Twelve days from the Sahara to the Atlantic and up into the Rif — the widest spread on this list. Take it if this is your only trip: you see it once, not half of it twice.
- Duration
- 12 days / 11 nights
- Route
- Marrakech → Chefchaouen
- Pace
- Wider geographic spread with longer drives to the desert and north
Overview
The widest spread on this list: the Sahara, the Atlantic and the Rif in one trip. Take it if this is your only visit — you see it once rather than half of it twice.
Photos
Route
- 1Marrakech
- 2Merzouga
- 3Rabat
- 4Fes
- 5Chefchaouen
Highlights
- Sahara, Atlantic coast and the Rif in twelve days
- The largest geographic spread we run
- Built for a once-in-a-trip visit
- Ends in the blue streets of Chefchaouen
Day by day
A representative plan. Every trip is adjusted to your dates, your pace and what you want to see.
1
Day 1
Marrakech arrival
Arrive in Marrakech and settle into a riad. Get oriented with Jemaa el-Fna, the Koutoubia and the souks at an easy pace.
2
Day 2
Explore Marrakech
A full day in Marrakech. Visit the Bahia Palace, Majorelle area and souks, with time to slow down in the afternoon.
3
Day 3
Marrakech to Ait Benhaddou
Cross the Tizi n'Tichka pass. About three and a half hours to Ait Benhaddou, with time to explore the ksar in the late afternoon light.
4
Day 4
Ait Benhaddou to the Dades Valley
Drive through the Valley of Roses to the Dades Valley. About two hours, with short walks and viewpoints along the way.
5
Day 5
Dades Valley to Merzouga
A longer drive of about four to five hours to Merzouga. Take a 4x4 into the Erg Chebbi dunes and settle into your desert camp.
6
Day 6
Full day in the Sahara
A full day around Merzouga. You can walk the dunes, visit nearby desert villages or simply take your time at camp. Early morning is the coldest part of the day.
7
Day 7
Merzouga to Midelt
A long northbound drive. Break it up with an overnight stop in Midelt between the High Atlas foothills and the Middle Atlas.
8
Day 8
Midelt to Fes
Continue north through the Middle Atlas to Fes. Arrive in the late afternoon and settle near the car-free medina.
9
Day 9
Explore Fes
A full day in Fes with a local guide. Focus on the tanneries, madrasas and craft quarters of the medieval medina.
10
Day 10
Fes to Rabat
Drive to Rabat, about two and a half to three hours. Explore the Kasbah of the Udayas, Hassan Tower and the Atlantic corniche at an easy pace.
11
Day 11
Rabat to Chefchaouen
A longer drive north into the Rif Mountains, about four to five hours. Arrive in Chefchaouen and settle into the blue medina.
12
Day 12
Chefchaouen and end of tour
A final morning in Chefchaouen to walk the blue lanes at your own pace. This is the end point of your tour.
Good to know
Best season
Spring and autumn are best for this wide geographic spread.
Pace and driving
Covers the Sahara, Atlantic and Rif. Expect a few longer driving days, broken up with full stops.
Who it suits
Travellers on their only trip to Morocco who want to see a wide range of regions.
What's included
- Private vehicle and driver for the whole itinerary
- Accommodation each night, with breakfast
- Airport transfers at the start and end
- A local guide in the medinas where a guide adds most
- A named contact in Marrakech throughout your trip
Not included
- International flights
- Lunches, dinners and drinks unless listed
- Entrance fees to monuments and sites
- Tips for your driver and guides
- Travel insurance
12-Day Cultural Tour of Morocco
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