12 days and 11 nights · Round trip from Casablanca
Classical Morocco Tour: 12 Day Private Tour
From US$2,110 per person
Overview · Route map · At a glance · Day by day · What’s included · Prices
Overview
About this 12 day journey
This is Morocco as it is meant to be seen, a privately guided journey through imperial cities, mountain valleys, and the golden dunes of the Sahara, with boutique riad stays and a guide who knows the stories behind every gate. Twelve days gives the country room to breathe, so you arrive in each place with time to enjoy it.
You begin at the Hassan II Mosque on the Atlantic, travel north to Rabat and the blue lanes of Chefchaouen, and then walk the Roman streets of Volubilis and the medieval medina of Fez. From there the road climbs through cedar forests to the Sahara, where a camel caravan carries you to a luxury camp among the dunes, before the Dades Valley, Ait Benhaddou, and three nights in Marrakech.
Highlights
Hassan II Mosque
One of the few mosques open to non Muslims, set on the edge of the Atlantic, and a powerful first impression of Moroccan craftsmanship.
Roman and imperial history
Volubilis, Moulay Idriss, and the monumental gates and granaries of Meknes in a single day.
A night in the Sahara
Camels into the Erg Chebbi dunes at sunset, dinner, storytelling, and music under the stars.
The Blue Pearl
An evening in Chefchaouen, with a guided medina walk, the Kasbah Museum, and sunset views from the Spanish Mosque.
Fez el Bali
A full day in the medieval medina with its madrasas, tanneries, and artisan quarters, plus lunch in a traditional riad.
Marrakech in depth
Palaces, tombs, and gardens over three nights, with the royal Menara and Agdal gardens on a relaxed day.
Route map
Where this journey takes you
Duration12 days and 11 nights, fully private
Start and EndCasablanca airport on Day 1, and Casablanca airport on Day 12
StyleBoutique riads, comfortable hotels, and a luxury desert camp with a private tent
NightsRabat 1, Chefchaouen 1, Fez 2, Merzouga 2 (lodge and camp), Dades Valley 1, Marrakech 3, Casablanca 1
Travel PaceModerate. Longer scenic drives on the way to the desert, balanced by full days in Fez and Marrakech
Route
Casablanca · Rabat · Chefchaouen · Volubilis · Moulay Idriss · Meknes · Fez · Ifrane · Azrou · Midelt · Merzouga · Rissani · Todra Gorge · Dades Valley · Skoura · Ait Benhaddou · Marrakech
Itinerary at a glance
Your trip in brief
| Day | Where you go | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Casablanca and the Hassan II Mosque | Riad in Rabat |
| Day 2 | Through the Rif to Chefchaouen | Riad in Chefchaouen |
| Day 3 | Roman Ruins, a Holy Town, and Imperial Meknes | Riad in Fez |
| Day 4 | Discovering Fez | Riad in Fez |
| Day 5 | The Middle Atlas and the Ziz Valley to the Sahara | Lodge in Merzouga |
| Day 6 | Desert Markets and a Camel Trek into the Sahara | Luxury desert camp |
| Day 7 | Sunrise over the Dunes, Todra Gorge, and the Dades Valley | Hotel in the Dades Valley |
| Day 8 | Kasbahs, Ait Benhaddou, and Over the High Atlas | Riad in Marrakech |
| Day 9 | Marrakech: Palaces and Gardens | Riad in Marrakech |
| Day 10 | The Gardens of Marrakech: A Leisure Day | Riad in Marrakech |
| Day 11 | Marrakech to Casablanca: A Seaside Evening | Hotel in Casablanca |
| Day 12 | Farewell to Morocco | Departure |
Full itinerary
Day by day
Day 1
Casablanca and the Hassan II Mosque
Casablanca to Rabat
Your Moroccan journey begins at Mohammed V International Airport, where your driver guide greets you and takes care of everything from the first minute. Your first stop is the majestic Hassan II Mosque, a marvel of Moroccan craftsmanship set along the Atlantic coast. It is one of the few mosques open to non Muslims, and its soaring minaret, carved cedar, and hand cut mosaics make an inspiring introduction to Moroccan spirituality and artistry.
Then you travel north along the coast to Rabat, the capital. You settle into your riad in the medina, with time to unwind or take a short stroll to the nearby Kasbah of the Udayas before dinner.
Overnight: Riad in Rabat
Day 2
Through the Rif to Chefchaouen
Rabat to Chefchaouen
After breakfast you leave Rabat and head into the Rif Mountains, past rolling hills and rural landscapes. By early afternoon you reach Chefchaouen, set in a mountain valley and painted in every shade of blue.
After checking in to your riad, a guided walk takes you through the medina, with time for artisan workshops, peaceful courtyards, and small squares. Visit the restored Kasbah Museum, then watch the sun set over the mountains from the Spanish Mosque, with the whole blue town spread out below you.
Overnight: Riad in Chefchaouen
Day 3
Roman Ruins, a Holy Town, and Imperial Meknes
Chefchaouen to Volubilis to Moulay Idriss to Meknes to Fez
This morning you drive south through olive groves and farmland to the Roman ruins of Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Walk among ancient columns, temples, and intricate mosaics that speak to Morocco’s Roman past. A short stop in Moulay Idriss, the whitewashed holy town on its twin hills, offers a glimpse into local spiritual traditions.
The journey continues to Meknes, once the capital of Sultan Moulay Ismail, where you visit the great gate of Bab Mansour, the royal granaries, and lively El Hedim Square. By late afternoon you reach Fez and settle into your riad inside the old medina.
Overnight: Riad in Fez
Day 4
Discovering Fez
Fez
Today belongs to Fez, Morocco’s oldest imperial city and its cultural heart. You begin with a panoramic view of the medina from the Merenid Tombs, then enter the winding alleys of the ninth century city with your guide.
Visit the Al Quaraouiyine University, the Bou Inania Madrasa, the famous tanneries, and the beautiful Nejjarine Fountain. Lunch is in a traditional riad, and the afternoon is spent wandering among artisans, spice stalls, and lively souks.
Overnight: Riad in Fez
Day 5
The Middle Atlas and the Ziz Valley to the Sahara
Fez to Ifrane to Azrou to Midelt to Merzouga
You leave the energy of Fez behind and climb into the Middle Atlas Mountains, stopping in Ifrane, a town known for its alpine style architecture. Continue to Azrou, where cedar forests are home to Barbary macaques, then enjoy lunch in Midelt.
In the afternoon the road follows the striking Ziz Valley, lined with palm trees and kasbahs, until you reach the edge of the Sahara. Your lodge in Merzouga faces the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi, a peaceful setting for rest and a traditional dinner.
Overnight: Lodge in Merzouga
Day 6
Desert Markets and a Camel Trek into the Sahara
Rissani and Merzouga
After breakfast, a short drive takes you to Rissani, where you explore the traditional souk and visit a fortified ksar that reflects the region’s caravan heritage. You return to Merzouga to prepare for your desert adventure.
In the late afternoon you ride camels into the towering dunes as the sun begins to set. Your luxury camp awaits among the sands, where you enjoy dinner, storytelling, and music under a sky full of stars.
Overnight: Luxury desert camp
Day 7
Sunrise over the Dunes, Todra Gorge, and the Dades Valley
Merzouga to Todra Gorge to Dades Valley
Begin the day with sunrise over the dunes, then return to Merzouga by camel or four wheel drive. You travel through the Tafilalt region to the spectacular Todra Gorge, where canyon walls rise dramatically above the riverbed, and take a short walk through its cool shade.
The road continues into the Dades Valley, known for its fortified villages, kasbahs, and unusual rock formations, where you spend the night.
Overnight: Hotel in the Dades Valley
Day 8
Kasbahs, Ait Benhaddou, and Over the High Atlas
Dades Valley to Skoura to Ait Benhaddou to Marrakech
Follow the scenic Road of a Thousand Kasbahs to the palm filled Skoura Oasis, where you explore the beautifully preserved Kasbah Amridil. Continue to the red earth ksar of Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site featured in many films, and take a guided walk through the village.
Then you cross the High Atlas Mountains by the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, with views at every bend, before arriving in the red city of Marrakech.
Overnight: Riad in Marrakech
Day 9
Marrakech: Palaces and Gardens
Marrakech
Explore the rich history of Marrakech on a full day guided tour. Visit the Koutoubia Mosque, the Saadian Tombs, and the Bahia Palace, then continue through the lively souks and enjoy lunch in a restored riad.
In the afternoon visit the Majorelle Garden and, if you wish, the Yves Saint Laurent Museum. Return to your riad for a relaxing evening.
Overnight: Riad in Marrakech
Day 10
The Gardens of Marrakech: A Leisure Day
Marrakech
A relaxed day dedicated to Marrakech’s famous gardens and cultural spaces. Visit the Menara Gardens and the Agdal Gardens, two large royal estates with historic irrigation systems.
Optional experiences include a traditional hammam or a Moroccan cooking class. The evening is free to enjoy one of the city’s renowned restaurants.
Overnight: Riad in Marrakech
Day 11
Marrakech to Casablanca: A Seaside Evening
Marrakech to Casablanca
You leave Marrakech and travel to Casablanca. After you check in to your hotel, the afternoon is at leisure. Explore the city’s Art Deco avenues, walk along the Atlantic Corniche, or relax at a seaside cafe as the journey comes full circle.
Overnight: Hotel in Casablanca
Day 12
Farewell to Morocco
Casablanca Airport
After breakfast you are transferred to Casablanca airport for your flight home, carrying with you a country’s worth of colors, flavors, and memories.
What’s included
Inclusions and exclusions
Included
- Private, air conditioned vehicle (4×4 or comfortable minivan) with a professional English speaking driver guide throughout
- 11 nights in handpicked riads and hotels with en suite bathrooms, including a luxury desert camp with a private tent and proper bedding
- Daily breakfast, a traditional lunch in Fez, and dinner at the desert camp
- Licensed local city guides where a guided visit is described
- All entrance fees to the monuments and sites mentioned in the itinerary
- Camel trek in the Erg Chebbi dunes (one camel per person)
- All fuel, tolls, parking fees, and applicable taxes
- Bottled water in the vehicle, and 24 hour support during your trip
Not included
- International airfare
- Travel insurance (highly recommended)
- Lunches and dinners not listed in the itinerary
- Drinks and personal expenses
- Gratuities for guides and drivers, at your discretion
- Optional activities not listed in the itinerary
Prices
Classical Morocco Tour prices
Every tour is private, so the price per person depends on how many of you travel together and the accommodation level you choose: Affordable Comfort (3 star hotels and riads), Classic Comfort (4 star riads), Affordable Luxury (4 and 5 star riads) or Deluxe Luxury (5 star riads). Prices are per person for the whole 12 day tour, based on two people sharing a room.
| Group size | Affordable Comfort | Classic Comfort | Affordable Luxury | Deluxe Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 traveler (own room) | US$8,270 | US$9,150 | US$10,250 | US$12,450 |
| 2 travelers | US$4,310 | US$4,750 | US$5,300 | US$6,400 |
| 3 travelers | US$3,210 | US$3,650 | US$4,200 | US$5,300 |
| 4 travelers | US$2,660 | US$3,100 | US$3,650 | US$4,750 |
| 5 travelers | US$2,330 | US$2,770 | US$3,320 | US$4,420 |
| 6 travelers | US$2,110 | US$2,550 | US$3,100 | US$4,200 |
| Single room supplement, whole tour | Affordable Comfort | Classic Comfort | Affordable Luxury | Deluxe Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Per single room | US$660 | US$1,100 | US$1,650 | US$2,750 |
Included: 11 nights with breakfast, your private vehicle with fuel, tolls and parking, your licensed guide for every day of the tour, entrance fees to the sites on the itinerary, 3 dinners in the places where you stay outside the cities. For groups larger than 6 travelers, ask me for the exact price. A 10% supplement applies to dates between 20 December and 5 January. How my prices work.
Good to know
Before you book
Customization
This itinerary is private and flexible. If you wish to add a night, skip a stop, or change the pace, I will shape the journey around you.
Pickup and drop off
Pickup on Day 1 and drop off on the last day are included. Tell me your flight details and we will plan the timing around them.
Booking and cancellation
A 50% deposit confirms your booking and the balance is due 60 days before the tour starts. Cancellation refunds are 100% for 30 or more days before departure, 50% for 15 to 29 days, 25% for 7 to 14 days, and none under 7 days.
What travelers say
Rated 4.9 on TripAdvisor
Guest reviews written since 2012. Read the reviews on TripAdvisor.
“The ONLY way to see Morocco is with Hassan Bouaouina.”
Young766, TripAdvisor, 2012
“Hassan has a contagious passion for Morocco… I felt safe and taken care of.”
Viator, 5 day desert trip, 2018
“Hassan quickly became more like a brother to us than a guide.”
michalotte02, tourHQ, 2023
Before you go
Read before you travel
- Fez to Merzouga: 2 or 3 Days, the Route, and Merzouga or Zagora
- Fez to Chefchaouen: Day Trip or Overnight?
- Do You Need a Guide in the Fez Medina?
For visas, money, transport and seasons, see the full Morocco Travel Guide or browse the travel blog.
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