7 Days Tour from Casablanca to the Desert and Marrakech
Embark on a thrilling 7-day journey from Casablanca to the heart of Morocco’s desert and end your trip in the vibrant city of Marrakech. This tour takes you through imperial cities, picturesque mountain ranges, and the vast Sahara Desert. You’ll experience camel trekking in the golden dunes, explore ancient kasbahs, and immerse yourself in Morocco’s rich culture and heritage. Let’s dive into each day of this unforgettable adventure!
Day 1: Arrival in Casablanca – Explore the City
Arrival in Casablanca: Your adventure begins as you arrive in Casablanca, Morocco’s largest city and commercial hub. Upon arrival, you’ll be picked up from the airport and transferred to your hotel.
Hassan II Mosque: After checking in, you’ll head out to visit the iconic Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world. Its stunning architecture, perched on the Atlantic coast, is a must-see, and you can take a guided tour to learn about its impressive features.
Corniche and Rick’s Café: Take a stroll along the Corniche, Casablanca’s coastal promenade, or stop by the famous Rick’s Café, inspired by the classic movie Casablanca. Afterward, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant before returning to your hotel for the night.
Day 2: Casablanca to Fes – Visit Rabat and Meknes
Rabat – Morocco’s Capital City: After breakfast, you’ll depart from Casablanca and head to Rabat, Morocco’s capital city. Here, you’ll explore some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, including the Hassan Tower, the unfinished minaret of a mosque dating back to the 12th century, and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, a beautifully decorated tomb of Morocco’s former kings.
Lunch in Meknes: After exploring Rabat, you’ll continue to the imperial city of Meknes, one of Morocco’s four historic imperial cities. You’ll stop here for lunch and visit the impressive Bab Mansour, one of the grandest gates in North Africa, and explore the Royal Stables and El Hedim Square.
Arrival in Fes: By the late afternoon, you’ll arrive in Fes, the oldest of Morocco’s imperial cities. You’ll be transferred to your riad or hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 3: Explore Fes – The Cultural Capital of Morocco
Full Day Tour of Fes: Spend the entire day exploring Fes, the cultural and spiritual heart of Morocco. Your guided tour will take you through the city’s ancient medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the world’s largest car-free urban areas.
Fes El Bali – The Old Medina: Wander through the narrow, winding streets of Fes El Bali, where you’ll see historic mosques, madrasas (Islamic schools), and the University of Al Quaraouiyine, the oldest continuously operating university in the world. You’ll also visit the famous Chouara Tannery, where leather goods have been crafted using traditional methods for centuries.
Souks and Artisan Workshops: Explore the bustling souks, where you can watch artisans at work, crafting everything from ceramics to textiles. After a full day of exploring, return to your riad or hotel for dinner and a restful night.
Day 4: Fes to Merzouga – Crossing the Middle Atlas Mountains
Middle Atlas Mountains and Cedar Forests: After breakfast, you’ll begin your journey toward the Sahara Desert, crossing the scenic Middle Atlas Mountains. Your first stop will be in the town of Ifrane, often called “Little Switzerland” for its European-style architecture and alpine atmosphere.
Azrou and Barbary Apes: Continue through Azrou and the surrounding cedar forests, home to Barbary apes. You can stop here to stretch your legs, take some photos, and observe these playful monkeys in their natural habitat.
Lunch in Midelt: Stop for lunch in Midelt, a town nestled between the Middle and High Atlas Mountains, before continuing your journey.
Ziz Valley and Arrival in Merzouga: Drive through the stunning Ziz Valley, with its vast palm groves and dramatic landscapes, before arriving in the desert town of Merzouga in the late afternoon.
Camel Trek into the Desert: In Merzouga, you’ll trade your vehicle for a camel and set off on a camel trek into the Sahara Desert. Ride through the towering Erg Chebbi dunes as the sun sets, creating an unforgettable experience.
Night in a Desert Camp: Arrive at your Berber desert camp, where you’ll enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner under the stars. Relax around the campfire, listen to Berber music, and spend the night in a comfortable desert tent.
Day 5: Merzouga to Dades Valley – Sunrise over the Dunes and Todra Gorge
Sunrise in the Desert: Wake up early to witness a stunning sunrise over the Sahara Desert, as the golden light illuminates the vast dunes.
Camel Ride Back to Merzouga: After breakfast, you’ll ride your camel back to Merzouga village, where your driver will be waiting to continue your journey.
Todra Gorge: On your way to the Dades Valley, you’ll stop at the magnificent Todra Gorge, a massive canyon with towering rock walls. You’ll have time to explore the gorge, take a short walk along the river, and admire the dramatic scenery.
Arrival in Dades Valley: Continue your drive through the Dades Valley, also known as the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs. This area is famous for its ancient fortresses and dramatic rock formations. You’ll spend the night in a hotel or guesthouse in the valley, enjoying dinner and a peaceful night.
Day 6: Dades Valley to Marrakech – Kasbah Aït Benhaddou and High Atlas Mountains
Dades Valley Exploration: After breakfast, you’ll explore the scenic Dades Valley, with its picturesque gorges and unique rock formations. Then, you’ll begin your journey toward Marrakech.
Kasbah Aït Benhaddou – UNESCO World Heritage Site: Your next stop is the famous Kasbah Aït Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Morocco’s most iconic fortified villages. This ancient ksar has been used as the backdrop for many films, including Gladiator and Game of Thrones. Explore its narrow streets and climb to the top for stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
High Atlas Mountains and Tizi n’Tichka Pass: In the afternoon, you’ll cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, offering breathtaking views of the rugged mountains and traditional Berber villages.
Arrival in Marrakech: By late afternoon, you’ll arrive in Marrakech, where you’ll be transferred to your hotel or riad. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant and relax after your day of travel.
Day 7: Explore Marrakech – The Red City
Full Day Tour of Marrakech: Your final day will be spent exploring the vibrant city of Marrakech. Visit the famous Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, the heart of the city, where street performers, food stalls, and traditional markets come to life.
Koutoubia Mosque and Saadian Tombs: Explore the iconic Koutoubia Mosque, with its towering minaret, and visit the ornate Saadian Tombs, the final resting place of the Saadian dynasty.
Bahia Palace and Majorelle Garden: Wander through the stunning Bahia Palace, a masterpiece of Moroccan architecture, and visit the peaceful Majorelle Garden, a botanical garden created by French artist Jacques Majorelle and later owned by Yves Saint Laurent.
Souks and Medina: End your tour by exploring the bustling souks of Marrakech, where you can shop for traditional crafts, spices, textiles, and more. After a day of exploring, return to your accommodation for your final night in Morocco.
What’s Included:
- Transportation in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle
- English-speaking driver/guide
- Camel trekking in Merzouga
- 1 night in a desert camp (with dinner and breakfast)
- 5 nights in hotels/riads (with dinner and breakfast)
- Guided tours in Fes and Marrakech
This 7-day tour from Casablanca to the desert and Marrakech offers the perfect blend of culture, adventure, and relaxation. From the bustling cities of Casablanca and Marrakech to the serene beauty of the Sahara Desert, this journey provides an authentic Moroccan experience filled with unforgettable sights and activities. Ready to explore Morocco’s hidden treasures?