11-Day Coast and Desert Tour Highlights
- Atlantic Heritage: Explore the Portuguese cisterns of El Jadida and the ramparts of Essaouira.
- Imperial Majesty: In-depth guided tours of the Red City, Rabat, and the medieval labyrinth of Fes.
- Sahara Immersion: A full desert tour including nomad visits, Gnawa music, and a luxury dune camp.
- Atlas Crossing: Traverse the High Atlas via Tizi n’Tichka and visit the UNESCO site of Ait Ben Haddou.
- Natural Wonders: Walk through the towering Todra Gorges and the lush Ziz Valley palm groves.
- Cultural Capital: Discover the administrative elegance of Rabat and the Roman history of the north.
11-Day Coast and Desert Tour Itinerary
Arrival in Casablanca
Welcome to Morocco! Your 11-day coast and desert tour begins at Mohammed V International Airport, where your private driver will be waiting to greet you. We start with a visit to the Hassan II Mosque, an architectural masterpiece perched over the Atlantic. Its intricate tilework and massive minaret serve as a grand introduction to Moroccan craftsmanship. After the tour, we transfer to your hotel. You can spend your first evening relaxing or walking along the Corniche, enjoying the sea breeze as you prepare for the diverse landscapes that await you over the next eleven days.
Overnight: Hotel in CasablancaCasablanca – El Jadida – Essaouira
We head south along the coast to the historic town of El Jadida. Here, you will explore the 16th-century Portuguese Cistern, a subterranean chamber where the play of light on the water creates a magical atmosphere. Continuing down the Atlantic road, this 11-day coast and desert tour brings you to the breezy “Wind City” of Essaouira. This UNESCO-listed medina is famous for its white-and-blue architecture and relaxed vibe. Spend the afternoon watching the blue fishing boats in the harbor, walking the stone ramparts, or browsing the many art galleries and Thuya wood workshops tucked into the narrow streets.
Overnight: Riad in EssaouiraEssaouira – Marrakech
Enjoy a final morning of sea air in Essaouira before we depart for the interior. On the drive to Marrakech, we pass through the unique Argan forests—the only place in the world where these trees thrive. This transition from the coast to the plains is a scenic highlight of your 11-day coast and desert tour. As we approach Marrakech, the landscape turns ochre-red. Upon arrival, you will check into your Riad in the heart of the medina. In the evening, head to Jemaa el-Fnaa square to witness the transformation into a massive outdoor theater filled with food stalls, musicians, and storytellers.
Overnight: Riad in MarrakechMarrakech Guided Tour
Today is a deep dive into the “Red City.” With your private guide, you will visit the Bahia Palace, an exquisite example of 19th-century Moroccan architecture, and Medrassa Ben Youssef. Your 11-day coast and desert tour experience continues at the Majorelle Garden, a botanical paradise of exotic plants and cobalt-blue buildings. We also visit the Koutoubia Mosque and the vibrant souks, where you can see artisans at work. The afternoon is free for you to explore the hidden corners of the medina or enjoy a traditional hammam treatment before returning to the energy of the main square at sunset.
Overnight: Riad in MarrakechMarrakech – High Atlas – Ait Ben Haddou – Dades Valley
We leave Marrakech and ascend the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka pass. This winding road offers breathtaking views of Berber villages and deep canyons, making it a pivotal moment in the 11-day coast and desert tour. We stop at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Ben Haddou, a fortified village that has served as a backdrop for epic films like Gladiator. After exploring the ksar, we continue past Ouarzazate to the Dades Valley. You will navigate the famous “monkey fingers” rock formations and the Dades Gorges, staying in a charming Riad overlooking the lush agricultural valley.
Overnight: Riad in Dades ValleyDades – Todra Gorges – Erfoud – Sahara Desert
After breakfast, we drive to the Todra Gorges, where 300-meter-high limestone cliffs tower over the river below. You’ll have time to walk through the canyon before heading toward the desert. We pass through Erfoud, the capital of fossils, and finally reach the golden dunes of Merzouga. This is the heart of your 11-day coast and desert tour. You will mount your camel and trek into the Erg Chebbi dunes to witness a spectacular Saharan sunset. Tonight, you stay in a luxury desert camp, where a traditional dinner and Berber music under a sky full of stars await you.
Overnight: Luxury Desert Camp in MerzougaSahara Desert Tour
A full day to immerse yourself in the desert lifestyle. We take a 4×4 expedition to explore the Erg Chebbi dunes, visiting a nomadic family to learn about their traditions and share a glass of mint tea. This immersive 11-day coast and desert tour experience continues in the village of Khamlia, where you will listen to spiritual Gnawa music. We’ll also visit the seasonal lake of Merzouga to see pink flamingos if the weather permits. In the afternoon, you can relax at your desert hotel or try sandboarding. The day ends with another stunning sunset over the shifting sands, offering peace and reflection.
Overnight: Hotel in MerzougaMerzouga – Ziz Valley – Cedar Forest – Ifrane – Fes
We bid farewell to the dunes and travel north. This leg of the 11-day coast and desert tour takes us through the dramatic Ziz Valley, home to the largest palm grove in the country. After crossing the Middle Atlas, we stop in the cedar forests of Azrou to meet the local Barbary macaques. We also visit Ifrane, known as the “Switzerland of Morocco” for its alpine architecture and clean parks. As the day ends, we arrive in the ancient city of Fes. You will check into your Riad, ready to explore the spiritual and intellectual capital of the Kingdom the following morning.
Overnight: Riad in FesFes Guided Tour
Fes is the world’s oldest medieval medina, and exploring it is a mandatory part of our 11-day coast and desert tour. Your private guide will lead you through the car-free labyrinth of over 9,000 alleys. Visit the Al-Qarawiyyin University, the Bou Inania Madrasa, and the iconic Chouara Tannery. Watch artisans create pottery, weave textiles, and hammer brass in the same way they have for a thousand years. We also visit the Jewish Quarter (Mellah) and the Royal Palace gates. The tour concludes with a panoramic view of the city from the Merenid Tombs, showing the sheer scale of this ancient city.
Overnight: Riad in FesFes – Meknes – Rabat
We leave Fes for the imperial city of Meknes, where you will see the grand Bab el-Mansour gate and the Royal Stables. The penultimate day of your 11-day coast and desert tour brings us to Rabat, the administrative capital. Here, you will visit the Hassan Tower and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, which showcases incredible modern Moroccan craftsmanship. A walk through the white-and-blue Kasbah of the Oudayas offers final views of the Atlantic where the river meets the ocean. This evening, enjoy a relaxed dinner in the capital, reflecting on the incredible loop you have completed through the heart of Morocco.
Overnight: Hotel in RabatTransfer to Casablanca Airport
After a final breakfast, we conclude your 11-day coast and desert tour with a comfortable transfer back to Casablanca. Your driver will drop you off at Mohammed V International Airport (CMN) in coordination with your flight schedule. We wish you a safe flight and look forward to welcoming you back to the Kingdom for your next adventure with Morocco Best Trips.
End of TripInclusions
- Private air-conditioned 4×4 or minivan
- Professional experienced driver
- Airport Transfers
- 9 Nights in handpicked Riads/Hotels
- 1 Night in a Luxury Desert Camp in Merzouga
- Daily Breakfast and Sahara dinner under the stars
- Sunset camel trek in Erg Chebbi dunes
- Private guides in Fes and Marrakech
- 4×4 Sahara Desert Tour to nomad settlements
- Flexible Photo Stops along the route
- 24/7 Support before and during your trip
- Fresh Bottled Water in the vehicle
- All Local Taxes
Exclusions
- International airfare
- Lunches and city dinners
- Entrance fees to monuments
- Personal expenses and tips
Book Your Moroccan Journey
This 11-day coast and desert tour is the definitive way to see the Kingdom’s immense diversity in a single, perfectly paced journey.
Morocco Best Trips – Specializing in authentic private experiences that connect you to the heart of the country.