Arrive in vibrant Marrakech and settle into your riad in the historic medina. Spend the afternoon unwinding or exploring the nearby souks. As dusk falls, head to **Jemaa el-Fna square**—alive with storytellers, musicians, and food stalls—and enjoy your first Moroccan dinner under the stars.

Discover the city’s architectural treasures: the lush **Majorelle Garden**, the ornate **Bahia Palace**, the serene **Saadian Tombs**, and the iconic **Koutoubia Mosque**. Stroll through the artisan quarters of the medina, then relax with mint tea on a rooftop overlooking the Atlas Mountains.

Journey southeast across the **High Atlas Mountains** via the dramatic **Tizi n’Tichka Pass** (2,260m). Stop at the UNESCO-listed **Aït Ben Haddou**, Morocco’s most famous ksar and a backdrop for films like *Gladiator* and *Game of Thrones*. Continue to **Ouarzazate**, the “Hollywood of Africa,” and tour the **Atlas Film Studios** and **Taourirt Kasbah**.

Next, we visit Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a fortified ksar that has served as a backdrop for major films such as Lawrence of Arabia, The Mummy, Gladiator, and Game of Thrones. After lunch in the village, we continue to Ouarzazate, known as the “gateway to the desert,” and explore its historic kasbah.

We then pass through the Valley of the Roses, renowned for its Damask roses used in rosewater and cosmetics, and stop at the lush Skoura palm grove with its concentration of ancient kasbahs. The day concludes in the Dades Valley, where we spend the night at a local hotel or Riad.

Drive through the **Valley of Roses** (best in spring) to **Skoura**, home to the palm-shaded **Amridil Kasbah**. Continue along the scenic **Route of a Thousand Kasbahs** to the **Dades Gorge**. Hike among dramatic rock formations like the “Monkey Fingers” and enjoy dinner with panoramic canyon views.

We then proceed to the Todra Gorges near Tinerhir, where towering cliffs frame a palm-lined oasis and traditional pisé villages. The gorges are a favorite among climbers and offer a striking contrast to the surrounding desert.

Following a walk through the gorges and lunch in Tinejdad or Touroug, we head toward the Erg Chebbi dunes of Merzouga. Upon arrival, we mount camels for a one-hour ride into the heart of the dunes to reach our nomadic camp. Here, we witness a breathtaking sunset over the Sahara and enjoy dinner under a star-filled sky. Overnight in a traditional desert tent.

Travel through **Tinghir**, a lush oasis town nestled between desert and mountains, then arrive at the towering **Todra Gorge**. Spend the afternoon hiking between 300-meter red cliffs or relaxing by the riverbed. Overnight in a local guesthouse.

We visit a nomadic family to learn about their customs and way of life, followed by a panoramic viewpoint overlooking the entire Erg Chebbi expanse. Later, we travel to Khamlia village, originally settled by people from Mali, where we enjoy mint tea and a performance of traditional Gnawa spiritual music.

The afternoon is free to relax or climb nearby dunes for sunset views. Dinner and overnight at a hotel in Merzouga, marking the end of the fifth day of our 12-day Marrakech Desert Tour.

Head east through arid landscapes and fossil-rich terrain to **Erfoud**, known for its prehistoric relics. Continue to **Merzouga**, gateway to the **Erg Chebbi dunes**. In the late afternoon, mount your camel for a peaceful **sunset trek** into the golden sands. Arrive at your luxury desert camp, where a Berber dinner and live music await under a star-filled sky.

A midday break in Midelt allows time for lunch in the heart of the Atlas Mountains. In the afternoon, we drive through the cedar forests of the Middle Atlas, where Barbary macaques may be spotted. We make a brief stop in Ifrane, often called “Moroccan Switzerland” for its alpine-style architecture, clean streets, and green spaces.

We arrive in Fez by approximately 6:00 PM and check into our Riad or hotel for the night.

Wake early for a magical **sunrise over Erg Chebbi**, then enjoy breakfast at camp. Return to Merzouga by camel and visit a **nomadic family** to learn about Saharan traditions. Optional: 4×4 excursion into remote dunes or explore **Khamlia** village for Gnawa music. Overnight in a desert hotel or return to camp.

We then enter the UNESCO-listed Medina of Fez, one of the world’s largest car-free urban zones and a living medieval city. Its narrow alleys are lined with artisan workshops—dyers, potters, metalworkers—preserving centuries-old crafts. We visit the Bou Inania Madrasa and hear the chimes of the famous water clock, Al Magana, dating back over 700 years. Overnight in a Riad, concluding the seventh day of our 12-day tour.

Begin your return north. Stop in **Rissani**, the ancestral home of Morocco’s royal dynasty, then drive through the **Ziz Valley**, a lush ribbon of palms cutting through desert cliffs. Pass through **Midelt** (“Apple Capital”) and enter the cedar forests of the **Middle Atlas**. Arrive in **Fes** by evening.

We then visit the monumental Bab Mansour gate before continuing to the Roman ruins of Volubilis. Here, we wander among 2,000-year-old mosaics, arches, and columns, learning about Roman life in North Africa.

In the late afternoon, we drive to Chefchaouen, the famed “Blue City,” where we spend the night in a local guesthouse.

Explore Fes el-Bali, the world’s largest car-free urban zone and a UNESCO site. Visit the **Al-Attarine Madrasa**, **Bou Inania Madrasa**, and the iconic **Chouara Tannery** (viewed from a rooftop). Discover the **Karaouine University** (exterior) and the Jewish **Mellah**. End the day with panoramic views from the **Merenid Tombs**.

We then continue to Casablanca, arriving in the late afternoon. Overnight in a Casablanca hotel.

Drive west through rolling hills and olive groves to **Chefchaouen**, the enchanting “Blue City” nestled in the Rif Mountains. Wander its cobalt-washed alleys, framed by bougainvillea and mountain air. Settle into your guesthouse and enjoy a quiet evening in this serene haven.

Enjoy a full day to explore at your own pace. Hike to the **Spanish Mosque** for sunrise or sunset views over the valley, shop for handwoven textiles and natural soaps, or join a local photography walk. Return to your riad for a peaceful night in the blue-hued medina.

Known as “The Pearl of the Atlantic,” “Sleeping Beauty,” and “The Well Kept,” Essaouira is a harmonious blend of tradition and openness, celebrated for its crafts, music, and windswept charm. Overnight in Essaouira.

Travel along the Atlantic coast to **Rabat**, Morocco’s political capital and a UNESCO World Heritage city. Visit the **Kasbah of the Udayas**, the grand **Hassan Tower**, and the **Maqam al-Mahdi** (Mohammed V Mausoleum). Stroll along the Bou Regreg river and enjoy fresh seafood by the marina.

Drive to **Casablanca**, Morocco’s economic hub. Tour the awe-inspiring **Hassan II Mosque**—one of the world’s largest, with a minaret towering over the Atlantic. Explore the Art Deco architecture of the city center and the Corniche waterfront. Overnight in a seaside hotel.

Return to Marrakech via a scenic inland route (approx. 3 hours). Use the afternoon for last-minute shopping in the souks, a hammam spa treatment, or revisiting favorite spots. Enjoy a farewell dinner with live Andalusian music or rooftop views of the medina.

Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy a final Moroccan breakfast before transfer to Marrakech Menara Airport for your departure—carrying memories of deserts, mountains, medinas, and the warm spirit of Morocco.