12 Day Signature Sahara and Cities Tour
The longest journey we run, at the pace of the shortest. Fes and the imperial cities, the Middle Atlas, a night in the Sahara, the kasbah road, and Marrakech to finish.
The shape of the journey.
Twelve days gives you time to see imperial cities, film-famous kasbahs and a night in the Sahara on one trip. The itinerary is designed as a complete first introduction to Morocco. You'll move from the Atlantic coast to the dunes and back through the High Atlas to Marrakech.
The route, in order.
The tour begins with airport reception in Casablanca before continuing to Rabat, then several days in Fez exploring the medina, artisan workshops and historic sites.
This section establishes the tour's imperial cities foundation before heading towards the desert.
The route continues east to Erfoud and the edge of the Sahara, where a sunset camel trek leads to an overnight stay in a luxury desert camp beneath the stars.
This is one of the trip's genuine highlights, giving a real sense of the desert's scale and silence.
From the desert, the journey continues to Ouarzazate and the UNESCO-listed kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, one of Morocco's most photographed and filmed locations.
Stops at Berber villages and artisan workshops add further cultural depth along the way.
The final days are spent in Marrakech, exploring the medina, souks and Jemaa el-Fna square before your departure.
The tour concludes with airport transfer arranged as part of the package.
- English-speaking tour manager and local guides
- Airport reception and welcome in Casablanca
- Private transport throughout the trip
- Selected accommodation including one desert camp night
- Daily breakfast and dinner
- Camel trek in the Sahara Desert
- Entrance fees to sites visited
- International flights
- Lunch, unless stated in the itinerary
- Tips for the resident tour manager
- Room service and personal expenses
- Transport to and from the meeting point
Riads, guesthouses and a camp. All of them ours to vouch for.
Properties are confirmed with your final itinerary. In the cities you stay in riads inside the old walls; in the desert, a private camp; on the kasbah road, family-run guesthouses we have slept in ourselves.
Asked before every long journey.
Anything else, ask us directly. The person who answers is the person who will run your trip.
ASK US ANYTHINGWhere does the tour start and finish?
The tour begins with airport reception in Casablanca and finishes in Marrakech, with departure transfer included as part of the package.
Share your flight details when you enquire so pickup and drop-off can be planned around your arrival and departure.
Is this tour suitable for first-time visitors to Morocco?
Yes, this is designed as a comprehensive introduction to the country, covering imperial cities, the desert and the High Atlas in one well-paced itinerary.
An English-speaking tour manager travels with you throughout, handling logistics along the way.
What is the desert camp like?
You spend one night in a luxury bivouac camp among the Erg Chebbi dunes near Erfoud, reached by a sunset camel trek, with dinner included as part of the stay.
It offers a genuinely dark sky and a proper sense of the Sahara's scale.
Is this a private or group tour?
This tour can run as a private or shared group experience depending on your preference and group size, with numbers up to 40 accommodated.
Private tours offer more flexibility on pace and stops along the route.
Are meals included?
Daily breakfast and dinner are included throughout the tour. Lunch is generally not included, giving you flexibility to choose restaurants along the way.
Dietary requirements can usually be accommodated with advance notice.
How long are the driving days?
Given the distances covered from the coast to the Sahara and back through the High Atlas, some days involve significant time in the vehicle.
Stops are built in for rest, photos and meals to break up the longer legs of the journey.
What should I pack for the range of climates?
Layered clothing is important given the temperature range between the desert, mountains and cities, with cold nights possible even when days are warm.
Comfortable walking shoes and sun protection are also recommended throughout.
What is Ait Ben Haddou known for?
Ait Ben Haddou is a UNESCO-listed fortified village of earthen architecture that has featured in productions including Gladiator and Game of Thrones.
A guided walk through its lanes leads up to the granary for sweeping views over the valley.
Is airport transfer included?
Yes, airport reception on arrival in Casablanca and departure transfer at the end of the tour are both included.
Share your flight details when you enquire so these can be arranged around your schedule.
Is travel insurance required?
Travel insurance is not included and is strongly recommended for a trip of this length and nature.
You should arrange your own policy covering medical costs, cancellation and travel disruption before departure.
