12 days tour From Casablanca to desert

Welcome to Morocco! After arriving in Casablanca, begin your journey by visiting the iconic Hassan II Mosque, known for its impressive size and intricate architecture. This mosque, located right by the Atlantic Ocean, is one of the few mosques in Morocco that non-Muslims can enter, so it’s worth a guided tour to appreciate the craftsmanship. Afterward, take a leisurely walk along the Casablanca Corniche, a seaside promenade lined with cafes and restaurants. This evening, rest and prepare for your journey through Morocco.

After breakfast, set off for Rabat, Morocco’s capital. Begin your exploration with the Kasbah of the Udayas, a fortress with blue-painted alleys and views over the Atlantic Ocean. From there, head to the Hassan Tower and Mausoleum of Mohammed V, both striking monuments representing Morocco’s Islamic heritage. Stroll through the lush Andalusian Gardens nearby for a peaceful break. You’ll have the afternoon to wander the medina (old city) and its bustling souks. Spend the night in Rabat.

Today, journey north to Chefchaouen, the “Blue Pearl” of Morocco. Nestled in the Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen is known for its vivid blue-washed buildings and laid-back vibe. Once you arrive, settle into your hotel and take time to explore the charming medina. Wander through its narrow, winding streets, snap photos of the blue alleys, and relax in the town’s central plaza, Plaza Uta el-Hammam. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and consider dining at a local café with views of the mountains.

Spend the day discovering more of Chefchaouen’s hidden gems. Begin with a hike up to the Spanish Mosque for panoramic views over the town and the surrounding mountains. Later, visit the Kasbah Museum in Plaza Uta el-Hammam, where you can learn more about the town’s history and see traditional artifacts. Enjoy a leisurely lunch and then continue exploring the vibrant souks for handmade rugs, crafts, and souvenirs. End the day with a tea at a rooftop café, watching the sunset over the blue city.

Today, you’ll depart from Chefchaouen and make your way south toward Fes, with stops at Volubilis and Meknes along the way. These stops provide a perfect balance of Roman ruins and imperial Moroccan architecture, showcasing different layers of Morocco’s history.

Begin your journey with a stop at Volubilis, an ancient Roman city and UNESCO World Heritage site. Known for its remarkably well-preserved ruins, Volubilis is famous for its mosaics, grand arches, and temples. Stroll through the site, visiting key structures such as the Basilica, the Triumphal Arch, and the Capitol Temple. As you walk among these ruins, imagine the city as it once was, a bustling Roman settlement surrounded by fertile farmland.

After exploring Volubilis, continue to Meknes, one of Morocco’s four imperial cities and once the capital under Sultan Moulay Ismail. Start your visit at the impressive Bab Mansour Gate, one of the finest examples of Moroccan architecture with its intricate zellij tile work. Next, explore El Hedim Square, which has a lively atmosphere with shops and street vendors. Visit the Moulay Ismail Mausoleum to learn about the powerful sultan who transformed Meknes. If time allows, explore the Royal Stables and the Dar Jamai Museum to see artifacts from the region’s history.

After your time in Meknes, complete the final leg of today’s journey to Fes. Once you arrive, check in to your accommodation and take some time to relax.

Today, get ready to explore Fes el-Bali, the old medina of Fes and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Begin at the Bou Inania Madrasa, an architectural masterpiece of intricate carvings. Wander through the narrow streets, visiting the historic Al-Qarawiyyin University, the world’s oldest university, and the Chouara Tannery, where you can see the ancient leather-dyeing process from a rooftop viewpoint. In the afternoon, discover more souks and traditional shops selling everything from pottery to textiles. Spend the night in Fes.

Prepare for an early departure as you drive toward the Sahara Desert. Along the way, pass through Ifrane, known for its European-style architecture and clean, orderly streets. Stop briefly in the Cedar Forests of Azrou, where you might spot Barbary macaque monkeys. Continue through the changing landscapes of the Middle Atlas and arrive in Merzouga by late afternoon. In Merzouga, switch to a camel for a memorable trek into the dunes of Erg Chebbi. Enjoy a sunset over the sand before arriving at your desert camp, where you’ll have dinner and enjoy Berber music under a starlit sky.

Wake up early to watch the sunrise over the Sahara, then return by camel to Merzouga for breakfast. Afterward, continue your journey toward the Dades Gorges, passing through the rugged landscape of the Todra Gorge along the way. Take time to explore the towering cliffs and enjoy a leisurely walk through the gorge. Later, drive to Dades Valley, known for its scenic red and ochre rock formations. Check in to your hotel, where you can relax and savor a traditional Moroccan dinner.

After breakfast, leave for Ait Ben Haddou kasbah.

On the way to Ait Ben Haddou, your journey takes you through some of Morocco’s most picturesque landscapes and historic sites. First, stop at Kelaat M’Gouna, famously known as the “Valley of Roses.” This charming town is surrounded by lush rose fields, and during harvest season, the air is filled with the fragrance of blooming flowers. Continue to the Skoura Oasis, where you’ll visit Kasbah Amridil, a beautifully preserved 17th-century fortress that provides a glimpse into traditional Moroccan life with its intricate architecture and impressive clay towers.

Next, make your way to Ouarzazate, often called the “Gateway to the Sahara.” Here, explore the Taourirt Kasbah, a grand fortress with labyrinthine rooms and historic significance as a former palace of the Glaoui family. Ouarzazate is also home to Morocco’s film industry, so don’t miss a visit to one of the nearby film studios where famous movies like Gladiator and The Mummy were filmed.

After a day of exploring, arrive at Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Morocco’s most iconic ksars (fortified villages). Wander through the ancient clay structures and narrow alleys of this historic kasbah, taking in views of the surrounding desert landscape. Afterward, settle into a nearby hotel for a comfortable night’s rest, surrounded by the timeless beauty of Morocco’s desert architecture.

Today, journey through the breathtaking High Atlas Mountains en route to Marrakech. Cross the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, the highest pass in North Africa, where you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the valleys and villages below. Arrive in Marrakech in the afternoon and get settled in. Begin exploring with a relaxed stroll through the vibrant Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, where you’ll encounter street performers, food stalls, and musicians. In the evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

Dive into the sights of Marrakech, beginning with the stunning Bahia Palace, a 19th-century palace known for its gardens and exquisite design. Visit the Koutoubia Mosque and admire its towering minaret, then wander the colorful Majorelle Garden, a botanical oasis designed by the artist Jacques Majorelle. Spend the afternoon exploring the souks in the medina, where you can shop for spices, ceramics, and handmade goods. Finish the day back in Jemaa el-Fnaa to experience its vibrant night scene.

On your final day, enjoy breakfast before making the drive back to Casablanca. If time permits, stop by any last-minute sites in Casablanca or do some final shopping for souvenirs. Then, head to the airport for your departure, carrying with you unforgettable memories of Morocco’s landscapes, culture, and hospitality.