12-Day Imperial Cities, Sahara Desert & Southern Morocco Tour from Fez

Book This Tour

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From

Fez

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Duration

12 Days

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Destination

Sahara Desert & imperial cities

Tour Overview

This 12 day Morocco tour from Fez is a rich journey through the country’s imperial cities, Sahara Desert, Atlas Mountains, Atlantic coast, and southern valleys. From the very first day, travelers experience the diversity of Morocco, combining cultural discovery, natural landscapes, desert adventure, and coastal exploration.

The itinerary includes visits to Morocco’s four imperial cities, the golden dunes of Merzouga, traditional Berber villages, the High and Middle Atlas Mountains, and the Atlantic coastal gems of Essaouira and Agadir. It also includes immersive experiences such as camel trekking, overnight stays in a desert camp, guided city tours, and cultural encounters with local families.

This tour offers a complete balance between history, nature, and authentic Moroccan lifestyle.

Explore Morocco’s imperial cities: Fez, Marrakech, Rabat, and Meknes
Discover Fez and Marrakech medinas with guided cultural tours
Experience the Sahara Desert of Merzouga and Erg Chebbi dunes
Ride camels and spend a night in a desert nomadic camp under the stars
Visit Ifrane, Azrou cedar forest, and see wild Barbary macaques
Cross the Middle Atlas and High Atlas Mountains
Discover Ziz Valley, Erfoud, and traditional desert cuisine
Explore Todra Gorges and Dades Valley landscapes
Visit Ait Ben Haddou UNESCO World Heritage site
Discover Ouarzazate and traditional kasbah architecture
Travel through Taroudant, Taliouine, and Taznakht regions
Explore Essaouira coastal city and Argan oil cooperatives
Visit Agadir and enjoy Atlantic coastal scenery
Discover Casablanca and the Hassan II Mosque
Explore Rabat’s historical and political landmarks
Visit Volubilis Roman ruins (UNESCO site)
Enjoy home-hosted meals and authentic Berber hospitality

Day 1: Arrival in Fez

Arrival at Fez Airport and transfer to a traditional riad. Free time depending on arrival.

Day 2: Fez Guided Tour

Visit Fez medina including Royal Palace gates, Jewish quarter, Al-Qarawiyyin University, tanneries, Attarine Medrasa, and panoramic viewpoints.

Day 3: Fez – Ifrane – Azrou – Midelt

Travel through the Middle Atlas Mountains, visit Ifrane, Azrou cedar forest with Barbary macaques, and enjoy a home-hosted meal with a Berber family in Midelt.

Day 4: Midelt – Ziz Valley – Erfoud – Merzouga

Cross Ziz Valley and reach Erfoud for local cuisine. Continue to Merzouga, ride camels into Erg Chebbi dunes, and overnight in a desert camp.

Day 5: Sahara Desert – Ouarzazate

Sunrise in the desert, visit El Khorbat ksar and Berber museum, then continue through Todra Gorges to Ouarzazate.

Day 6: Ouarzazate – Taznakht – Taroudant

Travel via Ait Ben Haddou, Anti-Atlas Mountains, Taliouine saffron region, and arrive in Taroudant.

Day 7: Taroudant – Agadir – Essaouira

Visit Argan oil cooperatives, continue along the Atlantic coast through Agadir, and arrive in Essaouira.

Day 8: Essaouira – Marrakech

Explore Essaouira medina, port, Skala, and workshops. Continue to Marrakech and enjoy a Moroccan food tasting experience at Jemaa el-Fna Square.

Day 9: Marrakech Guided Tour

Visit Bahia Palace, Koutoubia Mosque, Saadian Tombs, Ben Youssef Madrasa, souks, and Majorelle Gardens.

Day 10: Marrakech – Casablanca – Rabat

Travel to Casablanca to visit Hassan II Mosque and city landmarks, then continue to Rabat for guided sightseeing.

Day 11: Rabat – Meknes – Volubilis – Fez

Visit Meknes including Bab Mansour, Moulay Ismail Mausoleum, and granaries. Enjoy a home-hosted lunch, then explore Volubilis Roman ruins before returning to Fez.

Day 12: Departure from Fez

Transfer to Fez Airport according to flight schedule. End of the tour.

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Included

Airport transfer in Fez
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 Fez and Marrakech city tours
Visit to Ait Ben Haddou and Todra Gorges
Desert exploration and cultural visits
Visit to Khamlia village and Berber communities
Visit to Volubilis Roman ruins
Fuel, road taxes, and local logistics

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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 12 Day Morocco Tour from Fez

What to Bring For 12 Day Morocco Tour from Fez

Comfortable walking shoes for city tours and desert excursions
Lightweight clothing for warm daytime temperatures
Warm layers for cool desert and mountain evenings
Sunglasses, sunscreen, and hat
Camera or smartphone for landscapes and cultural sites
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 has different climates between coastal cities, mountains, and desert regions
Desert nights can become cold even after hot daytime temperatures
Comfortable shoes are important for medina walks and excursions
Carry cash for local markets and rural villages
Respect local traditions and dress modestly in traditional areas
Long scenic drives are part of the Morocco travel experience
Bargaining is common in souks and artisan markets