Atlas Desert Tours
Atlas Desert Tours
11 Day Classic Morocco Tour
Discover Morocco’s Imperial Cities, Blue Chefchaouen, the Sahara Desert, and Marrakech in One Unforgettable Journey
Our 11 Day Classic Morocco Tour is one of the most complete and rewarding private journeys in Morocco. This itinerary combines the country’s most important imperial cities, the blue-washed streets of Chefchaouen, the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis, the cultural richness of Fes, the golden Sahara dunes of Merzouga, the dramatic landscapes of Todra Gorge and Dades Valley, the legendary Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, and the vibrant energy of Marrakech.
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This tour has been carefully designed for travelers who want to experience the best of Morocco at a comfortable pace, with private transportation, handpicked accommodations, and the support of experienced local guides along the way. It is an ideal journey for first-time visitors who want a balanced mix of culture, history, scenery, and authentic Moroccan experiences.
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You will travel from the Atlantic coast to the Rif Mountains, from the medieval streets of Fes to the vast Sahara Desert, and from the ancient kasbah trails of southern Morocco to the colorful souks of Marrakech. Every day brings a new landscape, a new atmosphere, and a deeper connection to Morocco.
Important Note:
Our 11 Day Morocco itinerary starts from Casablanca and ends in either Marrakech or Casablanca depending on your flight schedule. It is also possible to start the tour from Marrakech and end it in Marrakech or Casablanca. Since all our tours are private, we are happy to customize the itinerary around your estimated flight schedule, travel plans, and interests. Please contact us to personalize the itinerary accordingly.
Highlights
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Explore the imperial cities of Rabat, Meknes, Fes, and Marrakech
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Wander through the blue streets of Chefchaouen
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Discover the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis
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Travel along the legendary Route of a Thousand Kasbahs
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Ride camels across the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi
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Meet nomads and experience authentic Sahara life
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Walk through the dramatic landscapes of Todra Gorge
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Experience Moroccan culture with expert local guides
11 Day Classic Morocco Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Arriving in Casablanca d- Transfer to the hotel (40 minutes drive)
Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca
Welcome to Morocco. Upon arrival at Casablanca International Airport, you will be met by your Atlas Desert Tours professional driver and transferred to your hotel.
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If you arrive in the morning, you will have the opportunity to visit the impressive Hassan II Mosque, the third-largest mosque in the world and home to the tallest minaret at 210 meters. Designed by French architect Michel Pinseau, the mosque can accommodate up to 25,000 worshipers inside and 80,000 in its courtyard. It is also one of the few mosques in Morocco open to non-Muslim visitors.
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In the evening, you may choose to enjoy dinner at Rick’s Café, inspired by the famous movie Casablanca, offering a refined atmosphere and excellent cuisine.
Overnight in your hotel. Bed and breakfast included.
Day 2: Travel to Chefchaouen through Rabat and the Rif Mountains (5 hours drive)
Hassan Tower in Rabat
After breakfast, we will leave Casablanca and travel to Rabat, the political capital of Morocco overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
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Here, you will visit the 12th century Kasbah of the Udayas, located in the oldest part of the city. It offers beautiful views over the ocean from its cliff-top setting. You will walk through its quiet alleys and whitewashed houses influenced by Andalusian architecture. Inside the Kasbah, you will also find the Al-Atiqa Mosque, Andalusian Gardens, art galleries, and a museum with a beautiful collection of Moroccan jewelry.
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Next, you will explore Hassan Tower, Rabat’s most famous landmark. It was built by Sultan Yacoub El-Mansour, who died before it was completed. You will also visit the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, built in traditional Moroccan style with elegant marble and a peaceful atmosphere.
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After lunch in a local restaurant, we will continue our journey through the Rif Mountains, enjoying the beautiful countryside and scenic landscapes until reaching Chefchaouen, the Blue Pearl of the North.
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Overnight in your riad. Bed and breakfast included.
Day 3: Full Day Exploring Chefchaouen
Today is dedicated to exploring the beautiful blue city of Chefchaouen.
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Located in the heart of the Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen is one of the most charming and photogenic towns in Morocco. Its blue-painted streets, whitewashed walls, and peaceful atmosphere make it completely different from the country’s larger imperial cities. The town’s history was shaped by Andalusian refugees in the 15th century, and their influence can still be seen in the architecture and layout of the medina.
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You will have time to wander through the narrow blue alleys, browse artisan shops, relax in one of the town’s peaceful squares, and enjoy views of the surrounding mountains.
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Overnight in your riad. Bed and breakfast included.
The blue streets in Chefchaouen in northern Morocco
Day 4: Driving toward the Medieval City of Fes via Volubilis and Meknes
Volubilis - 2000 years old Roman City
After breakfast, we will head towards the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis. You will spend the morning exploring these remarkably well-preserved 2,000-year-old ruins, famous for their beautiful mosaics, arches, and ancient structures.
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We will then continue to Meknes, one of Morocco’s imperial cities, where lunch will be taken in a local restaurant.
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After lunch, your guide will take you on a tour of the highlights of Meknes, including the magnificent Bab Mansour gate, one of the grandest and most beautifully decorated gates in Morocco. You will also have time to explore El Hedim Square, the lively heart of Meknes, before continuing on to Fes.
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Overnight in your riad. Bed and breakfast included.
Day 5: Fes Walking Tour with a Local Guide
Fes Leather Tanner is - the Oldest in Morocco
Today, you will explore Fes, the spiritual capital and oldest imperial city of Morocco, with a knowledgeable local guide.
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Most of your guided tour will take place inside the ancient medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its narrow alleys, traditional souks, artisan workshops, and remarkable medieval atmosphere. Your guide will introduce you to the city’s most important cultural and historical landmarks, including Al Karaouine Mosque and University, one of the oldest universities in the world and one of the most important religious centers in Morocco.
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You will also visit the 14th century Bou Inania Madrasa, known for its elaborate zellij tilework, carved plaster, lattice screens, and massive brass doors.
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After lunch in a local restaurant, you will visit the famous tanneries, where leather is still produced using traditional methods. The tour will also include the Royal Palace gate, the Jewish quarter known as the Mellah, and the pottery cooperative.
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In the afternoon, you will have free time to enjoy the atmosphere of medieval Fes.
Overnight in your riad. Bed and breakfast included.
Day 6: Traveling to Merzouga Sahara Desert through the Middle Atlas Mountains
Monkeys in Cedar Forest in the middle Atlas Mountains
After breakfast, we will leave Fes and travel south toward the majestic Sahara Desert.
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Today’s drive offers a dramatic change in scenery as we pass through the Middle Atlas Mountains and traditional Berber villages. Our first stop will be in Ifrane, a clean and modern town built during the French colonial period, known for its European-style architecture and well-kept parks.
We will then continue through the cedar forests near Azrou, where you may see Barbary macaques living in the largest cedar forest in Morocco.
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Lunch will be taken in Midelt, often referred to as the Apple City.
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In the afternoon, we will continue along the lush Ziz Valley, one of Morocco’s most beautiful oasis regions, known for its palm groves and panoramic desert views. Arrival in Merzouga will be at the end of the day, where you will be welcomed with mint tea before checking into your riad located on the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes, the highest dunes in Morocco.
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Dinner and overnight in your riad.
Day 7: Merzouga Dunes Tour and Sahara Desert Camp
Luxury Sahara Desert Camp in Merzouga
Today will be one of the highlights of your tour in Morocco.
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We will explore the beauty of the Moroccan Sahara and the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi, which stretch over 28 kilometers and rise to heights of around 160 meters. Your driver-guide will take you around the dunes, passing by old Berber villages and scenic desert landscapes.
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You will visit a nomad family living in a tent in the desert and enjoy mint tea while learning about their traditional lifestyle. Later, you will visit the Gnawa people, whose spiritual music and culture reflect their roots in sub-Saharan Africa.
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Not far from Merzouga, you may also see the seasonal lake, one of the best places in the region for spotting desert birds.
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After lunch in a local restaurant, you will return to your hotel to relax or enjoy a swim before your camel trek into the dunes. As the afternoon sun begins to descend, you will ride your camels across Erg Chebbi and enjoy the changing colors of the sand.
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Overnight in your Sahara desert camp. Dinner, live Berber drum music, bed, and breakfast included.
Day 8: Driving to Dades Valley via Rissani and Todra Gorge
Todra Gorge in the South of Morocco
We highly recommend waking up early this morning to enjoy the sunrise over the dunes of Erg Chebbi. Watching the sun rise over the Sahara is one of the most memorable moments of the journey.
After breakfast in the camp, we will leave the desert and continue toward Dades Valley.
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Our first stop will be in Rissani, a historic town closely linked to the Alaouite dynasty, the current royal family of Morocco. You will visit its traditional souk, where different sections are dedicated to dates, spices, vegetables, animals, fabrics, and crafts.
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We then continue through palm groves and Berber villages to the dramatic Todra Gorge, where the canyon walls rise to around 300 meters. You will have time to walk through the gorge and enjoy the cool waters of the river.
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After lunch, we will continue west toward Dades Valley to admire the unusual rock formations known as Monkey Fingers and the beautiful landscapes of this lush valley.
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Dinner and overnight in your hotel overlooking Dades Valley.
Day 9: Rose Valley – Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – High Atlas – Marrakech
Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou
After breakfast, we will leave Dades Valley heading toward Kalaat Mgouna and Ouarzazate along the famous Road of a Thousand Kasbahs.
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In Kalaat Mgouna, also known as the Rose City, you may stop to browse rose-based products such as rosewater, perfume, lotion, and other local items.
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We then continue through remote Berber villages to Ouarzazate, often called the Hollywood of Africa because of its dramatic landscapes and long connection to international film productions. Here, you may choose to visit Atlas Film Studios, one of the largest film studios in the world, where movies and television productions such as Gladiator, The Mummy, and Game of Thrones were filmed.
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After that, we will drive to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ait Ben Haddou, one of the most famous kasbahs in Morocco. This ancient fortified village has long served as an important stop along old caravan routes and remains one of the most impressive sites in southern Morocco.
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After your guided tour of the kasbah, you will have a break for lunch before continuing toward Marrakech via the spectacular Tizi n’Tichka Pass in the High Atlas Mountains.
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Arrival in Marrakech is usually around 4:00 to 5:00 pm.
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Overnight in your riad. Bed and breakfast included.
Day 10: Marrakech Guided Tour
Koutoubia Mosque in Marrakech
After breakfast, your local guide will meet you at your riad and take you on a private guided tour of Marrakech’s most important monuments.
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You will visit the 12th century Koutoubia Mosque, whose elegant minaret dominates the skyline of the city. You will also visit Bahia Palace, one of Marrakech’s most beautiful palaces, known for its courtyards, gardens, and fine Andalusian and Moorish architecture.
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Next, you will visit the Saadian Tombs, built in the 16th century and beautifully decorated with marble, wood carvings, and colorful mosaics.
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You will also tour Ben Youssef Madrasa, once the largest Islamic college in North Africa, admired for its carved cedar wood, zellij tilework, and graceful courtyard.
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After lunch, you will visit Jemaa El Fna, Marrakech’s famous main square, where storytellers, musicians, snake charmers, and market stalls create one of the most vibrant scenes in Morocco.
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Overnight in your riad. Bed and breakfast included.
Day 11: Departure
Depending on your flight time, you will be transferred to Marrakech Airport or Casablanca Airport for your departure.
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End of our services.
Talk to your Morocco Expert
Hello, I'm Hassan! My family and I have been cultural tour guides in our home, Morocco, for more than 16 years. We love what we do and we put our heart into it. We would love to share our experience with you, work with you to create a customized Morocco journey that you'll always remember. We would love to hear from you. Give me a call at:
Phone / WhatsApp: +212 613385341
What's Included
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Private transportation in a comfortable air-conditioned 4x4 or minivan throughout the tour
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English-speaking private driver/guide
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Airport pickup in Casablanca
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10 nights in carefully selected riads, hotels, kasbahs, and a luxury Sahara desert camp
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Daily breakfasts
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3 Dinners (two in the Sahara and one in Dades Valley)
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Camel trek in the Sahara Desert at sunset
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4x4 Desert excursion.
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Sandboarding in the dunes
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Guided city tours in Chefchaouen, Fes and Marrakech with licensed local guides
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Fuel, tolls, and all transportation-related expenses
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Flexible stops for photos, breaks, cafés, and scenic viewpoints throughout the journey
What's Not Included
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International flights
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Lunches and drinks
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Dinners in Casablanca, Chefchaouen, Fes, and Marrakech. We intentionally leave these dinners open so guests can freely explore Morocco’s diverse culinary scene and choose restaurants that match their personal tastes and atmosphere preferences. However, we are always happy to include selected dinners upon request.
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Entrance fees to monuments and historical sites
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Tips for driver and local guides
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Travel insurance
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Optional activities such as ATV rides, hammam/spa treatments, cooking classes, food tours, or hiking experiences.
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Personal expenses and shopping purchases
Request your Morocco tour itinerary, prices, and accommodations today!
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Related Morocco Tours
If you have more time to explore Morocco, you may also enjoy our 15 Day Morocco Tour, a deeper journey through Morocco’s imperial cities, Sahara Desert, Atlantic coastlines, mountain villages, and cultural treasures.
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If you are more limited in time, you may prefer our 9 Day Imperial Cities & Desert Tour or our shorter 7 Day Highlights of Morocco itinerary, both designed to experience Morocco’s most iconic destinations in a shorter timeframe.