9 Days Desert Tour from Casablanca

Overview

Embark on an unforgettable 9-day journey from Casablanca to Marrakech, taking in the best of Morocco’s historical, cultural, and natural wonders. This extensive tour covers iconic cities like Rabat, Chefchaouen, Fes, and Meknes, along with beautiful landscapes like the Middle Atlas Mountains, Merzouga Desert, Todra Gorges, and Dades Valley. Visit historical landmarks, including Volubilis, Ait Ben Haddou, and the famous film studios in Ouarzazate. This tour offers a complete Moroccan experience, blending city culture with stunning desert vistas, while also providing time to relax in luxurious desert camps and explore the vibrant city of Marrakech.

Tour Information

Duration: 9 days & 8 nights
Departure: 08:00 am
Starting Location: Casablanca
Ending Location: Casablanca

Highlights

Pickup from the airport or accommodation.
Sightseeing in Casablanca and historical monuments of Rabat.
Visit the blue pearl of Chefchaouen.
Explore Volubilis and Meknes, then head to Fes.
Visit Ifrane, Cedar Forest with wild monkeys, and Midelt.
Camel rides and desert camp in Merzouga Sahara.
Visit Todgha Gorges, Dades Valley, and the Valley of Roses.
Ouarzazate Atlas Studios and Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah.
Scenic views through the High Atlas Mountains and Tizi N’Tichka.
Marrakech city sightseeing and exploration.
Drop-off at Casablanca or Marrakech airport.

Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Pick up from Airport/Hotel, then Head to Rabat
Start your tour with a visit to the Hassan II Mosque, the largest mosque in Africa, followed by a scenic exploration of Rabat’s Oudaya Kasbah, Hassan Tower, and other historical landmarks. Overnight stay in a hotel/riad.

Day 2: Drive to Chefchaouen
Travel through the Rif Mountains to the Blue City of Chefchaouen. Explore the blue-painted streets, enjoy the relaxed atmosphere, and take stunning photos. Overnight stay in Chefchaouen.

Day 3: Chefchaouen to Fes via Volubilis and Meknes
After breakfast, visit the Roman ruins of Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and continue to Meknes, where you’ll explore the royal city’s historical sites. Then, head to Fes for an overnight stay.

Day 4: Explore Fes
Guided tour of Fes, including the King’s Palace, the Jewish Quarter (El Mellah), the famous Blue Gate, and the historic University of al-Qarawiyyin. Visit traditional tanneries and ceramic workshops. Overnight in Fes.

Day 5: Fes to Merzouga Desert
Travel south via Imouzzer Kander, Ifrane, and the cedar forests, home to the Barbary macaques. Continue to Midelt for lunch, then head to Merzouga. Arrive and embark on a camel ride across the Erg Chebbi dunes to your desert camp. Enjoy Berber music, a traditional dinner, and star-gazing in the desert.

Day 6: Merzouga to Todgha Gorges and Dades Valley
Wake up early for a sunrise camel ride, then head to Rissani and visit its traditional souk. After lunch, explore Todgha Gorges, a stunning canyon. Continue to the Dades Valley for a night at a hotel or riad overlooking the beautiful valley.

Day 7: Dades Valley to Marrakech via Ouarzazate and Ait Ben Haddou
Travel through the Valley of Roses and visit Ouarzazate’s film studios, known as the “Hollywood of Morocco.” Stop at the famous Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Continue through Tizi N’Tichka Pass and the High Atlas Mountains before arriving in Marrakech.

Day 8: Explore Marrakech
Visit historical sites in Marrakech, including the Koutoubia Mosque, Saadian Tombs, Bahia Palace, and Jemaa el-Fna square. Explore the Majorelle Garden and new city areas in the afternoon. Free time for shopping or relaxing.

Day 9: Transfer to Airport
Depending on your departure time, transfer to either Marrakech or Casablanca airport for your flight home.