Overview
The 14-day Grand Morocco tour from Marrakech is our most complete departure from the Red City — a genuine two-week circuit rather than a compressed highlights reel. It opens with three of Marrakech's best day-trip destinations back to back (the Atlas foothills at Imlil, the Ouzoud Waterfalls, and the Atlantic coast at Essaouira) before turning south into the desert and north through the imperial cities and the Rif.
Where our shorter Marrakech tours reach the Sahara through Merzouga alone, this itinerary goes further into the Draa Valley and Erg Chigaga — a wilder, more remote dune system reached via Zagora and Mhamid — before continuing east to Merzouga's own Erg Chebbi dunes for a second, different desert night. Few itineraries from Marrakech cover both Sahara systems in one trip.
This is the itinerary for travelers who have the time to do Morocco properly: mountains, waterfalls, coast, two deserts, four imperial-city-adjacent stops, and the Rif, all in one carefully paced route.
Highlights
- Imlil and the Toubkal foothills, Ouzoud Waterfalls, and Essaouira, all from Marrakech
- Two distinct Sahara experiences: remote Erg Chigaga and the great dunes of Merzouga
- The Draa Valley, Zagora, Tamegroute, and Mhamid
- Todra Gorge, Dades Valley, and Ait Ben Haddou
- Fes, Meknes, and the Roman ruins of Volubilis
- Finish among the blue streets of Chefchaouen
Marrakech rewards an unhurried first day more than almost any other Moroccan city. Djemaa el-Fna is the natural starting point — quiet in the morning, filling steadily until it becomes a theatre of juice stalls, henna artists, and storytellers by evening. From there the medina spreads out by craft: leather in one alley, lanterns in another, spices and woodwork further along. The Koutoubia Mosque's minaret, visible from much of the city, is a useful landmark for orientation. Depending on arrival time, there is room to visit the Bahia Palace or simply settle into a riad and let the pace of the Red City set in before the longer road stages begin. A mint tea on a rooftop terrace overlooking the medina's rooftops is the best way to end the day and prepare for the route ahead.
What Is Included
- Pick-up in Marrakech and transport throughout the route
- Thirteen nights' accommodation
- Camel or 4x4 excursion and two nights in desert camps (Erg Chigaga and Merzouga)
- Driver-guide service
- Breakfasts and dinners as scheduled
- Cultural and scenic stops along the way
What Is Not Included
- Lunches and drinks
- Entrance fees and local guides unless stated
- Tips and personal expenses
- Travel insurance
Practical Tips
- Best season: Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) offer the most comfortable temperatures for the mountains, coast, and both desert regions
- What to wear: Light, breathable clothing during the day and warmer layers for desert and mountain evenings; modest dress in medinas
- Money: Carry Moroccan dirhams (MAD) for souks, tips, and small purchases; ATMs are available in all major cities but scarce beyond Zagora and Mhamid
- Bargaining: Haggling is expected in souks; start at roughly half the asking price and negotiate respectfully
- Guided visits: A licensed local guide adds real depth in Fes and Meknes; we can arrange this on request
- Connectivity: Mobile coverage is very limited around Mhamid, Erg Chigaga, and parts of the Atlas — download offline maps in advance
FAQ
Why does this itinerary include two different deserts?
Erg Chigaga and Merzouga's Erg Chebbi are genuinely different experiences — one remote and quiet, the other larger and more visited. Fourteen days gives enough time to include both.
Is 14 days too ambitious for one Morocco trip?
No. It is a full itinerary, but the pace is comfortable because each stage gets its own day rather than being combined with travel.
Does this tour include the Atlas Mountains as well as the desert?
Yes. Imlil and the Toubkal foothills are covered early in the trip, in addition to the High Atlas crossing en route to Ait Ben Haddou.
Is this a loop back to Marrakech?
No. The route ends in Chefchaouen in the north, with onward transfer arranged toward Tangier, Fes, or Casablanca according to your travel plans.
Do I need a local guide at each city?
Not strictly required, but a licensed guide adds considerable depth in dense medinas like Fes and Meknes. We can arrange this if requested.
Is it safe to explore Moroccan cities independently?
Yes. Morocco's main cities are generally safe for tourists. Use standard urban awareness and keep valuables secure in busy souks.
What currency should I use?
Moroccan dirhams (MAD). Exchange at official bureaux de change or banks in main cities — carry extra cash before heading into the deep south.
