12-Day Morocco Highlights Tour from Fes

🏰 Tour Overview

Embark on a 12-day journey through Morocco's most spectacular destinations, from the imperial cities to the vast Sahara Desert and the picturesque Atlantic coast. This comprehensive tour offers the perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, with comfortable accommodations and expert local guides to enhance your experience.

🗓️ Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Fes

Upon your arrival at Fes-Saïss Airport, your private driver will greet you and transfer you to a traditional riad in the historic medina. After settling into your room, take an evening orientation walk through the quiet cobblestone alleys and enjoy a delicious welcome dinner featuring classic Moroccan cuisine before your overnight stay in Fes.

Day 2: Fes Cultural Discovery

Immerse yourself in a full-day guided tour of Fes el-Bali, the largest living medieval medina in the world. Visit the famous Al Quaraouiyine University and Mosque, gaze down at the colorful dye vats of the Chouara Tanneries, and observe traditional craftsmen working with brass and leather. After a traditional lunch, explore the Jewish Quarter (Mellah) and admire the brass gates of the Royal Palace. Enjoy a free evening and an overnight stay in your riad.

Day 3: Fes - Ifrane - Azrou - Midelt - Ziz Valley - Merzouga

Depart Fes in the morning, stopping first in Ifrane, the "Little Switzerland" of Morocco, and the cedar forests of Azrou to observe wild Barbary macaques. Stop in Midelt for a relaxing lunch among apple orchards, then travel through the palm-filled Ziz Valley to Merzouga. Arrive in the late afternoon to mount your camel for a sunset ride through the Erg Chebbi sand dunes, arriving at a luxury desert camp for a evening of Berber music, dinner, and starlit accommodation.

Day 4: Merzouga - Rissani - Todgha Gorge - Dades Valley

Rise early for an optional sunrise over the dunes before returning to Merzouga. Visit the market town of Rissani—bustling on market days (Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday)—and drive through the palm groves of Tafilalet. Stop at Todgha Gorge for a walk between steep 300-meter cliffs, then continue along the "Road of a Thousand Kasbahs" to the scenic Dades Valley for dinner and an overnight hotel stay.

Day 5: Dades Valley - Valley of the Roses - Ouarzazate - Ait Ben Haddou - Marrakech

Explore the Dades Valley's unique rock formations before driving through the Valley of the Roses and stopping at Skoura Oasis. In Ouarzazate, visit the historic Taourirt Kasbah, then explore the famous UNESCO World Heritage ksar of Ait Ben Haddou. Journey across the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n'Tichka pass (2,260m) to reach Marrakech in the evening for a restful overnight stay in a medina riad.

Day 6: Marrakech City Tour

Spend the day discovering Marrakech on a guided tour, visiting Bahia Palace, the Saadian Tombs, and the Koutoubia Mosque. Walk through the bustling souks and Djemaa el-Fna square, pause for lunch at a local restaurant, and spend the afternoon admiring Majorelle Garden and the Yves Saint Laurent Museum. Enjoy a free evening in Marrakech before returning to your riad for the night.

Day 7: Marrakech - Essaouira

Depart Marrakech for the coastal city of Essaouira, traveling through argan tree forests. After checking into your riad, enjoy a fresh seafood lunch by the bustling fishing port. In the afternoon, take a walking tour of the UNESCO-listed medina, visiting the port, sea ramparts (Scala), and craft stalls, followed by free time on the beach and an overnight stay in Essaouira.

Day 8: Essaouira - Free Day

Enjoy a full day at your own leisure in Essaouira. You can relax on the sweeping sandy beach, try windsurfing or kitesurfing at famous coastal spots, explore the historic Jewish Quarter and ancient synagogues, browse local art galleries, or sample freshly caught seafood at harbor grills. Overnight in Essaouira.

Day 9: Essaouira - Casablanca

Drive north along the Atlantic coast toward Casablanca, making a scenic stop at Oualidia lagoon for a fresh seafood lunch. Arrive in Casablanca in the afternoon to visit the iconic Hassan II Mosque (exterior and interior) and stroll along the lively oceanfront Corniche. In the evening, enjoy dinner at Rick's Café before your overnight stay in Casablanca.

Day 10: Casablanca - Rabat - Chefchaouen

Depart Casablanca for Rabat, where you will visit the Hassan Tower, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, the Kasbah of the Udayas, and the Andalusian Gardens. Continue north into the green Rif Mountains, arriving in Chefchaouen in the afternoon to explore its serene blue-washed streets and optionally hike to the Spanish Mosque for sunset. Dinner and overnight stay in Chefchaouen.

Day 11: Chefchaouen - Volubilis - Meknes - Fes

After a morning exploring Chefchaouen's medina and markets, drive to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Volubilis for a guided tour of ancient Roman ruins and mosaics. Continue to Meknes to view Bab Mansour, Moulay Ismail Mausoleum, and the Royal Stables. Return to Fes in the evening for a celebratory farewell dinner with live music and an overnight stay in your riad.

Day 12: Fes - Departure

Enjoy free time in Fes for last-minute shopping or sight-seeing before your private transfer to Fes-Saïss Airport for your departure flight, concluding your 12-day Morocco highlights tour.

🏨 Accommodation

3 nights in a traditional riad in Fes
1 night in a luxury desert camp in Merzouga
1 night in a hotel in Dades Valley
2 nights in a riad in Marrakech
2 nights in a riad in Essaouira
1 night in a hotel in Casablanca
1 night in a riad in Chefchaouen

✅ What's Included

11 nights' accommodation in selected riads, hotels, and desert camp
Daily breakfast and 8 dinners (in Fes, Merzouga, Dades Valley, Marrakech, Casablanca, and Chefchaouen)
Private transportation in an air-conditioned 4x4 or minivan
English-speaking driver/guide
Local guides in Fes, Marrakech, Ait Ben Haddou, and Volubilis
Camel trek in Merzouga (one camel per person)
All entrance fees to mentioned sites
All applicable taxes and service charges

❌ Not Included

International flights
Travel insurance
Lunches and drinks
Tips and personal expenses
Any other services not mentioned

📅 Departure Information

Start/End: Fes
Departure Days: Daily, year-round
Group Size: 2-12 people
Physical Rating: Moderate

📞 Book Now

Ready to experience the best of Morocco? Contact us today to book your spot!

Email: contact@moroccotoursexperts.com
WhatsApp: +212 666 451 795

Please mention "12-Day Morocco Highlights Tour from Fes" when booking.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of year for this tour? Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) offer the most pleasant weather. Summer can be very hot, especially in the desert, while winter (December-February) can be cold at night in the mountains and desert.

What should I pack for this tour?

Comfortable walking shoes
Layered clothing for varying temperatures
Warm jacket for cool desert nights
Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
Camera with extra batteries
A small backpack for daily essentials
Swimwear (some accommodations may have pools)
Lightweight scarf for visiting religious sites

Is this tour suitable for children? Yes, this tour is family-friendly, though some activities may be challenging for very young children. Please let us know if you're traveling with children.

What is the accommodation standard? We use carefully selected 3-4 star riads and hotels with private bathrooms and modern amenities, plus a luxury desert camp in Merzouga.

Can I extend my stay? Yes, we can help arrange additional nights in any of the cities on the itinerary or suggest beach extensions.

All our tours can be customized to your preferences. Contact us for private tours or special requests!