10 Days Tour from Marrakech: The Imperial & Sahara Grand Loop
This is the ultimate 10-day Moroccan adventure. This comprehensive journey from Marrakech takes you through the majestic High Atlas Mountains, into the deep Sahara Desert for a two-night immersion, and up through the vibrant Imperial Cities and the famous “Blue Pearl” of Chefchaouen, before returning along the Atlantic coast.
The complete Moroccan experience
Our 10-day tour from Marrakech is the definitive way to see the country’s most iconic landscapes and cultural landmarks in a single, perfectly paced loop. We take the rushing out of road-tripping, ensuring you have time to truly absorb the magic of each destination.
Why this tour is unique
This route covers the entire Moroccan circuit without feeling exhausted. Because we specialize in deep-desert experiences, we have carved out a full two nights for the Merzouga dunes, allowing you to explore via 4×4 and meet nomadic families. Beyond the desert, you will wander the blue alleys of Chefchaouen, navigate the 9,000 streets of the Fes medina, and visit the colossal Hassan II Mosque on the Atlantic coast, making this the most diverse itinerary we offer.
What this trip is built around
- High Atlas & Kasbahs: Traverse dramatic mountain passes and visit the cinematic Ait Benhaddou.
- Deep Sahara Immersion: Spend two relaxed nights in the Erg Chebbi dunes.
- Sahara Camel Trek: Ride across the golden dunes of Merzouga at sunset.
- Imperial Cities: Explore the historic capitals and medieval medinas of Fes and Marrakech.
- The Blue Pearl: Get lost in the picturesque, blue-washed streets of Chefchaouen.
- Volubilis Ruins: Step back in time at the beautifully preserved ancient Roman ruins.
- Hassan II Mosque: Visit one of the largest and most intricate mosques in the world in Casablanca.
The Grand Loop
You will depart Marrakech and head southeast across the High Atlas Mountains, exploring Ait Benhaddou before sleeping in the Dades Valley. You then push east to the Sahara dunes of Merzouga for two nights. Next, you travel north through the Ziz Valley and cedar forests to reach Fes. From Fes, you head to the Rif Mountains to explore Chefchaouen, then journey south along the Atlantic coast to Casablanca, before finally completing the loop back in Marrakech.
Day by day
Marrakech → Ait Benhaddou → Dades Valley
Your driver will pick you up from your Marrakech accommodation or the airport. We ascend the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka pass. Our main afternoon highlight is the UNESCO-listed Ait Benhaddou Kasbah. After exploring the ancient clay fortress, we drive through the Valley of Roses to reach our guesthouse in the Dades Valley.
Dades Valley → Todra Gorge → Merzouga
Leave the lush valleys for the dramatic Todra Gorge, walking alongside a crystal-clear river flanked by towering limestone walls. Continue through Erfoud until the dunes of Erg Chebbi appear. In Merzouga, you will trade your vehicle for a camel, riding into the desert to watch the sunset before arriving at your camp.
Deep Sahara Exploration (Merzouga & Khamlia)
Wake up early for a spectacular desert sunrise. Today is dedicated to local immersion. We will take a 4×4 off-road adventure around the dunes, visiting a nomadic family to learn about their traditional way of life. We will also visit Khamlia village to listen to traditional Gnawa music before enjoying a second night under the stars.
Merzouga → Ziz Valley → Azrou → Fes
After breakfast, ride your camel back to the desert edge. Today is a long but incredibly scenic driving day heading north. We travel through the massive palm groves of the Ziz Valley, cross the Middle Atlas Mountains, and stop in the cedar forests of Azrou to see the wild macaque monkeys, arriving in Fes by the early evening.
Exploring the Medieval City of Fes
Step into a time machine as you explore Fes el-Bali, the oldest and largest medieval medina in the world. With a local guide, you will navigate the labyrinth of over 9,000 alleyways, visiting the famous Chouara Tanneries, the Al Quaraouiyine University, and vibrant artisan souks.
Fes → Volubilis → Chefchaouen
We leave the imperial city and drive to the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring stunningly preserved mosaics. After exploring the ruins, we drive north into the dramatic Rif Mountains, arriving in Chefchaouen, the famous “Blue Pearl” of Morocco, in the late afternoon.
The Blue Pearl of Chefchaouen
Today is entirely free for you to explore Chefchaouen at your own pace. Wander the incredibly photogenic, blue-washed alleys of the Medina, shop for local handicrafts, hike up to the Spanish Mosque for a panoramic view of the town, and enjoy mint tea in the bustling Outa el Hammam square.
Chefchaouen → Rabat → Casablanca
After breakfast, we leave the mountains and head toward the Atlantic coast. We stop in the capital city, Rabat, to explore the Oudayas Kasbah and the Hassan Tower. We then take a short drive down the coast to Casablanca, where you can enjoy an evening walking along the lively Corniche.
Casablanca → Marrakech
We start the morning with a visit to the magnificent Hassan II Mosque, sitting right on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, one of the few mosques in Morocco open to non-Muslims. After the tour, we take the highway back to Marrakech, arriving in the afternoon. You can spend your final evening exploring the lively Jemaa el-Fna square.
Marrakech Airport Transfer
Depending on your flight time, enjoy a final Moroccan breakfast before your driver transfers you directly to Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK) for your departure, concluding your unforgettable 10-day adventure.
Accommodation & Pricing Options
We offer three tier levels to suit your travel style. Prices are per person, based on double occupancy.
- Standard authentic Riads in medinas
- Standard desert camp with shared facilities
- Private transport
- Boutique Riads with pools and courtyards
- Upgraded luxury desert camp with private en-suite
- Excellent locations for evening walks
- 5-star heritage Riads & luxury hotels
- Premium VIP desert camp
- Upgraded luxury 4×4 vehicle or premium minivan
Prices are based on 2 travelers and may vary depending on travel dates and final accommodation choice.
Where you’ll sleep each night
| Night | Location | Accommodation Type |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dades Valley | Guesthouse, valley-view room |
| 2 | Merzouga, Erg Chebbi | Desert camp, shared bathroom facilities |
| 3 | Merzouga, Erg Chebbi | Desert camp, shared bathroom facilities |
| 4 | Fes | Riad in the Medina, en-suite room |
| 5 | Fes | Riad in the Medina, en-suite room |
| 6 | Chefchaouen | Riad in the Medina, en-suite room |
| 7 | Chefchaouen | Riad in the Medina, en-suite room |
| 8 | Casablanca | City hotel, en-suite room |
| 9 | Marrakech | Riad in the Medina, en-suite room |
What’s covered
Included
- Private, air-conditioned 4×4 or minivan
- English-speaking driver/guide for the entire 10 days
- 9 nights accommodation (as per selected package)
- Meals as listed in the itinerary (9 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 3 dinners)
- Sunset and sunrise camel treks in Erg Chebbi
- Off-road 4×4 desert excursion in Merzouga
- Official local city guides in Fes and Volubilis
- Airport pick-up and drop-off in Marrakech
Excluded
- International flights to/from Marrakech
- Lunches (except Day 3) and daytime drinks
- Travel insurance
- Entrance fees to monuments/museums (except Volubilis and Hassan II Mosque)
- Tips and gratuities
Common questions
Is there a lot of walking involved?
Yes. The guided tour in Fes, the steep, cobbled streets of Chefchaouen, and the ruins of Volubilis require a moderate amount of walking. Comfortable, broken-in walking shoes are essential for this trip.
Can I end this tour in Casablanca instead of Marrakech?
Absolutely. Because Day 8 is spent in Casablanca, we can easily customize this itinerary to drop you off at the Casablanca (CMN) airport on Day 9 or 10 if your flights depart from there instead of Marrakech. Let us know during booking.
Are there toilets and showers in the desert camp?
If you book the Superior or Luxury packages, your private tent will have a fully functioning western toilet and hot shower inside. Comfort packages utilize clean, shared facilities.
What’s the best time of year for this tour?
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) offer the most comfortable temperatures across the desert, mountains, and coast alike. Summer can be very hot in Merzouga, while winter nights in the desert and the Rif Mountains get cold.
Can this itinerary be customized or run privately?
Yes, every route we offer can run as a private departure for your group. If you want to spend an extra night somewhere, skip a stop, or adjust the pace, just let us know during booking and we’ll tailor it around you.
Is 10 days enough time, or does the trip feel rushed?
This itinerary is specifically paced to avoid that. Rather than rushing between cities, we’ve built in full free days in Fes and Chefchaouen and two unhurried nights in the desert, so you experience each destination properly instead of just passing through.
Practical details
What to pack
Because this tour covers coastal cities, mountains, and the desert, layers are your best friend. Bring light, breathable clothing for the day, a warm jacket for the mountain and desert nights, and modest clothing (covering shoulders and knees) for exploring the medinas and the Hassan II Mosque.
Currency & payments
The local currency is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD). ATMs are widely available in Fes, Marrakech, and Casablanca. You should carry cash for the days you are traveling through the mountains and the desert.
Tipping
Tipping is highly customary. You will want to have small bills available for hotel porters, local city guides, and restaurant servers (typically 10%). A lump-sum tip for your main driver at the end of the 10 days is standard if you enjoyed their service.
Ready to book this route?
We usually reply within 24 hours.
Ask us about this tour
Choose your dates and comfort tier, or ask us to build a private departure around your group.