Marrakesh in 11 Days for Couples - Private guided medina tour of Marrakech
In Collaboration with Morocco Travel Shara. Updated on February 14, 2026.
11-day private tour through Morocco’s imperial cities, High Atlas, Sahara dunes and Atlantic coast with selected hotels/riads, local guides in Marrakech & Fes, a Sahara camel trek and overnight in a Berber desert camp.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Morocco Travel Shara, inspired by the tour Morocco 11 Days Tour From Marrakech. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Private guided medina tour of Marrakech
- Tizi n’Tichka and Aït Ben Haddou (UNESCO)
- Sunset camel trek & overnight in Merzouga desert camp
- Historic Fes medina with a local guide
- Blue city of Chefchaouen and Atlantic Essaouira
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival and transfer to Marrakech accommodation.
Arrival to Marrakech
Arrival to Marrakech.
Tips from local experts:
- Have passports and flight details ready for the driver at meet point.
- Confirm your flight arrival time with the operator if delayed — drivers normally wait within a 60–90 min window.
- Keep small local cash (MAD) for immediate needs like water or quick snacks on arrival.
Transfer from Marrakech airport to hotel/riad
Transfer from the Airport of Marrakech to your selected hotel or riad in Marrakech. Driver will meet you and assist with luggage.
Tips from local experts:
- Share your flight number and arrival terminal with the operator so the driver can track delays.
- Expect around 20–45 minutes transfer time depending on accommodation location within Marrakech.
- If you prefer a quiet route, request a driver who avoids the busiest market streets at peak times.
Overnight in Marrakech (check-in)
Overnight in the hotel or riad in Marrakech.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask reception for a quiet room away from the street if you want early sleep after travel.
- Request a room with a view or rooftop access to enjoy an evening drink together.
- Confirm breakfast times and any romantic add-ons (special dinner arrangements) at check-in.
Day 2
Guided Marrakech medina tour and independent exploration in the afternoon.
Breakfast in your hotel in Marrakech
Breakfast in your hotel in Marrakech.
Tips from local experts:
- If served à la carte, order local pastries like msemen or baghrir for a sweet start.
- Ask for mint tea to be served — it’s customary and a romantic local ritual.
- Confirm the guide meeting point before leaving the hotel.
Private guided tour of Marrakech Medina (official guide)
After breakfast meet your official local guide for a private guided tour of Marrakech Medina, starting from Jemaa el-Fna and covering key sites.
Tips from local experts:
- Meet your official guide at Jemaa el-Fna; agree on a visible landmark or riad entrance to avoid delays.
- Wear comfortable shoes: medina streets are uneven and narrow.
- Carry a small camera and a water bottle — mornings are best for photos with softer light.
Visit Koutoubia, Ben Youssef, Saadian tombs, Bahia Palace and Majorelle Gardens
See Koutoubia Mosque, the Medina and its souks, Ali Ben Youssef Koranic school, Saadian Tombs, Bahia Palace and Majorelle Gardens with your guide.
Tips from local experts:
- Carry modest clothing (shoulders and knees covered) for visits near religious sites.
- Plan a short rooftop pause near the souks for a quieter viewpoint of the medina.
- If visiting Jardin Majorelle, expect a short queue; mid-morning is best to avoid crowds.
Afternoon: independent exploration of the medina & Jemaa el-Fna
Explore the medina on your own in the afternoon; approach the square (Jemaa el-Fna) for evening entertainers and local food stalls.
Tips from local experts:
- Agree on a rendezvous point before splitting up — the medina is easy to get turned around in.
- In the evening the square gets lively; keep valuables secure and use small change for purchases.
- Try a rooftop café for sunset views over Jemaa el-Fna; most have safe toilets and comfortable seating.
Overnight in Marrakech (standard accommodation)
Overnight in the hotel in Marrakech.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask reception for a quiet table or rooftop slot if you want an evening drink together.
- Confirm wake-up and breakfast times for an early start the next day.
- Store desert luggage separately if you plan to bring an overnight bag for the Sahara leg.
Day 3
High Atlas crossing, Aït Ben Haddou, Ouarzazate, Rose Valley and Dades Valley overnight.
Pick up from your accommodation in Marrakech (start of day)
Pick up from your accommodation in Marrakech at 08:00 and depart to the High Atlas via Tizi n'Tichka pass with photo stops.
Tips from local experts:
- Pack a light day bag with sun protection and warm layers — mountain mornings can be cool.
- Charge cameras/phones before departure; some panoramic stops have no facilities.
- Carry small change and bottled water for stops along the pass.
Visit Aït Ben Haddou (UNESCO)
Continue south to the ksar of Aït Ben Haddou and visit the famous kasbah. Free time for lunch in town.
Tips from local experts:
- Bring a hat and water for walking the ksar pathways; shade is limited.
- Plan lunch at the village cafés near the kasbah; confirm opening times in advance.
- Wear comfortable shoes: many paths are uneven and slightly steep.
Ouarzazate: Taourirt Kasbah visit
Drive to Ouarzazate and visit Taourirt Kasbah — the cinematic town known as the ‘gate of the desert’.
Tips from local experts:
- If interested in film studios, ask the driver locally — some studios offer short tours (not included).
- Carry ID for museum/monument entry where required.
- Take a short café stop in town to rest legs and enjoy local pastries.
Rose Valley and Skoura palm grove en route to Dades
Drive through the Skoura palm grove and Rose Valley (known for damascene roses); continue to Dades valley for overnight.
Tips from local experts:
- If travelling in May, the rose season can be in bloom — mornings are best for fragrance and photos.
- Use the viewpoint stops for short walks; wear sensible shoes for dirt paths.
- Carry snacks for the road; remote stretches have limited cafés.
Dinner and overnight in Dades Valley hotel
Dinner in your hotel and overnight in the Dades Valley.
Tips from local experts:
- Dinner typically served early; confirm timing with hotel for a relaxed meal.
- Ask the hotel to arrange a quiet table if you want a romantic dinner for two.
- Bring a light jacket for the evening — desert-adjacent valleys cool down after sunset.
Day 4
Dades valley to Todra Gorges then on to Merzouga for sunset camel trek and overnight in a Berber camp.
Departure from hotel in Dades (after breakfast)
Departure from your hotel in Dades gorges at 08:00 after a Moroccan breakfast; take the 'road of 1000 kasbahs' to Tineghir/Todra.
Tips from local experts:
- Have comfortable walking shoes and a hat for the Todra Gorge short trek.
- Carry local currency for small purchases in villages en route.
- Check your camera batteries — canyon light is excellent for photos mid-morning.
Todra (Todgha) Gorges visit and short trek
Arrive at Todra Gorges with free time to walk along the canyon floor (walls up to ~300 m high).
Tips from local experts:
- Short canyon walks can be rocky — wear sturdy footwear and bring water.
- If you want climbing views, stay within marked paths; some areas are for experienced climbers only.
- Shade is limited; use sun protection even in cooler months.
Drive towards Erg Chebbi dunes (Merzouga) with lunch en route
Continue east toward Erfoud and Merzouga with free time for lunch on the way to the dunes of Erg Chebbi.
Tips from local experts:
- Plan a light lunch in Erfoud or a roadside cafe; ask the driver for a recommended stop.
- Keep important items in a day bag you take to the camp — luggage may be stored in the vehicle.
- Expect stretches of open desert road; rest stops are spaced out.
Sunset camel ride to desert bivouac
Take a 1.5-hour camel ride at sunset to the oasis where the Sahara campsite is located. Dinner and a musical evening with camel drivers in the nomad tents or under the stars.
Tips from local experts:
- Bring a light scarf for sand and cooler evening temperatures; layers are best.
- Wear closed shoes for the camel ride and bring a headlamp or small torch for night-time at the camp.
- If you prefer, take a soft overnight bag to the camp; main luggage usually stays in the vehicle.
Dinner and overnight in Berber desert camp
Dinner in your Berber camp and overnight sleeping under nomad tents or, weather permitting, outside under the stars.
Tips from local experts:
- Confirm sleeping arrangements (private tent or shared) before arrival if privacy is preferred.
- Bring toiletries and any medication in your day bag; camps provide basic facilities but vary in comfort.
- Charge electronics before leaving the vehicle; power at camps is limited or available for short windows.
Day 5
Sunrise in the desert, return by camel, then drive north through Tafilalet, Ziz Valley, Midelt and Cedar forest to Ifrane and on to Fes.
Sunrise on the dunes
Very early morning 'date with the sunrise' at the top of a dune close to the camp for desert sunrise views.
Tips from local experts:
- Set an alarm and ask camp staff for wake-up time; sunrise timings vary by season.
- Bring a light jacket — temperatures drop at dawn even after warm days.
- Keep movements slow around dunes to preserve the sand surface and respect the camp area.
Return to Merzouga by camel and breakfast
Return to Merzouga camp/hotel by camel for breakfast and vehicle pickup, then depart north through the Tafilalet palm grove.
Tips from local experts:
- Keep a small tip ready if you want to thank the camel handler directly.
- Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the camp; ask for a spot with shade if sunny.
- Store valuables in the vehicle during the camel segment to avoid dust exposure.
Ziz Valley viewpoint and drive through Tafilalet
Drive north through the extensive Tafilalet palm grove and stop at a viewpoint over the Ziz valley for photos.
Tips from local experts:
- The viewpoint can be windy; secure hats and lightweight items.
- Bring binoculars for valley and village views if you have them.
- Short restroom and refreshment stops are available in larger towns like Rissani.
Midelt stop for lunch and rest
Free time for lunch and a short rest in Midelt in the heart of the Atlas.
Tips from local experts:
- Choose a relaxed lunch spot and confirm table availability for couples who prefer quieter seating.
- Midelt sits at higher altitude — bring a light jacket for cooler weather.
- Avoid heavy sun exposure between 12:00–15:00 in high summer; seek shaded terraces.
Cedar forest (Middle Atlas) then Ifrane visit
Continue through cedar forests (possible monkey sightings) and visit Ifrane — the 'Moroccan Switzerland' with alpine-style architecture.
Tips from local experts:
- Keep a comfortable pace for short walks among cedar trees; some trails are uneven.
- Do not feed wild monkeys; maintain distance and avoid sudden movements.
- Ifrane is cooler; couples can enjoy a stroll through the gardens and wide avenues.
Arrival and check-in in Fes
Arrive in Fes around early evening (approx. 18:00–19:00) and check in at your hotel/riad. Overnight in Fes.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask reception for a quiet room or a riad room with terrace for an intimate evening.
- Confirm plans for the next day's guided tour and meeting point with the hotel concierge.
- If you want a private dinner, request a riad private dining option in advance.
Day 6
Full day guided sightseeing of Fes medina and historic sites.
Breakfast in your hotel in Fes
Breakfast in your hotel/riad in Fes ahead of the guided medina tour.
Tips from local experts:
- Have a light breakfast before the walking tour — medina lanes are best explored on foot.
- Confirm the guide's name and a mobile contact or meeting point at reception.
- Bring a small backpack with water and modest clothing for religious site visits.
Guided cultural tour of Fes el Bali (old medina)
Meet your local tourist guide and explore Fes el Bali: Bou Inania and Attarine Medersas, Nejjarine fountain, Moulay Idriss Mausoleum, and the Karaouine Mosque area.
Tips from local experts:
- Guides commonly enter the medina on foot; wear comfortable, closed shoes.
- Some medersas have small entrance fees and modest dress codes; check with the guide.
- Plan quieter moments at the Nejjarine Museum cafe or a riad courtyard for a relaxed break.
Afternoon: Fes Jdid and Merenid Tombs panoramic view
Finish your guided tour with a visit to Fes Jdid and the Merenid Tombs for a panoramic view over the city.
Tips from local experts:
- The Merenid Tombs viewpoint is outside the medina and offers a broad panorama — bring a camera with zoom.
- Access to some tomb areas is limited; your guide will direct you to official viewpoints.
- Take a short break at a nearby café to enjoy local mint tea and traditional pastries.
Overnight in Fes hotel/riad
Return to your hotel/riad in Fes for dinner and overnight.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve a riad rooftop spot for an evening drink with views over the medina.
- Confirm breakfast arrangements for an early check-out the following day.
- Discuss any romantic dinner arrangements with the riad in advance for a special evening.
Day 7
Travel from Fes to Chefchaouen with free time to explore the blue medina.
Breakfast in your Riad in Fes
Breakfast in your riad before departure to Chefchaouen.
Tips from local experts:
- Have a slightly earlier breakfast if you prefer to arrive in Chefchaouen before midday.
- Pack a day bag with essentials — your main luggage will travel in the vehicle.
- Confirm mobile contact with the driver for estimated arrival updates.
Drive to Chefchaouen (approx. 3 hours)
Drive from Fes to Chefchaouen. Arrival gives a panoramic view over the blue city for photos before check-in.
Tips from local experts:
- The road includes mountain stretches; if prone to motion sickness, sit in front or take breaks.
- Enjoy the viewpoint photo stop — early afternoon light is often best for saturated blue tones.
- Have some local change for small purchases or parking fees at lookouts.
Check-in and free time in Chefchaouen
Check in to your accommodation, then free time to wander the blue-washed alleys, Outa el-Hammam square and casbah.
Tips from local experts:
- Wander quieter alleys in the late afternoon for better photo opportunities without crowds.
- Shopkeepers are used to bargaining; keep it friendly and polite for local crafts.
- For a romantic moment, find a rooftop café near Uta el-Hammam for sunset views.
Overnight in Chefchaouen hotel/riad
Overnight in the hotel in Chefchaouen.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask for a room with a terrace to enjoy evening views over the Rif hills.
- Book any hammam or massage in advance for a relaxing evening as a couple.
- Confirm breakfast time as some hotels offer flexible morning options for later starts.
Day 8
Drive from Chefchaouen to Rabat for a short visit, then continue to Casablanca and visit Hassan II Mosque.
Breakfast in your hotel in Chefchaouen
Breakfast in your hotel in Chefchaouen before departure to Rabat.
Tips from local experts:
- Have an early breakfast to allow time for the longer driving day ahead.
- Pack light refreshments for the road between cities in case of limited stops.
- Confirm luggage handling with reception if you need assistance to the vehicle.
Drive to Rabat and visit Hassan Tower
Drive to Rabat with a visit to the Hassan Tower complex and surroundings.
Tips from local experts:
- Allow time for short stops and leg stretches on this longer driving segment.
- At Hassan Tower, modest dress is recommended; some outdoor areas have limited shade.
- Keep an eye on timing — traffic near Rabat can add 15–30 minutes during peak hours.
Continue to Casablanca and visit Hassan II Mosque
Continue to Casablanca and visit the Hassan II Mosque (visit times depend on prayer schedule). Overnight in Casablanca.
Tips from local experts:
- Hassan II Mosque visits may be time-limited; follow the guide directions and modest dress rules.
- The mosque sits on the coast — a short seaside walk nearby is pleasant for sunset photos.
- Check prayer times: guided visits do not take place during main prayer periods.
Overnight in Casablanca hotel
Overnight in the hotel in Casablanca.
Tips from local experts:
- If you'd like an evening stroll, check with reception for a safe seaside route.
- Reserve a late dinner at the hotel if you prefer a quieter night after the day's travel.
- Confirm morning departure time if you plan to continue early to the coast the next day.
Day 9
Drive up the Atlantic coast via El Jadida to Essaouira; overnight in Essaouira (Riad Zahra mentioned as accommodation).
Breakfast in your hotel in Casablanca
Breakfast in your hotel before departing up the Atlantic coast.
Tips from local experts:
- Have a hearty breakfast for the coastal drive; options can be limited at roadside stops.
- Confirm your luggage is loaded and securely stored for the long drive.
- Carry sun protection for the beach areas in Essaouira.
Stop in El Jadida (Portuguese heritage)
Pass through El Jadida, the former Portuguese port city and UNESCO-listed site with an historic cistern.
Tips from local experts:
- The Portuguese Cistern in El Jadida is often open for short visits — plan for a 30–45 minute stop.
- Wear comfortable shoes for the fortified area; surfaces can be uneven.
- Photography is excellent near the ramparts; early afternoon light is good for coastal shots.
Arrival in Essaouira and check-in (Riad Zahra mentioned)
Reach Essaouira; check in to your riad/hotel and stroll the medina, ramparts and port to see the day's catch.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask the riad for a room with a view of the medina or nearby ramparts for an evening sea breeze.
- Seafood restaurants at the port prepare catch-of-the-day — ask staff for the freshest options.
- Stroll the ramparts at sunset for a romantic moment and quieter atmosphere.
Overnight in Riad Zahra (or selected riad) in Essaouira
Overnight in Riad Zahra in Essaouira (as noted) or similar selected riad/hotel.
Tips from local experts:
- If you want a private dinner, ask the riad to arrange a rooftop table for two.
- Confirm morning plans for the free day and any spa/hammam reservations with the riad concierge.
- Ask about local art galleries and small workshops for unique couple souvenirs.
Day 10
Free day in Essaouira to relax, explore medina, beaches or optional hammam and spa.
Free day in Essaouira
Free day to relax in Essaouira and explore extra sightseeing on your own — medina, ramparts, beach, hammam and local workshops.
Tips from local experts:
- Book a hammam and couple’s massage in advance as popular times fill quickly.
- Beach walks are best in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid stronger winds.
- Visit local argan oil cooperatives if interested — ask for a short demonstration rather than a long sales pitch.
Overnight in Essaouira hotel / Riad
Overnight in the hotel or riad in Essaouira.
Tips from local experts:
- Request a sunset-facing rooftop if you want a private evening with sea views.
- Ask reception for restaurant suggestions that are quieter in the evening for a romantic dinner.
- Check breakfast times for a relaxed start the following day before transfer.
Day 11
Transfer from Essaouira back to Marrakech airport for departure.
Transfer from Essaouira to Marrakech airport
Transfer to Marrakech airport in time for your departure flight. Driver will collect you from your Essaouira accommodation and drive to Marrakech Menara Airport.
Tips from local experts:
- Confirm your flight time and preferred airport arrival time with the operator the day before departure.
- Allow 2.5–3 hours for the drive from Essaouira to Marrakech depending on traffic.
- Keep passports and boarding passes handy during the transfer; have a printed copy if international travel requires it.
Breakfast in your hotel (day of departure)
Breakfast in your hotel in Essaouira before departure (timing depends on your transfer time).
Tips from local experts:
- Request a packed breakfast from the riad if transfer leaves before regular breakfast service.
- Confirm luggage collection time with reception so you're ready for the driver.
- Double-check that you have all travel documents and souvenirs before leaving the riad.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 11 |
| Highlights | 5 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Couples |
| Transfers | 7 |
| Restaurants | 7 |
| Total Activities | 37 |
| Total Places | 44 |
| Activities Types | Transfer, Hotel, Meal, Culture, Attraction, Neighborhood, Outdoor, Experience |
