17 Day Desert Tour From Marrakech
17 Day Desert Tour From Marrakech
Journey Through the Soul of Morocco: A 17-Day Grand Tour from Marrakech
17 Day Desert Tour From Marrakech : Embark on the ultimate Moroccan adventure. This meticulously crafted 17-day grand tour is designed for the discerning traveler who seeks more than just a glimpse.
It is a deep immersion into the heart and soul of Morocco, taking you from the bustling souks of imperial cities across the majestic Atlas Mountains to the silent, awe-inspiring expanse of the Sahara Desert and the rugged coastline of the Atlantic. This is a journey through time, culture, and breathtaking landscapes.
17 Day Desert Tour From Marrakech
17 Day Desert Tour From Marrakech
17-Day Morocco Tour Itinerary Experience
a 17-day Morocco tour from Marrakech to the Sahara Desert (Merzouga), with stops in Essaouira, Taghazout, Agadir, Aït Ben Haddou, Ouarzazate, Skoura, Dades Valley, Todra Gorge, Fes, Chefchaouen, Tangier, Rabat, and Casablanca.
This itinerary blends UNESCO World Heritage sites, authentic food, artisan souks, and unforgettable desert nights under the stars—ideal for couples, families, and small groups seeking a private, customizable adventure across Morocco.
Welcome to Morocco! Your driver meets you at Marrakech Menara Airport for a private transfer to your riad in the Medina or to a calm hotel in the Gueliz/Hivernage district.
Depending on arrival time:
- Gentle orientation walk through the souks and Jemaa el-Fna.
- Sunset tea on a rooftop terrace overlooking the Koutoubia Mosque.
- Optional hammam & spa to shake off jet lag.
- Overnight: Marrakech riad/hotel
Highlights: Koutoubia Mosque (exterior), Bahia Palace, Saadian Tombs, Ben Youssef Madrasa, souk quarters (dyers, metalworkers, spice market), the Secret Garden or Majorelle Garden & Yves Saint Laurent Museum (time-permitting).
Experiences:
- Walk the maze-like Medina with your licensed guide and learn bargaining etiquette.
- Taste fresh-squeezed orange juice, dates, and traditional pastries.
- Late-afternoon carriage (calèche) ride around the ramparts (optional).
Meals: Breakfast | Overnight: Marrakech
Drive: ~2.5–3 hours (190 km)
Highlights: Argan cooperatives, coastal dunes, Skala de la Ville ramparts, blue boats of the harbor, mellow medina alleys (UNESCO-listed cityscape).
Experiences:
- Stop at a women-run argan oil cooperative en route.
- Guided stroll along the Portuguese walls and artisan quarters (thuya wood, silver, inlaid marquetry).
- Fresh seafood lunch by the port and beach time or kite-surf vibes.
Meals: Breakfast | Overnight: Essaouira riad/hotel inside the Medina
Drive: ~3–3.5 hours (175 km)
Highlights: Surf village of Taghazout, panoramic clifftop viewpoints, Agadir’s seaside promenade.
Experiences:
- Coffee stop in Taghazout; optional surf lesson or coastal walk.
- Continue to Agadir for a relaxed afternoon on the corniche; optional Kasbah Oufella viewpoint at sunset.
Meals: Breakfast | Overnight: Agadir hotel
Drive: ~5–6 hours (350 km)
Highlights: Saffron fields and cooperatives of Talouine, weaving ateliers in Taznakht, the cinematic ksar of Aït Ben Haddou (UNESCO).
Experiences:
- Learn how saffron is harvested and graded (seasonal; best in Oct–Nov).
- Visit a cooperative in Taznakht to see traditional Amazigh carpet-making.
- Golden-hour arrival at Aït Ben Haddou for magical photos across the river.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner | Overnight: Guesthouse with views of the ksar
Drive: ~4–5 hours (170 km)
Highlights: Atlas cinema heritage in Ouarzazate, Kasbah Amridil in Skoura, the Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs, Dades Gorge switchbacks.
Experiences:
- Short walk through the mudbrick lanes of Kasbah Amridil.
- Scenic drives past rose fields (bloom in April–May) and fortress villages.
- Sunset viewpoints over Dades’ winding road and rock formations.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner | Overnight: Dades Valley auberge
Drive: ~4–5 hours (270 km)
Highlights: Sheer limestone cliffs of Todra, oasis towns of Tinejdad/Erfoud, first glimpse of the Sahara dunes.
Experiences:
- Gentle walk inside Todra Gorge along the riverbed.
- Arrive in Merzouga; late-afternoon camel trek or 4x4 to your desert camp.
- Desert camp: tea welcome, sandboarding, Berber drumming beneath a starry sky.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner | Overnight: Luxury or comfort desert camp in Erg Chebbi
Drive: Local 4x4 exploration (half-day)
Highlights: Fossil fields, Khamlia Gnawa village (music performance), nomadic encampments, seasonal lake Dayet Srij.
Experiences:
- Sunrise over dunes; optional quad biking or hot-air balloon (when available).
- Visit Khamlia for Gnawa rhythms and mint tea.
- Picnic-style lunch by the dunes or relaxed pool time at the kasbah.
- Golden-hour photo session; second night in camp or desert kasbah.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Overnight: Merzouga area
Drive: ~7–8 hours (460 km)
Highlights: Date-palm oases of Ziz Valley, Middle Atlas landscapes, cedar forests near Azrou, Alpine-style town of Ifrane.
Experiences:
- Scenic stop above the Ziz Gorges for panoramic photos.
- Breaks in Midelt (apple country) and Ifrane; see Barbary macaques near Azrou (ethical distance).
- Evening arrival to your riad in Fes’ ancient medina (Fes el-Bali).
Meals: Breakfast | Overnight: Fes riad
Highlights: Andalusian and Karaouiyine quarters, Nejjarine Fountain & Museum, Chouara tannery terraces, Medersa Bou Inania, artisan souks (brass, zellige tiles, leather).
Experiences:
- Explore hidden caravanserais and Quranic schools.
- Taste classic Fassi flavors: b’stilla, harira, and chebakia.
- Optional pottery workshop in the Ville Nouvelle for fine ceramics.
Meals: Breakfast | Overnight: Fes
Ideas for your leisure time:
- Cooking class with a local family.
- Hammam & spa or rooftop lounging.
- Day trip to Roman ruins of Volubilis & holy town of Moulay Idriss (optional add-on).
Meals: Breakfast | Overnight: Fes
Drive: ~3.5–4 hours (210 km)
Highlights: Rif Mountain scenery, photogenic alleys washed in indigo hues, relaxed squares and cats galore.
Experiences:
- Sunset from the Spanish Mosque viewpoint.
- Wander Outa el-Hammam square and Ras El-Maa waterfall steps.
Meals: Breakfast | Overnight: Chefchaouen riad
Drive: ~2.5–3 hours (115–120 km)
Highlights: Cape Spartel lighthouse, Caves of Hercules, lively Corniche and Grand Socco.
Experiences:
- Walk Tangier’s Kasbah and the medina lanes with literary echoes (Bowles, Matisse).
- Seaside dinner or café-crawl along the boulevard.
Meals: Breakfast | Overnight: Tangier hotel/riad
Drive: ~4–5 hours (340 km)
Highlights: Rabat’s Oudayas Kasbah & Andalusian Gardens, Hassan Tower & Mohammed V Mausoleum; Casablanca’s Atlantic skyline and Hassan II Mosque.
Experiences:
- Guided walk in Rabat’s UNESCO quarters.
- Late-afternoon tour of Hassan II Mosque (ticketed, schedule-dependent).
Meals: Breakfast | Overnight: Casablanca hotel (Corniche or city center)
Drive: ~2.5–3 hours (240 km)
Highlights: Smooth highway ride back to the Red City; free evening in Marrakech.
Experiences:
- Optional visit to the Art Deco district of Casablanca before departure.
Meals: Breakfast | Overnight: Marrakech
Ideas:
- Jardin Majorelle & YSL Museum (pre-book tickets), MACAAL contemporary art, or the House of Photography.
- Food tour: tanjia, msemen, b’stilla, and street-side snail soup for the adventurous.
- Half-day escape to the Agafay stone desert for sunset (optional) or Atlas foothill hike in Imlil.
Meals: Breakfast | Overnight: Marrakech
Transfer to Marrakech Menara Airport (or Casablanca if your flight departs there). Assistance with check-in and goodbyes—bslama!
17 days morocco desert tour from marrakech
What’s Included (Sample)
- Private, air-conditioned vehicle with English /French-speaking driver throughout
- Licensed local guides in Marrakech, Fes,
- 15 nights in handpicked riads/hotels + 1 night in desert camp (upgradeable)
- Daily breakfasts; 4 dinners in the desert
- Camel trek in Erg Chebbi, 4x4 desert tour in Merzouga
- Airport transfers on arrival & departure
Not Included
- International flights, travel insurance
- Lunches, drinks, and dinners unless specified
- Entrance fees, activities marked optional, tips and personal expenses
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the best time of year to do this Morocco tour?
Spring (March–June) and autumn (Sept–Nov) offer the best balance of pleasant weather and lively landscapes. Summer is hot inland but perfect for the coast. Winter nights in the desert can be chilly.
2. Do I need a visa to visit Morocco?
Most travelers from Europe, North America, and many other regions can enter visa-free for up to 90 days. Always check your country’s latest requirements before traveling.
3. Is the Sahara Desert camp comfortable?
Yes—our desert camps offer private tents with proper bedding, showers, and meals. Luxury camp upgrades include en-suite bathrooms and more amenities.
4. How long are the driving days?
Some days involve 6–8 hours of driving, especially across the Atlas Mountains or from the Sahara to Fes. Rest/p