Best 8-day itinerary from Marrakech: Tour of the Imperial Cities of Morocco and the desert. Monuments and unique landscapes

8 days itinerary from Marrakech: imperial cities, thousand kasbahs, and the Sahara desert

Explore the wonders of Morocco with an immersive 8-day itinerary through the Imperial Cities of MarrakechFes, Meknes, and Rabat. This journey takes you through distinctive landscapes, from palm groves to steep canyons and iconic sites like Ait Ben Haddou and Telouat Kasbah. Immerse yourself in the Sahara Desert with a camel ride and an overnight stay in Berber tents amidst the dunes. The journey back will go through several stops, including Meknes, Volubilis, Chefchaouen, Rabat, and Casablanca, before finally arriving in Marrakech.

Highlights

The tour of 8 days and 7 nights will take you through diverse landscapes while allowing you to experience the rich Moroccan culture. Explore Marrakech’s lively Jamaa Lfna square and traverse the High Atlas Mountains. Visit an Argan oil cooperative, the ancient Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou, and the Atlas Studios in Ouarzazate. Journey through the Draa Valley and explore the Skoura Oasis, Roses Valley, Dades Valley, and Todgha Gorges. Experience a camel ride through the Merzouga desert and explore imperial cities like Meknes, Fes, Casablanca, and Rabat.

Detailed Itinerary

Explore Morocco’s vibrant souks, historical landmarks, and diverse landscapes on an 8-day itinerary starting in Marrakech. Travel through the High Atlas Mountains to Ouarzazate, Merzouga, Fes, Meknes, Rabat, and Casablanca with a visit to the impressive Hassan II Mosque.

Day 1: Arrival in Marrakech

On the first day of your 8-day itinerary from Marrakech, our driver will meet you at the airport and take you to your accommodation, a riad in the medina. You’ll have the rest of the day to explore the city and relax. Overnight stay will be at the riad in the medina.

Summary of the first day

Day 2: Marrakech - High Atlas - Ait Ben Haddou - Valley of Roses - Dades Valley

Our journey will begin after breakfast in Marrakech and take us south to the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, located in the High Atlas Mountains. Here, we will see traditional Berber settlements and take in the breathtaking panoramic views. Our next stop is the Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the Hollywood of Morocco. You’ll have the opportunity to take photos and enjoy lunch here.

After this, we’ll visit the Taourirt Kasbah before continuing our drive along the Road of Thousand Kasbahs. We’ll then arrive at the vast expanses of rose bushes in the Valley of the Roses. Our final destination for the day is the Dades Valley, home to palm trees, birch, and almond trees near its riverbanks. We’ll visit the “monkey fingers” rock formation and a spot on top of a mountain that overlooks the Dades Valley. We’ll conclude the day with dinner and an overnight stay at a hotel.

Summary of the second day

Day 3: Dades Valley - Todra Gorges - Tinjdad and Touroug - Erfoud - Merzouga

On the third day of our trip to Morocco, we’ll start with a delicious breakfast at the riad. After that, we’ll drive through Dades Valley and stop at a beautiful spot view of Dades Gorges. You’ll have the chance to admire the landscape and take it all in. Next, we’ll visit Todra Gorges, where the impressive rock walls carved by the Todra River offer breathtaking views. You’ll have time to explore the gorges, appreciate the natural beauty, and take a break for lunch in the palm groves of Touroug and Tinjdad.

We’ll end the day in Merzouga, the southernmost point of our journey. Here, we’ll switch to dromedaries to explore the Erg Chebbi dunes and witness a stunning sunset. After a two-hour ride, we’ll arrive at a luxury desert camp where we’ll have Berber tea and dinner. We’ll enjoy music and dance around the fire while admiring the starry sky for a magical night in the Sahara.

Summary of the third day

Day 4: Desert of Merzouga - Rissani - Ifrane - Fes

On the fourth day of the 8-day itinerary from Marrakech, we will watch the sunrise over the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi. After breakfast at the camp, we will return to Merzouga to continue our journey. Our destination is Rissani, a small town with a beautiful medina. Next, we will explore the Ziz Valley and the Middle Atlas, where we can witness breathtaking landscapes. Our journey will take us to Ifrane, famously known as Moroccan Switzerland. We will also visit the National Park of the Cedars, home to many Barbary monkeys. Later, we will drive through Berber villages and make stops to take pictures. Finally, we’ll reach Fes, where a lovely riad awaits us. Overnight stay in Fes.

Summary of the fourth day

Day 5: Fes

During your 8-day itinerary from Marrakech, you’ll have the chance to explore Fes, one of Morocco’s imperial cities and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After breakfast at the riad, a local guide will take you on a walking tour of the medina’s historical center. You’ll visit significant landmarks such as the Karaouine Mosque and University, which is one of the oldest in the world, as well as the Bou Inania and Cherratine Madrasahs, the Mausoleum of Moulay Idris, the Tanners’ Quarter, and the Mellah (Jewish quarter) or the Royal Palace, featuring the impressive Golden Gates. Finally, you’ll spend the night at the riad.

Summary of the fifth day

Day 6: Fes - Meknes - Rabat

After breakfast in Riad in Fes, we will visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Volubilis. And we explore the imperial cities of Meknes and Rabat. Volubilis is an ancient Roman city of great historical significance, featuring structures like the Temple of Jupiter, mosaics, and the Arch of Caracalla. After visiting an archaeological treasure, we’ll head to Meknes, one of Morocco’s Imperial Cities. Meknes became an Imperial City during the reign of Sultan Moulay Ismail. The city has a grand mausoleum, a captivating medina, and remnants of an impressive city wall, including the famous Bab Mansour. Meknes is also a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Next, we travel to Rabat, a popular tourist destination with remarkable landmarks like the Kasbah of the Oudayas, the Mausoleum of Mohamed V, and the iconic Hassan Tower. These structures belong to the same architectural tradition in UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites. Apart from the must-see monuments, Rabat offers exciting experiences like museums, bustling souks, and a lovely beach shared with Salé. An overnight stay in a charming riad in the historic heart of Rabat is essential to enjoy all these attractions, especially during the vibrant summer season.

Summary of the sixth day

Day 7: Rabat - Casablanca - Marrakech

We’ll begin the day with a tasty breakfast at your riad in Rabat. Our first stop will be the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, one of the tallest mosques in the Islamic world. The mosque’s tower stands almost 200 meters tall and welcomes non-believers to explore its interior. Afterward, we’ll travel less than 250 kilometers to Marrakech, known as the Red City. Once we arrive, you’ll have free time to explore at your own pace. You can use this time to visit some of the top sites that interest you, such as El Badi Palace, Majorelle Gardens, Marrakech Museum, and Yves Saint Laurent Museum. Alternatively, you can spend the day shopping in the traditional medina souks or modern stores in the Gueliz neighborhood. After you decide what to do, you spend the night relaxing in a medina riad.

Summary of the seventh day

Day 8: Marrakech - airport

On the last day of your 8-day tour from Marrakech, you will have breakfast at your riad in Marrakech. After breakfast, we will drive you to the airport. If you have some spare time before your flight, you can go shopping or take a final walk in Marrakech. Our driver will arrive on time to take you to the airport and end our services. We will look forward to your next adventure in Morocco!

Summary of the eighth day

8 Days itinerary from Marrakech to Fes includes the following activities:

8 days itinerary from Marrakech to Fes excludes the following Activities:

Price and Booking: 8 days itinerary from Marrakech

Our 8-day itinerary from Marrakech starts at €741 per person in a private 4×4. Please note that the final cost may vary depending on a few factors, such as the number of people traveling, the type of accommodation you choose, and when you plan to travel. The more people you have in your group, the lower the cost per person. Our tour is available daily, so you can enjoy this unforgettable adventure whenever you want. Book now to explore Morocco’s timeless wonders in an immersive and affordable way.

Map - 8-Day itinerary from Marrakech

Plan your 8-day desert itinerary in Morocco easily with Google Maps. Start from Marrakech and travel to Fes via Merzouga, Rabat, and Casablanca, exploring the breathtaking beauty and culture of the country.

Photo Gallery from the 8-day itinerary from Marrakech

Explore the highlights of our 8-day desert itinerary from Marrakech to Fes through our gallery, showcasing vibrant colors, rich history, and breathtaking landscapes. From the golden sands of Merzouga to the winding streets of Rabat, every photograph tells a story of adventure, discovery, and unforgettable experiences. Let our gallery inspire your next Moroccan adventure.

Transportation Method:

During our tours, we provide transportation using a 4×4 vehicle that can navigate different terrains, ensuring a comfortable and safe journey for all participants. This vehicle also allows us to explore off-the-beaten-path locations. Accompanying the group are experienced and multilingual drivers who provide guidance and commentary. Additionally, we offer a Ford 8 seater van, a Mercedes Benz sprinter minibus that can seat eight to seventeen passengers, and other comfortable automobiles.

What to Bring:

We recommend packing comfortable clothing suitable for warm and cooler weather, as temperatures can vary throughout the day and between different regions of Morocco. It’s also advisable to bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and sturdy walking shoes for city tours and desert excursions. Don’t forget your camera to capture the unforgettable moments of your journey!

Meals Included:

The tour package covers breakfast and dinner. In desert regions, there are limited options. We offer both meals. However, in big cities, we provide only breakfast, allowing you to try different restaurants outside your accommodation and enjoy the city atmosphere. Breakfast is provided at the accommodation, whether it’s a hotel, riad, or desert camp. These meals feature authentic Moroccan cuisine, giving participants a taste of the local flavors and culinary traditions. Please note that lunches are not included in the tour package, allowing you to explore nearby dining options during the day.

Accommodation Type:

We take the highest care in selecting comfortable and serene hotels and Riads for each part of the tour. Whether you prefer standard or luxury accommodations, we make every lodging option meet your expectations. Please don’t worry- if the riads and hotels we mentioned are unavailable, we will provide you with accommodations of a similar standard and charm. These accommodations will offer the same comfort level and hospitality throughout your journey.

Standard Option:

Luxury Option:

Additional Costs:

Our tour package covers most essentials but does not include international flights, travel insurance, meals, optional activities, and personal expenses. We aim to provide transparent pricing, so feel free to contact us if you have any questions.

Suitability for all ages and fitness levels

While the tour involves some walking and outdoor activities, it is generally suitable for participants of all ages and fitness levels. However, certain activities, such as camel treks in the desert or walking tours of historic sites, may require moderate physical exertion. If you have any specific concerns or mobility issues, please inform us in advance, and we will do our best to accommodate your needs.

Booking and Reservation Process:

Get in touch with us via email, WhatsApp, or our social media channels. Let us know the number of travelers, your accommodation preference – standard or luxury, and the date of the tour if you have a specific one in mind. If you don’t have a plan yet, we’ll help you create one from scratch. Just provide us with any other details you’d like to include in your itinerary. We look forward to hearing from you! Please note that we only require a 10% deposit to confirm your booking.

Why Choose Us

We only require a 10% deposit to secure your reservation. We offer a variety of extra activities, such as buggy rides, quad biking, and romantic dinners in the desert to enhance your adventure. Also, we specialize in creating memorable celebrations for special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, and more. Moreover, we understand the importance of catering to diverse dietary needs. We proudly provide vegan and vegetarian options. Choose us for your Moroccan adventure and experience it for yourself.

Reviews

The must-dos on the trip to Morocco would not have been complete without vacations in Morocco. We stopped several times to take in the breathtaking scenery. Everything was great, from the hotel where we spent our first night to the restaurants where we ate lunch and the very comfortable desert camp. Hamid, the guide, speaks English and is very pleasant and active, and the car is really comfy. It is a must-do on the agenda for everyone visiting Morocco; seeing the sunset while riding a camel is incredible, and I recommend it to everyone.

Nowelov

Vacations In Morocco

Our journey across Morocco began last week! The desert, without a doubt, was the highlight of the vacation, but we were not expecting the driver who would transport us there to be so pleasant. Moha was always willing to assist; from the moment we met him, he made us feel welcome, put us at ease, and made us feel like family. The friendships we formed in such a short amount of time were fantastic. Without a doubt, a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

Chobalore

Vacations In Morocco