7 Days Exploring Imperial Cities and Golden Desert

Duration

7 days

Max People

10

Min Age

+5

Tour From

Rabat

Overview

Our adventure will begin from Rabat to the beloved cities such as Chefchaouen, Meknes, and Fes before crossing the Middle Atlas to the Sahara of Merzouga where we will live some traditional experiences such as camel ride and spend the night in Berber Camp between dunes. Moreover, we will follow this road until Marrakech after traveling through several places. For example, there are Todra Gorges, Dades Gorges, and Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah.

highlight

  • Explore Chefchaouen’s charming streets which are painted blue.
  • Discover the historical gems of Volubilis and Meknes.
  • Take a guided tour to immerse yourself in the historic medina of Fez.
  • View the magnificent Cedar Forest and Middle Atlas Mountains.
  • Enjoy a Sahara desert camp and set out on a camel ride.
  • Discover the enchanted Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, the Todra Gorges, and Dades Valley.

Itinerary

Day 1: Rabat – Chefchaouen

Our driver will pick you up from your hotel or place of lodging in Rabat to begin your 7-day Desert Tour from Rabat to Marrakech. You will begin exploring the stunning Moroccan capital. After taking in the stunning Hassan II tower, we will spend the remainder of the morning exploring this quaint, contemporary city and its intriguing historical landmarks.
After lunch, we will embark on our journey towards the blue city of Chefchaouen, traversing the enchanting forests and breathtaking views of the Rif Mountains. Upon arrival, you will have time to explore the blue-washed streets of Medina and take in the serene and soothing atmosphere. Chefchaouen’s authentic architectural style is influenced by the ancient Jewish culture. The most exquisite Moroccan handicrafts, primarily vibrant woven items, are available for purchase as you stroll down Chefchaouen Street and browse for mementos. After our exciting day excursion, we will stay the night in a classic, upscale hotel located in the center of Chefchaouen, the “blue town.”

Day 2: Chefchaouen – Volubilis – Meknes – Fez

We will depart the Blue Pearl and head to Meknes, the 17th-century-old capital, on the second day of our 7-Day Desert Tour from Rabat to Marrakech. There, we will take in the city’s distinctive culture and noteworthy historical landmarks, including Bab El Mansour, Sahrij Souani, The Royal Stables and Granaries, and the underground monuments.
We will then travel through the holy village of Moulay Idriss Zerhoun on our way to Volubilis. We will get to see and learn about the Roman Empire’s past when we arrive at the Volubilis Roman Ruins, where we will also be able to admire some of the most stunning ruins and preserved gates. We shall finally resume our journey, passing through breathtaking rural areas of Morocco en route to Fez, where we will spend the night.

Day 3: Fez Guided Tour

After enjoying a delectable Moroccan breakfast to begin the lovely third day of our 7-Day Desert Tour from Rabat to Marrakech, we will begin exploring the country’s oldest city. Our team will take you on a guided tour of the fascinating Royal Palace in Fez, where you can see its magnificent brass doors surrounded by exquisite zellige and carved cedar wood.
The first Moroccan Jewish Quarter, known as the Mellah, will be visited after you have had a tour of the Jnane Sbile Gardens, where you can stroll around and take in the stunning natural scenery as well as the Moroccan fountains in the center.
Our next stop will be to explore the narrow streets of the old Medina, filled with the most stunning Moroccan handicrafts. We will admire the captivating architecture and culture of one of the oldest medinas in the world. Our tour will include the most well-known historical sites in the city, including the University of Al Qarawyine, El Marinid Tombs, Bab Boujeloud, Chouara Tannery, and The Madrasas. After a memorable guided tour of the ancient city, we will return to the hotel/Riad for the remainder of our evening and spend the night.

Day 4: Fez – Ifrane – Ziz Valley – Erg Chebbi Dunes

Our 7-Day Desert tour will commence from Rabat to Marrakech the next morning, and we will drive through majestic scenery towards the stunning views of the Middle Atlas Mountains. Along the way, we will witness the green Cedar Forests, the Berber village of Imozzar, and Ifrane, known as “The Moroccan Little Switzerland.” Our next stop is the Berber town of Azrou, where we will walk through its stunning cedar forest. We will be able to breathe in the fresh air and interact with the little monkeys. Our next destination is Midelt, the Berber village of Rocks, where we will have a delicious traditional Berber lunch and gain more knowledge about ancient Berber culture. Our next destination will be Merzouga, the Sahara’s golden gate, after passing through Ziz Valley and the breathtaking dramatic views of Ziz Gorges. Once we get to the Merzouga Desert, we will check in to the hotel to take daybreak and spend the night.

Day 5: Nomad Family – Camel Ride Desert Tours

On the fifth day of our seven-day desert tour from Rabat to Marrakech, we will start the day with a short desert excursion from our hotel to visit the nearby Berber villages and have tea with a Nomad family, learning more about their way of life and hearing their fascinating stories. We will have a delicious breakfast amid the golden Sahara desert of Merzouga.
Later in the afternoon, we will go camel riding to our desert camp. After escorting you to the top of the Erg Chebbi dunes to witness one of the most breathtaking sunsets, your camel guide will drop you off at the camp, where you will enjoy dinner and an unforgettable night in the Sahara beneath the stars.

Day 6: Sahara Desert – Todra Gorges – Dades Valley

We will witness the most spectacular sunrise over the golden sands of an endless Sahara on the sixth day of our 7-Day Desert Tour from Rabat to Marrakech, bright and early in the morning.
We will resume our desert tour from Rabat to Marrakech towards Rissani, the birthplace of the Moroccan ruling dynasty, where we will explore its vibrant souks and historic culture, following breakfast and a warm, soothing shower.
After that, we will travel on to the Todra Gorges, where we will see its amazing orange cliffs and canyons—a striking juxtaposition of the Atlas Mountains and the Sahara Desert—that make this an ideal location for adventure seekers and climbers. In addition, we would explore and stroll among its genuine mosques, vibrant lanterns, and well-known textiles.
Dades Valley, a tiny green paradise tucked away in the barren Moroccan desert, would be the last destination on today’s Desert tour from Rabat to Marrakech. Across the river, in a charming little hotel, is where we will be spending the night.

Day 7: Dades Valley – Ait ben Haddou – Marrakech

After eating breakfast at the hotel on the final day of our 7-Day Desert Tour from Rabat to Marrakech, we will take a stroll through the lovely valley before traveling through the Berber village of Skoura on our way to Ouarzazate.
When we arrive in Ouarzazate, we will stroll through the vibrant old souks and real ancient mud streets. Then, we will go to the amazing International Film Studio, the setting for some of the greatest films and television shows in Hollywood history, including Gladiator, Game of Thrones, Babel, and The Jewel of the Nile. Next, we will head to the amazing Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, where we will explore historic royal palaces and catch a glimpse of true, traditional Moroccan architecture. We will then drive through the narrow roads of Tizi n Ticheka pass to the Red City after enjoying a delectable lunch in a traditional Berber restaurant.
The end of our 7-day desert tour from Rabat to Marrakech will be marked by a final stop at the quaint red Marrakech, where we will drop you off at your preferred location.

Included

  •  Pick up and drop off at your hotel/airport
  •  An air conditioned 4×4 Landcruiser or spacious minivan in case of a group
  •  English speaking driver
  •  Dinner & breakfast
  •  No forced shopping stops during the tour

Excluded

  • lunch and drinks
  • Entrance fees

Have a custom tour? We work on custom tours all the time.