This is a flexible tour beginning and ending in Marrakesh.

Our tour routes are fully customisable and can be tailored to your preferences, travel style and arrival airport.

Our prices are based on two persons. 

Discounted rates for children and for larger groups.

Customised Morocco is the only link between you and a great tour of Morocco!

Tour Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival Marakesh

Upon arrival at Marrakech Menara Airport, you will be met by your specialist guide and transferred by private car to your deluxe riad accommodation in the medina where you will be greeted with a glass of hot, sweet mint tea, a much-loved tradition in Morocco, signifying hospitality and friendship, ordinarily accompanied by delicious almond paste sweets.  Depending upon your arrival time in Morocco, today is at your leisure or we would be delighted to arrange an additional privately guided tour upon request.  A welcome dinner will be served at your accommodation this evening.   Moroccan food is as diverse and vibrant in colour and flavour as is the Kingdom of Morocco itself.  Prepare for your senses to be rocked and your mind to be opened.

Day 2 Marrakesh - Ait Ben Haddou - Ouarzazate - Dades Valley

Today, after breakfast, you will leave the Red City of Marrakesh behind, for now, and head south towards Ouarzazate.  En route you will drive across the High Atlas Mountains, zigzagging your way via the Tizi-n-Tichka pass which peaks at 2260m high, before visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Site village of Ait Ben Haddou.  Here you will take a walk around the fortified walled village and up to The Granary to witness spectacular 360 degree views stretching as far as the eye can see.  After, you will enjoy lunch at one of the restaurants in the ancient village.  From here, you journey onwards through the Draa Valley and Palmeraie of Tinghir with its oasis of palm groves, abandoned Berber villages and ancient kasbahs. You will pass through the small kasbah town of Ouarzazate, known as the gateway to the desert.  Before arriving at your accommodation for this evening in the Dades Valley you”ll observe the view of the Dades Gorge from above and marvel at the dramatic rock formations known as Monkey Fingers in the Dades canyon.

This evening you will enjoy dinner and a night spent in the luxury 5* pyramid-shaped Xaluca Dades Hotel perched high above the Dades Valley.

Day 3 Dades Valley - Todra Gorge - Merzouga

This morning you’ll continue your tour heading south towards Merzouga and the impressive 150 metre high sand dunes of Erg Chebbi.  Here you will spend two nights, the first at your Luxury Desert Camp and the second at 5 star boutique hotel Riad Madu.

But first, you’ll stop today at the the gargantuan Todra Gorge.  Pause for a while to take pictures before you take a stroll through the vast river canyon popular among rock climbers.

From here you will journey to the Valley of Roses with time to stop and visit the local cooperatives producing perfumes and cosmetics from each year’s harvest. The Damask rose buds are harvested by local families and dried for their use in cosmetics, home decoration and cooking.  The rose petals are distilled into rose water and, ultimately, rose oil, before making their way into many of the world’s perfumes.  Every year sees a Festival of Roses in May, quite unlike any other, which showcases the year’s harvest in all its glory.

Upon reaching the quiet town of Erfoud, famous for its fossils and annual Date Festival, you will break to enjoy a late lunch.

After, and as you drive the final short distance to Merzouga, the sand dunes of the Sahara begin to take shape and grow in stature reaching an impressive 150 metres at Merzouga’s dune area known as Erg Chebbi. Upon arrival in the desert town of Merzouga, the Touareg people will ready your camel for a memorable ride into the desert just as the sun is setting over the Sahara.  A warm welcome awaits you at your overnight desert camp with roaring fire, the obligatory glass of Moroccan mint tea and piping hot shower in your luxury tented accommodation.  You will be treated to a sumptuous five course dinner, music and an evening of stargazing.  It’s a truly magical experience.

Day 4 Merzouga

Today you will wake early to witness a magical sunrise over the Sahara. After a hot shower and lavish breakfast at your Luxury Desert Camp you will transfer to your accommodation in the town of Merzouga, the luxury 5* Riad Madu hotel with its inviting swimming pool overlooking the sun drenched dunes.

Later this morning you will visit the Gnawa musician’s village who will put on a musical spectacle for you.  The rest of the day is free for you to enjoy at your leisure.  You may wish to take a 4×4 ride into the dunes, go quadbiking or even sand-skiing.  We would be happy to arrange this for you should you wish.

Tonight you will enjoy an atmospheric dinner at Riad Madu.

Day 5 Merzouga - Ziz Valley - Ifrane - Fes

Today you make the long drive to Fes, which is made all the more pleasant as you drive through the Ziz Valley with its oasis of Palmeraies.   You will marvel at the ever-changing landscape, passing Berbers at the roadside selling recycled bottles filled with local honey.  You will drive through mountains covered with wild rosemary and through the Cedar forests, home to Barbary macaques.  You will pass Oliveraies, orange groves and apple orchards.  You will drive through Ifrane, located 60 km south of Fes and nicknamed ‘Little Switzerland’, with its nearby ski-slopes and alpine-style architecture.  You will stop for lunch en route, arriving in Fes late afternoon/early evening, where you will check in at your hand-picked, fantastically styled, boutique riad spending two nights in this hugely important Imperial City.  This evening you will enjoy dinner served at your accommodation.

Day 6 Fes

Fes is Morocco’s oldest Imperial City, often referred to as the country’s cultural capital.  Fes medina is a UNESCO World Heritage Site peppered with over 9000 alleyways that see far fewer tourists than those of Marrakesh. Its passages are narrower, making it impossible not to get caught up in the comings and goings of daily life here.  Vibrant in colours and with heady aromas abound, you’ll dive deeper into the medina as you twist and turn through its cramped and crooked alleyways often catching just a glimpse of sunlight as you pass through.  Cat-calls, non-stop activity, billowing smoke from stoves, the pungent pits of the tanneries welcomely obscured by barrow-fulls of fresh mint, conjure up mystery and intrigue. The medina of Fes is as enticing as it is stomach-churning.  With nearly ten thousand tiny streets dating from the 9th century, The medina of Fes is enthralling and wonderfully raw.

Main highlights include the University of Al Quaraouiyine and Mosque.  Al Quaraouiyine is recognised by UNESCO as being the oldest university in the world, dating back to the 9th century.  The Royal Palace of Fes, with its imposing golden doors and mosaic tiling is spectacular and well worth a visit, as is Batha Square and Museum, Madrasa Bou Inania, the Chouara 11th century tanneries and the Jewish Quarter.

Today, you will enjoy a full days’ privately guided tour of this Imperial City.  You will be treated to lunch and dinner at restaurants specially selected for their wonderful views of the medina.

Day 7 Fes - Meknes

Today is a day packed full of adventure and exploration. This morning you will visit the dramatic ruined Merenid Tombs, a crumbling necropolis situated high above Fes.  The views over Fes are spectacular and well worth the climb.

Your next stop is the Imperial City of Meknes. This former capital city of Morocco is a UNESCO  World Heritage Centre.  Highlights are the Royal Palace,  Bab Mansour (a beautifully decorated gate of the old medina),  the Sehrij Swani water reservoir built by Moulay Idriss for watering his gardens, the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail (second ruler of Moroccan Alaouite dynasty), his Granaries and Royal Stables.

After a long day sightseeing you’ll be sure to enjoy dinner and an overnight stop-off in Meknes at a delightful and extremely comfortable boutique riad.

DAY 8 Meknes - Volubilis - Rabat

This morning you leave Meknes and head to Rabat, the current capital city of Morocco.  But first, you will visit the ruined Roman city of Volubilis, Just 30 km northwest of Meknes.   Founded in the 3rd Century BC and abandoned in the 11th Century AD, the ancient city of Volubilis is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.   The archaeological remnants of this site bear witness to several civilisations.

After Volubilis you journey the 2½ hours to Rabat where you will lunch overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Rabat has been Morocco’s coastal capital since 1912.  It has a beautiful marina located at the mouth of the Bouregreg River.   The grand city has many fascinating sites.  Its famous landmarks speak to its Islamic and French-colonial heritage and include the unfinished Hassan Tower, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, the 17th century walled medina and the opulent Royal Palace.  You will witness stunning views from the clifftop Kasbah of the Udayas and visit Rabat’s jewel in the crown highlight, the gardens and Roman ruins of Chellah, a UNESCO World Heritage listed site since 1981.  A truly delightful capital, enchantingly cultural and richly historical.

Your accommodation for this evening will be a 4* hotel decorated in traditional Moroccan style and situated in the heart of the Medina.

Day 9 Rabat - Marrakesh

With so much to see and discover you will surely need more time to lavish on this grand Capital City.  The drive to Marrakesh takes just 3½ hours so there will be plenty of free time to further explore Rabat before you need to leave.

Upon arrival in Marrakesh you would have now travelled full circuit and where you can expect to enjoy a further two nights in Morocco’s Red City.

Day 10 Marrakesh

Your highlights today will be a full day privately guided tour of the most important historical monuments and interesting sights of Marrakesh.  You may wish to visit the Memorial of Yves St Laurent and Les Jardin Majorelle, Bahia Palace and Saadian Tombs, the newly renovated Secret Gardens, or request an in-depth tour of the labyrinthine souks of the Medina that only a local would know.

Should you wish to take a break from the chaos of Marrakesh and head to the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, ANIMA Andre Heller Garden and Berber villages of the Ourika valley are situated just 40 minutes outside of Marrakesh.  ANIMA has been described as one of the most beautiful and imaginative gardens in the world.  Created by Austrian artist Andre Heller, ANIMA is a two-hectare Botanical Garden paradise with shady paths between sumptuous trees and shrubs, blossom and fragrant wonders, pavilions and sculptures, and breathtaking views of the often snow-capped Atlas Mountains featuring the 4167 metre high Mount Toubkal.

Today’s tour can be designed entirely according to your wishes and desires.  This evening you will dine at a restaurant overlooking the famous Jemaa El-Fna square and wonderfully illuminated Koutoubia Mosque and its 77 metre minaret.

Day 11 Depart Marrakesh

Today we say Bislema (‘goodbye’ in Arabic) and a bon voyage, and hope very much that you have enjoyed your time in the Kingdom of Morocco as much as we have enjoyed guiding you.  But before you leave, you will enjoy one last Moroccan breakfast at your Riad.  Your private taxi will be on hand to transfer you to Marrakech Menara Airport in accordance with your flight departure time.

Accommodation

For this Deluxe Desert and Imperial Cities Tour we have hand-selected 3 and 5* accommodation throughout chosen for location, styling, comfort, and exemplary service.   Here is just a taste of the accomodation you can expect to enjoy.

All our tours are fully customisable and offer the freedom and flexibility to design an itinerary and accommodation that is perfect for you. 

Please contact us should you wish to upgrade your accommodation for this tour. 

Marrakesh

In Marrakesh we have chosen Riad Bindoo.  An exceptional, well-styled riad located in the medina, it has comfortable lounges, a rooftop terrace with sunbeds and views over the medina.  The rooms are spacious and harmoniously arranged.  A simply stunning riad and a customer favourite.

Also in Marrakesh is specially selected Riad Le Jardin d’Abdou. A boutique 9 suite riad with views to the Palmeraie, it offers comfort and serenity.  It has a hammam and beauty treatment room providing a calm oasis.

Dades Valley

Exquisitely decorated African-style is the impressive Xaluca Dades Hotel, enjoying panoramic views of the Dades Valley and Berber villages.  Nature, comfort and relaxation at an altitude of 1612 metres.  It is a real paradise in the middle of the mountains.

Borj Merzouga Luxury Desert Camp

Welcome to Borj Merzouga Luxury Desert Camp where you will be treated to a roaring fire, music, a five course meal, hot showers and wonderful beds.  Glamp under the stars amongst the dramatic sand dunes of Erg Chebbi.

Merzouga

For your second day and night in Merzouga, you will transfer to the simply stunning 5* Riad Madu where you can relax and take a dip in the pool overlooking the impressive golden sand dunes.  Riad Madu is situated on the edge of the dunes in Merzouga.

Fes

Our choice of accommodation in Fes is the exceptional Palais Houyam, a sumptuous Arab-Andalusian palace restored and reopened as a luxury hotel in July 2017.  It has a stunning outdoor dipping pool and a luxurious hammam and spa.  Here you will spend two nights whilst you experience all that this wonderful Imperial City of Fes has to offer.

Also in Fes is the fabulous Riad Braya for its contemporary design. This beautifully restored old house of the noble Fassi family has a terrace with unobstructed views of Fes old Medina.

Meknes

In Meknes we have specially selected Riad Yacout.  Located in the heart of the medina and dating back to 1830.  It was completely restored in 2008.  If you wish to treat yourself and indugle in a Moroccan Hamman, Riad Yacout offers the perfect environment to help you recoup your energy and relax. There is also dipping pool and private sun terrace in which to further relax.

Rabat

In Rabat we have chosen Dar El Kebria Salam for its magnificent terraces, panoramic views and rooftop swimming pool, plus its stunning architecture and luxurious rooms.  A truly magical place in the heart of Rabat, Morocco’s current Capital City.

Also in Rabat, Riad Sidi Fatah has been chosen for its charm and location in the heart of the medina and its traditional Moroccan architecture.

READY TO BOOK?

Our booking process is simple.  Just fill in the form below and we will get straight back in touch.  Feel free to use our price calculator to estimate the final cost of your chosen tour.   Please be assured, our tour prices are not subject to seasonal price fluctuations. The price you see is the price you pay.  Our tours are not inclusive of flights and these will need to be booked and paid for separately.  When filling out the booking form please give an indication of your preferred dates of travel.  Once we have confirmed availability for your chosen tour and its start date, we will hold your booking for a period of 5 working days to allow you time to arrange your flights.    When you have notified us of your flight details, your booking will be confirmed and only then will your deposit become payable. Payment can be made via bank transfer or by use of credit and debit card.  The final balancing payment for the tour will be payable on arrival in Morocco.  We are able to modify your tour in accordance with your time of arrival and departure. Please let us know your exact requirements.  We can customise Morocco!

TRAVEL INSURANCE

Travel Insurance is essential when visiting Morocco. As Morocco is outside of the EU there are no reciprocal healthcare agreements and you will not be covered by an EHIC if you have one. A travel insurance policy that covers emergency medical assistance and repatriation, and also covering all activities you are planning to participate in is a mandatory requirement for all our tours and we reserve the right to ask for proof of such.

It is wise to buy your Travel Insurance at the same time as booking your flights and tour as you will be covered from the outset.

Top Tip

Through experience we have found travellers with pre-existing medical conditions may find cheaper comprehensive travel insurance through specialist insurers such as staysure.co.uk, insurancewith.com and bootstravelinsurance.com.

For further travel and safety advice we would suggest reviewing the following websites:  www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk and www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/morocco

Customised Morocco does not sell Travel Insurance and has no affiliation with any of the insurance companies referred to above.

FINANCIAL PROTECTION FOR YOU

The final balancing payment for your tour is due only upon arrival in Morocco.   Deposits can be made via bank transfer.

We understand that sometimes your plans may change. Should you need to cancel your trip, your deposit, whilst non-refundable, can be credited to the cost of an alternative trip, less any costs incurred, i.e. hotel reservations, etc, if taken within six months of your original booking.

We are committed to being completely honest and transparent with our customers and places integrity at the forefront of everything we do.  Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details.