech – Essaouira
Travel to Essaouira, explore the medina, port, and ramparts, and enjoy free time in this coastal city.
Day 4: Essaouira – Agadir
Drive along the Atlantic coast to Agadir. Visit Agadir Oufella and enjoy sunset views.
Day 5: Agadir – Ouarzazate
Travel through Taliouine and Taznakht, visit Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, and continue to Ouarzazate for overnight stay.
Day 6: Ouarzazate – Sahara Desert (Merzouga)
Drive through Todra Gorges and Tinjdad. Arrive in Merzouga, ride camels into the desert, enjoy sunset, and overnight in a desert camp.
Day 7: Sahara Desert Excursion
Sunrise in the dunes, visit Khamlia village, Rissani market, nomadic families, and explore the desert by 4×4.
Day 8: Sahara Desert – Fez
Travel through Erfoud, Ziz Valley, Midelt, Azrou cedar forest, and Ifrane before arriving in Fez.
Day 9: Fez Guided Tour
Explore the Royal Palace gates, Mellah, Al-Qarawiyyin University, and Fez el Bali medina (UNESCO site).
Day 10: Fez – Chefchaouen
Travel to Chefchaouen in the Rif Mountains. Free time to explore the blue-painted streets.
Day 11: Chefchaouen – Asilah
Travel via Tangier, visit Hercules Cave and Cap Spartel, and continue to Asilah for overnight stay.
Day 12: Asilah – Rabat
Travel to Rabat and visit Hassan Tower, Mohammed V Mausoleum, and Oudaya Kasbah.
Day 13: Rabat – Casablanca
Visit Casablanca, including Hassan II Mosque and the Habous district.
Day 14: Casablanca – Oualidia
Drive along the Atlantic coast to Oualidia. Free time to enjoy the beach and seafood activities.
Day 15: Oualidia – Marrakech
Return to Marrakech. Free time for optional activities such as hammam, spa, or cooking class.
Day 16: Departure from Marrakech
Transfer to Marrakech Airport. End of the 16-day Morocco tour.
Included
- Airport transfers in Marrakech
- Private transportation in air-conditioned vehicle
- Professional English-speaking driver/guide
- Accommodation in riads, hotels, and luxury desert camp
- Daily breakfasts and selected dinners
- Camel trekking experience in Merzouga
- Guided Marrakech and Fez city tours
- Visit to Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah
- Sahara Desert excursion by 4×4
- Visit to Khamlia village and Gnawa music experience
- Visit to Hercules Cave and Cap Spartel in Tangier
- Scenic drives through Atlas Mountains and Atlantic coast
- Fuel, road taxes, and local logistics
Excluded
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Lunches and drinks
- Entrance fees to monuments and attractions
- Personal expenses and shopping
- Tips for guides and drivers
- Optional quad biking or extra desert activities
- Hammam, spa, or wellness services
- Extra nights or accommodation upgrades
What to Know Before Your 16 Day Grand Morocco Tour from Marrakech
What to Bring 16 Day Grand Morocco Tour from Marrakech
- Comfortable walking shoes for medina visits and desert activities
- Lightweight clothing for warm daytime temperatures
- Warm layers for cool desert and mountain evenings
- Sunglasses, sunscreen, and hat
- Camera or smartphone for landscapes and coastal scenery
- Small backpack for daily essentials
- Personal medication and toiletries
- Scarf or light shawl for desert wind and sun protection
- Portable charger and travel adapter
Tips for First-Time Travelers
- Morocco offers diverse landscapes between coastlines, mountains, cities, and desert regions
- Desert nights can become cold even after hot daytime temperatures
- Comfortable shoes are recommended for city tours and medina exploration
- Carry cash for small shops and traditional markets
- Respect local customs and dress modestly in rural areas
- Long drives are part of the experience but include scenic stops
- Bargaining is common in Moroccan souks and artisan markets
Climate Overview
- Marrakech and Fez: warm and sunny most of the year
- Atlas Mountains and Middle Atlas: cooler temperatures and fresh air
- Sahara Desert: hot days and cool nights
- Chefchaouen and northern Morocco: milder Mediterranean climate
- Atlantic coast towns like Essaouira, Asilah, and Oualidia: cooler coastal weather
- Agadir: sunny climate with moderate temperatures year-round
Average temperatures:
- Spring: 20°C to 30°C
- Summer: 28°C to 42°C depending on the region
- Autumn: 22°C to 32°C
- Winter: 10°C to 24°C
Travel Difficulty & Fitness Level
- Includes long scenic road trips between destinations
- Light walking during guided tours and excursions
- Camel trekking experience in Erg Chebbi dunes
- Optional desert and coastal activities
- No technical hiking or advanced fitness level required
- Suitable for couples, families, solo travelers, and groups
