8 Days Desert Tour from Rabat

The tour begins in Morocco's capital, Rabat , a modern city home to important historical treasures. After meeting your driver, you'll visit key monuments such as the Hassan Tower , an imposing, unfinished 12th-century minaret, and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V , a refined example of Moroccan architecture. You'll stroll through the evocative Kasbah of the Udayas , a fortified quarter overlooking the Atlantic, and admire the Royal Palace from the outside. In the afternoon, the journey continues north, passing through green landscapes and picturesque Rif villages until reaching Chefchaouen , the famous "blue city." Here you can stroll through its blue-painted streets, take unforgettable photographs, and soak up the relaxed atmosphere that makes it unique. Dinner and overnight stay in a traditional riad.

After breakfast, you'll have some more time to explore Chefchaouen , visiting the main square of Outa el Hammam , the kasbah, and the small artisan markets. We'll then head south to the fascinating Roman ruins of Volubilis , a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you'll have the opportunity to admire well-preserved mosaics, columns, arches, and the remnants of the Roman Empire's grandeur in North Africa. Next, we'll stop in Meknes , an imperial city boasting a rich architectural heritage: the majestic Bab Mansour gate , the vast Sahrij basin, and the royal stables of Moulay Ismail. In the late afternoon, we'll arrive in Fes , the cradle of Moroccan culture and spirituality, and settle into a riad in the medina.

This day is entirely dedicated to exploring the medieval city of Fez , considered one of the oldest and best-preserved medinas in the Arab world. With a local guide, you will visit the Bou Inania Madrasa , a masterpiece of Merinid art, and the historic Al-Qarawiyyin University , founded in 859 and considered the oldest university still in operation. You will admire the famous Chouara tanneries , where leather is processed using traditional methods, and wander through narrow streets filled with artisan workshops. The visit also includes the Jewish Quarter (Mellah), the golden gates of the Royal Palace , and panoramic viewpoints from which to observe the medina from above. The evening will be free to experience the magic of Fez at sunset and overnight stay.

After breakfast, the journey continues south through the mountainous landscapes of the Middle Atlas . The first stop is in Ifrane , known as the “Switzerland of Morocco” for its European architectural style and its orderly gardens. Further on, you will enter the cedar forest of Azrou , inhabited by Barbary apes, which you can observe in their natural environment. After a lunch break in Midelt , a city famous for growing apples, you will continue along the Ziz Gorges , where palm groves and ancient kasbahs create a spectacular landscape. Passing through Erfoud, known for its fossils and dates, you will reach Merzouga , at the gateway to the Sahara. Here, a camel awaits you for a trek through the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi at sunset. A typical dinner, music around the fire and an overnight stay in a cozy Berber camp under the stars.

Waking up will be memorable: you'll witness the sunrise in the silence of the desert, when the first rays of the sun paint the dunes a thousand shades. After breakfast, a full day dedicated to exploring the desert region will be dedicated to you. You'll visit the village of Khamlia , inhabited by a Gnawa community originally from sub-Saharan Africa, where you'll listen to their hypnotic traditional music. By 4x4, you'll meet nomadic families living in tents, discovering their simple and authentic way of life. Depending on the season, you'll admire Lake Dayet Srij , a refuge for flamingos and other migratory birds. The afternoon is free to relax or enjoy optional activities such as sandboarding and quad biking on the dunes. Overnight in the desert in a camp or kasbah hotel.

After breakfast, return by camel or jeep to Merzouga and depart for Rissani , a city linked to the Alawite dynasty and an important trading center for caravans. Here you can visit the traditional souk, famous for its dates and spices. The journey continues towards the spectacular Todra Gorges , a canyon of rocks up to 300 meters high, perfect for a walk along the river. In the afternoon, you will reach the Dades Valley , known as the "valley of a thousand kasbahs," dotted with ancient fortified villages, cultivated fields, and curious rock formations. Dinner and overnight stay in a typical guesthouse overlooking the valley.

Today you will travel through spectacular landscapes: the Valley of Roses , known for its production of essences and natural cosmetics, and the Skoura oasis with its palm trees and kasbahs. Arrive in Ouarzazate , nicknamed the "Hollywood of Africa" ​​for the numerous films shot in its film studios, where you will visit the Taourirt Kasbah. After lunch, stop at the magnificent Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah , a UNESCO World Heritage site and an extraordinary example of rammed-earth architecture. The afternoon will be spent crossing the High Atlas Mountains via the panoramic Tizi n'Tichka pass (2,260 m), dotted with Berber villages and breathtaking mountain scenery. In the evening, arrive in Marrakech and settle into a riad in the heart of the Medina.

The final day is dedicated to visiting vibrant Marrakech , the "Red City." Your guide will take you to the Koutoubia Mosque , the city's symbol, the sumptuous Bahia Palace with its gardens, and the Saadian Tombs , a testament to the Moroccan Renaissance. You'll wander through the narrow streets of the souks, a colorful labyrinth of spices, fabrics, and artisanal objects, until you reach the famous Jemaa el-Fnaa square , the beating heart of the city, bustling with storytellers, musicians, and food stalls. After the visit, you'll have free time or transfer to the airport. The tour will end with unforgettable memories of Morocco.