Arrive in Casablanca, where our driver Houssam welcomes you at the airport and takes you to visit the impressive Hassan II Mosque (exterior visit or interior depending on timing and opening hours). You then follow the Atlantic coast to Rabat, Morocco’s capital, for a relaxed introduction to the country. Explore landmarks such as the Hassan Tower, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V and the Kasbah of the Udayas, with its ocean views and white-and-blue alleys. Overnight in a comfortable riad or hotel in Rabat.

After breakfast, you drive inland to Meknès, once an Imperial City, to see highlights like the monumental Bab Mansour gate and the historic Sahrij Souani granaries. Continue to Volubilis, a remarkably preserved site of Roman ruins (UNESCO) with mosaics and panoramic views over the surrounding plains. In the afternoon, you travel on to Fes, arriving in time to settle into your traditional riad in the medina or nearby. Evening at leisure to rest or enjoy your first Moroccan dinner in Fes.

Today is devoted to exploring Fes, considered the spiritual and cultural heart of Morocco. With licensed guide Ali, you walk through the labyrinthine Fes el-Bali medina (UNESCO), visit the Chouara tanneries, admire the architecture of Medersa Bou Inania and see the ornate gates of the Royal Palace (exterior). You also discover artisan quarters, souks, fountains and mosques that reveal centuries of history. The day includes time for a traditional lunch and for browsing crafts like ceramics, leather and textiles. Second night in your riad in Fes.

Leaving Fes, you head into the Middle Atlas Mountains, stopping in Ifrane, often called the “Switzerland of Morocco” for its alpine-style architecture and clean streets. Continue through the cedar forests near Azrou, where Barbary macaques can often be seen, then descend gradually towards the desert through the changing landscapes of the Ziz Valley. By late afternoon, you reach Merzouga, at the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes, and settle into a guesthouse or hotel near the sands. Evening at leisure, with a first glimpse of the Sahara at sunset.

This day is dedicated to the Sahara desert around Erg Chebbi. In the morning, you may visit Khamlia for live Gnawa music, explore desert tracks by 4×4, or meet local families and nomads, depending on your preferences. In the late afternoon, you mount your camel for a sunset camel ride in the Sahara, crossing the dunes as the light turns golden. Arrive at your luxury desert camp in Erg Chebbi, where you enjoy mint tea, a traditional Moroccan dinner, campfire under the stars and stargazing in the Sahara desert before sleeping in your en-suite tent.

Wake early to watch the sunrise over the dunes, one of the highlights of this 10-day Morocco Sahara tour, then ride or drive back to Merzouga for breakfast and a shower. Depart for Rissani, where you can visit the local market and, on certain days, the Mausoleum of Moulay Ali Cherif, linked to the current royal dynasty. Continue through Tinghir towards the towering Todgha Gorges, where sheer rock walls form an impressive canyon ideal for a short walk and photos. In the afternoon, you drive into the Dades Valley, known for its rock formations and kasbahs, and stay overnight in a charming guesthouse or riad.

After breakfast, you follow the Dades Valley and then the Valley of the Roses, which is famous for rose cultivation and rose-water production in spring. Reach Ouarzazate, sometimes called the “Hollywood of Morocco”, where you may visit the film studios or see the exterior of the Kasbah of Taourirt. Continue to the nearby Ksar Aït Benhaddou (UNESCO World Heritage Site), a classic example of southern Moroccan earthen architecture and filming location for many movies and series. Overnight in or near Aït Benhaddou in a kasbah-style hotel or riad.

In the morning, you have time for a final look at Aït Benhaddou, perhaps crossing the river and climbing to the granary at the top for a panoramic view. Then you begin the drive across the High Atlas Mountains, taking the scenic Tizi n’Tichka Pass with multiple viewpoints and photo stops. Arrive in Marrakech by late afternoon and check into your traditional riad close to the medina or in a quieter neighbourhood, depending on your preferences. Evening free to enjoy a first look at Jemaa el-Fna square, its food stalls and street performers.

Today you explore Marrakech, another essential Imperial City, with or without licensed city guide Ali depending on your chosen package. Key visits may include the lively Jemaa el-Fna, the souks of the medina, the Koutoubia Mosque (exterior), the elegant Bahia Palace, and the Jardin Majorelle and Yves Saint Laurent Museum. You learn about the city’s history while experiencing its colours, scents and sounds, with time for a Moroccan lunch and some independent browsing. Second night in Marrakech.

Your last day is flexible, depending on your flight schedule. You may choose to visit the Saadian Tombs, relax in a traditional hammam and spa, or do final shopping in the souks. When it is time to leave, driver Houssam transfers you to Marrakech airport (or back to Casablanca if arranged), ensuring a smooth end to your 10-Day North & South Morocco Explorer with Sahara Desert.