12-Day Morocco Itinerary: In-Depth Tour
The 12-day Morocco itinerary is for travellers who want to go deeper than a one-week highlights tour. It adds a day in the High Atlas, a second night in the Sahara at Merzouga, more time in the Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs, and a proper stay on the Atlantic coast, alongside the imperial cities, Fes and Chefchaouen. Twelve days means shorter driving days and time to slow down. Shared or Private Premium.
Prefer the classic loop? See the 10-day Grand Tour. Want everything, including Tangier? See the 15-day Complete Morocco.
Trip at a glance
- High Atlas & the Valley of Kasbahs
- Two full nights in the Sahara at Merzouga
- Guided days in Marrakech & Fes
- Chefchaouen, Volubilis, Rabat & the coast
- Essaouira on the Atlantic
- 11 nights + daily breakfast
DurationShared / Private
FormatRound-trip
Route2–6
Ideal group
Day-by-day: 12-Day In-Depth Tour
Twelve unhurried days with two desert nights and shorter drives. Fully tailorable; driving times approximate.
Arrive Marrakech
Airport meet-and-greet and transfer to your riad; evening free around Jemaa el-Fna.
- Airport pickup
- Riad
- Jemaa el-Fna
Marrakech — full-day guided city tour
Koutoubia, Bahia Palace, Ben Youssef Madrasa, Saadian Tombs and the souks with a local guide.
- Koutoubia
- Bahia Palace
- Ben Youssef
- Souks
Marrakech → High Atlas (Ourika / Imlil) → Aït Ben Haddou
A morning in the High Atlas valleys, then over the pass to Aït Ben Haddou and Ouarzazate.
- Ourika / Imlil
- Tizi n'Tichka
- Aït Ben Haddou
- Ouarzazate
Ouarzazate → Skoura → Valley of Roses → Dades
The palm oasis of Skoura and Kasbah Amridil, the Valley of Roses, then the Dades Valley.
- Skoura
- Kasbah Amridil
- Valley of Roses
- Dades
Dades → Todra Gorge → Erg Chebbi (Merzouga)
The gorges, then Merzouga and a camel trek into the Erg Chebbi dunes — your first desert night.
- Dades Gorge
- Todra Gorge
- Erg Chebbi
- Camel trek
A full day in the Sahara — Erg Chebbi
Nomad families, Gnawa music in Khamlia, an optional 4x4 dune drive, and both sunset and sunrise over the dunes.
- Erg Chebbi
- Khamlia
- Nomad families
- Optional 4x4
Merzouga → Ziz Valley → Fes
North via the Ziz Valley palm groves and Ifrane to Fes.
- Ziz Valley
- Ifrane
- Fes
Fes — full-day guided medina tour
A full guided day in Fes el-Bali — tanneries, Al-Qarawiyyin, madrasas and souks.
- Chouara tanneries
- Al-Qarawiyyin
- Madrasas
- Souks
Fes → Meknes → Volubilis → Chefchaouen
Imperial Meknes and Roman Volubilis, then the blue city of Chefchaouen.
- Meknes
- Volubilis
- Chefchaouen
Chefchaouen → Rabat → Casablanca
The capital Rabat and its monuments, then Casablanca.
- Kasbah of the Udayas
- Hassan Tower
- Casablanca
Casablanca → El Jadida → Essaouira
The Hassan II Mosque, El Jadida, then the walled Atlantic port of Essaouira.
- Hassan II Mosque
- El Jadida
- Essaouira
Essaouira → Marrakech (return / departure)
Morning by the sea, argan cooperatives, then back to Marrakech for departure.
- Essaouira harbour
- Argan cooperative
- Marrakech
What's included — and what's not
Included
- Private/shared vehicle & fuel for 12 days
- English-speaking driver-host
- 11 nights across riads, kasbahs, desert camp & coast
- Daily breakfast + desert dinners
- Camel trek into the Erg Chebbi dunes
- Licensed guides in Marrakech & Fes
- Airport pickup & drop-off
- Tolls & parking
Not included
- Flights
- Lunches & drinks
- Monument & museum entrance fees
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Tips (optional)
How much does a 12-day Morocco tour cost?
Prices are per person and depend on group size, dates and accommodation. As a guide:
Longer tours reward sharing a private vehicle — per-person cost drops with each extra traveller. Message us with your dates and numbers
Shared departures
Shared departures run on set dates so we can guarantee a real small group rather than a half-empty vehicle. If none of these dates fit, a Private Premium tour can start on any day you choose.
Departs
The second Saturday of every month
Small group, maximum 10 travellers.
Guaranteed departure promise
We need a minimum of 4 travellers to run a shared departure. If a date doesn't reach the minimum we'll tell you at least 14 days ahead, and you can either move to another date, upgrade to a private tour at a reduced rate, or take a full refund of your deposit. Private tours have no fixed dates — you choose any start date you like.
Best time
Spring and autumn are ideal; this route spans mountains, desert and coast.
What to pack
Layers, comfortable shoes, sun protection, a scarf, modest layers for mosques, swimwear.
Who it suits
Travellers who want depth and a slower pace — couples, families and small groups.
Flexibility
Reserve now, pay on arrival. Add trekking, cooking classes or extra nights anywhere.
Frequently asked questions
How is 12 days different from the 10-day tour?
Twelve days adds a High Atlas day, a second desert night at Merzouga, more time in the Valley of Kasbahs, and a proper coast stay — with shorter driving days throughout.
Does it start and end in Marrakech?
Yes — a round-trip loop. We can adjust the finish to Casablanca or Fes on request.
Shared or private?
Shared runs on set departure dates at the best price; Private Premium is your own vehicle with a flexible pace.
Is the pace relaxed?
Yes — with 12 days the drives are shorter and there's time to slow down in the desert, the medinas and on the coast.
Can we add the High Atlas trekking?
Yes — the Atlas day can become a guided walk in Imlil or the Ourika valley. Just ask.
Book now, pay later?
Yes — reserve now, pay on arrival, confirmed in writing.
