8 Day Essential Morocco Tour from Marrakech
Duration
8 days
Tour Type
Overview
Enjoy this 8 day Essential Morocco tour starting in Marrakech, covering a journey through Morocco’s most iconic sites, including the High Atlas Mountains, Sahara Desert, imperial cities, and the blue-washed town of Chefchaouen. From riding camels in the Sahara Desert to exploring ancient Kasbahs and the cultural richness of Fes and Meknes, this Morocco tour from Marrakech offers a deep dive into the country’s beauty, history, and diversity.Enjoy this 8 day Essential Morocco tour
Tour Highlights:
- Explore the majestic High Atlas Mountains and Tizi-N-Tichka Pass
- Visit the UNESCO-listed Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah
- Walk through the dramatic Todra Gorges
- Experience camel trekking and overnight in a luxury desert camp in the Sahara Desert
- Discover the imperial cities of Fes and Meknes
- Marvel at the Roman ruins of Volubilis
- Wander through the blue streets of Chefchaouen
- Visit the modern city of Tangier
Included/Exclude
Tour Plan
Your 8 Day Essential Morocco Tour begins with an early pick-up from your accommodation in Marrakech. The journey starts by crossing the High Atlas Mountains, winding through the scenic Tizi-N-Tichka Pass, offering incredible panoramic views. As you ascend the mountains, you will pass traditional Berber villages perched on hillsides, blending perfectly with the natural environment.
Your first stop is the Telouat Kasbah, a historical site nestled in the High Atlas. This ancient stronghold once belonged to the powerful Glaoui family and offers a glimpse into Morocco’s architectural past. The site, though partially ruined, still showcases stunning stucco work and beautiful zellige tiling.
Afterward, continue to the iconic Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a classic example of Moroccan earthen clay architecture. Known for its appearance in films such as Gladiator and Game of Thrones, Ait Ben Haddou is a fortified village that boasts labyrinthine streets and ancient towers. You'll have time to explore the kasbah, walking through its narrow alleys, before continuing the journey.
You then head to Ouarzazate, also known as the "Gateway to the Sahara." Ouarzazate is home to Taourirt Kasbah, another architectural marvel and a former residence of the Glaoui dynasty. After exploring the kasbah, you’ll check into your hotel, where you'll enjoy dinner and spend the night.
After breakfast, you'll begin your day by visiting the Atlas Studios, a renowned film studio where international movies such as Lawrence of Arabia and The Mummy were filmed. The studio offers an interesting insight into the world of film production in Morocco.
Next, visit Skoura, a palm grove oasis known for its dense clusters of date palms and the impressive Amridil Kasbah, an exemplary fortification that has been beautifully preserved. The kasbah offers a fascinating look at Berber architecture and traditional ways of life.
From Skoura, you travel along the Rose Valley, famous for its rose cultivation. In May, the annual Rose Festival celebrates the harvest with locals offering products made from roses, including rose water, essential oils, and perfumes. Continue the drive through the striking landscapes of Dades Valley, with dramatic gorges and jagged cliffs towering above. You’ll stop at Monkey Fingers, a rock formation resembling a monkey’s fist, and other viewpoints to take in the stunning natural beauty.
Dinner and overnight in a charming guesthouse in the Dades Valley.
After breakfast, drive towards the impressive Todra Gorges, a spectacular canyon with towering red limestone cliffs. As you wander through the gorge, you’ll be captivated by its towering walls, which rise 300 meters above the river. Todra is also a popular destination for rock climbers.
Afterward, journey through the Tafilalet Oasis towards Erfoud, known for its fossil workshops and as a gateway to the Sahara. Here, you will see impressive fossils that date back millions of years.
In the afternoon, reach the Merzouga Sahara Desert, where you will experience one of the highlights of the tour—riding camels into the Erg Chebbi dunes, Morocco’s largest sand dunes. As the sun begins to set, the sky will transform into a palette of vibrant colors, creating the perfect backdrop for photos. You’ll reach your luxury desert camp, where you can relax under a starry sky, enjoy a traditional Berber dinner, and listen to live music around the campfire before heading to your tent for the night.
An early wake-up is essential to witness the breathtaking Sahara Desert sunrise, which bathes the dunes in golden light. After breakfast, you’ll ride camels back to the village of Merzouga.
Today, you’ll explore the region around Merzouga, starting with a 4x4 adventure to discover hidden gems. Visit the Khamlia village, home to the Gnaoua people, descendants of former slaves from Sub-Saharan Africa. Here, you will enjoy a mesmerizing live performance of Gnaoua music, known for its rhythmic drumming and dancing.
Later, visit a Nomad family living in the desert, where you’ll get a glimpse of their lifestyle and enjoy a cup of Moroccan tea in their traditional tent. Continue to explore the nearby Merzouga lake, home to migratory birds, including flamingos, before heading to your hotel for a relaxing dinner and overnight stay.
Leave the desert behind as you head towards Rissani, a town known for its traditional souks (markets) and as the birthplace of the Alaouite dynasty. Stroll through the lively market, which is particularly bustling on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, where traders sell everything from livestock to spices.
Continue the journey north, stopping in Erfoud to visit a fossil workshop, before driving along the lush Ziz Valley, where you’ll see date palm groves and enjoy a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape.
After a lunch stop in Midelt, nestled between the Middle and High Atlas mountains, continue through the cedars forest to visit the playful Barbary macaques. Your next stop is Ifrane, a town known for its alpine-style architecture, cool climate, and clean streets, often called the "Switzerland of Morocco."
Arrive in Fes, where you will spend the night in a traditional riad.
Start your day with a full-day guided tour of Fes, one of Morocco’s four imperial cities and a cultural hub. Begin at the Royal Palace and visit the Bab Boujloud gate, which leads into the ancient medina. Inside the medina, explore the Al Quaraouiyine University, the oldest functioning university in the world, as well as the Medersa Bouanania, and the Tanneries, where leather is dyed in vast open-air pits.
Your guide will also take you to the Jewish quarter (Mellah) and the Najjarine Fountain, before ascending to the hilltop fortress for a panoramic view of the city. After the tour, you’ll return to your riad for a relaxing evening.
After breakfast, depart for Meknes, another imperial city and the former capital under Sultan Moulay Ismail. Visit the impressive Bab Mansour gate, Sahrij Souani (a large granary), and the Moulay Ismail Mausoleum. You’ll also have time to stroll through the bustling medina.
Continue to the Roman ruins of Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its well-preserved mosaics and monumental remains. After exploring Volubilis, drive through the stunning Rif Mountains to reach the beautiful blue-washed town of Chefchaouen.
Enjoy a peaceful evening in Chefchaouen, wandering through its blue alleys and enjoying dinner at your hotel.
Depending on your flight time, you may have the morning free to explore more of Chefchaouen’s quaint streets and picturesque corners. Later, drive through the Rif Mountains to reach Tangier, where your 8 Day Essential Morocco Tour from Marrakech will come to an end with a transfer to the airport.
