A 12-day imperial cities and desert tour connects Morocco’s four imperial cities – Rabat, Meknes, Fes, and often Marrakech – with a full Sahara Desert segment at Merzouga, plus the Todra Gorge, Dades Valley, and Ait Benhaddou. Unlike a general itinerary, this is usually a structured, bookable private tour package with a private driver, fixed daily stops, and desert camp inclusions.
If a complete 12-day Morocco itinerary is the broad route, a 12-day imperial cities and desert tour is the packaged version of it – built around a private guided tour with a dedicated driver, set overnight stops, and desert logistics already arranged. This guide breaks down what the tour includes, who it suits, and how it compares to booking each leg separately.
What Is Included in a 12-Day Imperial Cities and Desert Tour?
A typical 12-day imperial cities and desert tour includes a private driver and vehicle for the full route, guided visits in each imperial city, one or two nights in a Sahara Desert camp, a camel trek, and transport across the Middle Atlas and High Atlas Mountains. Meals are usually partial (breakfast and one desert dinner included; lunches are typically extra).
Standard inclusions across most operators:
- Private transport for 12 days (sedan, minivan, or 4×4 depending on group size)
- Local guides in Fes and Marrakech medinas (often mandatory for entry to certain sites)
- Desert camp accommodation (basic, standard, or luxury tier)
- Camel trek at sunset or sunrise into the Erg Chebbi dunes
- Hotel/riad bookings in each overnight city (or the option to book your own)
- Entry logistics for Ait Benhaddou, Volubilis, and the Todra Gorge
- Guided sightseeing in Morocco’s imperial cities, including Casablanca, Rabat, Fes, Meknes, and Marrakech.
- Visits to iconic attractions such as the Blue City of Chefchaouen, Ait Ben Haddou, Todra Gorge, Dades Valley, the Atlas Mountains, and local Berber villages.
- Opportunities to experience Moroccan culture through traditional cuisine, local markets, historic medinas, artisan workshops, and scenic viewpoints.
While inclusions vary slightly between tour operators, a well-planned 12-day itinerary generally covers transportation, accommodation, major sightseeing, and unforgettable desert experiences, making it one of the most comprehensive ways to explore Morocco.
Typically not included: international flights, most lunches, alcohol, tips, and optional add-ons like quad biking or hot air balloon rides.
The Imperial Cities Route
Morocco’s four historic imperial cities – cities that served as the capital under different ruling dynasties – form the cultural backbone of this tour:
- Rabat: current capital, home to the Hassan Tower and Kasbah of the Udayas
- Meknes: built under Moulay Ismail, known for the Bab Mansour gate and royal stables
- Fes: the religious and intellectual capital, home to the Fes el Bali medina and Al-Qarawiyyin University
- Marrakech: the modern imperial capital, home to Jemaa el-Fnaa, the Koutoubia Mosque, and the Bahia Palace
Casablanca, while not historically an imperial capital, is included as the arrival/departure gateway on most 12-day routes.
The Desert Route
After Fes, the tour crosses the Middle Atlas through Ifrane and Azrou, descends through the Ziz Valley, and reaches Merzouga at the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes – Morocco’s tallest and most photographed dune field. Some operators route through Zagora and Erg Chigaga instead; the two desert regions differ meaningfully in access and dune size (see our Merzouga vs. Zagora comparison for the full breakdown).
From the desert, the tour typically continues through the Todra Gorge, the Dades Valley (the “Valley of Roses”), and Ouarzazate, before crossing the Tizi n’Tichka Pass into Marrakech.
Day-by-Day Overview
| Day | Route Segment |
| 1 | Casablanca arrival, Rabat |
| 2 | Meknes, Volubilis, Fes |
| 3 | Fes medina, Middle Atlas overview |
| 4 | Fes → Ifrane → Azrou → Ziz Valley → Merzouga |
| 5 | Erg Chebbi camel trek, desert camp overnight |
| 6 | Merzouga → Todra Gorge → Dades Valley |
| 7 | Dades Valley → Ouarzazate → Ait Benhaddou |
| 8 | Ait Benhaddou → Tizi n’Tichka → Marrakech |
| 9–11 | Marrakech city touring, medina, optional Essaouira |
| 12 | Departure |
For a version of this same structure starting from Fes, see our 12-day tour from Fes to Marrakech; for a Casablanca start, see the 12-day Casablanca to Marrakech trip.
Private vs. Shared Imperial Cities and Desert Tour
| Factor | Private Tour | Shared/Group Tour |
| Vehicle | Dedicated to your group | Shared minibus with other travelers |
| Schedule | Adjustable stops and pace | Fixed schedule, no changes |
| Cost per person | Higher, especially for solo travelers | Lower, split across the group |
| Desert camp | Often upgradeable to private/luxury tents | Usually standard shared tents |
| Best for | Families, couples, small groups wanting flexibility | Solo travelers and budget-conscious groups |
A private tour costs more per person but removes the fixed-schedule constraint of shared departures – an important factor for travelers who want extra time in the Fes medina or an added stop at Chefchaouen.
Is a 12-Day Imperial Cities and Desert Tour Worth It?
Yes. A 12-Day Imperial Cities and Desert Tour is widely considered one of the best ways to experience Morocco because it combines the country’s most important historical landmarks with its spectacular natural scenery in a single journey.
Unlike shorter itineraries, a 12-day tour provides enough time to explore each destination without constantly rushing from one place to another. Travelers can discover the imperial cities, wander through centuries-old medinas, admire UNESCO World Heritage Sites, cross the High Atlas Mountains, visit ancient kasbahs, and spend an unforgettable night in the Sahara Desert.
This tour is especially suitable for:
- First-time visitors who want to experience Morocco’s highlights.
- Couples looking for a romantic and scenic adventure.
- Families seeking a balanced mix of culture and nature.
- Photography enthusiasts interested in diverse landscapes.
- Travelers who prefer a stress-free itinerary with transportation and accommodations arranged in advance.
By combining Morocco’s imperial heritage, vibrant local culture, mountain scenery, and desert adventure into one seamless itinerary, a 12-day Imperial Cities and Desert Tour offers excellent value and creates a well-rounded travel experience that many visitors consider the ideal way to discover the country.
Who Is This Tour Best For?
This tour suits travelers who want the imperial cities and the Sahara Desert in one trip without self-driving the Tizi n’Tichka Pass or arranging separate desert transfers. It works well for:
- First-time visitors wanting a structured, guided route
- Couples and families who prefer a private vehicle over shared transport
- Travelers who want the desert camp and camel trek pre-arranged, rather than booked separately on arrival
- Photography-focused travelers who want dedicated time at Ait Benhaddou and Erg Chebbi
It is less suited to travelers who only want city stops without the desert, or who prefer a fully self-driven, unscheduled trip.
What Makes This Different From a General 12-Day Itinerary?
A general 12-day itinerary is a route concept you can build yourself, city by city. A 12-day imperial cities and desert tour is the packaged, bookable version – with a private driver, arranged desert camp, and guided city stops already built in, so the main planning decision becomes choosing the operator and camp tier rather than the route itself.
Frequently Asked Questions : 12-Day Imperial Cities and Desert Tour
Which cities count as Morocco’s imperial cities?
Rabat, Meknes, Fes, and Marrakech are Morocco’s four historic imperial cities.
Does this tour include Chefchaouen?
Not by default. Chefchaouen is a northern add-on that most 12-day imperial cities and desert routes skip in favor of the Fes-to-desert-to-Marrakech line; it’s more common on 14-day-plus itineraries.
How many nights are spent in the desert?
Most 12-day imperial cities and desert tours include one night in a desert camp at Merzouga; some higher-budget versions add a second night.
Is a 4×4 vehicle required for this route?
A 4×4 isn’t required for the full route, but the final stretch into the Erg Chebbi dunes typically uses 4×4 vehicles or camels, since standard cars can’t cross soft sand.
Can this tour be done without a guide?
Yes, self-drive is possible, but most travelers use a private driver-guide because of the desert transfer, mountain driving on the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, and medina navigation in Fes and Marrakech.
What’s the difference between Merzouga and Zagora for this tour?
Merzouga has taller, more photogenic dunes (Erg Chebbi) and is the more common desert stop on this route; Zagora is closer to Marrakech with smaller dunes. See our full comparison.
How much does a 12-day imperial cities and desert tour cost?
Pricing varies by camp tier, group size, and vehicle type – see our desert tour cost breakdown for specific ranges.
What should I pack for the desert portion of this tour?
Layers, sun protection, and closed-toe shoes are essential – our desert packing guide covers the full checklist by season.
Book Your Imperial Cities and Desert Tour
If you want the imperial cities and the Sahara in one well-paced 12-day route, with the driver, desert camp, and camel trek already arranged, contact us to build your itinerary, or explore related routes on our homepage and Morocco travel blog.