Moroccan Imperial Cities & the Sahara

7 Days / 6 Nights | Imperial Cities & Iconic Landscapes

Cities, Desert & Mountains

Marrakech → High Atlas → Ait Ben Haddou → Ouarzazate → Dades → Todra Gorge → Merzouga → Midelt → Ifrane → Fes → Casablanca → Marrakech

This 7-day Morocco tour from Marrakech is a complete loop through the country’s most diverse regions, combining imperial cities, Atlas Mountains, Sahara Desert, and the Atlantic coast. Designed for travellers who want a deeper cultural immersion, this itinerary connects Morocco’s ancient medinas with its natural wonders in one seamless route.

Journey across the High Atlas Mountains, explore UNESCO-listed Ait Ben Haddou, and descend into the Sahara Desert for a camel trek and overnight camp experience in Merzouga. Continue north through the Middle Atlas cedar forests and alpine towns like Ifrane before arriving in Fes, Morocco’s cultural and spiritual capital.

The route continues through Casablanca and optionally Rabat, offering insight into Morocco’s modern coastal cities before returning to Marrakech. This Morocco multi-city tour is ideal for those searching for a balanced itinerary combining desert adventure, cultural heritage, and city exploration.

Perfect for a Morocco private tour, 7-day Morocco itinerary, or first-time Morocco travel experience.

Customize this Journey
Maple & Medina
14-Day Morocco Journey

Experiences & Highlights

  • Fez Colour Market

    Fez Colour Market

    It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more.

  • Fez Market

    Fez

    It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more.

  • Dades Mountains

    Dades

    It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more.

  • Tea Ceremony in Marrakech

    Tea Ceremony in Marrakech

    It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more.

  • Rabat Mosque

    Rabat Mosque

    Description goes here

What to Expect

This Morocco itinerary is a curated journey through the country’s most iconic landscapes, cities, and cultural landmarks. Travel from the energy of Marrakech into the High Atlas Mountains, across ancient kasbah routes, and into the Sahara Desert, before continuing through historic medinas and striking natural scenery.

With private transport, carefully selected accommodation, and a balanced pace, the route combines comfort with authentic experiences - from UNESCO World Heritage sites to desert camps and traditional towns.

Designed for travellers seeking a seamless Morocco experience, this itinerary can be tailored to your preferred pace, interests, and style of travel.

  • Days 1–3: Marrakech
    Explore the medina, palaces, gardens, souks, and optional day trips. A gentle introduction to Morocco’s cultural heart.

    Day 4: Marrakech → Ouarzazate
    Cross the High Atlas via Tizi n’Tichka with a stop at Ait Ben Haddou. Overnight in Ouarzazate.

    Day 5: Ouarzazate → Dades Valley
    Travel through Skoura, Rose Valley, and Todra Gorge before arriving in Dades.

    Day 6: Dades → Sahara Desert (Merzouga)
    Journey into the desert via Erfoud and Ziz Valley. Camel trek and overnight in a luxury desert camp.

    Day 7: Sahara Experience
    Full day in the dunes including nomad visits, music in Khamlia, and desert exploration.

    Day 8: Merzouga → Midelt
    Cross high desert plains into the Middle Atlas Mountains.

    Days 9–10: Fes
    Explore one of the world’s oldest medinas with a guided cultural immersion.

    Day 11: Fes → Chefchaouen
    Scenic drive into the Rif Mountains and the blue city.

    Day 12: Chefchaouen → Tangier
    Coastal journey to Tangier with views of the Mediterranean and Atlantic meeting point.

    Day 13: Tangier → Rabat
    Explore Morocco’s capital city, kasbahs, and oceanfront landmarks.

    Day 14: Rabat → Casablanca / Departure
    Visit Hassan II Mosque before departure or final overnight.

    • Cooking Class — Master tagine, harira, and fresh Moroccan spice blends in a traditional riad kitchen.

    • Hammam & Spa Day — A centuries-old ritual of steam, black soap, and full-body renewal. Non-negotiable.

    • Sahara ATV or Quad Bike — Trade the camel for horsepower and race the dunes at golden hour.

    • Hot Air Balloon over Marrakech — Float above the palms and the Atlas at sunrise. The city at its most breathtaking.

    • Golf at a Royal Course — World-class fairways set against the Atlas Mountains or the Atlantic coast.

    • Photography Walk — Capture the medina, the dunes, or the blue streets of Chefchaouen with a local photographer by your side.

    • Berber Weaving or Pottery Workshop — Learn from a master craftsman and take something handmade home.

  • Accommodation Options

    Choose the level of comfort that best suits your journey. Each stay is carefully selected by Maple & Medina for its character, location, and sense of place — ensuring every accommodation feels authentic, considered, and seamlessly connected to your route.

    All properties are subject to availability at time of booking, and will be confirmed or thoughtfully substituted with a comparable option of the same standard.

    Standard

    Comfortable, locally owned riads, guesthouses, and desert camps that offer an authentic Moroccan experience. Simple, welcoming, and well-located — ideal for travellers focused on experience over luxury.

    Premium

    Handpicked boutique riads, upgraded desert camps, and character-filled hotels with enhanced comfort, design, and amenities. A balanced blend of authenticity and elevated comfort.

    Luxury

    Exceptional riads, high-end desert camps, and premium hotels featuring refined interiors, curated service, and standout locations. Designed for travellers seeking comfort, privacy, and a more indulgent experience throughout.

    • Private vehicle + professional driver

    • 13 nights accommodation (riads, hotels, desert camp)

    • Daily breakfast

    • Sahara camel trek + camp experience

    • Local guiding in Fes (and optional in Marrakech)

    • Airport transfers

    • Lunches & dinners (unless specified)

    • Entry tickets to monuments

    • Optional experiences (tours, hammams, activities)

    • Tips & personal expenses

Moroccan Riads
Next Steps

Make This Journey Your Own

If this itinerary feels like the right foundation, we’ll tailor every detail to match your preferred travel style, pace, interests, and budget. From boutique riads and luxury desert camps to private experiences and hidden local gems, each journey is personalised to feel seamless, thoughtful, and entirely your own.

Start the conversation
No obligation. Just a place to begin.