8 days tour from Casablanca to desert and Marrakech

Your 8 days tour from Casablanca to desert begins upon arrival at Mohammed V International Airport in Casablanca, Morocco’s largest city. After clearing customs, a private driver will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. After settling in, you’ll have time to explore Casablanca’s most iconic landmarks. Start with a visit to the impressive Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world, perched on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. Continue with a stroll along the Cornice, Casablanca’s vibrant coastal area, which offers scenic views and a variety of restaurants and cafes. In the afternoon, you’ll visit Mohammed V Square and the Royal Palace (outside view). Casablanca is a modern city, offering a mix of art deco architecture and bustling commercial areas, which is perfect for a brief introduction to Morocco.

On Day 2 of Casablanca desert trip, you will travel from Casablanca to Chefchaouen, the famous “Blue City” (approx. 5-6 hours drive). We will visit the Hassan Tower and Oudayas kasbah in Rabat before continue toward Chefchaouen. Chefchaouen is nestled in the Rif Mountains and is renowned for its stunning blue-painted buildings and serene atmosphere.

Upon arrival, you will check into your hotel and begin exploring the medina. The city’s labyrinth of narrow alleys and cobbled streets, lined with vibrant shops selling handmade goods, offers a picturesque and peaceful setting. Visit the Kasbah Museum and the nearby Ras El Ma spring, which provides a refreshing stream of water in the heart of the medina. For a spectacular view of the city, take a short hike up to the Spanish Mosque, especially at sunset. Chefchaouen’s charm lies in its relaxed vibe and stunning scenery, which will make for a memorable day.

On the way from Chefchaouen to Fes, you will pass through two fascinating destinations: Volubilis and Meknes. First, stop at Volubilis, an ancient Roman city that boasts well-preserved ruins and stunning mosaics. Here, you’ll get a glimpse of Morocco’s rich history as you explore the remains of temples, houses, and a triumphal arch. Afterward, continue to Meknes, one of Morocco’s imperial cities. In Meknes, you’ll visit the impressive Bab Mansour Gate and the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, where you can learn about the reign of this powerful Sultan. From Meknes, it’s a short drive to Fes, where the rich culture and history of Morocco truly come to life. This route provides a perfect balance of ancient history and vibrant Moroccan cities, making for an unforgettable journey. Night in a magnificent Riad in the Medina.

Day 4 of your 8 days tour from Casablanca to desert gives you a deeper look into Fes’s history and its role in Moroccan culture. You’ll start the day with a visit to the Royal Palace, though you’ll only be able to view its impressive gates from the outside. Then, head to the Mellah, the Jewish quarter of Fes, where you can visit the Jewish Cemetery and the Ibn Danan Synagogue. If you’re interested in learning about the city’s traditional arts, a visit to the Dar Batha Museum offers fascinating insights into Fes’s history, with displays of traditional crafts, textiles, and ceramics. In the afternoon, explore the tranquil Jnan Sbil Gardens, a peaceful oasis in the city. Optionally, you can take a cooking class to learn how to prepare traditional Moroccan dishes like tagine or couscous. The evening is free for you to relax and explore Fes at your leisure.

On Day 5 of 8 days tour from Casablanca to desert, you will take an adventurous tour towards the Sahara Desert (approx. 7-8 hours). The drive from Fes to Merzouga is an unforgettable experience as it passes through a variety of landscapes, from lush forests to rocky deserts. Along the way, stop in Ifrane, known for its alpine-style buildings and cool climate. Then, head to Azrou, where you can see wild Barbary apes in the Cedar Forest. After a stop for lunch in Midelt, continue towards Merzouga, passing through dramatic mountain passes and Erfoud. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted with mint tea and prepare for your camel trek into the dunes of Erg Chebbi. The camel ride will take you to a desert camp, where you can enjoy a traditional Berber dinner and sleep under the stars in the vast, quiet Sahara.

On Day 6, you’ll wake up early to witness the magical sunrise over the Sahara Desert before heading back to Merzouga by camel. After breakfast, your journey continues towards Ouarzazate (approx. 6-7 hours). The route will take you through spectacular landscapes, including the towering Todgha Gorges and Dades valley, Skoura oasis. Explore the Taourirt Kasbah and the film studios before visiting the famous Ait Benhaddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site and an iconic symbol of Moroccan architecture that has appeared in numerous films, including Game of Thrones and Gladiator. After exploring this picturesque village, continue your journey through the dramatic Tizi n’Tichka Pass in the Atlas Mountains, finally reaching Marrakech in the late evening. Check into your hotel and rest for the night.

Day 7 is dedicated to exploring the vibrant city of Marrakech, with the help of a local guide. Start your day by visiting the bustling Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, where you’ll find snake charmers, musicians, and food vendors. Wander through the souks, which are a maze of narrow streets filled with shops selling spices, textiles, leather, and jewelry. Then, head to the Koutoubia Mosque to admire its 77-meter-high minaret, which is a Marrakech landmark. Visit the Bahia Palace, a beautiful example of Islamic architecture, and the Saadian Tombs, the final resting place of the Saadian dynasty. In the afternoon, enjoy a relaxing stroll through the Majorelle Garden, once owned by Yves Saint Laurent. Finish the day with a visit to the El Badi Palace or enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner in a local restaurant.

On the final day of your tour, you’ll have a leisurely breakfast in Marrakech before setting off for your return journey to Casablanca (approx. 3 hours by road). We drop off you in Casablanca aeroport.