8-Day Tour from Marrakech to Imperial Cities via Desert

Overview of the 8-Day Tour from Marrakech to Imperial Cities and Desert

Embark on an unforgettable 8-Day Tour from Marrakech to Imperial Cities and Desert. On the first day, journey through the Atlas Mountains, visiting Ifrane and the cedar forest. Continue through Midelt, Ziz Gorge, and Rissani, ending the day with dinner and an overnight stay at a Riad in Merzouga. On the second day, explore the Erg Chebbi dunes, visit Khamlia, and enjoy a Berber pizza in Rissani. Ride camels at sunset and camp overnight in the desert with a traditional dinner and music. On the third day, after breakfast, drive to Ouarzazate, visiting the Todra and Dades Gorges. Stay overnight in the Dades Valley with a complimentary dinner. On the fourth day, travel through the Valley of Roses, stopping at Kalaat Mgouna. Visit Ait Ben Haddou and pass through Tizi-n-Tichka to Marrakech for an overnight stay. On the fifth day, explore Marrakech, visiting Jamma el Fna square, Koutoubia mosque, souks, the Royal Palace, and museums. Discover the modern area of Gueliz, Menara Gardens, and Majorelle Gardens before concluding the tour at your hotel or the airport.

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8-Day Tour from Marrakech to Imperial Cities and Desert - Highlights

    • Travel through the Atlas Mountains.
    • Visit Ifrane and the cedar forest.
    • Journey through Midelt, Ziz Gorge, and Rissani.
    • Overnight stay at a Riad in Merzouga.
    • Explore the Erg Chebbi dunes.
    • Visit Khamlia and enjoy Berber pizza in Rissani.
    • Camel trekking at sunset.
    • Camp overnight in the desert with dinner and music.
    • Visit Todra and Dades Gorges.
    • Stay overnight in the Dades Valley.
    • Travel through the Valley of Roses.
    • Stop at Kalaat Mgouna.
    • Visit Ait Ben Haddou.
    • Travel through Tizi-n-Tichka to Marrakech.
    • Explore Marrakech and its attractions.

Details of the 8-Day Tour from Marrakech to Imperial Cities and Desert

Day 1: Exploring Marrakech

Start your 8-Day Tour from Marrakech to Imperial Cities and Desert with a guided tour of Marrakech, beginning with the lively Jemma el Fna square, where you’ll witness street performers, food stalls, and vibrant local life. Visit the Koutoubia Mosque, the largest mosque in Marrakech, followed by a stroll through the labyrinthine souks filled with colorful crafts, spices, and textiles. Explore the Bahia Palace and the Saadian Tombs, rich in history and stunning architecture. The tour also includes visits to Gueliz, the modern part of the city, the tranquil Menara Gardens with its olive groves, and the famous Majorelle Garden, known for its striking blue buildings and diverse plant collection.

Day 2: Marrakech – Tizi n Tichka Pass – Ouarzazate – Dades Gorge

Depart from Marrakech and drive through the breathtaking Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n Tichka pass, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. Stop at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Ben Haddou, an ancient fortified village famous for its role in numerous films and TV series like Gladiator and Game of Thrones. Continue to Ouarzazate, where you’ll visit the Atlas Film Studios and explore the historic Taourirt Kasbah. Journey through the Valley of Roses, known for its annual Rose Festival and fragrant fields, before arriving at Dades Gorge, where you’ll stay overnight in a charming hotel or riad.

Day 3: Dades Gorge – Todra Gorge – Rissani – Merzouga Desert

On the third day of our 8-Day Tour from Marrakech to Imperial Cities and Desert we will start with a visit to the stunning Todra Gorge, a towering canyon with sheer rock walls that attract hikers and climbers from around the world. Travel through the scenic Ziz Valley, known for its lush palm groves and ancient ksour (fortified villages), to reach Erfoud, a town famous for its fossils. Here, you’ll visit a local workshop where you can see intricate fossil-based art and decor. Afterward, continue to Rissani, a town with a lively traditional souk, and then head to Merzouga. In Merzouga, experience a camel trek into the Sahara Desert, where you’ll spend the night in a Berber desert camp, enjoying a traditional dinner under the stars and listening to local music around the campfire.

Day 4: Merzouga Desert

Spend the day exploring the vast Merzouga Desert. You can opt for another camel trek or a thrilling 4×4 tour across the dunes. Visit the village of Khamlia, home to the Gnawa people, where you can enjoy their traditional music and learn about their unique culture. In the evening, climb the dunes to watch the mesmerizing sunset over the Sahara, a truly unforgettable experience. You’ll spend another night of this 8-Day Tour from Marrakech to Imperial Cities and Desert in the desert, either at a local riad or back at the desert camp, enjoying the peace and beauty of the desert landscape.

Day 5: Merzouga – Midelt – Fes

On the fifth day of this 8-Day Tour from Marrakech to Imperial Cities and Desert, and after an early morning wake-up to witness the spectacular sunrise over the dunes, ride your camel back to the hotel for breakfast and a refreshing shower. Begin your journey towards Fes, passing through Rissani and Erfoud once more. Stop in Midelt, a town nestled in the middle of the Atlas Mountains, for lunch. Along the way, you’ll also visit the cedar forests of Azrou, where you can see Barbary macaque monkeys in their natural habitat. Continue your journey through Ifrane, a town known for its alpine-style architecture and often referred to as the “Switzerland of Morocco.” Arrive in Fes by evening for an overnight stay in a traditional riad.

Day 6: Fes Guided Tour

Explore the cultural and spiritual heart of Morocco with a guided tour of Fes, starting with the Royal Palace and its stunning golden gates. Visit the Jewish quarter (Mellah) and see the oldest continuously functioning university in the world, Al Qaraouine University. Wander through the bustling tanneries, where leather is still dyed using traditional methods, and explore the medieval medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where you’ll find narrow streets lined with shops, mosques, and historic buildings. Visit the Mulay Idriss mausoleum, the oldest and most revered religious site in the city. After a full day of sightseeing, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant before retiring to your riad.

Day 7: Fes – Rabat – Casablanca

Leave Fes in the morning and drive towards Rabat, the capital city of Morocco. In Rabat, visit key attractions such as the Royal Palace, Hassan Tower, an incomplete minaret of a grand mosque that was never finished, and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, a masterpiece of modern Alaouite dynasty architecture. After exploring Rabat, continue our to Casablanca, Morocco’s largest city and economic hub, for an overnight stay.

Day 8: Casablanca – Marrakech

Start the day with a visit to Casablanca’s most famous landmark, the Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world, with its stunning architecture and location overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. After exploring the mosque and other notable sites in Casablanca, such as the Corniche and the Habous Quarter, enjoy lunch in the city. In the afternoon, drive back to Marrakech, where your tour concludes. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have some time to explore Marrakech before heading to the airport for your departure. End of the 8-Day Tour from Marrakech to Imperial Cities and Desert. 

The price of this 8-Day Tour from Marrakech to Imperial Cities and Desert varies depending on the number of travelers. Please fill out the booking form or contact us for pricing details.

what's included

  • Riding a camel
  • English speaking driver
  • Transportation
  • Breakfast and dinner

what's excluded

  • Drinks
  • Optional activities
  • Personal expenses

Gallery of the 8-Day Tour from Marrakech to Imperial Cities and Desert

Why Book This 8-Day Tour from Marrakech to Imperial Cities and Desert?

This 8-day itinerary is designed for travelers who want to experience all of Morocco’s most iconic destinations in a single, seamless journey. You’ll explore the vibrant medinas of Marrakech and Fes, discover historic Imperial cities, travel through dramatic mountain scenery, and enjoy unforgettable moments in the Sahara, from camel trekking to stargazing in a Berber camp.

With private transport, expert local driver-guides, and carefully selected hotels and riads, the tour offers comfort alongside rich cultural experiences. Its flexibility and balanced pace make it ideal for couples, families, and small groups looking for a meaningful, authentic, and worry-free Morocco adventure.

Best Time to Take This 8-Day Tour from Marrakech to Imperial Cities and Desert

The ideal time to enjoy this 8-day journey is during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when temperatures are mild and perfect for exploring cities, crossing the Atlas Mountains, and experiencing the Sahara Desert comfortably. These seasons offer pleasant days, cool evenings, and excellent visibility for photography.

The tour is also available year-round. Winter is cooler but peaceful, offering crisp desert mornings and fewer crowds in the Imperial Cities, while summer provides vibrant evenings and lively city atmospheres, though expect higher temperatures, especially in desert regions. No matter the season, this itinerary remains enjoyable thanks to its balanced pacing and diverse landscapes.

Reviews of the 8-Day Tour from Marrakech to Imperial Cities and Desert

This 8-day tour was absolutely incredible from start to finish. Our driver-guide was professional, kind, and very knowledgeable about every region we visited. Marrakech, Fes, and the desert were highlights for me. Spending the night under the stars in Merzouga was magical and something I’ll never forget. Everything was well-organized, from hotels to activities. Highly recommended for anyone wanting an authentic Moroccan experience.

Freya

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 1. “An Unforgettable Morocco Experience”

This 8-day tour was absolutely incredible from start to finish. Our driver-guide was professional, kind, and very knowledgeable about every region we visited. Marrakech, Fes, and the desert were highlights for me. Spending the night under the stars in Merzouga was magical and something I’ll never forget. Everything was well-organized, from hotels to activities. Highly recommended for anyone wanting an authentic Moroccan experience.

Anouk

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 3. “Amazing Guide and Beautiful Destinations”

The tour exceeded all expectations. The itinerary was perfectly paced, allowing us to explore the Imperial Cities without feeling rushed. The camel trek and desert camp were unforgettable, with delicious food and welcoming hosts. Flexibility for photo stops and breaks was appreciated. Accommodations, especially the riads, were beautiful and very comfortable. A fantastic experience!

Soren

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 2. “Perfect Balance of Culture, Adventure & Comfort”

By far the best multi-day tour we have experienced. The landscapes were stunning, from mountain passes to palm valleys and the Sahara dunes. The company was very responsive and allowed us to customize details to suit our preferences. The desert camp was comfortable, and the food throughout the tour was excellent. We felt very well taken care of during the whole journey. A top-notch experience!

Leif

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4. “Best Tour We’ve Ever Done”

FAQs about the 8-Day Tour from Marrakech to Imperial Cities and Desert

1. How difficult is the tour and is it suitable for all ages?

Yes, the tour is suitable for all ages. Most activities involve moderate walking, and the pace can always be adjusted. Families with children, seniors, and couples all find this itinerary comfortable and enjoyable.

2. How long are the driving hours each day?

Driving times vary between 2 to 4 hours, with scenic stops throughout the journey. The longest drive is from Merzouga to Fes, but it includes several breaks for sightseeing, photos, and lunch.

3. Is the tour private or shared?

This tour is typically private, meaning you’ll travel in your own comfortable vehicle with a dedicated driver-guide, giving you full flexibility during the trip.

4. What kind of accommodations are included?

You will stay in handpicked traditional riads, desert camps, and quality hotels. Options range from 3★ to luxury 5★ depending on your budget and preference.

5. Is the camel trek included in the tour?

Yes. A camel trek in the Sahara to reach your desert camp is included. You may also choose a 4×4 transfer if preferred.

6. What should I pack for the desert?

Pack comfortable shoes, light clothing for daytime, warm layers for desert nights, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a small backpack. In the winter months, a warmer jacket is recommended.

7. Are meals included during the trip?

Breakfasts are included daily, and dinners are provided at the desert camp and selected accommodations. Lunches are not included to give you the freedom to choose local restaurants.

8. Can the itinerary be customized?

Absolutely. You can add activities like quad biking, a hot-air balloon ride in Marrakech, cooking classes, extra nights in the desert, or guided tours in major cities.

9. Is the tour safe for solo travelers?

Yes. Morocco is one of the safest destinations in North Africa, and traveling with a private driver ensures a secure and stress-free experience.

10. What languages does the driver-guide speak?

Your driver typically speaks English, French, Spanish, and Arabic. Local guides in the cities also speak multiple languages.

CUSTOMIZED ITINERARY

 

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