Guided by a Moroccan expert guide, This Private 9 days Morocco itinerary takes you on an unforgettable trip through Morocco’s landscapes, rich history, and vibrant cities. Starting in the heart of Marrakech, you’ll explore souks, the serene Sahara desert, stunning gorges, and ancient medinas.
Experience a blend of culture, history, and adventure, from the peaks of the Atlas Mountains to the golden dunes of the Erg Chebbi, all the way to the blue-washed streets of Chefchaouen. This 9 day Morocco itinerary from Marrakech offers an immersive introduction to the best Morocco has to offer.
Welcome to Morocco! Your Morocco Desert Tour in 9 Days starts from Marrakech. Upon arrival at Marrakech Menara Airport, you’ll be transferred to your accommodation.
Leaving the city behind, you’ll travel through the scenic High Atlas Mountains, passing traditional Berber villages along the way. The stunning landscapes give way to the UNESCO-listed Ait Ben Haddou, an ancient fortified village that has served as the backdrop for many famous films.
After exploring Ait Ben Haddou, continue your drive through Ouarzazate, known as the “Gateway to the Sahara,” and head towards the Dades Gorges, where you’ll spend the night surrounded by dramatic rock formations. This leg of your 9-day Morocco itinerary offers breathtaking views and a taste of rural Morocco.
Your Desert Trip continues through the picturesque Todra Gorges, where towering cliffs create a breathtaking natural scene. As you travel deeper into the desert, you’ll pass Erfoud, famous for its fossils, before reaching Merzouga, the gateway to the Sahara Desert. In the late afternoon, you’ll start your camel ride through the stunning Erg Chebbi dunes, where you’ll witness a magnificent desert sunset.
Tonight, you’ll spend the night in a luxury desert camp, enjoying traditional Moroccan cuisine under a star-filled sky. This is a highlight of your 9 Days Morocco itinerary from Marrakech and a must-see for any desert lover.
After a magical night in the desert, wake up early to catch sunrise and breakfast in your luxury camp. Your journey continues with a scenic drive through the Ziz Valley, known for its lush palm groves. You’ll pass the town of Rissani and explore the traditional Souk before making your way to the Middle Atlas Mountains.
En route, stop at the cedar forests near Azrou, home to playful Barbary macaque monkeys. The final destination of the day is Fes, one of Morocco’s imperial cities and the cultural heart of the country. This day on your 9-day desert tour from Marrakech showcases the diverse landscapes that make Morocco so unique.
Today is dedicated to exploring the ancient city of Fes, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Your guided tour will take you through the maze-like streets of the medina, visiting landmarks such as the Al-Qarawiyyin University, one of the oldest in the world, and the beautiful Bou Inania Madrasa.
Take time to visit the famous tanneries, where leather is still processed using traditional methods. Fes is the perfect place to experience Morocco’s deep-rooted history and culture, making this day an essential part of your Morocco itinerary for 9 days.
Leaving Fes behind, you’ll travel to the blue city of Chefchaouen, nestled in the picturesque Rif Mountains. Known for its striking blue-washed buildings that create a stunning contrast against the rugged mountain backdrop, Chefchaouen is a photographer’s dream and a haven for art lovers. Upon arrival, take some time to soak in the unique ambiance of this charming town.
Spend the day wandering its narrow, winding streets adorned with vibrant flower pots and intricate doorways. Explore local markets, where you can find handcrafted goods, textiles, and traditional Moroccan souvenirs.
Today, you’ll depart from Chefchaouen and head towards Morocco’s capital, Rabat. Here, you’ll visit the Hassan Tower and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, two of the city’s most significant landmarks. After exploring Rabat, you’ll continue to Casablanca, where you can visit the stunning Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest in the world.
Casablanca offers a modern contrast to the more traditional cities you’ve visited, and it’s a fitting final destination before wrapping up your Morocco itinerary from Marrakech.
On your final day, you’ll make the journey back to Marrakech, where your Moroccan adventure comes to an end. Whether you’re dropped off at your accommodation or at the airport for your departure, you’ll leave with unforgettable memories of your 9-day Morocco itinerary.
The itinerary provided for the 9 days in Morocco Itinerary from Marrakech is just a sample. If this itinerary doesn’t suit your needs, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We specialize in designing custom itineraries tailored to your preferences, interests, and schedule.
For those with less time, consider our Morocco 7 day itinerary from Marrakech or the 8 days in Morocco itinerary to explore the key highlights. If you’re planning a longer trip, our Morocco itinerary 10 days offers even more experiences. For starting points from Casablanca, explore the 8 day Morocco itinerary from Casablanca, our Morocco Itinerary 9 Days from Casablanca, or the extended 10 day Morocco itinerary from Casablanca. For more inspiration, check out our related blogs on Morocco itinerary 9 days and Morocco Itinerary.
Between Marrakech and Fes, popular stops include:
These stops make the journey memorable and diverse.
Yes, one week is enough to see Morocco’s highlights, including Marrakech, Fes, a desert tour to Merzouga, and the Atlas Mountains. It will be a packed itinerary, but doable with some travel time.
Take a guided desert tour (4×4 or minibus) or self-drive through the High Atlas Mountains, Ait Benhaddou, and Dades or Todra Gorge to reach Merzouga.
The best places to sleep are:
The closest desert to Marrakech is the Zagora Desert, located about 6-7 hours away by car. This makes it ideal for a quick 2 day desert tour if you’re short on time. However, for a fuller Sahara experience, a 3-day tour to Merzouga is recommended to reach the larger, iconic dunes of Erg Chebbi.
When visiting Morocco desert, and need Things To Do in the Sahara Desert, Enjoy camel trekking, sandboarding, stargazing, quad biking, and staying in traditional Berber camps. Sunsets and sunrises over the dunes are unforgettable experiences.
Yes, visiting the Sahara is absolutely worth it! You can take a guided tour from Marrakech or Fes, by 4×4 or camel, for an authentic experience. The Sahara’s vast beauty and unique culture make it an unforgettable trip.
The best time to visit Sahara Desert is in spring (March-May) or fall (September-November), when temperatures are mild. Avoid peak summer, as it can be extremely hot.
