8-Day Tour from Rabat to Marrakech via the Desert

8-Day Tour from Rabat to Marrakech via the Desert

October 26, 2024
8 days, 7 nights

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Embark on an 8-day odyssey that weaves a path from the elegant capital, Rabat, to bustling Marrakech, taking you through Morocco's most iconic landscapes and fascinating cities. This tour is a deep dive into the country's history, culture, and natural beauty, from the imperial cities of the north to the vastness of the Sahara.

Highlights

  • A complete journey connecting Rabat with Marrakech.
  • Exploration of the imperial cities of Meknes and Fez (with a guided tour).
  • A magical night in the Merzouga desert with a camel ride.
  • A journey through the Todra Gorge, the Dades Valley, and the Kasbah of Aït Ben Haddou.
  • Guided tours in Fez and Marrakech for a complete cultural immersion.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Rabat → Meknes → Volubilis → Fez

We begin our journey in Rabat. We'll head to the imperial city of Meknes to admire its walls and the Bab Mansour gate. Then, we'll explore the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis. By late afternoon, we'll arrive in Fez to spend the night.

Day 2: Guided Tour of Fez

We'll dedicate the full day to exploring the medina of Fez with a local guide. We'll immerse ourselves in its labyrinthine streets, visiting the famous tanneries, madrasas, and lively souks.

Day 3: Fez → Ifrane → Merzouga Desert

Today we travel south, crossing the Middle Atlas. We'll make a stop in Ifrane, the "Switzerland of Morocco," and in the cedar forest. After passing through the Ziz Valley, we'll arrive in Merzouga, where camels await us for a sunset ride to our desert camp.

Day 4: Merzouga → Todra Gorge → Dades Valley

After a spectacular sunrise over the dunes, we head to the Todra Gorge for a walk. Then, we'll follow the "Route of a Thousand Kasbahs" to the picturesque Dades Valley, where we'll have dinner and spend the night.

Day 5: Dades Valley → Ouarzazate → Aït Ben Haddou → Marrakech

We continue to Ouarzazate, the "gateway to the desert," and visit the famous Kasbah of Aït Ben Haddou. Finally, we'll cross the spectacular Tizi n'Tichka pass through the High Atlas Mountains to reach Marrakech.

Day 6: Guided Tour of Marrakech

A local guide will show us the secrets of the "Red City," including Jemaa el-Fnaa square, the Bahia Palace, the Saadian Tombs, and the colorful souks.

Day 7: Free Day in Marrakech

Enjoy a free day to explore Marrakech at your own pace. You can visit the Majorelle Gardens, relax at a hammam, or take an optional excursion to the coastal town of Essaouira.

Day 8: End of Tour in Marrakech

After breakfast, the tour comes to an end. Depending on your itinerary, you'll have some free time before your transfer to the airport.

What's Included?

  • Private transportation throughout the entire journey.
  • English-speaking driver/guide.
  • 7 nights of accommodation in riads/hotels and a desert camp.
  • Dinners and breakfasts according to the itinerary.
  • Camel ride.
  • Local guides in Fez and Marrakech.

What's Not Included?

  • Flights, lunches, and drinks.
  • Entrance fees to monuments.
  • Tips.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a very intense tour? It's a very comprehensive tour that covers great distances, but it's designed with a free day in Marrakech and regular stops to make it a complete and enjoyable experience.

Is this tour a good option if I want to see everything? Absolutely. This circuit is one of the most efficient ways to experience the enormous diversity of Morocco, connecting the capital with the country's leading tourist city through the desert.

Ready for the adventure?

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