12-Day Morocco Tour Overview
Complete Morocco Experience from Casablanca to EssaouiraThis itinerary covers all of Morocco's must-see destinations with comfortable pacing and comprehensive sightseeing.
The 12-day Morocco itinerary is designed for travelers who want to experience everything Morocco has to offer in one comprehensive tour. You'll experience the diversity of Moroccan culture, landscapes, and history - from modern cities to ancient medinas, from mountain passes to desert dunes, from imperial palaces to coastal fortresses.
With experienced guides, comfortable accommodations, and well-planned logistics, this tour allows you to focus on experiencing Morocco rather than worrying about arrangements. You'll create unforgettable memories as you journey through this captivating country.
12-Day Morocco Itinerary
Detailed day-by-day itinerary of your complete Morocco tourDay 1: Casablanca → Rabat
Arrival in Casablanca
Arrival at Mohammed V Airport in Casablanca. Meet your guide and transfer to your hotel. Depending on arrival time, visit Hassan II Mosque - one of the largest mosques in the world with its stunning oceanfront location.
Travel to Rabat
Travel to Morocco's capital, Rabat (approx. 1 hour). Visit the Royal Palace (exterior), Hassan Tower, and the Mohammed V Mausoleum. Explore the charming Oudayas Kasbah overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
Rabat Overnight
Check into your Rabat hotel. Evening at leisure to explore the city or relax after your journey. Dinner at a local restaurant (optional).
Day 2: Rabat → Chefchaouen
Departure to Chefchaouen
After breakfast, depart Rabat for Chefchaouen (approx. 4 hours). Travel through scenic countryside and small towns. Stop for lunch en route.
Arrival in Chefchaouen
Arrive in the famous "Blue City" of Chefchaouen nestled in the Rif Mountains. Check into your hotel or riad. Begin exploring the mesmerizing blue-washed streets of the medina.
Blue City Exploration
Evening walk through the medina as the blue walls take on different hues in the fading light. Visit the main square, Outa el Hammam, and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 3: Chefchaouen → Volubilis → Meknes → Fes
Chefchaouen Exploration
Morning to further explore Chefchaouen. Visit the kasbah, ethnography museum, and enjoy panoramic views from the Spanish Mosque. Optional short hike in the surrounding hills.
Volubilis & Meknes
Travel to the Roman ruins of Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore the remarkably preserved mosaics and structures. Continue to Meknes, another imperial city. Visit Bab Mansour gate, Moulay Ismail Mausoleum, and the granaries.
Arrival in Fes
Continue to Fes, arriving in the evening. Check into your traditional riad in the medina. Rest and prepare for tomorrow's full day exploring Morocco's cultural capital.
Day 4: Uncover the Magic of Fes
Guided Fes Discovery
Full day guided tour of Fes, the oldest of Morocco's imperial cities. Visit the Royal Palace (exterior), Jewish Quarter (Mellah), and potters' quarter. Explore the medieval medina (Fes el Bali) including Al-Attarine Madrasa, Nejjarine Fountain, and the famous tanneries. Visit the University of Al Quaraouiyine, the oldest continuously operating university in the world. Lunch at a traditional restaurant in the medina.
Day 5: Fes → Ifrane → Middle Atlas → Ziz Valley → Merzouga Desert
Departure from Fes
After breakfast, depart Fes heading south. Stop in Ifrane, known as "Little Switzerland" for its alpine architecture. Continue through the Middle Atlas Mountains with cedar forests and possible monkey sightings.
Ziz Valley to Desert
Descend into the Ziz Valley with its dramatic gorges and palm groves. Stop at viewpoints overlooking the valley. Continue to Merzouga at the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes.
Desert Arrival
Arrive at your hotel near the dunes. Optional short camel ride for sunset viewing. Dinner and overnight at your desert hotel, preparing for tomorrow's desert adventure.
Day 6: Immersive Exploration of Merzouga Desert
Desert Activities
Explore the Merzouga area. Visit a nomadic family to learn about desert life. See the fossil quarries. Optional visit to Khamlia village for Gnawa music experience.
Desert Preparation
Optional activities like quad biking or sandboarding. Relax at your hotel or take a walk on the dunes. Prepare for your desert camping experience.
Camel Trek & Desert Camp
Sunset camel trek into the heart of the Erg Chebbi dunes. Arrive at your desert camp. Traditional Berber dinner, campfire music, and overnight under the starry Saharan sky.
Day 7: Merzouga → Rissani → Todra Gorge → Dades Gorge
Desert Sunrise & Departure
Wake early for sunrise over the dunes. Camel trek back to Merzouga village. Breakfast and departure. Visit Rissani, former capital and traditional market town.
Todra Gorge
Travel to Todra Gorge with its dramatic 300m high limestone cliffs. Walk through the gorge, enjoying the cool air and impressive rock formations. Optional short hike in the area.
Dades Gorge
Continue to Dades Gorge. Check into your hotel with views of the gorge. Sunset viewing of the unique rock formations. Dinner and overnight.
Day 8: Dades Gorge → Ouarzazate → Ait Ben Haddou → High Atlas → Marrakech
Rose Valley & Ouarzazate
After breakfast, travel through the scenic Dades Valley. If season permits (April-May), visit the Valley of the Roses. Continue to Ouarzazate, "Hollywood of Morocco." Optional visit to Atlas Film Studios.
Ait Ben Haddou
Visit the famous Ait Ben Haddou, UNESCO World Heritage site and iconic ksar featured in many films. Explore the ancient mud-brick architecture and learn about its history.
High Atlas Crossing to Marrakech
Cross the High Atlas Mountains via Tizi n'Tichka pass (2,260m). Enjoy breathtaking mountain views. Arrive in Marrakech in the evening. Check into your riad/hotel in the medina.
Day 9: Explore Marrakech with Expert Guide
Marrakech City Tour
Full day guided tour of Marrakech. Visit the Koutoubia Mosque, Bahia Palace, Saadian Tombs, and Ben Youssef Madrasa. Explore the bustling souks of the medina. Afternoon visit to Majorelle Garden and the new city (Guéliz). Evening experience at Jemaa el-Fnaa square as it comes alive with food stalls, musicians, and performers.
Day 10: Marrakech → Essaouira
Travel to Essaouira
After breakfast, travel to the coastal town of Essaouira (approx. 3 hours). Enjoy views of argan trees and possibly see goats climbing them. Stop at an argan oil cooperative.
Essaouira Exploration
Arrive in Essaouira and check into your hotel. Begin exploring the UNESCO-listed medina with its blue and white buildings. Visit the fishing port and see the iconic blue boats.
Coastal Evening
Walk along the historic ramparts. Enjoy fresh seafood dinner at the port. Experience the laid-back atmosphere of this artistic coastal town.
Day 11: Essaouira → Casablanca
Essaouira Free Time
Morning free to further explore Essaouira. Visit the art galleries, shop for thuya wood crafts, or simply relax on the beach. Optional activities like horse riding or quad biking on the beach.
Return to Casablanca
After lunch, travel back to Casablanca (approx. 5 hours). Check into your hotel in Casablanca. Farewell dinner at a local restaurant (optional).
Day 12: Conclusion of Your 12 Days in Morocco
Departure
After breakfast, transfer to Mohammed V Airport for your departure flight. End of your 12-day Morocco adventure with unforgettable memories of this diverse and captivating country.
Morocco Tour Highlights
Experience the best of Morocco's 12-day comprehensive tourChefchaouen Blue City
Explore the mesmerizing blue-washed streets of the Rif Mountains
Fes Medina
Discover the cultural capital with its ancient medina & tanneries
Merzouga Desert
Camel trek & overnight in Sahara desert under starry sky
Todra & Dades Gorges
Dramatic canyons with 300m high limestone cliffs
Ait Ben Haddou
UNESCO World Heritage site & famous film location
Essaouira Coast
Relax in artistic coastal town with historic medina
What's Included / Not Included
Complete details for your 12-day Morocco tour package- Airport transfers on arrival/departure
- Transportation in comfortable vehicle with AC
- English-speaking driver/guide throughout
- 11 nights accommodation (hotels & desert camp)
- Guided tours in Fes & Marrakech
- Camel trekking in Merzouga desert
- Desert camp accommodation with dinner & breakfast
- 11 breakfasts at hotels
- All applicable taxes
- Luggage handling at hotels
- International flights
- Lunches and dinners (except desert camp)
- Drinks and personal snacks
- Entrance fees to monuments and museums
- Travel insurance
- Tips for guides, drivers, hotel staff
- Optional activities
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
Practical Details
Important information for your 12-day Morocco tourFrequently Asked Questions
About our 12-day Morocco itinerary tourAccommodation includes: 10 nights in comfortable 3-4 star hotels/riads with private bathrooms, and 1 night in a desert camp in Merzouga. Hotels are carefully selected for comfort, location, and authentic Moroccan character. In cities like Fes and Marrakech, you'll stay in traditional riads within the medinas. The desert camp offers comfortable Berber-style tents with proper beds. All accommodations include breakfast. You can upgrade to higher category hotels or luxury desert camps for an additional cost.
Driving times vary: Day 1: 1 hour, Day 2: 4 hours, Day 3: 5-6 hours, Day 4: No driving, Day 5: 7-8 hours, Day 6: Minimal driving, Day 7: 4-5 hours, Day 8: 7-8 hours, Day 9: No driving, Day 10: 3 hours, Day 11: 5 hours, Day 12: Airport transfer only. The longest drives (Days 5 & 8) are broken with frequent stops at interesting sites. The vehicle is comfortable with AC, and the scenery is spectacular.
Essentials include: layered clothing (desert nights are cold, coastal areas can be breezy), comfortable walking shoes for medinas, sandals for desert camp, sun protection (hat, sunglasses, SPF 50+), headlamp/flashlight for desert camp, modest clothing for conservative areas, swimsuit (some hotels have pools), light jacket/sweater for evenings, camera with extra batteries, power bank, personal toiletries, sleeping bag liner for desert camp, small day pack, and any medications. Pack in soft luggage.
Yes, absolutely! This itinerary can be customized in several ways: Add extra nights in any city (popular extensions: +1 night in Chefchaouen, +1 night in desert, +1-2 nights in Marrakech), modify the route (some travelers skip Essaouira for more time elsewhere), upgrade accommodations to luxury riads/hotels, add activities (cooking classes, spa experiences, hot air balloon over Marrakech), or extend to 14-15 days to include places like the Draa Valley or Erg Chigaga. Just let us know your preferences when booking.
Yes, solo travelers are welcome! We have many solo travelers on our tours. If you're traveling alone, you'll be paired with another traveler of the same gender for room sharing to avoid single supplements. If you prefer a private room, a single supplement charge applies. The small group size creates a friendly atmosphere, and you'll have the opportunity to meet like-minded travelers. Many solo travelers find this comprehensive tour perfect for experiencing Morocco safely and comfortably while making new friends along the way.