Tour Overview
Morocco Cities · 9-Day Discovery · Comprehensive TourThis 9-Day Discovery The Morocco Cities Tour offers an unparalleled exploration of Morocco's diverse regions, from the blue-washed streets of Chefchaouen to the golden dunes of the Sahara Desert. Experience imperial cities, ancient Roman ruins, dramatic gorges, and coastal towns in one comprehensive itinerary that showcases the very best of Moroccan culture, history, and natural beauty.
Our 9-Day Discovery The Morocco Cities Tour is designed to provide the most complete Moroccan experience available. Beginning in the northern port city of Tangier, this journey takes you through the Rif Mountains to the famous Blue City of Chefchaouen, then to the imperial cities of Meknes and Fes with their rich historical heritage.
The adventure continues through the Middle Atlas Mountains to the Sahara Desert, where you'll experience camel trekking, overnight camping in luxury desert camps, and the magical sunrise over the Erg Chebbi dunes. From the desert, travel through the stunning Todra Gorge and Dades Valley before crossing the High Atlas Mountains to reach Marrakech, with a final day trip to the coastal town of Essaouira.
This Morocco Cities discovery tour combines cultural immersion, historical exploration, and natural wonders in a perfectly paced itinerary. With comfortable transportation, carefully selected accommodations including traditional riads and luxury desert camps, expert local guides, and authentic experiences, this 9-day journey offers exceptional value and unforgettable memories of Morocco's most remarkable destinations.
Tour Highlights
What makes this Morocco Cities tour special- Explore the blue-washed streets of Chefchaouen in the Rif Mountains
- Discover Roman ruins at Volubilis - a UNESCO World Heritage site
- Experience Fes el Bali - the world's largest urban car-free medina
- Camel trekking at sunset in the Sahara Desert's Erg Chebbi dunes
- Overnight in luxury desert camp with traditional music and stargazing
- Visit the dramatic Todra Gorge with 300-meter high cliffs
- Explore Ait Benhaddou Kasbah - UNESCO site and film location
- Discover Marrakech's iconic landmarks including Majorelle Gardens
- Day trip to coastal Essaouira with its fortified medina and fresh seafood
- Cross the spectacular High Atlas Mountains via Tizi n'Tichka Pass
Detailed Itinerary – 9 Days
Daily program for Morocco Cities discovery tourTangier – Chefchaouen
Your journey begins with a pickup from the port of Tangier, followed by a scenic drive through the Rif Mountains and Tetouan, where breathtaking landscapes unfold along the way. Arrive in Chefchaouen, one of Morocco's most picturesque cities, known for its striking blue-washed streets. Stroll through the Spanish-style Medina, explore charming craft shops, and relax in a rooftop café overlooking the square. Spend the night in a traditional Riad in the heart of the Blue City.
Chefchaouen – Volubilis – Meknes – Fes
After breakfast, depart for Volubilis, a UNESCO-listed Roman ruin featuring well-preserved mosaics, temples, and columns. Explore this ancient site before continuing to Meknes, a 17th-century imperial city. Visit the Bab El Mansour gate, stroll around the Medina, and explore the Moulay Ismail Mausoleum. Later, continue to Fes, Morocco's cultural capital, where you'll check into a charming Riad for the night.
Fes – Guided City Tour
Enjoy breakfast before embarking on a guided tour of Fes, the oldest imperial city in Morocco. Explore: The Royal Palace and its impressive golden gates, The Jewish Quarter (Mellah), Morocco's first Jewish settlement, The University of Al Quaraouiyine, the world's oldest university, The Tanneries and Attarine Museum, The Moulay Idriss Mausoleum. After lunch, visit a ceramic workshop to see traditional Moroccan tile-making before enjoying a panoramic view over the ancient Medina. Overnight in Fes.
Fes – Midelt – Ziz Valley – Merzouga
After breakfast, journey through the Middle Atlas Mountains, passing through Ifrane (known as the "Switzerland of Morocco") and the Cedar Forest, where you might spot wild Barbary macaques. Continue via the Tizi Ntalghamt Pass and the Ziz Valley, where you'll see lush palm groves stretching across the landscape. Arrive in Merzouga in the afternoon, where a warm Berber welcome and traditional mint tea await you at your desert hotel. Spend the evening relaxing or exploring the dunes on foot.
Merzouga – Sahara Desert Tour – Erg Chebbi Camel Trek
Start the day with a 4×4 desert tour around the Erg Chebbi dunes. Visit the Gnawa village of Khamlia, where you'll experience traditional Saharan music. Meet nomadic Berber families and learn about their way of life before enjoying a traditional Berber pizza for lunch. In the afternoon, return to Merzouga, where your camel caravan awaits. Ride into the heart of the dunes, pausing for a stunning sunset. Arrive at your luxury desert camp, where dinner is served under the stars, followed by live music and drumming around the campfire. Overnight in a private tent.
Merzouga – Rissani – Todra Gorge – Dades Valley
Wake up early to witness the sunrise over the dunes before returning to Merzouga by camel. After breakfast and a shower, depart for Rissani, a town with a traditional souk that operates three times a week. Continue to Todra Gorge, a dramatic canyon with towering cliffs reaching 300 meters high—a paradise for climbers. Enjoy lunch before heading to the stunning Dades Valley, known for its rock formations resembling monkey fingers. Overnight at a Riad in the valley.
Dades Valley – Ouarzazate – Ait Benhaddou – Marrakech
After breakfast, drive through the Dades Valley, following the famous "Route of a Thousand Kasbahs", offering countless photo opportunities. Stop at Ouarzazate, the "Hollywood of Africa," and visit the Ait Benhaddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site featured in films like Gladiator and Game of Thrones. Cross the High Atlas Mountains, passing through Tizi n'Tichka Pass, before arriving in Marrakech in the evening. Overnight in a traditional Riad.
Marrakech – Guided City Tour
After breakfast, set out on a guided tour of Marrakech, visiting: The Majorelle Gardens, a botanical paradise designed by Jacques Majorelle, The Koutoubia Mosque, Marrakech's most famous landmark, The Saadian Tombs, resting place of Sultan Ahmad al-Mansur, The Bahia Palace, a masterpiece of Moroccan architecture. After lunch, wander through the bustling souks, where artisans craft traditional goods. Spend the afternoon at Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, watching street performers, musicians, and snake charmers. Free evening to explore on your own.
Marrakech – Essaouira – Marrakech
Enjoy a day trip to Essaouira, a charming coastal town known for its relaxed vibe and blue-and-white Medina. Visit: The Skala Fortress, offering stunning ocean views, The Medina, a UNESCO site filled with artisan shops, The port, where fishermen sell the freshest seafood. Enjoy a lunch of freshly grilled fish before strolling along the sandy beach. In the afternoon, return to Marrakech, where your adventure concludes.
What's Included / Not Included
To prepare your budget comfortably- All transportation in comfortable air-conditioned vehicle
- 8 nights accommodation (riads, hotels, desert camp)
- Professional driver/guide throughout the tour
- Breakfasts during your stay
- Camel trekking in Sahara Desert (one camel per person)
- Overnight in luxury desert camp with dinner and breakfast
- Guided tours in Fes and Marrakech
- All entrance fees to mentioned monuments
- Lunches and dinners (except desert camp)
- Drinks and personal expenses
- Travel insurance
- Tips for guides and drivers
- Optional activities not mentioned in itinerary
Practical Details
Duration, level, seasons & participantsTour Route Map
Explore the 9-Day Morocco Cities discovery tour routeFrequently Asked Questions
Some answers before you goThis 9-Day Morocco Cities discovery tour is rated as moderate. The tour involves significant driving between destinations (typically 4-6 hours per day), walking through medinas and historical sites, and a camel ride in the desert. The camel trek is gentle and suitable for most fitness levels, but comfortable walking shoes are essential for exploring cities and natural sites. The tour is well-paced with adequate rest stops and comfortable accommodations.
Essential items include: comfortable walking shoes, light clothing for daytime, warm layers for cool desert nights and mountain areas, sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen), swimsuit, camera, daypack, and personal toiletries. For the desert camp, bring a headlamp or flashlight. Modest clothing is recommended, especially when visiting religious sites. The climate varies significantly between regions, so layered clothing is essential.
Accommodation includes a mix of carefully selected traditional riads, comfortable hotels, and a luxury desert camp. Riads feature traditional Moroccan architecture with courtyards and comfortable rooms with private bathrooms. The desert camp offers private tents with proper beds and bedding, shared bathroom facilities, and dining area. All accommodations are chosen for their authentic character, comfort, and convenient locations.
Yes, this Morocco Cities discovery tour is generally suitable for children and elderly travelers with reasonable mobility. The itinerary can be adapted to accommodate different fitness levels, and the camel ride duration can be adjusted if needed. However, be aware that the tour involves significant driving and walking on uneven surfaces in medinas. We recommend discussing any special requirements when booking to ensure the tour can be tailored to your needs.
This 9-Day Discovery The Morocco Cities Tour offers the most comprehensive Moroccan experience available, covering northern cities (Chefchaouen), imperial cities (Fes, Meknes), the Sahara Desert, dramatic gorges (Todra), and southern destinations (Marrakech, Essaouira). Unlike shorter tours that focus on specific regions, this itinerary provides a complete overview of Morocco's diverse landscapes, cultures, and historical sites in one well-paced journey, making it ideal for first-time visitors seeking a thorough introduction to the country.
The ideal times for this Morocco Cities discovery tour are spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) when temperatures are pleasant throughout the country. Spring offers beautiful wildflowers and comfortable exploring conditions, while autumn provides clear skies and moderate temperatures. Summer can be very hot, especially in the desert regions, while winter offers cooler temperatures but beautiful clear skies and fewer crowds in the Sahara.