8-Day Private Morocco Tour: Cities, Desert & Coast

This 8-day, 7-night private tour loops from Marrakech to Rabat, Chefchaouen, Fes, the Merzouga dunes, the Dades Valley and Aït Benhaddou before returning to Marrakech. You travel in your own air-conditioned vehicle with an English-speaking driver, stay in riads, kasbah hotels and a desert camp, and have local guides in the main cities.

Morocco's highlights in one week

This route covers the country's contrasts: the Atlantic capital, the blue mountain town, the medieval medina of Fes, the Sahara dunes and the kasbahs of the south. Because it is private, you set the rhythm. Want an extra hour in Chefchaouen, or to skip a shop and spend longer at a viewpoint? Just tell your driver. We plan the route so the longest drives are broken up with interesting stops.

Where you stay

• Rabat: 1 night in a riad in the kasbah or medina.
• Chefchaouen: 1 night in a riad in the blue medina.
• Fes: 2 nights in a traditional riad inside Fes el-Bali.
• Merzouga: 1 night in a comfort desert camp with private bathroom.
• Dades Valley: 1 night in a kasbah hotel.
• Aït Benhaddou or Ouarzazate: 1 night in a kasbah hotel.

All nights include breakfast; dinners are included in the desert and the south, where restaurants are few. Upgrades to boutique riads are available at a supplement.

Guides and experiences

You have a licensed local guide for half a day in Rabat and a full day in Fes, where the medina's thousands of lanes are hard to navigate alone. In the desert you ride camels at sunset, and there is time to visit Khamlia's Gnawa musicians. In Aït Benhaddou a local guide shows you inside the ksar.

Best time to go

March to May and September to November are ideal across all regions. Winter (December to February) is quieter and cheaper but brings cold desert nights and possible snow on the Middle Atlas around Ifrane. In July and August the desert and Fes are very hot, and we adjust the timings.

Practical tips from our team

• The longest drive is Fes to Merzouga (about 7–8 hours with stops, via Ifrane and the Ziz Valley).
• Pack a small overnight bag for the desert; your main luggage stays in the vehicle.
• Budget about 150–250 MAD per person per day for lunches and drinks.
• Tell us about dietary needs; riads handle vegetarian meals easily.
• The route can run in reverse, or start in Casablanca or Fes.

If you are travelling with children or on honeymoon, read our 8-day Morocco family itinerary and romantic Morocco honeymoon itinerary. Share your dates on WhatsApp at +212 606-957514 and we will send a detailed proposal.