This 10-day tour is the ultimate journey from the capital, Rabat, designed to show you every facet of the kingdom. It is a grand loop weaving a path through the history of the imperial cities, the vastness of the Sahara, vibrant Marrakech, and the relaxed Atlantic coast of Essaouira. If you're looking for the most complete Moroccan experience from Rabat, this is your tour.
Highlights
- A complete circuit starting and ending in Rabat.
- Exploration of the 4 imperial cities: Rabat, Meknes, Fez, and Marrakech.
- Two nights in the Merzouga desert for an immersive experience.
- Visit to the bohemian coastal town of Essaouira.
- Tour of UNESCO sites: Aït Ben Haddou, Volubilis, and the medinas of Fez, Marrakech, and Essaouira.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Rabat → Meknes → Volubilis → Fez
We begin the journey from Rabat to the imperial city of Meknes and the nearby Roman ruins of Volubilis. In the afternoon, we will arrive in Fez, the spiritual capital, for the night.
Day 2: Guided Tour of Fez
We will dedicate the full day to exploring the labyrinthine medina of Fez with a local guide, discovering its souks, madrasas, and the famous tannery.
Day 3: Fez → Ifrane → Merzouga Desert
Today we travel south. We will cross the Middle Atlas, stopping in Ifrane. After crossing the Ziz Valley, we will arrive in Merzouga, where camels await to take us to our desert camp.
Day 4: Exploring the Merzouga Desert
A full day to discover the secrets of the Sahara by 4x4. We will visit the village of Khamlia, meet nomadic families, and explore the desert landscapes. We will spend a second night in the desert.
Day 5: Merzouga → Todra Gorge → Dades Valley
After sunrise, we head to the Todra Gorge. Then, we will follow the "Route of a Thousand Kasbahs" to the picturesque Dades Valley, where we will have dinner and spend the night.
Day 6: Dades Valley → Ouarzazate → Aït Ben Haddou → Marrakech
We continue toward Ouarzazate and the famous Kasbah of Aït Ben Haddou. Finally, we will cross the spectacular Tizi n'Tichka pass to reach Marrakech.
Day 7: Guided Tour of Marrakech
A local guide will show us the secrets of the "Red City," including Jemaa el-Fnaa square, the Bahia Palace, and the colorful souks.
Day 8: Excursion to Essaouira
Today we will take a day trip to the charming coastal town of Essaouira. Enjoy its medina, the fishing port, and its relaxed atmosphere. Return to Marrakech in the afternoon.
Day 9: Marrakech → Casablanca → Rabat
Enjoy a free morning in Marrakech. Afterward, we will head back to Rabat, with a stop in Casablanca to see the exterior of the Hassan II Mosque.
Day 10: Departure from Rabat
After breakfast, and depending on your flight time, we will transfer you to the airport, concluding our grand tour.
What's Included?
- Private transportation throughout the entire circuit.
- English-speaking driver/guide.
- 9 nights of accommodation.
- Dinners and breakfasts according to the itinerary.
- Camel ride and 4x4 excursion.
- Local guides in Fez and Marrakech.
What's Not Included?
- Flights, lunches, and drinks.
- Entrance fees to monuments.
- Tips and personal expenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this tour very intense? It is a very comprehensive tour that covers great distances, but it is designed to be enjoyable, with multi-night stays in key locations and regular stops.
Is this a good option for my first time in Morocco? Absolutely. If you arrive and depart from Rabat, this circuit offers you the most complete possible view of Morocco's culture, history, and landscapes.
