12-Day Morocco Tour from Casablanca – Sahara Desert & Imperial Cities

DAY 02 - Arrival in Casablanca (Hassan II Mosque)

Your adventure begins when you arrive at Casablanca Airport. You will meet your friendly driver and guide, who will take you to your accommodation. If you arrive early, you can explore Casablanca, Morocco’s largest city and economic center, and the stunning Hassan II Mosque, the largest in Morocco and the seventh largest in the world, located by the Atlantic Ocean. Enjoy a delicious lunch and a city tour that includes the lively Corniche. In the evening, settle into your hotel for your first night in Morocco.

DAY 02 - Casablanca → Rabat → Chefchaouen

Today you will travel from Casablanca to Rabat, the current capital of Morocco, and one of its imperial cities. You will visit the most famous sites, such as the Hassan Tower, the Mohammed V Mausoleum, and the Kasbah of the Udayas.

After lunch, you will continue north through Ouazzane to Chefchaouen, known as the 'Blue Pearl' of the Rif Mountains, famous for its spectacular blue and white buildings and unique atmosphere. An overnight stay in a cozy hotel or riad awaits you at the end of the day.

• Drive: Casablanca to Chefchaouen - approx. 341 km (around 5-6 hours)

DAY 03 - Chefchaouen Exploration

Today, you have the whole day to enjoy the ambiance of Chefchaouen. Stroll through its historic Medina, with famous blue doors and whitewashed walls facing each other. In the afternoon, we will hike to the Spanish Mosque for a spectacular panoramic view of this vibrant city, perched high in the mountains. Then return to your riad for the second night.

DAY 04 - Chefchaouen → Volubilis → Meknes → Fes

After breakfast, you will have some time to take one last stroll through the narrow streets of Chefchaouen before driving to Volubilis, the most famous Roman ruins site in Morocco. You'll have the opportunity to explore ancient pillars, beautiful mosaics, and historic squares within a UNESCO World Heritage site. You'll then head to Meknes, also an imperial city under Moulay Ismail, where you'll see the grand Bab Al-Mansour gate and Moulay Ismail’s Mausoleum. Finally, you'll drive to Fes for an overnight stay in a traditional riad.

• Drive: Chefchaouen to Fes - approx. 195 km (around 4-5 hours)

DAY 05 - Fes Medina Guided Tour

After breakfast, you will visit the spiritual city of Fez with a knowledgeable local guide . Begin your historical and cultural discovery by visiting the Ancient Medina, where you can have fun getting lost in its long, narrow alleyways. Visit the renowned University of Al-Qarawiyyin, the oldest university in the world, as well as the Madrasa Bouanania, which plays a significant role in the study of the Quran.

During your sightseeing tour, you will visit the spectacular Chaouara tannery, fountains, local souks, and artisans' area. After lunch, you will take a walk outside of the Old Medina to visit the seven Royal Palace gates and the Mellah, the Jewish Quarter.

Lastly, we will take a walk up the hill to enjoy the stunning view of the medina. In the late afternoon, we will drive back to the riad to spend the night.

DAY 06 - Fes → Azrou → Midelt → Ziz Valley → Merzouga (Erg Chebbi dunes)

Today you will travel from Fes into the Middle Atlas Mountains. The first stop will be in Ifrane, which is sometimes referred to as "Switzerland" or Morocco's "Switzerland" for its cleanliness and alpine feel. You will then visit the cedar forest near Azrou, where you can see great trees and friendly Barbary macaques.

After some lunch in Midelt, you continue along the beautiful Ziz Valley with its palm groves and the Tafilalet date palm orchard, during which you will have the chance to take in the stunning panoramic views of the landscapes and capture images. Finally, you will arrive in Merzouga village late in the afternoon, where you will be received with a glass of mint tea and check in to your riad or hotel.

• Drive: Fes to Merzouga Desert - approx. 480 km (around 6-8 hours)

DAY 07 - Merzouga Camel Trek + Desert Camp

The following day, you will begin your journey with a visit to the village of Khamlia and its inhabitants of Malian origin. First, you will learn about their way of life and their Gnaoua music. Then, we will travel to the desert, where you will find the traditional way of life—people living in nomadic tents. You will enjoy a special Berber pizza meal with them called Madfouna.

Later on this 12-day Morocco tour, we will visit Rissani, a fortified area surrounded by 360 degrees of castles. They also have a traditional open market for selling vegetables and spices. If you'd like, we can help you purchase some of the products to remember and save as souvenirs.

In the afternoon, we will drive back to Merzouga, where we will ride our camels for 1 hour and 30 minutes into the heart of the desert and head to the high dunes to witness the sunset. Finally, we will ride back on the camels with our camel man. We will have dinner in the desert camp, and you will stay the night under the sky with magic.

DAY 08 - Merzouga → Todra → Dades Gorges

Wake up early to see the sunrise above the magnificent dunes of Erg Chebbi, followed by breakfast at the camp. Then, leave Merzouga and continue via Rissani, a key trading town and the birthplace of royalty in Morocco. Make your way to Erfoud, where you can stop and tour the fossil workshops, which showcase the region's ancient history.

Continue to Tinghir to visit the stunning Todra Gorges, celebrated for being the highest and narrowest canyons in Morocco. Take a stroll through the valley and tall climbing rock walls, then have lunch somewhere nearby.

In the afternoon, travel through the Dades Valley, known for its rock formations, one of which is famously called "Monkey Fingers". On the way, stop at the magical Castle Sands formation for a photo opportunity. For the night, enjoy dinner and spend the night in a riad overlooking the Dades Gorges.

• Drive: Merzouga to Boumalne Dades - approx. 266 km (around 4-5 hours)

DAY 09 - Dades Valley – Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah – High Atlas Mountains – Marrakech

The next morning, we will travel from Ouarzazate to Marrakech. Today on this Casablanca Desert Tours via Essaouira, we will visit the famous Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou. Firstly, it has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987, and has served as the backdrop for Hollywood movies such as ‘Gladiator’ and ‘Lawrence of Arabia’.

Finally, we will pass through Tizi Ntichka, the highest pass in the Atlas Mountains at 2,260 m. Additionally, we can stop to observe the process of making Argan oil. Arriving in Marrakech in the afternoon, your driver will drop you off at your accommodation.

• Drive: Boumalne Dades to Marrakech - approx. 330 km (around 5-6 hours)

DAY 10 - Marrakech Guided Tour

On this day of the grand Morocco tour, you will visit Marrakech, one of Morocco's imperial cities. You will explore the most notable visits, including the Coranic School of Ben Youssef and the Koutoubia Mosque. In addition to the Saadian Tombs, next to the Kasbah Mosque, you will find the tomb of the Sultan Ahmed al-Mansour.

Then, you will discover the grand Bahia Palace, with its intricate and fancy decoration, which will fascinate you when you hear the stories about the Sultan and his concubines. Next, visit the French botanical garden, The Majorelle Garden, a beautiful oasis of exotic plants. The Majorelle Garden is an ideal spot to unwind and relax.

After lunch, continue your guided tour in the Ancient Medina, where you will find masterpieces of handicrafts. Finally, finish your city tour by discovering the beguiling Jemaa El Fna, the bustling part of Marrakech, where snake charmers, jugglers, artisans, dancers, and storytellers meet. Overnight will be in Marrakech.

DAY 11 - Marrakech → Essaouira Day Trip

Our journey continues to the coastal city of Essaouira, situated on a small rocky peninsula by the sea. The personality of Essaouira's medina is distinct from that of other medinas, thanks to its orderly layout of streets that give it its own unique character. Its main business is fishing, so you cannot miss the colourful and lively spectacle of boats returning to port, and savour the incomparable freshness of good fish.

Another highlight of Essaouira is its immense fine sandy beach, approximately 10 kilometres long, a haven for its tranquility. A city that, without any doubt, will leave you with unforgettable memories. In the afternoon, we will take the road back to Marrakesh. Overnight in your riad or hotel.

• Drive: Marrakech to Essaouira - approx. 182 km (around 3-4 hours)