12 Days Morocco Tour from Fes: Imperial Cities and Desert

Your incredible 12-day journey through Morocco begins as soon as you land in Fes. A friendly driver will welcome you at the airport and take you to your cozy riad tucked away in the heart of the old Medina. If time allows, enjoy a first glimpse of Fes’ maze-like alleys and vibrant traditions. Settle in, relax, and get ready the adventure of a lifetime is just getting started.

Begin your day with a warm Moroccan breakfast before diving into the soul of Fes one of the oldest and most sacred cities in Morocco. Lose yourself in the labyrinth of its ancient medina, alive with colorful souks, artisans at work, and the aroma of spices. Discover timeless landmarks like the Attarine and Bou Anania Medersas, the ornate Nejjarine Fountain, the spiritual Moulay Idriss Mausoleum, and the historic Karaouine Mosque. End your adventure with sweeping views from the Merenid Tombs and a peaceful stroll through Fes Jdid before settling in for the night at your riad.

After breakfast, set off from Fes toward the mesmerizing Merzouga Desert, passing through a kaleidoscope of Moroccan landscapes. Your first stop is Ifrane, often called the "Switzerland of Morocco," with its alpine charm and snowy slopes. Then, stroll through the cedar forest of Azrou to meet the playful wild monkeys. Continue across the scenic High Atlas Mountains to the apple capital of Midelt, where you’ll pause for lunch. The journey then winds through the breathtaking Ziz Valley, offering panoramic views of lush oases and ancient kasbahs.

Today marks the most magical chapter of your 12 day Morocco journey from Fes. Begin with an off road adventure deep into the Sahara to meet a nomadic Berber family, sharing tea in their traditional wool tent. Then, head to the village of Khamlia for a encounter with Gnawa music and dance. After savoring a local desert pizza, your unforgettable camel trek begins riding across golden dunes as the sun melts into the horizon. The day ends beneath a canopy of stars in a luxury desert tent, where the rhythm of Berber drums and stories by the fire create a night you’ll never forget.

Wake up to one of the most unforgettable sunrises of your life as golden light spills across the Sahara dunes. After breakfast, head to Rissani to experience its authentic local market, alive with the trade of donkeys, goats, and traditional goods. Next, head to Erfoud to visit a fascinating fossil workshop, where ancient treasures from the Anti-Atlas Mountains are beautifully carved and displayed. After lunch, soak in the beauty of Tinghir Valley as you travel through its lush landscapes, stopping for sweeping panoramic views. Later, take a gentle walk through the dramatic Todra Gorges Morocco’s most breathtaking canyon before settling in for a restful overnight stay in the serene Dades Valley.

After breakfast, GO on a scenic drive through three breathtaking valleys Dades, Rose Valley, and the lush Skoura palm groves where nature blends beautifully with ancient Berber kasbahs. Enjoy lunch in cinematic Ouarzazate before visiting the iconic Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site and filming location for hits like Gladiator, Alexander, and Game of Thrones. In the afternoon, journey across the majestic High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, arriving in the city of Marrakech for an overnight stay in a charming riad within the old medina.

Today, get ready to uncover the magic of one of Morocco’s most iconic imperial cities Marrakech. With a local guide leading the way, you’ll explore the majestic Bahia Palace, the historic Ben Youssef Madrassa, and admire the grandeur of the Koutoubia Mosque. After a delicious local lunch, enjoy a peaceful stroll through one of Morocco’s most lush and gardens. Later, lose yourself in the energy of the legendary Jemaa El Fna Square, where performers, vendors, and storytellers create a lively atmosphere. As the day winds down, return to your nearby riad for a relaxing night.

Leaving Marrakech, we journey for three hours to the bustling metropolis of Casablanca, Morocco’s largest city and economic powerhouse. Home to over 8 million people, it offers a unique highlight of our Fes tour   a visit to the stunning Hassan II Mosque, the only mosque in Morocco open to non Muslim visitors. Towering over the Atlantic with a 210 meter minaret, it's the tallest religious structure in the world after Mecca. After admiring its architectural marvels, enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Casablanca Corniche before continuing north to Rabat for an overnight stay.

After breakfast, we begin our discovery of Morocco’s capital, Rabat   the second largest city after Casablanca. We’ll stroll through the coastal charm of the Oudaya Kasbah, then visit the iconic, yet unfinished, Hassan Tower. Next, catch a glimpse of royalty with a stop at the Royal Palace, followed by a journey through time at the ancient Chellah ruins   once touched by Berbers, Phoenicians, Romans, and Muslims. After lunch in the city, we head north through scenic landscapes to reach the magical blue washed town of Chefchaouen for an overnight stay in a charming riad.

Today offers a breath of calm and romance in what many consider Morocco’s most enchanting town   Chefchaouen. It’s a slow, soulful day during your 12 day journey, where you can relax in your riad and wander freely through the blue washed alleys at your own pace, without a guide or schedule. With the majestic Rif Mountains as your backdrop, this charming medina invites you to savor the peace, simplicity, and quiet magic of every step.

After breakfast, your journey winds through the lush Rif Mountains, passing peaceful Berber villages en route to the remarkable Roman ruins of Volubilis   Morocco’s best preserved archaeological site, famed for its stunning mosaics. After soaking in this ancient wonder and enjoying lunch, you’ll head to Meknes, the final imperial city of your 12 day Morocco tour.

There, explore the iconic Bab Al Mansour gate overlooking one of the country’s largest squares, and visit the grand Sahrij Swani basin, once an essential part of the city’s water system. By late afternoon, the road leads you back to the timeless city of Fes.

As your unforgettable 12 day Morocco adventure comes to a close, your driver will arrive on time to transfer you to Fes airport. With memories of cities, desert sunsets, and heartfelt moments still fresh, we hope every step of this journey from the sights to the experiences left you inspired. Thank you for exploring Morocco with us; it’s been a pleasure to share this magical country by your side.