9 Days tour from Marrakech to Desert via imperial cities
Embark on a captivating adventure through the heart of Morocco,
where ancient traditions meet breathtaking landscapes. This carefully crafted itinerary unfolds like a tapestry, weaving together the vibrancy of Marrakech, the historical gems of Rabat and Fes, and the mesmerizing beauty of the Sahara Desert.
9 Days Tour from Marrakech to Desert via Imperial Cities and Atlas Mountains Treks
Embark on an unforgettable 9-day journey from the vibrant city of Marrakech to the golden dunes of the Sahara Desert, passing through Morocco’s imperial cities and the breathtaking Atlas Mountains. This comprehensive itinerary combines cultural exploration, historical insights, and adventurous treks, ensuring a rich and diverse Moroccan experience.
Begin your journey in Marrakech, the Red City. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted and transferred to your accommodation. Spend the evening exploring the lively Jemaa el-Fnaa square, where storytellers, musicians, and food vendors create a magical atmosphere. Overnight in a traditional riad.
Delve into Marrakech’s rich history with a guided tour of its main attractions. Visit the stunning Bahia Palace, the Saadian Tombs, and the Koutoubia Mosque. Wander through the colorful souks and relax in the serene Majorelle Garden. In the evening, prepare for your adventure through Morocco’s diverse landscapes. Overnight in Marrakech.
Depart early for Casablanca, Morocco’s largest city, to visit the iconic Hassan II Mosque. Continue to Rabat, the country’s capital, where you’ll explore landmarks like the Oudayas Kasbah, Hassan Tower, and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V. Overnight in Rabat.
Travel to Meknes, one of Morocco’s imperial cities, and visit the impressive Bab Mansour gate, the Royal Stables, and the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail. En route to Fes, stop at the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Overnight in Fes.
Immerse yourself in the medieval charm of Fes with a guided tour. Discover the labyrinthine streets of Fes el-Bali, the Al Quaraouiyine University, and the Bou Inania Madrasa. Visit traditional tanneries and artisan workshops to experience the city’s living heritage. Overnight in Fes.
Journey southward through the Middle Atlas Mountains, passing cedar forests and Berber villages. Stop in Ifrane, often called the “Switzerland of Morocco,” and Azrou to see Barbary macaques. Arrive in Merzouga, where you’ll ride camels into the Erg Chebbi dunes to watch the sunset. Enjoy a night in a desert camp under the starlit sky.
Wake up early to witness the sunrise over the dunes. After breakfast, travel through the dramatic landscapes of the Todra Gorge, a favorite spot for climbers. Continue to the Dades Valley, known for its stunning rock formations and lush oases. Overnight in a kasbah.
Drive through the Valley of Roses and visit the UNESCO-listed Ait Benhaddou, a striking fortified village featured in numerous films. Continue to Ouarzazate, the “Hollywood of Africa,” and explore the Atlas Film Studios. Cross the Tizi n’Tichka Pass in the High Atlas Mountains to return to Marrakech. Overnight in Marrakech.
Conclude your adventure with some last-minute shopping or leisure time in Marrakech. Depending on your flight schedule, you’ll be transferred to the airport for departure. For more information and customized trekking options, visit Atlas Mountains Treks.
Upon arrival in Marrakech, our guide and driver will provide transfer services. For those arriving early, a half-day excursion to the picturesque Ourika Valley showcasing traditional Berber villages is available. Otherwise, enjoy a free half-day exploring Marrakech. Overnight stay in Marrakech.
Embark on a half-day city tour with a local guide, exploring landmarks such as the tomb, the Palace, the medina, and the renowned Djemaa el-Fna. Evening at leisure in Marrakech.
Begin the day with a visit to Casablanca, featuring a guided tour of the impressive Hassan II Mosque. After lunch, proceed to Rabat, where highlights include the mausoleum of Mohammed V and the Kasbah des Oudaias. Overnight stay in Rabat.
Begin the day exploring Volubilis, Morocco's largest and impeccably preserved Roman ruins. Next, delve into the rich history of Meknes, the third Imperial city, before embarking on a short drive to Fez, the oldest of the imperial cities. Conclude the day with an overnight stay in Fes.
Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Fes on a full-day tour with a local guide. Highlights include visits to the Medersa Bou Inania, the Mausoleum of Moulay Idriss, and the Andalusian and Quaraoiyin mosques. Explore the Nejjarine Museum Square with its 18th-century fountain. The Fes medina, a labyrinth of over 9000 narrow cobbled streets, offers a glimpse into modern Fes. Conclude the day with an overnight stay in Fes.
Embarking on a southeast journey, we pause in Ifrane, known as the Lion City, then traverse the Middle Atlas mountains with a stop amidst the cedar forests of Midelt. After a midday break, our venture continues southward to Errachidia. Here, we pause for lunch and enjoy a panoramic view of gorges and zigzagging Oasis paths. The afternoon unfolds as we traverse the desert landscape, reaching the dunes of Merzouga by morning's end. At our guest house, we relish a refreshing dip in the pool, surrounded by the vastness of the desert. A delightful lunch awaits at the guest house, followed by leisure time to explore the dunes or embark on a camel ride into the desert. As evening descends, we gather around a campfire for a dinner immersed in the magical ambiance of the desert. The night brings a unique wilderness experience as we retire to sleep in tents under the starlit sky. A truly unforgettable night in the heart of the desert.
Embark on the return journey to reunite with our driver, leaving the wilderness behind. Traverse vast rural areas, witnessing the ever-changing and impressive landscape. If conditions permit, explore the awe-inspiring Todra Gorge before progressing to Dades Gorge. Spend the night immersed in the enchanting surroundings of Dades Gorges.
After breakfast, traverse green landscapes towards Ouarzazate, known as the gateway to the Sahara and a Hollywood favorite for desert filming. Follow the Ounila River, adorned with kasbahs, to reach the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ait Benhaddou—a fortified city along the historic caravan route between the Sahara and Marrakech. Crossing the 2260m Tizi n’Tichka, descend to the plains, arriving in Marrakech by late afternoon. Freshen up and enjoy a final night together in a hotel/Riad in Marrakech.
The tour concludes with breakfast. Transfer to the airport is provided. If your flight allows, consider the optional excursion to the Ourika Valley for those arriving later in the day. Alternatively, for participants in the Atlas Trek (dependent on flight schedules), the journey begins after breakfast and concludes around 5 PM in the afternoon.
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