Tour details
$950
Tour Overview – Private 7-Day Rabat to Marrakech
Begin an unforgettable week-long experience in Morocco with our carefully planned 7-day itinerary starting in Rabat. Over 7 days and 6 nights, you will explore the impressive highlights in Northern and Southern Morocco. Your journey starts in the North, beginning in Rabat, the vibrant capital of Morocco, and continues to Chefchaouen, the beautiful Blue City. Visit the impressive Roman ruins of Volubilis and visit the old capital of the Ismailis, Meknes. Move on to Fes, known for its ancient medina and being the spiritual heart of Morocco.
Next, you will go to Ifrane, nicknamed ‘Morocco’s Switzerland,’ where you can enjoy a lovely walk through cedar forests filled with Barbary macaques. Then, you will travel through Midelt and the impressive Ziz Valley, stopping at the traditional market in Rissani and visiting Erfoud, famous for fossils. Then, continue the journey to the Merzouga Sahara Desert, where you will camel trek across the incredible dunes and spend a magical evening under the stars in a luxury desert camp with sunset and sunrise views over the Erg Chebbi dunes.
Experience the beautiful Todra and Dades Gorges and their incredible scenery and rock formations. Explore the famous Kasbah of Aït Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site noted for its stunning Moroccan architectural style and its fame as a movie location. Finish your journey by crossing the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi-n-Tichka Pass to Marrakech, where you can have a guided tour of the city’s fascinating souks and palaces, as well as the lively Djemaa El Fna square.
This carefully planned itinerary offers rich culture, stunning natural beauty, and real Moroccan experiences, making this a perfect week-long trip exploring the diversity and magic of Morocco.
Detailed Itinerary – 7 Days Morocco Tour from Rabat
01
DAY 01 - Arrival in Rabat Airport
Upon arrival at Rabat airport, you will receive a warm welcome and be transferred to your hotel in Morocco's capital and imperial city. Start your journey by visiting iconic landmarks, including the remarkable Hassan Tower, the grand mausoleum of Mohammed V, and the atmospheric Oudaya Kasbah: an old fortress with winding walkways and delightful gardens overlooking the ocean. You may choose to take your time enjoying dinner throughout the night, not only enjoying Moroccan foods but also the vibe of Rabat, which is both soothing and vibrant at the same time.
- Drive: Tangier to Chefchaouen- approx. 113 km (around 2 hr 30 mins)
02
DAY 02 - Rabat ⇢ Rif Mountain ⇢ Chefchaouen
After having a Moroccan breakfast, travel north through Ouazzane into the verdant Rif Mountains, arriving at Chefchaouen, the beautiful Blue City, with its blue-washed houses lining the winding streets. Wander in the narrow, winding alleyways of the old Medina, and experience the shops filled with handwoven carpets, beautiful pottery, and other unique craft items from the region. Visit the old Kasbah located in the middle of the Medina for its inner garden and the ethnographic museum dedicated to the history of the region inside. You may also choose to hike up to the Spanish Mosque to get a panoramic view of the city at sunset
Finally, enjoy a delightful overnight stay in a lovely riad while basking in the comforts of mountain hospitality!
- Drive: Rabat to Chefchaouen - approx. 258 km (around 4 hr 40 mins)
03
DAY 03 - Chefchaouen ⇢ Volubilis ⇢ Meknes ⇢ Fes
The next morning you will leave Chefchaouen, and begin your journey to Fes. First we will stop in Ouazzane and then continue to the Roman ruins. When we arrive to the ruins in Volubilis (which is a UNESCO World Heritage site), you will see the most beautiful remains of Mosaic pillars and walls that were built in the 3rd century B.C.
After an informative guided tour with your local guide who will provide more details about the history of the Roman Empire, we will drive to Meknes. Meknes is also another imperial city of Morocco and it is the Ismaili metropolis in Morocco.
In Meknes, your guided visit sites will include the beautiful Bab Mansour gate, the Sahrij Souani Granary, which is water catchment and irrigation system for plantation, and finally, the mausoleum of Moulay Ismail. You will finally continue to Fes and your driver will drop you off at your riad for the evening.
- Drive: Chefchaouen to Fez- approx. 258 km (around 4 hr 40 mins)
04
DAY 04 - Guided Exploration of Fes
This day is spent experiencing the spiritual city of Morocco Fes. Most of the day will be spent exploring the Old Medina of Fes, which is a cacophony as never-ending as it is lovely. You will start first by visiting the royal palace with its large arched seven doors. Next to it is Mellah (the Jewish Quarter). After that you will wander down narrow alleys exploring the historical sights including AL-QUARRAOUINE University, which is the oldest university in the world. You will then go to the Chouara Tannery, where you will be watching workers tanning leather in the most dramatic of ways. Along with some local artisan places, such as Seffarine and Attarine.
After lunch, at one of the local traditional restaurant in Boujloud (the main entry to the old city), you will go outside of the old town to view a stunning perspective of the entire city. Lastly, you will return to the same riad that you stayed at the other night.
05
DAY 05 - Fes ⇢ Ifrane ⇢ Middle Atlas Mountains ⇢ Ziz Valley ⇢ Merzouga desert
After breakfast, we will depart from Fes en route to Merzouga, with our journey commencing as we drive across the Middle Atlas Mountains. En route, you will see delightful Berber villages. Our first stop will be Ifrane, the well-known Moroccan ski resort, also called “Little Switzerland." Afterwards, we continue to the beautiful cedar forests, where you may get a chance to see Barbary macaques swinging between the trees.
We will then stop for lunch in Midelt before continuing towards the spectacular Ziz Valley, where you can experience some very impressive panoramic views and have all the time you want to take more awesome pictures. As we continue to drive, views continue after passing through Errachidia, Erfoud, and Rissani.
Finally, we will arrive in Merzouga, and you will be welcomed with a nice glass of mint tea. We will then embark on a camel ride into the golden dunes to see a breathtaking sunset. After sunset, you will relax on a dune before riding the camels to your desert camp, located in the heart of the Sahara, where you'll enjoy dinner, some traditional music, and an overnight stay beneath the vast starry nights.
- Drive: Fes to Merzouga – approx. 486 km (around 7 hours)
06
DAY 06 - Merzouga Desert ⇢ Rissani ⇢ Todra Gorge ⇢ Dades Valley
Wake up early to watch the stunning sunrise over the high dunes, then have breakfast at the camp, and then ride the camels back to Merzouga, enjoying views of the Erg Chebbi sandy dunes. Once you return to Merzouga, we will drive to Tinghir to visit the Todra Gorges, which are the narrowest and tallest gorges in Morocco. In the first place, you will hike in the valley while exploring the narrow canyons.
After that, we will travel to the Dades Valley, carved out of the cliff and referred to as the "monkey toes." During the ride you will pass by the beautiful castle sands, where you can stop and take pictures. Overnight will be in the Dades Gorges, in a beautiful riad overlooking the gorges.
- Drive: Boumalne Dades to Marrakech – approx. 359 km (around 5–6 hours)
07
DAY 07 - Dades Valley ⇢ Ouarzazate ⇢ Ait Ben Haddou ⇢ High Atlas Mountains ⇢ Marrakech
The following day, after your breakfast, we will leave the Dades Gorges, and we will head to Kalaat M'gouna. This exceptional road to the rose valley is known as the road of a thousand Kasbahs; you will have opportunities to take pictures. Then, we will be in the Rose Valley, which is the only place in Morocco that extracts the natural rose water used in cosmetics and anti-wrinkle products.
Then, we will continue to Ouarzazate, also called the Moroccan Hollywood. Then, we will visit the kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, where we will have lunch. In addition, it has been accredited as UNESCO patrimony since 1987 and was the set of the films ‘Gladiator’ and ‘Lawrence of Arabia’...
Finally, we will cross the Tizi Ntichka pass, which is the highest pass in the Atlas Mountains at 2,260 m. We can also stop to see the process of making argan oil. Arriving in Marrakech in the afternoon, your driver will drop you at your accommodation. Here's the end of our 7-day Morocco itinerary.
Highlights of the Morocco Desert Tour from Rabat to Marrakech:
- ● Wander around the historic and lively city of Tangier, which includes Cape Spartel and Hercules Cave.
- ● Wander around the streets painted in blue and the charming medina of Chefchaouen nestled in the Rif Mountains.
- ● Discover the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis, a listed UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its mosaics and history.
- ● Explore the imperial cities, Fes and Meknes, with their palaces, medinas, gates like Bab el Mansour, and the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail.
- ● Experience alpine charm in Ifrane, also known as Morocco's Switzerland, and look for Barbary monkeys in the cedar forests.
- ● Ride camels over the spectacular dunes of Erg Chebbi in the Sahara Desert at Merzouga, or experience a sunset or sunrise in the desert.
- ● Explore the stunning natural wonders of the Todra Gorge and Dades Valley with their mountainous gorges and unique rock formations.
- ● Admire the prominent Aït Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO site that is well known for TV shows and movies, and which still sits above the river.
- ● End your trip in vibrant Marrakech with its lively souks, historical palaces, Majorelle gardens, and dynamic squares like Jemaa El-Fna.
Inclusive and Exclusive of the tour
- Private, modern transportation with air conditioning Yes
- Car fuel Yes
- Pick-up and drop-off from your accommodation Yes
- Experienced English-speaking driver/guide Yes
- 1 Night in a private room in Chefchaouen Yes
- 2 Nights in a authentic riad in Fes Yes
- Local licensed guide in Fes for the medina visit Yes
- 1 Night in a private tent in the desert camp Yes
- 1 Night in a hotel in Dades Valley Yes
- Dinner and breakfast included for 4 nights Yes
- Camel ride in the Sahara Desert Yes
- Sandboarding experience in the desert Yes
- Beverages No
- Lunches No
- Entrance fees to monuments and museums (optional) No
Accommodation Details
Carefully selected lodgings ensure comfort and authenticity throughout the tour. Accommodations may be adjusted based on availability, and upgrades are available upon request.
- Night 1 – Chefchaouen:
- Standard: Riad Hicham / Riad Casa Hassan – Cozy riads featuring blue-hued interiors, mountain views, and a warm local charm that reflects the spirit of Chefchaouen.
- Superior: Riad Dar Echchaouen / Riad Cherifa Hotel / Lyna Riad & Spa – Upscale riads offering panoramic views, elegant décor, and a relaxing atmosphere near the medina and Ras El Ma waterfall.
- Night 2 - 3 – Fes:
- Standard: Riad La Perle de la Médina / Riad Damia – Traditional riads nestled in the old medina, offering ornate tilework, quiet courtyards, and authentic Moroccan hospitality.
- Superior: Riad Salam Fes / Riad Fes / Palais Houyam / Palais Amani – Luxurious riads blending Andalusian architecture with modern comfort, featuring fine dining, spas, and views of the ancient city.
- Night 4 – Merzouga Desert Camp:
- Standard: Comfortable Berber tents with private beds, private bathrooms, and traditional Moroccan dinner and breakfast included.
- Superior: Luxury desert camp with en-suite tents, hot showers, air conditioning (on request), and candlelit dinners under the stars.
- Night 5 – Boumalne Dades:
- Standard: Hotel Babylon / Hotel Panorama / Riad Villa Dades – Comfortable accommodations with authentic decor and scenic valley views.
- Superior: Kasbah Xaluca Dades / Ksar Sultan / La Perle Du Dades – Refined kasbahs with pools, spa treatments, and magnificent views of the Dades Gorges and rock formations.
- Night 6 – Marrakesh:
- Standard: Riad Merzouga / Riad Aslal / Riad Bijoux / Riad Dar Silsila – Boutique riads in the Medina with traditional Moroccan charm and warm.
- Superior: La Maison Arabe / Les Jardins de la Koutoubia – Prestigious riads and hotels with spa facilities, pools, and fine dining in prime Medina locations.
Pricing & Group Options
- 2 People €880 per person
- 4 People €750 per person
- 6+ People €600 per person
- Flexible Rates: Couples, Families & Groups on This 7-Day Morocco Tour
Map of the Tour
7-Day Rabat Desert Tour – Customer Reviews & Testimonials
Hear what travelers loved about this unforgettable Morocco adventure
Highly recommend! Desert tour
"A wonderful trip—a very well-planned tour, and the places you stay overnight are beautiful. Nice Riads and hotels. Our guide Aziz was so kind and helpful, sharing information and making the journey enjoyable. It was our honeymoon, and as a surprise, the car was decorated! Highly recommend this tour company.
We did the 7 days in Morocco itinerary experience, which was a lovely way to explore many different parts of Morocco, including an overnight stay in the desert and a camel ride. On this desert tour, you get a good mix of exploring several cities with beautiful historical architecture and markets, as well as natural scenery like gorges and canyons."
Our Perfect 7-Day Morocco Tour from Rabat with Ibrahim
"My wife and I did a seven-day private tour with Ibrahim. We went from Casablanca to Dades Gorge to Merzouga Desert to Fes to Chefchouen to Marrakech.
Ibrahim was a great driver and a fantastic guide. He speaks great English and Spanish and was very helpful with all our questions. We would highly recommend asking for Ibrahim!"
An Excellent 7-Day Morocco Tour with Mustapha and Muhammad
"We had an excellent 7-day trip over T week with Morocco Camel Trekking. We were met in Casablanca by our tour guide (Mustapha) and our driver (Muhammad). Throughout the entire tour, both Mustapha and Muhammad demonstrated exceptional professionalism by being punctual, knowledgeable, and accommodating to any deviations from the usual itinerary.
Morocco is a very interesting North African country, with a blend of Berber, Arabic, Spanish, French, and even Portuguese influences. Morocco Camel Trekking curated an excellent 7-day desert tour through which we can see all of these cultures and all sorts of climate/terrain (Mediterranean, deserts, alpine, and the Atlantic Ocean) through a one-day excursion after the tour.
Hamid is a well-trained guide and provided eye-opening commentary for the entirety of the trip. The accommodations were high quality as well. Recommend the tour and Morocco in general; flights from Washington, DC, to Casablanca are cheap and convenient."
The Perfect 7 Days in Morocco – Idir Made It Unforgettable!
"My family and I just returned from a 7 day trip from Rabat to Marrakech with Morocco Camel Trekking. This was one of the best trips we have ever taken. Everything was taken care of, from accommodation to meals. We had guides in each of the cities, and we were able to customize the tour to our specific wants and needs. You will have a lot of car time in Morocco, and in Idir our driver was the best. He added a unique touch to the trip and consistently exceeded our expectations.
We had a wonderful experience in Morocco, and when we go back, we will be sure to book Idir for our next adventure. Do yourself a favor and book Morocco Camel Trekking and request Idir as your driver."
FAQ's
Frequently Asked Questions – 7-Day Tangier to Marrakech Tour via Merzouga
Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about our Tangier to Marrakech desert tour. Whether you're curious about the itinerary, accommodations, driving times, or included activities, we’ve got you covered.
Day 1: Tangier, then drive to Chefchaouen (about 2 hours).
Day 2: Chefchaouen to Volubilis, Meknes, then Fes (about 4 hours).
Day 3: Guided sightseeing in Fes (short drive, then 2 to 3 hours walking).
Day 4: Fes to Ifrane, Cedar Forest, Midelt, Ziz Valley, then Merzouga (about 7 hours).
Day 5: Explore the Merzouga region (about 2 hours driving, plus stops).
Day 6: Merzouga to Rissani, Erfoud, Todra Gorges, then Dades Valley (about 5 hours).
Day 7: Dades Valley to Valley of Roses, Skoura, Ouarzazate, Ait Benhaddou, High Atlas, then Marrakech (about 5.5 hours).
Day 2: Chefchaouen to Volubilis, Meknes, then Fes (about 4 hours).
Day 3: Guided sightseeing in Fes (short drive, then 2 to 3 hours walking).
Day 4: Fes to Ifrane, Cedar Forest, Midelt, Ziz Valley, then Merzouga (about 7 hours).
Day 5: Explore the Merzouga region (about 2 hours driving, plus stops).
Day 6: Merzouga to Rissani, Erfoud, Todra Gorges, then Dades Valley (about 5 hours).
Day 7: Dades Valley to Valley of Roses, Skoura, Ouarzazate, Ait Benhaddou, High Atlas, then Marrakech (about 5.5 hours).
Yes. On Day 4, you arrive in Merzouga and switch to camels to cross the dunes. You stop to watch the sunset, then continue to a desert camp for the night. The tour description also mentions Berber drumming around the campfire.
Day 3 includes stops at the Royal Palace Gate, the Mellah (Jewish Quarter), and views from Borj Sud. The walking tour covers the medieval medina (a UNESCO site), the Al Attarine Madrasa, the University and Mosque of Al Quaraouiyine, and the Chouara Tanneries. You return to your riad after the tour.
The itinerary includes Volubilis (Roman ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the Fes medina (UNESCO-listed), and the Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou (a UNESCO-listed fortified village). These are named directly in the itinerary.
The itinerary says Rissani has a lively souk on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. It also describes Rissani as the former capital of Tafilalet and a historic trading center, visited on Day 6 after leaving Merzouga.
Yes. We can tailor this itinerary to your preferences, including the accommodation level, optional activities, and overall pace of the trip. Just share what you have in mind in advance so we can check availability and plan everything smoothly.
