10-Day Imperial Morocco & Sahara Desert Tour: Agadir to Marrakech

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:

• Discover Taroudant, Morocco’s Atlantic jewel
• Visit the ancient Kasbahs of the south, including Ait Ben Haddou (UNESCO)
• Camel trek & overnight in a luxury Sahara desert camp
• Explore the Dades and Todra Gorges and lush oases
• Tour the imperial city of Fes, Morocco’s cultural heart
• Marvel at the Roman ruins of Volubilis
• Wander the picturesque blue streets of Chefchaouen
• Visit the historical capital Rabat, with its grand architecture and gardens
• End the journey in Casablanca, with a visit to the iconic Hassan II Mosque
• Visit the historical Marrakech

DETAILED ITINERARY:

Day 1: Agadir → Taroudant → Taliouine → Taznakht → Ait Ben Haddou → Ouarzazate

Journey Duration: 7-8 hours | Distance: 380 km

Your 10-day tour begins with a scenic drive from Agadir to Taroudant, often called the “Little Marrakech” due to its beautiful red ramparts and lively souks. We continue to Taliouine, Morocco’s saffron capital, where you’ll learn about the local saffron trade and its importance to the region. The journey then takes us to Taznakht, a village famous for its handmade Berber carpets.

Next, we cross the High Atlas Mountains and arrive at the Ksar of Ait Ben Haddou, a fortified village and UNESCO World Heritage Site. This clay-built marvel has been used as a filming location for movies like Gladiator, The Mummy, and the series Game of Thrones. After lunch, we drive to Ouarzazate, known as the Hollywood of Africa. You’ll visit one of the city’s famous film studios, where you can see original sets still standing from blockbuster productions. Dinner and overnight stay in a hotel in Ouarzazate.

Day 2: Ouarzazate → Skoura Oasis → Valley of Roses → Dades Gorges → Todra Gorges → Merzouga

Journey Duration: 8-9 hours | Distance: 360 km

After leaving Ouarzazate, we arrive at Skoura, a lush palm oasis dotted with hidden kasbahs. We then enter the Valley of Roses, famous for its fragrant Damascus roses and rosewater production (best seen April–May). Continuing through the Dades Valley, we admire the dramatic “Monkey Fingers” rock formations before reaching the awe-inspiring Todra Gorge, where sheer limestone walls rise 300 meters high. After lunch beneath the canyon cliffs, we head south through Erfoud and Rissani toward the Sahara Desert.

Upon arrival in Merzouga, camels will be waiting to take you on a 1.5-hour trek into the golden Erg Chebbi dunes. Watch the sunset paint the sands in fiery hues before arriving at your luxury desert camp. Enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner under the stars, followed by Berber music and storytelling around the campfire. Overnight in a well-equipped desert tent with proper beds and private facilities.

Day 3: Merzouga → Ziz Valley → Midelt → Azrou → Ifrane → Fes

Journey Duration: 8-9 hours | Distance: 480 km

Rise early to witness a breathtaking Saharan sunrise over the dunes. After breakfast and a short rest in Merzouga, begin the journey north through the Ziz Valley, passing Morocco’s largest palm grove at Tafilalt. Continue through Errachidia and ascend into the Middle Atlas Mountains.

Stop in Azrou, a scenic Berber town nestled in cedar forests, where you may spot wild Barbary macaques. Then visit Ifrane, often called “the Switzerland of Morocco” for its alpine architecture and pristine streets. Arrive in Fes by late afternoon for an overnight stay in a traditional riad.

Day 4: Fes – Full-Day Sightseeing Tour

Journey Duration: Full day | Distance: City walking tour

Spend the day exploring Fes el-Bali, the UNESCO-listed medieval medina and one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities. Visit the Bou Inania Madrasa, Al-Qarawiyyin University (founded in 859 AD), the vibrant Chouara Tanneries, Al-Attarine Madrasa, Nejjarine Fountain, and the iconic Bab Bou Jeloud (Blue Gate). Your guide will reveal centuries of spiritual, scholarly, and artisanal heritage as you wander labyrinthine alleys filled with crafts, spices, and history. Overnight in Fes.

Day 5: Fes → Meknes → Volubilis → Chefchaouen

Journey Duration: 6-7 hours | Distance: 220 km

After breakfast, drive to Meknes, Morocco’s 17th-century imperial capital. Visit Bab Mansour gate, the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, and El Hedim Square. Then head to Volubilis, a UNESCO-listed Roman archaeological site, where you’ll explore well-preserved mosaics, arches, and the ancient forum with a local guide.

Continue through the scenic Rif Mountains to Chefchaouen, the legendary “Blue Pearl” of Morocco. Arrive in the late afternoon and enjoy free time to wander the cobalt-hued alleys, shop for handicrafts, or relax at a rooftop café. Overnight in a charming riad in Chefchaouen.

Day 6: Chefchaouen – Free Day for Exploration

Journey Duration: Flexible | Distance: Local walking

Enjoy a full day at leisure in Chefchaouen. Explore the Kasbah Museum, hike in the surrounding hills, browse artisan workshops, or simply soak in the tranquil mountain atmosphere. The town’s soothing blue palette and Andalusian charm make it perfect for photography and relaxation. Overnight in Chefchaouen.

Day 7: Chefchaouen → Rabat → Casablanca

Journey Duration: 5-6 hours | Distance: 320 km

Depart after breakfast for Rabat, Morocco’s modern capital and royal residence. Visit the Hassan Tower (unfinished minaret of a 12th-century mosque), the adjacent Mohamed V Mausoleum, and the historic Oudayas Kasbah with its Andalusian gardens and ocean views. After lunch, drive to Casablanca, Morocco’s economic powerhouse. Overnight in a Casablanca hotel.

Day 8: Casablanca → Marrakech

Journey Duration: 3-4 hours | Distance: 240 km

Begin your day with a visit to the magnificent Hassan II Mosque—Morocco’s architectural crown jewel and one of the few mosques open to non-Muslims. Perched on an ocean platform, it blends tradition and innovation in stunning fashion. In the afternoon, drive to Marrakech through fertile plains and Berber villages. Arrive by evening and check into your riad. Dinner is at your leisure.

Day 9: Marrakech – Full-Day Sightseeing Tour

Journey Duration: Full day | Distance: City tour

Discover the “Red City” with a guided tour of its imperial treasures: the ornate Saadian Tombs, the Ben Youssef Madrasa, the Koutoubia Mosque (exterior), the Bahia Palace, and the atmospheric ruins of El Badi Palace. Stroll through the Menara Gardens and enjoy lunch with panoramic views of Jemaa el-Fna square. In the afternoon, visit the Majorelle Gardens and the optional Yves Saint Laurent Museum. Return to your riad for the evening.

Day 10: Marrakech Airport / Agadir Airport Transfer

Journey Duration: Varies | Distance: To airport

After breakfast, your driver will transfer you to either Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK) or Agadir Al Massira Airport (AGA), depending on your flight schedule. This marks the end of your unforgettable 10-day journey through Morocco’s deserts, mountains, medinas, and imperial cities.