8 Days Tour from Casablanca to Desert and Marrakech
Embark on an 8-day journey from Casablanca through the heart of Morocco, where you’ll explore imperial cities, the vast Sahara Desert, and the breathtaking High Atlas Mountains, before ending your adventure in the vibrant city of Marrakech. This tour blends history, culture, and adventure, with visits to ancient kasbahs, camel trekking in the golden dunes, and exploring lively souks. Let’s break down each day of this unforgettable Moroccan adventure!
Day 1: Arrival in Casablanca – Explore the City
Arrival in Casablanca: Upon arrival in Casablanca, Morocco’s largest city and commercial hub, you’ll be greeted and transferred to your hotel. After checking in, you’ll begin your journey by exploring the highlights of this cosmopolitan city.
Hassan II Mosque: Your first stop is the Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world, known for its stunning architecture and breathtaking location on the Atlantic coast. You can take a guided tour of this remarkable structure, which showcases intricate tilework and traditional Moroccan craftsmanship.
Corniche and Rick’s Café: Stroll along the Corniche, Casablanca’s coastal promenade, and enjoy the view of the ocean. You can also visit the famous Rick’s Café, inspired by the classic movie Casablanca. Dinner and overnight stay in a local hotel.
Day 2: Casablanca to Rabat and Fes – Imperial Cities Tour
Rabat – Morocco’s Capital: After breakfast, you’ll depart for Rabat, Morocco’s capital city. Explore its historical landmarks, including the Hassan Tower, an unfinished minaret from the 12th century, and the stunning Mausoleum of Mohammed V, where Morocco’s former kings are laid to rest. You’ll also visit the Kasbah of the Udayas, offering scenic views of the Bou Regreg River and the Atlantic Ocean.
Lunch in Rabat: Stop for lunch at a local restaurant, where you can savor traditional Moroccan dishes.
Arrival in Fes: In the afternoon, continue your drive to Fes, Morocco’s oldest imperial city and a UNESCO World Heritage site. You’ll arrive in the evening and check into your riad or hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 3: Full Day in Fes – Cultural and Historical Exploration
Fes El Bali – The Old Medina: Start your day with a guided tour of Fes El Bali, the ancient medina of Fes. This UNESCO-listed site is home to one of the world’s largest car-free urban areas, with a maze of narrow streets, lively souks, and historic buildings. Visit the University of Al Quaraouiyine, the oldest existing, continually operating educational institution in the world, as well as the stunning Bou Inania Madrasa.
Chouara Tannery: Next, visit the famous Chouara Tannery, where you’ll observe the traditional leather-making process. This ancient craft has been practiced in Fes for centuries, and the colorful dye pits are a unique sight to behold.
Souks and Artisan Workshops: In the afternoon, explore the vibrant souks, where artisans create everything from ceramics to intricate textiles. Afterward, return to your riad for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 4: Fes to Merzouga – Middle Atlas Mountains and Ziz Valley
Middle Atlas Mountains: After breakfast, depart Fes and head toward the Sahara Desert. Your journey will take you through the scenic Middle Atlas Mountains. Stop in Ifrane, known as “Little Switzerland,” for its alpine-style architecture and cool climate.
Azrou and Cedar Forests: Continue through the cedar forests of Azrou, where you may spot the famous Barbary apes. These playful monkeys inhabit the lush forests, offering a refreshing break from the desert heat.
Lunch in Midelt: Stop for lunch in Midelt, a town located at the foot of the High Atlas Mountains, before continuing your journey.
Ziz Valley and Arrival in Merzouga: In the afternoon, drive through the impressive Ziz Valley, known for its vast palm groves and dramatic rock formations. By late afternoon, you’ll arrive in Merzouga, the gateway to the Erg Chebbi dunes.
Camel Trek into the Desert: In Merzouga, embark on a camel trek through the golden dunes of the Sahara as the sun sets, casting beautiful hues over the sand.
Night in a Desert Camp: Arrive at a traditional Berber desert camp, where you’ll enjoy a delicious Moroccan dinner under the stars. Relax by the campfire, listen to Berber music, and sleep in a comfortable desert tent.
Day 5: Full Day in the Desert – Explore Merzouga
Sunrise Over the Dunes: Wake up early to witness the magical sunrise over the Sahara Desert, watching as the golden light transforms the dunes.
Explore the Desert Region: After breakfast, spend the day exploring the Merzouga region. You can visit the nearby village of Khamlia, known for its Gnawa music, a spiritual and rhythmic genre with African roots. You’ll also have the chance to visit a Berber nomad family, learning about their way of life and traditions.
Adventure Activities: For those seeking adventure, you can opt for quad biking or sandboarding on the dunes, providing a fun and exciting way to experience the desert landscape.
Second Night in the Desert Camp: In the evening, return to your desert camp for another peaceful night under the stars. Enjoy a traditional dinner and relax around the campfire.
Day 6: Merzouga to Dades Valley – Todra Gorge and Berber Villages
Camel Ride Back to Merzouga: After breakfast, take a camel ride back to Merzouga village, where your driver will be waiting to continue your journey.
Todra Gorge: Your first stop today is the stunning Todra Gorge, a massive canyon with rock walls that rise up to 300 meters. You’ll have time to explore the gorge and enjoy the breathtaking views of the towering cliffs.
Dades Valley – The Road of a Thousand Kasbahs: In the afternoon, continue your drive through the scenic Dades Valley, also known as the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs. This route is lined with ancient fortresses and offers dramatic landscapes of rugged mountains and lush oases. Spend the night in a hotel or guesthouse in the valley, enjoying dinner and a relaxing evening.
Day 7: Dades Valley to Marrakech – Kasbah Aït Benhaddou and High Atlas Mountains
Morning in Dades Valley: After breakfast, continue exploring the beautiful Dades Valley before heading toward Marrakech.
Kasbah Aït Benhaddou – UNESCO World Heritage Site: Your next stop is the famous Kasbah Aït Benhaddou, one of Morocco’s most iconic fortified villages and a UNESCO World Heritage site. This ancient ksar has been used as a backdrop for many films, including Gladiator and Game of Thrones. Explore its narrow streets and climb to the top for panoramic views of the surrounding area.
High Atlas Mountains and Tizi n’Tichka Pass: In the afternoon, you’ll cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, the highest road pass in North Africa. The journey offers breathtaking views of the mountains and traditional Berber villages.
Arrival in Marrakech: By late afternoon, you’ll arrive in Marrakech. After checking in to your hotel or riad, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant and spend your first night in the vibrant Red City.
Day 8: Full Day in Marrakech – Explore the Red City
Full Day Tour of Marrakech: Spend your final day exploring the vibrant city of Marrakech. Start by visiting the famous Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, a bustling hub of activity with street performers, food stalls, and snake charmers.
Koutoubia Mosque and Saadian Tombs: Next, visit the Koutoubia Mosque, Marrakech’s largest mosque, and the beautifully restored Saadian Tombs, dating back to the 16th century.
Bahia Palace and Majorelle Garden: Wander through the stunning Bahia Palace, with its intricate Moroccan architecture and serene courtyards. Later, explore 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 day by exploring the vibrant souks of Marrakech, where you can shop for traditional crafts, spices, textiles, and more. After a day of discovery, return to your hotel for your final night in Morocco.
What’s Included:
- Transportation in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle
- English-speaking driver/guide
- Camel trekking in Merzouga
- 2 nights in a desert camp (with dinner and breakfast)
- 5 nights in hotels/riads (with dinner and breakfast)
- Guided tours in Fes and Marrakech
This 8-day tour from Casablanca to the desert and Marrakech offers a perfect combination of cultural exploration and adventure. From the imperial cities of Casablanca and Fes to the peaceful Sahara Desert and lively streets of Marrakech, you’ll experience the best of Morocco’s diverse landscapes and rich heritage. Whether you’re riding camels through the dunes or shopping in the bustling souks, this tour provides an unforgettable Moroccan adventure. Ready to explore Morocco’s hidden gems?