7-Day Marrakech to Sahara & Imperial Cities Tour
On our 7-Day Tour From Marrakech to the Sahara Desert, Imperial Cities, and North, we will start in Marrakech and cross the stunning High Atlas Mountains, passing the impressive Tizi n’Tichka Pass. We’ll visit the famous Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and explore Ouarzazate, known as the “Hollywood of Morocco.” Next, we will head to the beautiful Dades Valley for an overnight stay.
On the second day, we will trek through the breathtaking Todra Gorge and ride camels into the Merzouga Desert, where we’ll enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner under the stars at a desert camp.
We’ll start day three with a sunrise camel ride and then travel through the Ziz Valley, the Mid-Atlas Mountains, and the charming town of Ifrane before reaching Fez, the most authentic imperial city in Morocco.
In Fez, we will explore the ancient medina and see the University of Al Quaraouiyine. Then, we’ll travel to Chefchaouen, the famous blue city, for a relaxing day amidst its picturesque streets.
On day six, we will visit Rabat to see the Mausoleum of Mohamed V and the Hassan Tower before heading to Casablanca to see the magnificent Hassan II Mosque.
Finally, on our last day, we’ll return to Marrakech with wonderful memories of our Moroccan journey.
Tour Highlights
- Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah: UNESCO site with unique architecture
- Ouarzazate: Film studios and Kasbah Taourirt
- Tizi n’Tichka Pass: Scenic mountain pass
- Todra Gorge: Dramatic canyon views
- Merzouga Desert: Sand dunes and camel treks
- Berber Desert Camp: Traditional camping experience
- Ziz Valley: Scenic palm groves
- Ifrane: Alpine-style town
- Fez: Historic medina and cultural sites
- Fez Medina: Historic, car-free area
- Al Quaraouiyine University: Oldest university in the world
- Chefchaouen: Blue-painted town with charming streets
- Rif Mountains: Scenic natural backdrop
- Rabat: Mausoleum of Mohamed V, Hassan Tower, Kasbah of Oudayas
- Casablanca: Hassan II Mosque
- Hassan II Mosque: Majestic mosque
- Marrakech: Koutoubia Mosque, Bahia Palace, Jemaa el-Fnaa square
Itinerary of the 7-Day Marrakech to Sahara & Imperial Cities Tour
Day 1: Marrakech – Ait Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate – Dades Valley
We start this 7-day trip from Marrakech in the morning, crossing the High Atlas mountain range, known for its grandeur and beautiful landscapes, with small Berber villages perched on its slopes. We pass over the stunning Tizi n’Tichka pass, the highest in North Africa at 2,260 meters. After crossing the mountains, we take a scenic route to visit one of Morocco’s best kasbahs, Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Then, we head towards Ouarzazate, nicknamed the “door of the desert” or “Hollywood of Morocco,” where many famous movies have been shot. We continue our desert tour, passing through the Valley of Roses, and arrive at our hotel in the Dades Valley to spend the night.
Overnight in Dades Valley
Hotel, dinner, and breakfast included.
Day 2: Dades Valley – Todra Gorge – Merzouga Sahara (Camel Trekking & Desert Camping)
The next morning, we start our second day after breakfast and a shower at the hotel. We stop by the Dades Valley to take in its stunning landscape and panoramic views. Then, we hike through the Todra Gorge, one of the most spectacular gorges and river canyons in the world. We continue our journey to the desert via El Jorf and Erfoud, heading to Merzouga. There, you will ride a camel and trek further into the desert, explore the Sahara by camel ride, and witness a beautiful sunset. After a traditional Moroccan dinner at a Berber nomadic desert camp, enjoy the sound of silence under the starry desert skies.
Overnight in Merzouga Desert
Camps, dinner, and breakfast included.
Day 3: Merzouga – Ziz Valley – Midelt – Ifrane – Fez
Your camel guide will wake you up to catch the sunrise and climb the sand dunes to witness the magnificent view. Then, we return via camel to the lodge for a shower and breakfast. We begin our journey by passing through the Ziz Valley to enjoy its breathtaking views and take some pictures. We continue through the Mid-Atlas Mountains, passing the pine forests of Azrou, home to Barbary apes, and the “Switzerland of Morocco,” Ifrane. Finally, we reach Fez, the most “genuine” imperial city of Morocco.
Overnight in Fez
Hotel, dinner, and breakfast included.
Day 4: Day Exploring Fez
After a traditional Moroccan breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a morning city tour of Fez, the most “genuine” imperial city of Morocco. The royal city of Fez has a lot to offer, so get your cameras ready. Visit the fascinating medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest in the world. Walk through its winding streets and see a maze of alleyways that take you back centuries. Don’t miss the Mellah, the old Jewish quarter, and the University of Al Quaraouiyine, the world’s oldest degree-awarding university, established in 859 AD by Fatima Al-Fihri.
Overnight in Fez
Hotel, dinner, and breakfast included.
Day 5: Fez – Chefchaouen
After breakfast at the hotel, we drive to one of the best cities in Morocco, Chefchaouen, the famous blue city nestled between the Rif Mountains. Enjoy the vibrant blue alleyways and stairwells, local artwork, and charming old houses. Chefchaouen is a peaceful and scenic break from the hustle and bustle of Fez.
Overnight in Chefchaouen
Hotel, dinner, and breakfast included.
Day 6: Chefchaouen – Rabat – Casablanca
After breakfast at the hotel, we drive towards the capital city of Morocco, Rabat, one of the four Imperial Cities. We will visit Mohamed V’s Mausoleum, the unfinished Hassan Tower, and the Kasbah of Oudayas. This city is known for its mazelike alleys and traditional houses. In the afternoon, we continue to Casablanca, where we will spend the night.
Overnight in Casablanca
Hotel, dinner, and breakfast included.
Day 7: Casablanca – Marrakech
After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a delightful morning tour of one of the biggest mosques in the world, the Hassan II Mosque. It is the largest mosque in Morocco and one of the largest in the world. In the afternoon, we drive through scenic landscapes back to Marrakech, where we will drop you off at your accommodation.
Overnight in Marrakech
Hotel, dinner, and breakfast included.
What’s Included
- Pick-up and drop-off from your hotel, riad, or airport
- English-speaking guide/driver
- Transport by private vehicle with A/C
- Fuel included
- Sandboarding in the sand dunes
- Camel trekking (including camel ride, sunset, and sunrise over the dunes)
- 1 night in a desert camp
- 5 nights in hotels/riads
- 6 breakfasts & 6 dinners
- Optional: Experienced guided tours in Fes and Marrakech (multilingual)
What’s Not Included
- Drinks
- Lunches
- Entrance to monuments (Optional)
- Gratuities for guides and drivers (Optional)
Important Notes for the 7-Day Marrakech to Sahara & Imperial Cities Tour
- This is a private tour tailored to your interests, allowing you to skip or add places along the way. You can also modify the itinerary as needed, and the tour can depart on any date that fits your plans.
- Additional activities such as Erg Chigaga tour, day trips, ATV quads, or extra days can be added upon request.
- You have the flexibility to discuss with the driver if you’d like to skip certain places or extend your time elsewhere.
- You can also take a look at other suggestions: 5-Day Tour from Marrakech to Tafraout, Taroudant, Essaouira, and Sidi Ifni, 5-Day Desert Tour from Marrakech to the Sahara, and 4-Day Tour Marrakech to Merzouga Desert.
- You have the option to travel to and from the camp either on a camel ride or by 4×4 vehicle.
- Bring some warm clothes, as the desert can become quite chilly at night and may be cloudy, making stargazing less likely. We also recommend comfortable shoes, long skirts, long-sleeved shirts, and pants, along with sunglasses, a hat or cap, and sunscreen to protect against the sun and ensure a comfortable camel ride.
- Vegetarian and vegan options are available. Please advise upon booking.
- At the time of booking, you’ll receive a confirmation for your reservation.
- Feel free to contact us if you have any further questions.
7-Day Marrakech to Sahara & Imperial Cities Tour Price
The price for our 7-Day Marrakech to Sahara & Imperial Cities Tour starts at €1670 per person, €1940 for two people, €2210 for three people, and so on. The more people who join, the lower the price per person. Please note that the final price may vary based on factors such as the number of participants, season, availability, and the specific accommodations selected (see below). For a personalized quote and more details, please contact us.
Accommodation Details
We take pride in providing comfortable and authentic Moroccan accommodations throughout your journey. Below is an overview of the types of lodging you can expect during our 7-Day Marrakech to Sahara & Imperial Cities Tour:
| Night | Location | Accommodation |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Night | Dades Valley | Ksar Sultan Dades |
| 2nd Night | Erg Chebbi Dunes | Merzouga Dunes Luxury Camps |
| 3rd Night | Fes | Riad Al Makan |
| 4th Night | Fes | Riad Al Makan |
| 5th Night | Chefchaouen | Riad El Palacio & Spa |
| 6th Night | Casablanca | Kenzi Basma |
Note: Please be aware that if the listed accommodations are fully booked or unavailable for any reason, we can arrange similar alternatives to ensure your comfort during your stay.
Safety Information
Your safety is our top priority. We recommend that all travelers stay hydrated and protect themselves from the sun with sunscreen and appropriate clothing. Our experienced guides will provide safety briefings before activities, including camel trekking and hiking. For any emergencies, we will provide you with local emergency contact numbers. Our vehicles are equipped with safety features, and we encourage you to keep your personal belongings secure throughout the tour. Should you have any questions or concerns about safety, feel free to reach out to us.
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