Imperial Cities and Desert
From thousand-year-old medinas to the golden dunes of erg Chebbi, a journey to the heart of authentic Maroc.
Duration
8 days
From
€865/pers.
Ideal seasons
Mar, Apr, Oct, Nov
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
Charm & Character
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends, senior
The spirit of travel
Morocco has many tourist attractions. The objective is to explore the south of the country by visiting the most iconic interesting places. You travel alone with your driver, which provides great flexibility and more peace of mind.
To accomplish this beautiful journey, it is recommended that you choose a different departure airport from your arrival airport.
There is obviously an additional cost as a result, but the journey is well worth it!
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Welcome to Marrakech!
Upon arrival at Marrakech airport, we take a shuttle arranged by the riad to reach our accommodation, a traditional Moroccan house.
If we still have time, we are free to visit the Medina, a Marrakchi district that encompasses several fascinating places to discover: the souks, Jemaa El Fna square. This locality is moreover listed among the UNESCO world heritage sites.
At night, accommodation, on half-board basis, at the Riad L'Orchidée or equivalent.
From Marrakech to Agdz
From Marrakech
The next morning, a driver picks us up from our riad and we set off for adventure.
We climb the scenic road of the High Atlas to reach the Tizi n'Tichka pass.
At 2,260 meters altitude, this pass connects the semi-arid regions of the southeastern Atlas to the fertile plains of the Atlantic coast.
The Tizi n'Tichka pass is located on the road between Marrakech and the city of Ouarzazate.
After crossing this area revealing picturesque landscapes, we continue by taking the caravan route that passes through the municipality of Telouet.
On site, the ruins of the Glaoui palace should not be missed.
Further on, we are free to discover the kasbah of Aït Benhaddou. Also called Ksar Aït Benhaddou, it presents itself as a collection of earth buildings surrounded by walls, a striking example of traditional southern Moroccan architecture.
After this discovery, via a scenic and mineral road, we will reach Agdz, a municipality marking the beginning of the Draâ Valley.
In this municipality are located the Kasbah Maktob Tamnougalt, which are also sites to explore.
We go to the kasbah of Oulad Othmane (accommodation with half-board) to sleep. This locality has been renovated and now has a swimming pool.
An authentic kasbah awaits us at Oulad Othmane for the night (double room with bathroom, swimming pool).
On the way to Erg Chebbi
Oulad Othmane → Merzouga
From Tazzarine and Nkob, we will take the route leading to Merzouga, a small Moroccan town that stands in the Sahara Desert.
At the foot of the ochre dunes of the Erg Chebbi, one of the two largest ergs in Maroc, is our camp.
A camel ride is planned for the end of the day. We will sleep on site (simple accommodation in tents).
The atmosphere: local music and campfire.
From Merzouga to Tinherir
Merzouga → Tinherir
Once ready, we will depart for Tinherir, a city in southeastern Maroc, in the Drâa-Tafilalet region. After a free walk through the city's palm forest, we will cross the Toghra gorges.
A little further on are the Dadès gorges, located in the high valley of the same name. This site offers several spots worth a detour, such as the valley of roses.
Half-board accommodation at the Amridil kasbah, one of the most famous in the province. It is located in the Skoura palm grove.
Before eating, we will visit the kasbah museum which is located right next door.
Return to Marrakech
Tinherir → Marrakech
Before heading to Marrakech, we will visit the Taourirt kasbah and the old town of Ouarzazate.
Upon arrival in Marrakech, let's take a trip south of the Medina to admire the Bahia Palace. This major historical site from the 19th century, spanning up to eight hectares, is one of the major monuments of Maroc's cultural heritage and also one of the country's main tourist attractions.
After this cultural visit, stop at the Majorelle Garden in Marrakech. This little haven of peace is located in the heart of the city. The atmosphere and beauty of the place make it an ideal spot to relax.
Accommodation with half board at Riad L'Orchidée or equivalent.
Discovering the Medersa of Marrakech
Still in Marrakech, we take a tour to the Ben Youssef medersa.
Option A: We take the road to Fès, to sleep at the riad Dar Abdesalam in the medina (accommodation with half board).
Option B: The road to Rabat takes us to the Riad Dar Aïda in the medina (accommodation with half board).
Fes or Rabat
Case A: Accompanied by a local guide, we will visit the city of Fès. It is considered the cultural capital of Maroc with its neighborhoods and historic corners. Fès is home to many famous monuments.
Let's discover, for example, the Bad Boujloud district showing the monumental gate, the Dar Batha museum, the hydraulic clock, the Bou Inania medersa…
We pass through the Guerniz tanneries or Chouara before making a stop at the Attarine medersa.
Let's continue our visit to the Borj Nord, which is a fort built in 1582 under the order of Sultan Ahmed Al Mansur.
After this walk through the heart of Borj Nord, we are advised to explore the Jewish quarter of Fès El Jedid home to the mellah and the Jewish cemetery.
At night, we will be in the same accommodation, on half board.
Case B: In the heart of the city of Rabat, with a local guide, we will start the visit by touring the walls by car. It is an opportunity to see the Chellah necropolis. This site is located on the site of the ancient Roman city, Sala Colonia.
To continue discovering the city, you must visit the must-see Kasbah des Oudaïa, a former fortified military camp built in the 12th century. It was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2012.
The Oudaïa museum is also a place worth visiting.
We continue our walk to the Hassan Tower, the most famous monument of Rabat. This masterpiece of traditional Moroccan art was the project of Sultan Yacoub El Mansur who wanted to build the largest mosque in the Muslim world, after the one in Samara in Iraq.
Accommodation on half board at Riad Dar Aïda in the medina.
Return flight
Case A: According to our flight schedule, we still have the possibility to explore the city to see the sites we wouldn't have had time to see the day before. Then we take a taxi to Fès airport.
Case B: We can head to the city of Casablanca. The Hassan II Mosque is worth visiting, before leaving for Casa airport. This always depends on our flight schedule.
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- Lunch meals
- Beverages
- Personal extras (e.g. massage)
- Flight tickets
- Driver tip
- Visits
- Local guides
Included
- Vehicle rental with driver, fuel included
- Driver fees (excluding tip)
- Accommodation 7 nights, taxes included
- Half board (breakfast and dinner at accommodations)
- Camel transfer to the bivouac
- Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
- Private service: no other clients on board, a guarantee of flexibility and peace of mind
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below concerns travelers who are nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland and Canada traveling to Morocco for a tourist stay. Entry rules may change, so we recommend verifying this information with the official authorities before your departure.
Passport
To enter Morocco, your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay and include at least one blank page for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn or altered pages).
Nationals of certain EEA countries may enter Morocco with a valid national identity card in accordance with applicable bilateral agreements. However, it is advisable to travel with a valid passport to avoid any inconvenience.
Tourist stay without visa
Nationals of the European Economic Area, Switzerland and Canada benefit from a visa exemption for tourist stays.
This exemption allows a stay of up to 90 days from the date of entry into Moroccan territory. Beyond this period, authorization of stay must be requested from the Moroccan authorities.
The authorities may also request:
an outbound ticket (return or onward flight),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of the stay,
proof of accommodation (hotel booking or invitation from a private individual).
Health and vaccinations
No vaccination is mandatory to enter Morocco from the EEA, Switzerland or Canada. However, it is recommended to ensure that routine vaccinations are up to date (diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis, hepatitis A).
It is advisable to consult a doctor or vaccination center before departure, particularly for stays in rural areas or remote regions.
Traveling with children
Minors must hold their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay.
In certain European countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an authorization to leave the territory may be required according to the regulations of the country of residence. The Moroccan authorities may also request documentation in case of travel with a single parent or a third party.
Other nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. Travelers concerned should inquire with the embassy or consulate of Morocco in their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to have evacuation assistance and foreign medical expense coverage.
Your local agency encourages you to review the specific policy developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to an insurance plan, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
Choose the plan that best suits you:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to them.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the policy detailing all coverage and claim declaration procedures is available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with the claim declaration procedures. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
You can stay in Morocco without a visa. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your entry. These conditions have been stable for a long time, but always confirm with the Moroccan consulate or embassy competent for your nationality before booking your trip.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a quality tailor-made trip, expect between €150 and €260 per day and per person, including accommodation (riads, kasbahs), meals, internal transfers and activities. International flights (€200-450 return) are additional. Morocco offers excellent value for money in its charming riads.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We adapt each circuit to your travel profile. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, fun and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our local English-speaking guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You adjust every detail together until you reach the perfect version. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) guarantee which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Imperial Cities
Saharan trails companion, based in Taroudant
What I love about travel is that moment when you leave the obvious path. That's when the landscape shifts, but more importantly, so does your perspective.
— Luc
