Day 1: Arrival in Marrakech

Welcome to Morocco! Upon arrival at Marrakech Menara Airport, your driver-guide greets you and takes you to your riad in the heart of the medina. After a refreshing mint tea, you have time to rest, unpack and settle into the relaxed rhythm of Moroccan life. Your guide will also go through the itinerary with you and answer any questions about the days ahead. If you arrive early, you can also take a short orientation walk through the nearby lanes.

In the evening, take a short walk to Jemaa el-Fnaa, the famous square at the center of the Medina of Marrakesh. As the sun goes down, food stalls fill the air with the smell of grilled meat, while musicians, storytellers and henna artists draw curious crowds. Meanwhile, the call to prayer echoes from the Koutoubia Mosque nearby. Finally, enjoy dinner on a rooftop terrace overlooking the lively square before returning to your riad for the night.

Overnight: riad in Marrakech.

Day 2: Marrakech Guided City Tour

After breakfast, a licensed local guide leads you through the highlights of the Red City. First, you admire the Koutoubia Mosque from outside, then you visit the Bahia Palace, with its carved cedar ceilings and peaceful courtyards. Next, you continue to the Saadian Tombs, hidden for centuries and rediscovered only in 1917. Along the way, your guide shares stories about the dynasties that shaped Marrakech. In addition, you learn how to bargain politely, a useful skill for the rest of your trip.

In the afternoon, you dive into the maze of souks, where craftsmen still work leather, copper and wood by hand. Later, you can relax in the Jardin Majorelle, a cobalt-blue garden full of cactus and bamboo, or treat yourself to a traditional hammam. For more ideas on what to see, visit the Marrakesh page of the Moroccan National Tourist Office. In the evening, you are free to explore at your own pace.

Overnight: riad in Marrakech.

Day 3: Marrakech – Tizi n’Tichka – Ait Ben Haddou

Today, the great road trip begins. Leaving Marrakech behind, you climb into the High Atlas Mountains, where terraced fields and Berber villages cling to the slopes. Soon, the road reaches the Tizi n’Tichka pass at about 2,260 meters, one of the highest mountain passes in Morocco. Here, you stop for photos and enjoy sweeping views over the peaks. On the way, you also pass small roadside stalls selling fossils, minerals and argan oil.

On the other side of the mountains, the landscape turns red and dry as you descend towards Ait Ben Haddou. In the afternoon, you explore the Ksar of Ait-Ben-Haddou, a fortified village of earthen houses that has appeared in films such as Gladiator and in the series Game of Thrones. Then, climb to the old granary at the top to watch the sunset. Unlike most tours, you stay overnight here, so you can enjoy the village in peace once the day visitors leave.

Driving time: about 4 hours. Overnight: guesthouse in Ait Ben Haddou.

Day 4: Ait Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate – Rose Valley – Dades Gorge

After breakfast, you drive to Ouarzazate, often called the Hollywood of Africa. If you like cinema, you can visit the Atlas Film Studios, where many international films were made. Afterwards, you follow the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs through the palm groves of Skoura, dotted with old mud-brick fortresses. Learn more about this region on VisitMorocco’s Ouarzazate page.

Next, you continue to Kelaat M’Gouna, the heart of the Rose Valley, where local cooperatives produce rose water and cosmetics. In May, the town even celebrates the rose harvest with a colorful festival. Finally, in the late afternoon, you reach the Dades Gorge. Here, the road winds up in tight hairpin bends between red cliffs and strange rock formations known as the Monkey Fingers. Dinner is served at your hotel, with views over the valley. Meanwhile, the evening light turns the cliffs a deep red, which makes this a lovely spot for photos.

Driving time: about 4 hours. Overnight: hotel in the Dades Gorge.

Day 5: Dades Gorge – Todra Gorge – Merzouga Desert Camp

This morning, you drive to the Todra Gorge near Tinghir. Here, sheer rock walls rise almost 300 meters above a narrow path and a clear stream. You can walk through the canyon and, if you are lucky, watch climbers on the cliffs. Then, you continue east through the oasis towns of Tinejdad and Erfoud, famous for its fossils. Along the way, you also stop at a fossil workshop to see how local craftsmen polish ancient stones.

In the late afternoon, the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi finally appear on the horizon. At the edge of the sand, your camels are waiting. As the sun sets, you ride into the dunes, which reach about 150 meters in height, and watch the sand change color from gold to deep orange. Once you arrive at camp, a warm dinner is served under the stars. Afterwards, gather around the fire for traditional Berber drumming and an unforgettable night in the Sahara.

Driving time: about 5 to 6 hours. Overnight: desert camp in Erg Chebbi.

Day 6: Free Day in the Sahara – Khamlia and Rissani

Wake up early to watch the sunrise over the dunes, one of the most magical moments of your trip. After breakfast, you set off on a 4×4 excursion around Erg Chebbi. First, you visit the village of Khamlia, where Gnawa musicians perform rhythms that trace back to West Africa. Then, you meet a nomad family and learn how they live in the desert. To discover more, see the Merzouga region on VisitMorocco.

Later, you drive to Rissani, the historic cradle of the Alaouite dynasty that still rules Morocco today. On market days, its busy souk sells everything from spices to donkeys. In the afternoon, you can relax, try sandboarding or ride a quad bike on the dunes. Alternatively, you can simply enjoy the silence of the desert. As a result, you leave the Sahara rested and with plenty of memories. In the evening, dinner is served under the stars once again.

Overnight: desert camp or hotel in Merzouga.

Day 7: Merzouga – Ziz Valley – Midelt – Ifrane – Fez

Today is a long but beautiful drive north. First, you follow the Ziz Valley, a ribbon of palm groves stretching for kilometers between desert cliffs. Next, you climb into the Middle Atlas and stop in Midelt, known as the apple capital of Morocco, for lunch. Throughout the day, your guide plans regular breaks for coffee and photos. Gradually, the desert gives way to green valleys, rocky plateaus and, in winter, snowy peaks.

In the afternoon, you cross the cedar forest near Azrou, where Barbary macaques often wait by the roadside. Shortly after, you reach Ifrane, a clean mountain town with red roofs and gardens, often nicknamed the Switzerland of Morocco. Finally, you arrive in Fez in the early evening. After checking in to your riad, you can enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner and rest before a full day in the medina. Tomorrow, after all, is one of the highlights of the whole trip.

Driving time: about 7 to 8 hours with stops. Overnight: riad in Fez.

Day 8: Fez Guided Medina Tour

Fez el-Bali is a living medieval city, and the best way to discover it is with a licensed local guide. In the morning, you visit the golden gates of the Royal Palace and the Mellah, the old Jewish quarter. Then, you enter the Medina of Fez through Bab Boujloud, the famous Blue Gate. From there, the narrow lanes lead you deep into a city that has changed little in centuries.

Inside the medina, you visit the Bou Inania Madrasa and the Al-Attarine Madrasa, both decorated with intricate tiles and carved cedar. Next, you peek into the Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque, one of the oldest centers of learning in the world. Afterwards, you watch leather being dyed at the Chouara Tannery from a terrace above the vats. In the late afternoon, enjoy the panorama from the Merinid Tombs. For a closer look at the highlights, read about our Fez medina guided tour.

Overnight: riad in Fez.

Day 9: Fez – Meknes – Volubilis – Chefchaouen

After breakfast, you drive to Meknes, the imperial city of Sultan Moulay Ismail. Here, you admire Bab Mansour, one of the most beautiful gates in Morocco, and visit the vast royal granaries. The Historic City of Meknes is quieter than Fez, so it is a pleasant place to stroll. In addition, your guide explains how Moulay Ismail turned Meknes into a grand capital in the 17th century. On the way, you also pass the holy town of Moulay Idriss Zerhoun, perched on two green hills.

Next, you continue to the Archaeological Site of Volubilis, the best-preserved Roman ruins in Morocco. Walking among columns, a triumphal arch and colorful floor mosaics, you can easily imagine life here almost 2,000 years ago. In the afternoon, the road climbs into the Rif Mountains. Finally, you arrive in Chefchaouen, the famous blue city, in time for an evening walk. For background, see VisitMorocco’s Chefchaouen guide or our Fes to Chefchaouen day trip.

Driving time: about 5 hours. Overnight: riad in Chefchaouen.

Day 10: Chefchaouen – Rabat – Casablanca

Start your day early in Chefchaouen, while the blue lanes are still quiet and perfect for photos. Founded in 1471, the town is full of small squares, craft shops and fountains. Then, walk to Ras El Maa spring or up to the Spanish Mosque for a last view over the rooftops. Before leaving, you can also buy local goat cheese or handwoven blankets as souvenirs.

Around midday, you drive south to Rabat, the capital of Morocco. There, you visit the Hassan Tower, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V and the whitewashed Kasbah of the Udayas above the Bou Regreg river. Together, these sites form part of the UNESCO listing Rabat, Modern Capital and Historic City. Afterwards, you continue along the Atlantic coast to Casablanca, where you spend the night. In the evening, you can stroll along the Corniche and enjoy fresh seafood by the ocean. As Morocco’s largest city, Casablanca offers a modern contrast to the medinas.

Driving time: about 5 to 6 hours. Overnight: hotel in Casablanca.

Day 11: Casablanca – Hassan II Mosque – Imlil (High Atlas)

This morning, you visit the Hassan II Mosque, which stands on a platform above the Atlantic Ocean. Its minaret rises about 210 meters, making it one of the tallest in the world. Moreover, it is one of the few mosques in Morocco that non-Muslims can visit inside on a guided tour. Learn more on VisitMorocco’s Casablanca page.

Afterwards, you drive south past Marrakech and into the High Atlas Mountains. In the afternoon, you reach Imlil, a mountain village at about 1,740 meters, at the foot of Mount Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa. Here, the air is fresh and the pace is slow. Before dinner, you take a gentle walk through walnut orchards and terraced fields. Then, enjoy a home-cooked tagine at your guesthouse with views of snowy peaks. As night falls, the silence of the mountains is the perfect contrast to the busy cities.

Driving time: about 4 hours. Overnight: guesthouse in Imlil.

Day 12: Imlil Village Walk – Marrakech and Departure

On your final morning, a local mountain guide takes you on an easy walk to the Berber village of Aroumd. Along the trail, you pass waterfalls, stone houses and mule tracks. Then, you stop for mint tea with a local family and learn about daily life in the mountains. The walk takes about two to three hours and suits most fitness levels. Moreover, the views over the Toubkal massif are spectacular on a clear day.

Afterwards, you drive back to Marrakech, which is only about 90 minutes away. Depending on your flight time, you can enjoy a last lunch in the medina or do some final shopping in the souks. Finally, your driver takes you to Marrakech Menara Airport or to your hotel. Your 12-day journey through Morocco ends here, but the memories of the desert, the mountains and the medinas will stay with you for a long time.

Driving time: about 1.5 hours.