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11 Days from Rabat: Morocco Grand Tour

11 Days from Rabat: Morocco Grand Tour

From Imperial Cities to Sahara Dunes & Atlantic Charm

OVERVIEW

Embark on the ultimate Moroccan odyssey with this 11-day grand tour that circles the country’s most iconic landscapes and cultural treasures. Starting in the elegant capital of Rabat, you’ll journey through the dreamy blue alleys of Chefchaouen, explore ancient Roman ruins, wander the medieval labyrinth of Fes, and trek into the golden dunes of the Sahara for a night under starlit skies. Traverse dramatic gorges, cinematic kasbahs, and the bustling souks of Marrakech before unwinding in the windswept coastal town of Essaouira. The journey concludes with a scenic return through Casablanca to Rabat—offering a perfect blend of history, adventure, desert magic, and seaside serenity. Designed for travelers seeking depth, authenticity, and seamless comfort, this grand tour captures the soul of Morocco in just under two weeks.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:

  • Begin and end in Rabat—Morocco’s refined royal capital
  • Explore Chefchaouen’s iconic blue-hued medina nestled in the Rif Mountains
  • Visit Volubilis—UNESCO-listed Roman ruins with exquisite mosaics
  • Discover Meknes, the “Versailles of Morocco,” with its imperial gates and stables
  • Enjoy a full guided tour of Fes’ medieval medina—the world’s oldest university city
  • Cross the Middle Atlas through Ifrane (“Little Switzerland”) and Azrou Cedar Forest
  • Spot wild Barbary macaques in their natural habitat
  • Camel trek into the Erg Chebbi dunes at sunset
  • Spend a magical night in a luxury desert camp under Saharan stars
  • Witness sunrise over the golden dunes of Merzouga
  • Walk through the towering cliffs of Todra Gorges
  • Admire the “Monkey Fingers” rock formations in Dades Valley
  • Visit Ouarzazate—the “Hollywood of Africa”—and UNESCO-listed Aït Ben Haddou Kasbah
  • Explore Marrakech’s imperial palaces, vibrant souks, and Jemaa el-Fna square
  • Relax in Essaouira—a UNESCO-listed port town known for art, music, and fresh seafood
  • Conclude with views of Casablanca’s Hassan II Mosque before returning to Rabat

DETAILED ITINERARY:

Day 1: Arrival in Rabat – City Orientation

Journey Duration: Airport transfer + half-day tour

Arrive at Rabat-Salé International Airport. Meet your driver and transfer to your hotel. After check-in, enjoy a relaxed orientation tour: visit the Oudayas Kasbah, Hassan Tower, Mohamed V Mausoleum, and stroll along the Bouregreg River. Overnight in Rabat.

Day 2: Rabat → Chefchaouen

Journey Duration: 2.5 hours | Distance: 130 km

Drive through the scenic Rif Mountains to Chefchaouen—the “Blue Pearl.” Settle into your riad and spend the afternoon wandering cobalt-washed alleys, artisan shops, and panoramic viewpoints. Optional hike to the Spanish Mosque for sunset. Overnight in Chefchaouen.

Day 3: Chefchaouen → Volubilis → Meknes → Fes

Journey Duration: 5–6 hours | Distance: 240 km

Depart for Volubilis (UNESCO), exploring Roman mosaics and arches. Continue to Meknes to see Bab Mansour, Royal Stables, and Moulay Ismail’s Mausoleum. Arrive in Fes by evening. Check into a traditional riad in the medina. Overnight in Fes.

Day 4: Guided Tour of Fes

Journey Duration: Full-day walking tour

With a licensed local guide, explore Fes el-Bali: Al-Qarawiyyin University, Bou Inania Madrasa, Chouara Tanneries, Nejjarine Fountain, Jewish Mellah, and Royal Palace gates. Lunch in the medina. Free evening. Overnight in Fes.

Day 5: Fes → Ifrane → Azrou → Ziz Valley → Merzouga

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

Drive south through the Middle Atlas. Stop in Ifrane and Azrou Cedar Forest (Barbary macaques). Lunch in Midelt. Descend into the Ziz Valley with panoramic views of palm oases. Arrive in Merzouga by late afternoon. Camel ride into Erg Chebbi dunes at sunset. Dinner and overnight in a luxury desert camp.

Day 6: Merzouga Desert Experience

Journey Duration: Local exploration

Rise early for sunrise over the dunes. After breakfast, visit Khamlia village for Gnawa music, explore Rissani’s souk, or relax at the camp. Optional sandboarding or second camel ride. Free time to soak in the desert silence. Second overnight in the camp or nearby hotel (seasonal).

Day 7: Merzouga → Todra Gorges → Dades Valley

Journey Duration: 6–7 hours | Distance: 280 km

Depart northward. Stop in Erfoud (fossil workshops) and the breathtaking Todra Gorges—ideal for walking beneath 300-meter cliffs. Lunch in the canyon. Continue to Dades Valley, stopping at the “Monkey Fingers” rock formation. Overnight in a guesthouse with valley views.

Day 8: Dades Valley → Skoura → Ouarzazate → Aït Ben Haddou → Marrakech

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

Drive through Skoura Oasis (visit Kasbah Amridil, optional). In Ouarzazate, tour the Atlas Film Studios or Taourirt Kasbah. Explore the UNESCO-listed Aït Ben Haddou. Cross the High Atlas via Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260 m). Arrive in Marrakech by evening. Overnight in a riad.

Day 9: Guided Tour of Marrakech

Journey Duration: Full-day city tour

Visit Bahia Palace, Saadian Tombs, Koutoubia Mosque, and Ben Youssef Madrasa. Explore souks and Jemaa el-Fna square. Optional Majorelle Garden (entrance not included). Free afternoon. Overnight in Marrakech.

Day 10: Marrakech → Essaouira

Journey Duration: 3 hours | Distance: 180 km

Drive west to Essaouira, the “Windy City” and UNESCO port town. Explore the Skala de la Ville ramparts, fishing harbor, artisan quarters, and sandy beaches. Enjoy fresh grilled sardines by the sea. Overnight in a coastal riad.

Day 11: Essaouira → Casablanca → Rabat

Journey Duration: 5–6 hours total | Distance: 320 km

Depart Essaouira along the Atlantic coast. Stop in Casablanca to visit the iconic Hassan II Mosque (exterior and interior). Continue to Rabat. Depending on flight time, enjoy free time before private transfer to Rabat-Salé International Airport (RBA), concluding your 11-day Moroccan grand tour.

WHAT’S INCLUDED:

✓ Airport pick-up in Rabat and drop-off at end of tour
✓ Comfortable air-conditioned 4×4 or van with fuel
✓ English-speaking driver-guide throughout
✓ 10 nights accommodation: riads/hotels + 1–2 nights in luxury desert camp
✓ Daily breakfast + dinner (dinner not included in Rabat, Fes, Marrakech, Essaouira)
✓ Camel trek into Erg Chebbi dunes (sunset)
✓ Guided tours of Fes and Marrakech
✓ Bottled water during all drives
✓ Luggage assistance and flexible photo stops

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED:

✗ Lunches and drinks (budget 100–150 MAD per meal)
✗ Entrance fees to monuments and sites (approx. 350–400 MAD total)
✗ Tips for guides/drivers (optional but appreciated)
✗ Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
✗ International flights
✗ Optional activities (sandboarding, Majorelle Garden, Hassan II Mosque interior)

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At Sahara Trip Morocco, we don’t just show you Morocco—we invite you to live it. Based in the heart of the country and founded by locals who call this land home, we craft personalized, immersive travel experiences that go far beyond the ordinary. From the bustling souks of Marrakech More

 

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