15-Day Grand Morocco Tour from Marrakech to the Sahara and Imperial Cities
From
Marrakech
Duration
15 Days
Destination
Sahara and Imperial Cities
Tour Overview
This 15 day Grand Morocco tour from Marrakech offers a relaxed and immersive journey across the country, designed for travelers who want to fully experience Morocco’s diversity. Whether it is your first visit or a return trip, this itinerary allows you to explore Morocco in depth, combining cultural discovery, nature, history, and authentic local experiences.
Starting in Marrakech and ending in Marrakech, the tour spans 15 days and 14 nights, covering imperial cities, Atlantic coastal towns, mountain regions, desert landscapes, and traditional Berber villages. It is a comprehensive route that showcases both Morocco’s iconic landmarks and hidden gems.
If time constraints require adjustments, certain stops or activities can be modified, making this itinerary flexible while still offering a complete Moroccan experience.
- Explore Marrakech, Fez, Rabat, Meknes, and Tangier
- Visit the Sahara Desert and ride camels in Erg Chebbi dunes
- Discover the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Ben Haddou
- Experience the Atlantic coast in Essaouira and Asilah
- Visit Casablanca and the Hassan II Mosque
- Explore Chefchaouen, the famous Blue City of Morocco
- Cross the High Atlas and Middle Atlas Mountains
- Discover the Todra Gorges and Dades Valley
- Travel through the Valley of Roses and Skoura palm groves
- Explore the Ziz Valley and cedar forests with wild monkeys
- Visit nomadic communities and enjoy Gnawa music in Khamlia
- Stay in authentic riads, hotels, and a luxury desert camp
- Experience guided city tours and free exploration time
Day 1: Arrival in Marrakech
Arrival at Marrakech Airport. Meet and greet service followed by transfer to your hotel or riad. Depending on arrival time, optional visit to Jemaa el-Fna Square.
Day 2: Marrakech – Essaouira
Travel to the coastal town of Essaouira. Visit the port, Skala fortress, Medina, artisan workshops, and enjoy free time by the Atlantic coast before returning for overnight stay.
Day 3: Essaouira – Casablanca – Rabat
Drive along the Atlantic coast with a stop in Casablanca to visit the Hassan II Mosque. Continue to Rabat to explore the Royal Palace, Hassan Tower, and Mohammed V Mausoleum.
Day 4: Rabat – Asilah
Travel to Asilah, a peaceful coastal town known for its artistic streets and whitewashed houses. Free time to relax by the beach.
Day 5: Asilah – Tangier – Chefchaouen
Continue to Tangier for panoramic views, then travel through the Rif Mountains to Chefchaouen, the Blue City. Overnight in a traditional riad.
Day 6: Chefchaouen Exploration
Full day to explore Chefchaouen’s blue-painted streets, local markets, artisan workshops, and panoramic viewpoints of the Rif Mountains.
Day 7: Chefchaouen – Volubilis – Fez
Visit the Roman ruins of Volubilis before continuing to Fez, one of Morocco’s oldest imperial cities. Overnight in the medina.
Day 8: Fez Guided Tour
Discover Fez with a guided tour including the medina, madrasas, tanneries, artisan quarters, and historical landmarks. Free time in the afternoon.
Day 9: Fez – Ifrane – Ziz Valley – Merzouga
Travel through the Middle Atlas Mountains, passing Ifrane and cedar forests, then continue through the Ziz Valley to reach Merzouga near the Sahara Desert.
Day 10: Merzouga Desert Experience
Explore the desert by 4×4, visit nomadic families, Khamlia village, and enjoy a camel trek across Erg Chebbi dunes. Overnight in a luxury desert camp.
Day 11: Merzouga – Rissani – Todra Gorges – Dades Valley
Visit Rissani and Erfoud, then continue to Todra Gorges for sightseeing and walking. End the day in the Dades Valley.
Day 12: Dades Valley – Skoura – Ouarzazate
Travel through the Valley of Roses and Skoura palm groves. Visit Taourirt Kasbah in Ouarzazate and overnight in a hotel or riad.
Day 13: Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – Marrakech
Cross the High Atlas Mountains via Tizi n’Tichka pass. Visit Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, then return to Marrakech for overnight stay.
Day 14: Marrakech Guided Tour
Explore Marrakech, including Majorelle Gardens, Bahia Palace, Saadian Tombs, Koutoubia Mosque, and Jemaa el-Fna Square.
Day 15: Departure from Marrakech
Transfer to Marrakech Airport according to your flight schedule. End of the tour.
Included
- Private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle
- Professional English-speaking driver/guide
- Airport pick-up and drop-off
- Accommodation in riads and hotels
- Overnight stay in a luxury desert camp
- Daily breakfasts
- Dinners in desert and selected locations
- Camel trekking experience in Erg Chebbi
- Guided tour of Marrakech
- Guided tour of Fez
- Visit to Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah
- Desert excursion in Merzouga
- Free time for exploration and photography
Excluded
- International flights
- Lunches and drinks
- Entrance fees to monuments and attractions
- Personal expenses
- Tips and gratuities
- Travel insurance
- Optional activities and quad biking
What to Know Before Your 15 Day Grand Morocco Tour
What to Bring Before Your 15 Day Grand Morocco Tour
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Lightweight clothes for warm days
- Warm jacket for desert and mountain nights
- Sunglasses, sunscreen, and hat
- Small backpack for daily essentials
- Camera or smartphone for photos
- Personal medication and toiletries
- Power bank for long travel days
- Cash for small purchases and tips
Tips for First-Time Travelers
- Morocco is welcoming and safe for travelers
- Bargaining is common in local souks
- Desert temperatures change quickly between day and night
- Carry small cash amounts for local markets
- Respect local customs and dress modestly in rural areas
- Fridays may affect opening hours in some places
- Early mornings are ideal for sightseeing and photography
- Mobile internet coverage is available in most regions
Climate Overview
- Marrakech and Fez: warm and sunny most of the year
- Atlas Mountains: cooler temperatures and fresh air
- Sahara Desert: hot days and cold nights
- Chefchaouen and northern Morocco: milder climate
- Essaouira and Atlantic coast: cooler coastal weather
Average temperatures:
- Spring: 20°C to 30°C
- Summer: 30°C to 42°C in desert regions
- Autumn: 22°C to 32°C
- Winter: 10°C to 24°C
Spring and autumn are considered the best seasons for this itinerary.
Travel Difficulty & Fitness Level
- Includes long scenic drives between cities and desert regions
- Light walking during guided tours and medina visits
- Camel trekking in the Sahara Desert
- Optional sandboarding and desert activities
- No technical hiking or advanced fitness required
- Suitable for couples, families, solo travelers, and groups
