8 Days Imperial Cities & Merzouga Sahara Desert Tour

-

Sahara Desert Tour – Morocco Adventure

Discover Morocco’s rich culture, stunning landscapes, and the magical Sahara Desert on this 8-day Imperial Cities and Merzouga Sahara Desert tour. Explore ancient medinas, majestic mountains, historic kasbahs, and the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi for a complete Moroccan experience.

Tour Highlights

Explore the imperial cities of Casablanca, Rabat, Fes, and Marrakech
Cross the Middle Atlas Mountains and visit charming towns like Ifrane and Azrou
Discover the blue streets of Chefchaouen
Experience camel trekking and overnight in the Sahara Desert in Merzouga
Visit Todra Gorges and the Dades Valley
Explore Skoura Oasis, Ouarzazate, and Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah
Cross the High Atlas Mountains to Marrakech

Day 1: Arrival in Casablanca

Arrive in Casablanca. Explore the city’s highlights:

Hassan II Mosque
Corniche Ain Diab
Casablanca Medina

Overnight in Casablanca.

✔️ Overnight: Hotel in Casablanca

Day 2: Casablanca – Rabat – Chefchaouen

Depart for Rabat, Morocco’s capital city. Visit:

Hassan Tower
Mausoleum of Mohammed V
Oudaya Kasbah

Continue to Chefchaouen, famous for its blue-painted streets. Explore the medina and enjoy the serene atmosphere.

✔️ Overnight: Riad in Chefchaouen
✔️ Meals: Dinner

Day 3: Chefchaouen – Fes

After breakfast, travel to Fes, Morocco’s spiritual and cultural capital. Explore the UNESCO-listed Fes el-Bali Medina, including:

Bab Boujloud (Blue Gate)
Al Attarine Madrasa
Chouara Tanneries
Traditional souks and artisan streets

✔️ Overnight: Riad in Fes
✔️ Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4: Fes – Middle Atlas Mountains – Merzouga

Depart Fes early and cross the Middle Atlas Mountains, stopping at:

Ifrane, the “Little Switzerland of Morocco”
Azrou, famous for cedar forests and Barbary macaques

Drive through the lush Ziz Valley before reaching Merzouga, the gateway to the Sahara Desert.

Camel Trek at Sunset

Ride camels into the Erg Chebbi dunes at sunset and experience the magical desert colors. Overnight in a desert camp under the stars with Berber music.

✔️ Overnight: Desert camp in Merzouga
✔️ Meals: Dinner

Day 5: Merzouga – Sunrise & Desert Exploration

Wake up early to enjoy a sunrise over the Sahara. Explore Merzouga and surrounding areas:

Khamlia Village, famous for Gnaoua music
Meet Berber nomads
4×4 excursion to black desert and fossil areas

Return to your hotel or camp for rest and dinner.

✔️ Overnight: Hotel or desert camp in Merzouga
✔️ Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6: Merzouga – Todra Gorges – Dades Valley

After breakfast, drive west toward the Atlas Mountains. Stop at:

Todra Gorges, a stunning canyon with cliffs over 300 meters
Dades Valley, the “Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs,” with dramatic landscapes

✔️ Overnight: Hotel in Dades Valley
✔️ Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 7: Dades Valley – Skoura – Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – Marrakech

Drive through Skoura Oasis, with its palm groves and traditional kasbahs. Stop in Ouarzazate, Morocco’s “Hollywood of Africa,” for an optional visit to film studios or Taourirt Kasbah.

Visit Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site and famous filming location. Cross the High Atlas Mountains via Tizi n’Tichka Pass and arrive in Marrakech.

✔️ Overnight: Riad or hotel in Marrakech
✔️ Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 8: Marrakech – Departure

Enjoy a morning tour of Marrakech:

Jemaa El Fna Square
Koutoubia Mosque (outside view)
Explore local souks and artisan markets

Transfer to the airport or hotel, concluding your 8-day Morocco Imperial Cities & Merzouga Desert tour.

Tour Highlights Summary

Casablanca city tour and Hassan II Mosque
Rabat landmarks and Oudaya Kasbah
Chefchaouen Blue City experience
Fes Medina and cultural exploration
Middle Atlas Mountains and Ziz Valley
Erg Chebbi camel trekking and desert camp
Khamlia Village and Berber nomad experience
Todra Gorges, Dades Valley, Skoura Oasis, and Ouarzazate
Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah and High Atlas Mountains
Marrakech medina and Jemaa El Fna

What’s Included

Private air-conditioned 4×4 or minibus
Experienced English-speaking driver/guide
2 nights desert camp/hotel in Merzouga
5 nights hotel or Riad accommodations
Camel trekking in Erg Chebbi
Breakfasts and dinners
Hotel pickup in Casablanca and drop-off in Marrakech

Not Included

Lunches & drinks
Entrance fees
Personal expenses

This 8-day Morocco Imperial Cities & Merzouga Sahara Desert tour offers an unparalleled journey through Morocco’s culture, landscapes, and the majestic Sahara Desert, making it ideal for first-time visitors and adventure seekers.