Overview
Embark on an extraordinary 12 days Morocco Tour from Rabat, from the diplomatic capital of Rabat to the historic cities of the north, through the Sahara Desert, and into the heart of imperial Morocco. This comprehensive tour combines coastal charm, desert magic, and imperial grandeur for an unforgettable Moroccan experience.
- Duration: 12 days/11 nights
- Start: Rabat
- End: Rabat
- Tour Style: Private
Highlights of the 12 days Morocco Tour from Rabat
- Discover four majestic imperial cities - Rabat, Fez, Meknes, and Marrakech - each showcasing Morocco's royal heritage and architectural splendor.
- Experience the captivating beauty of Chefchaouen's blue-washed medina, nestled in the Rif Mountains, offering a photographer's paradise and cultural immersion.
- Journey through diverse landscapes, from the Mediterranean coast to the Atlas Mountains, witnessing Morocco's dramatic geographical transitions.
- Stay overnight in a luxury desert camp amidst the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi, complete with camel trekking, traditional music, and stargazing.
- Explore UNESCO World Heritage sites including the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis and the spectacular kasbah of Ait Benhaddou.
- Discover authentic Moroccan culture through encounters with nomadic families, visits to traditional markets, and experiencing Gnawa music.
- Marvel at architectural wonders like the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca and the intricate palaces and gardens of Marrakech.
Why private 12 days Morocco Tour from Rabat
This expertly crafted itinerary offers an immersive exploration of Morocco’s diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Beginning in Rabat, you’ll journey along the Atlantic coast to discover charming coastal towns before venturing inland to experience the country’s most iconic destinations. From the blue-washed streets of Chefchaouen to the golden dunes of the Sahara, from ancient Roman ruins to imperial cities, this tour provides a perfect blend of cultural discovery and natural wonder.
itinerary
This exclusive 10-day tour includes luxury accommodation in carefully selected riads and hotels, professional English-speaking drivers and guides, daily breakfasts and selected dinners, entrance fees to monuments, and comfortable transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle.
Day 1: Airport ⇢ Rabat
Begin your Moroccan adventure with a warm welcome from your professional driver at either Rabat or Casablanca airport. Enjoy a comfortable transfer to your carefully selected hotel in Rabat, Morocco’s elegant capital city, where you’ll rest and prepare for the exciting journey ahead.
Travel distance: 15-100 KM
(depending on arrival airport)
Places to see: Modern Rabat, Diplomatic Quarter
Highlights: airport welcome, orientation briefing, hotel check-in
Day 2: Rabat ⇢ Asilah
Discover Rabat’s magnificent monuments, beginning with the picturesque Oudaya Kasbah overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Explore the romantic ruins of Chellah, a medieval fortified necropolis. Visit the iconic Hassan Tower and the ornate Mausoleum of Mohammed V. After lunch, journey along the Atlantic coast to the artistic town of Asilah, known for its whitewashed medina and vibrant cultural scene.
Travel distance: 250 KM
Places to see: Oudaya Kasbah, Chellah, Hassan Tower, Royal Palace, Asilah Medina
Highlights: imperial architecture, coastal drive, artistic town
Day 3: Asilah ⇢ Tangier ⇢ Chefchaouen
Begin your day exploring Asilah’s artistic medina before journeying along the coastline to where two seas meet. Experience the mythical Caves of Hercules, carved by the waves of the Atlantic, and visit Cape Spartel, the northwestern tip of Africa where the Mediterranean and Atlantic waters converge. After lunch in the cosmopolitan city of Tangier, traverse the scenic Rif Mountains via Tetouan to reach the enchanting blue city of Chefchaouen.
Travel distance: 180 KM
Places to see: Asilah Medina, Hercules Caves, Cape Spartel, Tetouan, Rif Mountains
Highlights: coastal scenery, geological wonders, mountain landscapes
Day 4: Chefchaouen ⇢ Volubilis ⇢ Meknes ⇢ Fez
Spend a leisurely morning exploring Chefchaouen’s mesmerizing blue-washed streets. Wander through its picturesque alleys, discover hidden squares, and capture the unique beauty of this mountain town. In the afternoon, journey to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Volubilis to explore North Africa’s best-preserved Roman ruins. Continue to the imperial city of Meknes before reaching the cultural capital of Fez.
Travel distance: 250 KM
Places to see: Chefchaouen Medina, Volubilis Archaeological Site, Meknes Imperial City
Highlights: blue city photography, Roman history, imperial architecture
Day 5: Fez Guided Tour
Embark on a fascinating journey through Fez’s UNESCO-protected medina with an expert local guide. Begin at the magnificent Golden Gates of the Royal Palace and explore the historic Jewish Quarter. Venture deep into the medieval medina to discover the world’s oldest university, Al-Quaraouiyine, and witness the ancient craft of leather-making at the famous tanneries. After lunch, visit the Al-Karaouine Mosque and the beautifully restored Nejjarine Fountain. Enjoy free time to explore the traditional souks.
Travel distance: Walking tour
Places to see: Royal Palace, Jewish Quarter, Al-Quaraouiyine University, Tanneries, Al-Karaouine Mosque
Highlights: medieval architecture, traditional crafts, Islamic scholarship
Day 6: Fez ⇢ Ifrane ⇢ Merzouga
Journey from the green heartland of Morocco to the edge of the Sahara Desert. Stop in Ifrane, known as “Little Switzerland” for its Alpine architecture, then visit the Cedar Forest to see wild Barbary macaques. After lunch in Midelt, Morocco’s apple capital, cross the High Atlas Mountains and travel through the dramatic Ziz Valley, witnessing the landscape transform from mountains to desert. Arrive in Merzouga as the sun sets over the golden dunes.
Travel distance: 420 KM
Places to see: Ifrane, Cedar Forest, Atlas Mountains, Ziz Valley, Merzouga Desert
Highlights: diverse landscapes, wildlife viewing, desert gateway
Day 7: Merzouga Desert Adventure
Experience the magic of the Sahara with a day of desert exploration. Begin with an off-road adventure to visit nomadic families in their traditional tents, learning about their unique way of life. Continue to the village of Khamlia to experience the spiritual Gnawa music of the Sahara’s African descendants. After a traditional lunch, embark on a sunset camel trek across the magnificent Erg Chebbi dunes to your luxury desert camp. Spend an unforgettable evening under the stars, enjoying traditional music and drumming around the campfire.
Travel distance: Desert exploration
Places to see: Nomadic Camps, Khamlia Village, Erg Chebbi Dunes
Highlights: desert culture, traditional music, camel trek, stargazing
Day 8: Merzouga ⇢ Todra Gorges ⇢ Dades Valley
Wake early to witness a spectacular desert sunrise before departing for the Dades Valley. Visit the traditional market in Rissani, known for its authentic atmosphere and local livestock trading. Journey through dramatic landscapes to reach the impressive Todra Gorges, where massive cliff walls create a natural corridor reaching heights of 300 meters. Take time to walk through this magnificent canyon before continuing to your comfortable accommodation in the Dades Valley.
Travel distance: 350 KM
Places to see: Erg Chebbi Dunes, Rissani Market, Todra Gorges, Dades Valley
Highlights: desert sunrise, traditional markets, canyon landscapes
Day 9: Dades Valley ⇢ Ouarzazate ⇢ Ait Benhaddou ⇢ Marrakech
Travel through the Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs to Ouarzazate, Morocco’s film industry hub. Visit the Atlas Film Studios and the restored Taourirt Kasbah. Continue to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Benhaddou, a spectacular fortified village that has served as a backdrop for numerous Hollywood productions. Cross the High Atlas Mountains via the scenic Tizi n’Tichka pass to reach the magical city of Marrakech.
Travel distance: 320 KM
Places to see: Film Studios, Taourirt Kasbah, Ait Benhaddou, Atlas Mountains
Highlights: film locations, traditional architecture, mountain scenery
Day 10: Marrakech Guided Tour
Discover the imperial city of Marrakech with an expert local guide. Begin at the peaceful Majorelle Gardens, restored by Yves Saint Laurent. Explore the ornate Bahia Palace, the historic Ben Youssef Madrasa, and the towering Koutoubia Mosque. Navigate the bustling souks before experiencing the famous Jemaa el-Fna square, where storytellers, musicians, and performers create an unforgettable atmosphere.
Travel distance: City tour
Places to see: Majorelle Gardens, Bahia Palace, Ben Youssef Madrasa, Koutoubia Mosque, Jemaa el-Fna
Highlights: botanical gardens, imperial architecture, traditional markets
Day 11: Marrakech ⇢ Casablanca ⇢ Rabat
Journey to Casablanca to visit the magnificent Hassan II Mosque, Morocco’s religious masterpiece and the largest mosque in Africa. After a guided tour of this architectural wonder, continue to Rabat for your final night in Morocco’s capital city.
Travel distance: 450 KM
Places to see: Hassan II Mosque, Casablanca Corniche, Rabat
Highlights: religious architecture, coastal views, modern Morocco
Day 12: Rabat ⇢ Airport Departure
Conclude your Moroccan adventure with a transfer to your departure airport. Leave with unforgettable memories of imperial cities, desert adventures, and the warm hospitality of the Moroccan people.
Travel distance: 15-100 KM (depending on departure airport)
Places to see: Departure Airport
Highlights: final farewells, departure assistance
Inclusive and Exclusive of the tour
Inclusive
- Pick-up at your Hotel or Riad.
- Comfortable, air-conditioned 4x4, van/minibus.
- Driver/guide speaking English
- Exciting camel trekking
- Experience through the Erg Chebbi dunes
- 11 Dinners
- 11 Breakfasts
Exclusive
- Lunches
- Beverages
- Entrance fees, when needed
- Tips (optional)
- Anything not in inclusive
Price of 12 days Morocco Tour from Rabat
Map of the tour
Book this tour now
Know Before You Go
When making your reservation, please be sure to communicate any dietary restrictions such as vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free preferences. Rest assured, we are committed to accommodating your specific meal preferences during your trip to ensure an enjoyable dining experience.
Throughout the desert tour, your guide will recommend lunch stops at local restaurants offering fresh, healthy options. However, if you have a particular restaurant in mind, feel free to inform your guide, and they will gladly assist in making it part of your journey.
For those seeking an added thrill, consider exciting activities like quad biking or buggy driving in the stunning Erg Chebbi Dunes. If you’re interested in these exhilarating desert experiences, just let your guide know, and they’ll help arrange the perfect adventure to enhance your trip.
To make the most of your desert experience, consider upgrading to our 5-day tour from Marrakech to Merzouga. This extended itinerary includes an extra night in Dades Gorges and another night in Ouarzazate, allowing you more time to explore the breathtaking landscapes and rich culture of Morocco. This tour breaks up the longer drive and offers a more relaxed pace, making it an ideal choice for those looking to fully experience the journey.
If you’re limited on time, a 4-day tour from Marrakech to Merzouga might be a great option. This 4-day desert tour offers a perfect balance of exploration and adventure, giving you ample time to explore the Merzouga desert and its surroundings.
For those with only three days to spare, our 3-day desert tour from Marrakech provides a faster yet fulfilling experience. Please note, however, that this option includes just one night in the desert, ideal for travelers with limited time who want to experience Morocco’s desert landscapes without the extended driving.
If you have an even tighter schedule, the 2-day tour from Marrakech to Merzouga is an excellent choice. Although shorter, it still provides a glimpse into the magic of the desert, with the highlights of Merzouga and the Sahara dunes.
No matter your choice, our goal is to provide you with an unforgettable desert adventure tailored to your interests and schedule.
Food Alergies
Please inform us of any allergies or dietary restrictions you may have. We provide helpful information for vegans and vegetarians and will do our utmost to accommodate your needs, ensuring this information is communicated to your driver and hotels.
However, please be aware of the following considerations: We cannot guarantee the absence of allergen traces in containers, bags, or kitchens, as Morocco’s food standards may differ from those in your country. If any member of your tour has severe allergies, it is advisable to bring appropriate food items. Additionally, we cannot control potential insect encounters.
We recommend exercising extra caution in any uncertain situations.
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FaQ
What type of vehicles are used for the trip ?
What a great inquiry! “Private desert trips” require comfortable transportation. For groups bigger than 8, we employ Land Cruiser TXs, Ford 8-seater vans, Mercedes Bens Sprinter minibuses, and a variety of other comfortable vehicles.What a great inquiry! “Private desert trips” require comfortable transportation. For groups bigger than 8, we employ Land Cruiser TXs, Ford 8-seater vans, Mercedes Bens Sprinter minibuses, and a variety of other comfortable vehicles.
How far in advance should we book this tour ?
Making your vacation plans as soon as you can is encouraged because the early bird gets the worm.
How to pay for the tour ?
Initially, we ask that a small deposit be given to our account via PayPal during the booking procedure. Second, the balance must be paid in cash and should be handed to our driver/guide on the first day of the tour in euros, dollars, or the equivalent in dirhams.
How do i take my luggage to the camp?
At the start of your camel trek, a 4×4 vehicle will convey your luggage. As a result, your bags will be there when you arrive at the camp.
Is it possible to have vegetarian food or vegan food?
Serving vegan or vegetarian food is possible. On the first day of your trip, please email me or let your driver/guide know as soon as you can.
I don’t want to ride camels to the camp, how i do I reach the camp?
If you don’t want to ride a camel, we can transport you to the camp in a 4 × 4 vehicle.