15-Day Morocco Adventure: Imperial Cities and Sahara Desert

Upon arrival at the airport, you will be picked up and driven into Casablanca to visit the iconic Hassan II Mosque (closed on Fridays and religious holidays). Standing partly over the Atlantic Ocean, it is the largest mosque in Africa, renowned for its intricate mosaics, marble floors, and hand-carved wooden ceilings.

After the visit, continue to Morocco’s political capital, Rabat, where you will spend the night in a charming riad located in the heart of the Salé Medina. This lively neighborhood, situated across the Bouregreg River, traces its origins back to the Phoenicians and offers an authentic glimpse into local life.

After breakfast, set out for the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Volubilis, the best-preserved Roman ruins in Morocco. Nestled at the foot of Mount Zerhoun, this ancient city offers sweeping views over the valley and surrounding hills.

Just a few kilometers away lies the holy city of Moulay Idriss, an important pilgrimage site. While the mausoleum itself is closed to non-Muslims, the town is still worth exploring with its winding alleys, charming square, and traditional shops.

In the afternoon, continue your journey to Fez, Morocco’s spiritual and cultural heart. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay in a traditional riad within the medina.

After breakfast, journey to the UNESCO-listed Roman ruins of Volubilis, the best-preserved archaeological site in Morocco. Located at the foot of Mount Zerhoun, these ruins overlook a fertile plain and offer breathtaking views of the surrounding valley and hills.

Continue a few kilometers to the holy town of Moulay Idriss, an important pilgrimage destination. While non-Muslims cannot enter the mausoleum, the town itself is delightful to explore, with narrow streets, a central square, and small traditional shops that showcase authentic Moroccan life.

By afternoon, head onward to Fez, Morocco’s cultural and spiritual capital. Settle into a charming riad within the historic medina for dinner and an overnight stay.

Spend the day discovering Fez, the oldest of Morocco’s Imperial Cities and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Begin with the medieval quarter, Fez el-Bali, a labyrinth of narrow alleys, bustling souks, and historic monuments that have remained untouched for centuries. Visit the impressive Bou Inania Madrasa, one of the few Islamic schools in Morocco open to non-Muslims, and admire the architectural beauty of the 9th-century Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque, one of the oldest universities in the world.

In the afternoon, continue to Fez el-Jdid, also known as “New Fez,” where you can see the royal palace and explore the Jewish quarter. Round off the day with a visit to the Museum of Moroccan Arts, showcasing fine examples of craftsmanship and traditional design.

Dinner and overnight stay in a riad within the medina.

Depart Fez at 8:00 am and travel south through the Middle Atlas Mountains. Along the way, stop in Azrou to stroll the Cèdre Gouraud Forest, home to groups of playful Barbary macaques. Continue toward Midelt, a mountain town renowned for its apple orchards, where you’ll enjoy lunch.

In the afternoon, cross the scenic Tizi n’Talremt Pass and descend into the lush Ziz Valley, a ribbon of palm groves and fortified villages known as ksars. Passing through the desert gateway town of Erfoud, famous for its fossil workshops and date production, continue to Rissani, birthplace of Morocco’s ruling Alaouite dynasty.

Here, you’ll spend the night in a charming kasbah built in traditional Berber style, offering a taste of authentic desert hospitality.

After breakfast, begin the day with a visit to the traditional market of Rissani and explore its historic ksar (fortified village), a glimpse into Morocco’s caravan past. From here, continue toward Merzouga, where the golden Erg Chebbi dunes rise dramatically from the desert floor.

Enjoy lunch before setting out on a camel trek across the sweeping sands. As the sun begins to set, climb to the top of the dunes for unforgettable panoramic views of the Sahara.

Afterward, return to your desert camp, where a traditional dinner will be served. The evening continues with Berber music around the fire, before spending the night under the stars in a nomad tent.

Rise early to witness the magical sunrise over the Erg Chebbi dunes, followed by breakfast at the camp. Enjoy a short walk among the sand dunes before setting off toward Tinghir and the spectacular Todra Gorges. Carved by the Todra River, these dramatic cliffs tower above a lush oasis of palm groves, offering the perfect spot for lunch and a refreshing walk along the river or through the valley’s gardens.

Continue through Tinjdad and the scenic Todra Valley, then drive into the rugged landscapes of the Dades Valley. Surrounded by red cliffs and winding gorges, this area is often called the “Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs.”

Dinner and overnight stay in a hotel in the Dades Gorges.

After breakfast at the hotel, set out across the dramatic Sarhro volcanic mountains, following the winding road of Tizi n’Tazazert, a spectacular route lined with striking rock formations and deep gorges.

Descend into the lush Draa Valley, famous for its endless palm groves, fortified kasbahs, and traditional Berber villages that stretch along the river. Continue through this breathtaking landscape until reaching Zagora, the gateway to the Sahara.

Dinner and overnight stay in a hotel in Zagora.

After breakfast, set out for Tamgroute, where you’ll visit its famous Koranic library, a fascinating subterranean kasbah, and traditional pottery workshops. Continue south to M’hamid, often called the “gateway to the Sahara Desert,” where you’ll stop for lunch.

In the afternoon, enjoy a one-hour camel ride through the desert landscape before switching to 4x4 tracks that lead you across rocky plains to the vast Erg Chegaga dunes, which stretch for over 40 km. On arrival, savor a welcome drink at the desert camp and watch the spectacular sunset over the dunes.

In the evening, share a delicious dinner and enjoy music around the fire, before spending the night in a nomad tent—or under the star-filled desert sky.

Wake up early to admire the magical sunrise over the sand dunes, followed by breakfast at the camp. Depart by 4×4 along the legendary Paris–Dakar route, crossing the dry expanse of Lake Iriqui and enjoying the stark beauty of the desert landscapes.

Continue toward Foum Zguid and then to the Berber village of Taznakht, known for its traditional handmade carpets, where you will stop for lunch.

By late afternoon, arrive at the iconic Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Morocco’s most famous ksars, featured in many films. Enjoy dinner and spend the night in a local hotel overlooking the fortified village.

After breakfast, explore the 16th-century Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou, one of Morocco’s best-preserved ksars and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Famous for its earthen clay architecture, this iconic kasbah has also been featured in numerous films, including the blockbuster Gladiator (2000).

Following your visit, drive across the majestic High Atlas Mountains, winding through scenic valleys and Berber villages before crossing the highest pass in Morocco, the Tizi n’Tichka (2,260 m). Arrive in Marrakech around 3:00 pm, where your journey comes to an end.

After breakfast, spend the entire day discovering Marrakech, known as the Red City for its rose-colored buildings. Founded by the Almoravid dynasty in the 12th century, Marrakech lies at the foot of the Atlas Mountains and is surrounded by palm groves, giving it a truly unique setting.

Begin the morning wandering through the bustling souks and the lively Djemaa el-Fna square, where snake charmers, storytellers, and musicians bring the medina to life by day and night. After lunch at your hotel, continue with visits to the city’s most iconic landmarks: the Saadian Tombs, the Dar Si Said Museum of Moroccan Arts, the tranquil Menara and Agdal gardens, the towering Koutoubia Mosque, and the elegant Bahia Palace.

In the evening, you may choose to dine at a traditional Moroccan restaurant, complete with a vibrant folklore show. Overnight stay in a hotel in Marrakech.

After breakfast at the hotel, drive west to the coastal town of Essaouira, a charming port city known for its relaxed atmosphere and skilled artisans who craft unique pieces from the roots of the Thuya tree. Wander through the medina, explore the vibrant souks and shops, and enjoy the breezy seaside vibe.

In the late afternoon, return to Marrakech for your overnight stay.

Enjoy a free day in Marrakech to explore the city at your own pace—whether that means wandering the souks, relaxing in a hammam, or simply soaking up the lively atmosphere of the medina. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Later in the day, you will be transferred to the airport in time for your onward flight. This marks the end of your unforgettable Morocco Desert and Imperial Cities Tour, a journey filled with history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes.