12-Day Fez Round-Trip Tour via Chefchaouen, Casablanca, Marrakech, Essaouira and the Sahara

This private 12-day Morocco tour from Fes starts and finishes in Fes, combining historic cities, the Atlantic coast, mountain scenery and the Sahara. Travel through Chefchaouen, Rabat, Casablanca, Marrakech and Essaouira before crossing the High Atlas towards Ouarzazate, the Dades Valley and Merzouga. The return journey follows the Ziz Valley and crosses the Middle Atlas. The itinerary is designed to introduce you to very different parts of Morocco with organised transfers and scenic stops. Monument admissions, guided visits and additional activities depend on the services confirmed in your booking.

12-Day Itinerary: Round Trip from Fes

Day 1: Fes and departure for Chefchaouen

After breakfast, leave Fes and travel north through rolling hills, agricultural areas and small towns. Along the way, the landscape gradually changes as the route approaches the Rif Mountains. Arrive in Chefchaouen, a town famous for its blue-painted lanes and relaxed atmosphere. You will have time to explore the medina, browse small craft shops, discover traditional squares and enjoy views of the surrounding mountains. The visit can be paced according to the journey, with opportunities for photographs and breaks. In the afternoon, enjoy the distinctive atmosphere of Chefchaouen before settling in for the evening. The town offers a different perspective on Morocco and provides a pleasant first stop on this circular journey from Fes.

Overnight: Overnight in Chefchaouen.

Day 2: Chefchaouen, Rabat and Casablanca

After breakfast, depart Chefchaouen and travel towards Rabat, the capital of Morocco. Depending on the available time, you may explore some of its best-known areas, including the Kasbah of the Udayas, its gardens and the surroundings of Hassan Tower. Rabat combines historic landmarks, architecture and modern city life, offering a different view of the country. Continue to Casablanca, Morocco’s largest city and an important economic centre. After arrival, you may explore parts of the city or enjoy a walk along the coastal area if the schedule permits. Entry to monuments and interior visits depend on the programme confirmed with your booking.

Overnight: Overnight in Casablanca.

Day 3: Casablanca to Marrakech and the medina

After breakfast, leave Casablanca and travel inland towards Marrakech. The journey connects the Atlantic coast with the interior and reveals a gradual transition from urban areas to agricultural landscapes. On arrival in Marrakech, you will have time to check in and begin exploring at your own pace. The medina brings together traditional markets, artisan workshops, historic lanes and lively squares. You can browse the souks and visit Jemaa el-Fna, whose atmosphere changes throughout the day. The visit will be arranged around your arrival time so that you can enjoy the city without rushing after the road journey.

Overnight: Overnight in Marrakech.

Day 4: Marrakech and excursion to Essaouira

Today, travel towards Essaouira, an Atlantic coastal town known for its historic ramparts, fishing harbour and relaxed atmosphere. The route crosses plains and rural areas, with possible stops depending on road conditions and available time. On arrival, explore the medina, browse local craft workshops and walk along the fortifications overlooking the ocean. The harbour offers a glimpse of the local fishing industry, while the historic centre has cafés, small shops and restaurants. Sea breezes and coastal scenery provide a welcome contrast to the inland cities. Enjoy the time available for a walk and photographs before settling in for the evening.

Overnight: Overnight in Essaouira.

Day 5: Essaouira and return to Marrakech

After breakfast, enjoy more time in Essaouira and its Atlantic setting. You may walk along the beach, explore the medina lanes or stop at a café before beginning the return journey to Marrakech. Travel time depends on traffic and any agreed stops. Once back in Marrakech, the afternoon can be spent resting or continuing to explore its historic districts. If you plan to visit particular monuments, check opening hours and arrange tickets in advance where necessary. This day combines the coastal atmosphere of Essaouira with Marrakech’s cultural energy, offering a change of pace before the journey continues towards the mountains and southern landscapes.

Overnight: Overnight in Marrakech.

Day 6: Marrakech, High Atlas and Ait Ben Haddou

Leave Marrakech and cross the High Atlas Mountains along a scenic road passing mountain passes, valleys and traditional villages. The views change as the road climbs, offering opportunities for photographs when conditions allow. Continue towards Ait Ben Haddou, a historic collection of earthen buildings known for its traditional architecture and location beside former trading routes. Walking through its narrow lanes gives you a better understanding of how the buildings were adapted to the climate and terrain. The visit depends on the schedule and road conditions. Later, continue to Ouarzazate, an important stop on routes through southern Morocco.

Overnight: Overnight in Ouarzazate.

Day 7: Ouarzazate, Valley of Roses and Dades

After breakfast, leave Ouarzazate and continue through southern landscapes of oases, small settlements and mountains. The route may pass through the Valley of Roses, an area known for its cultivation and traditional rose products during the relevant season. Along the way, you can observe earthen houses, fields and valleys that reflect rural life in the region. Continue towards the Dades Valley, famous for its rock formations and mountain views. Stops will depend on the available time and road conditions. On arrival, settle into your accommodation and enjoy a peaceful evening surrounded by the scenery of southern Morocco.

Overnight: Overnight in the Dades Valley.

Day 8: Dades, Todra Gorge and Merzouga

Continue towards Todra Gorge, where high rock walls rise on either side of the river passage. There will be time to walk around the accessible area and appreciate the scenery before travelling east. The route passes towns and oases marking the transition between mountain valleys and the Sahara region. As you approach Merzouga, the dunes of Erg Chebbi appear on the horizon and transform the landscape. On arrival, check in and enjoy the atmosphere of the desert. This day crosses several different regions, so the schedule depends on stops and driving conditions along the way.

Overnight: Overnight in Merzouga.

Day 9: Merzouga, Khamlia and Sahara discovery

Today offers an opportunity to learn more about the Erg Chebbi area through an excursion across desert landscapes. Depending on your confirmed programme, the route may include Khamlia, known for its Gnawa music, as well as stops to observe local life and the region’s sand and rock scenery. You may also visit areas where nomadic families maintain traditions adapted to the environment, while respecting local conditions and residents’ privacy. There will be time to admire the dunes, take photographs and appreciate the diversity of the Sahara. Activities such as camel rides are included only when they are specified in your booking or arranged as an additional service.

Overnight: Overnight in Merzouga or at the desert camp, according to your booking.

Day 10: Merzouga, Ziz Valley and Midelt

After breakfast, leave Merzouga and begin travelling north. Cross desert landscapes before reaching the Ziz Valley, known for its extensive palm groves and villages beside the oasis. Scenic stops may be made to appreciate the contrast between the arid surroundings and the greenery of the valley. Continue towards Midelt through mountainous areas and small settlements. The route highlights Morocco’s geographical diversity, from the Sahara region to the Atlas Mountains. On arrival, relax at your accommodation and enjoy a quiet evening before completing the journey back to Fes.

Overnight: Overnight in Midelt.

Day 11: Midelt, Azrou cedars and Ifrane

After breakfast, continue towards Fes through the landscapes of the Middle Atlas. Depending on conditions and available time, stop near Azrou to enjoy the cedar forests and their natural surroundings. Continue to Ifrane, known for its distinctive architecture and green public spaces. The scenery gradually changes from mountain terrain to the more populated areas of northern Morocco. Stops provide opportunities for photographs and brief visits to towns along the way. Later, continue to Fes, arriving in time to settle into your accommodation or continue with your travel plans.

Overnight: Overnight in Fes.

Day 12: Discover Fes and finish the tour

Spend the final day discovering Fes, one of Morocco’s most important historic cities. Its medina contains narrow lanes, markets, artisan workshops and historic buildings reflecting centuries of cultural exchange. You can browse the souks, observe traditional craftsmanship and explore some of the city’s principal areas, depending on the time available. A local guided visit can help you understand the history and customs of Fes, provided this service has been arranged in advance. The tour concludes in Fes after the visit. If you require a transfer to the airport or another destination, confirm the details and timing with your travel team beforehand.

Overnight: End of the tour in Fes.

Included

• Private transport throughout the confirmed itinerary.
• Driver and fuel for the planned route.
• Pickup and drop-off at your accommodation or an agreed location.
• Accommodation specified in the confirmed programme.
• Assistance from the local team during the trip.

Excluded

• International flights and visas, where required.
• Meals and drinks not specified in the booking.
• Monument entrance fees and guided visits not confirmed.
• Camel rides, quad biking and other optional activities not expressly included.
• Tips, shopping and personal expenses.

Frequently Asked Questions