7-Day Morocco Journey: From Casablanca to Marrakech via the Sahara Desert
- Duration: 7 days
- From: Casablanca
- Arrival: Marrakech
Are you looking to explore Morocco in just 7 days without missing its must-see highlights? This one-week itinerary is designed exactly for that — beginning in Casablanca and ending in Marrakech, it takes you through a rich tapestry of sights and experiences. Along the way, you’ll encounter majestic mosques, sweeping desert dunes, and the breathtaking Atlas Mountains. It’s a diverse and well-rounded journey that captures the very essence of Morocco in a short span.
Services included
- Pick-up in Marrakech, at your hotel or at the agreed location
- 4x4 route, with a Spanish-speaking driver/guide
- Assistance and accompaniment throughout the excursion
- Camel ride to the tent camp
- Dinner at the tent camp
- Accommodation in a Berber tent
- Assistance at destination
Services not included
- Arrival and return flights
- Lunches
- Drinks
- Tickets to monuments
- Tips
- Schedule
Day 1
Our 7-day journey through Morocco kicks off at Casablanca Airport or another designated meeting point in the country’s largest city. There, one of our Spanish-speaking drivers will be waiting to greet you and provide private transportation to the city center.
The first major stop will be the Hassan II Mosque, a true architectural marvel and one of the largest mosques in the Islamic world. What makes this visit especially remarkable is that the mosque welcomes non-Muslim visitors, a rare opportunity in Morocco allowing you to admire its vast interiors and intricate craftsmanship, where grandeur and devotion meet.
Following the visit, we’ll continue on to Rabat, located just 90 km away. Though smaller than Casablanca, Rabat is equally significant: it forms a dual city with Salé across the Bou Regreg River, boasts a historic center recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and holds the title of Morocco’s capital as well as one of its Imperial Cities.
The afternoon in Rabat will be at your leisure, allowing you to explore key landmarks at your own pace. Highlights include the iconic Hassan Tower, a masterpiece of Almohad architecture, and the Kasbah of the Oudayas, an ancient fortress offering picturesque views and a glimpse into the city’s medieval past. Your overnight stay will be in a beautifully appointed riad in the heart of Rabat, providing a peaceful and authentic end to your first day in Morocco.
Summary of the day
- Arrival in Casablanca
- Transfer to the Hassan II Mosque and visit
- Road trip to Rabat
- Free visit of Rabat
- Night in a charming riad in Rabat
Day 2
Day two of this 7-day Moroccan tour begins with breakfast at your riad in Rabat, after which you’ll set off to explore some of the country’s most significant cultural and historical sites.
Your first destination is Meknes, another of Morocco’s Imperial Cities and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known for its grand architecture and historical significance, Meknes flourished under Sultan Moulay Ismail, who made it his capital in the late 17th century. Many of the city’s most impressive monuments reflect his legacy, including his mausoleum and the ornate gates that punctuate the medina’s defensive walls.
After some free time to stroll and enjoy Meknes at your own pace, the tour continues to Volubilis. This ancient Roman city boasts remarkably well-preserved ruins, including elegant columns, colorful mosaics, and imposing arches reminders of its prosperity during the Roman Empire, particularly under emperors like Marcus Aurelius and Caracalla. Volubilis’s historical and archaeological value earned it recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Later in the day, you’ll head to Fez, one of Morocco’s cultural jewels and another Imperial City. Its historic medina is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a key highlight of the tour. While your in-depth visit is scheduled for the next day, the evening will be free for you to wander its streets, browse local shops, or simply take in the ambiance. Your overnight stay will be in a traditional riad nestled within the medina.
Summary of the day
- Breakfast in a riad in Rabat
- Trip to Meknes and free tour of the city
- Trip to Volubilis and visit of the Roman archaeological site
- Trip to Fez and free afternoon
- Night in a riad in Fez
Day 3
If there’s a city that truly deserves to be explored with the help of a guide, it’s Fez and that’s precisely what awaits on this third day of our 7-day journey through Morocco. After enjoying breakfast at your riad, you’ll meet our certified local guide for a walking tour through the heart of the historic medina.
This guided visit covers the city’s most important landmarks and neighborhoods. You’ll discover the Karaouine Mosque and University, considered one of the oldest centers of learning in the world, as well as some of the city’s most iconic madrasas, such as Bou Inania and Attarine. These sites highlight Fez’s long-standing reputation as a spiritual and intellectual hub. The walk also includes artisan quarters and bustling souks, especially the famed tanners’ district, where leather is still processed using centuries-old techniques.
While the morning tour is thorough, there will still be much to explore. That’s why the afternoon is left free for you to continue at your own pace. You might visit the Mellah (Jewish Quarter) and admire the nearby Royal Palace with its golden gates, or head to the Borj Nord Museum, the El Glaoui Palace, or the ornate Bab Boujloud gate.
This free time is also ideal for browsing the many traditional handicraft shops. Fez is renowned for its high-quality goods—leather, ceramics, textiles, woodwork, and jewelrymaking it a perfect opportunity to find meaningful souvenirs.
As the day draws to a close, you’ll return to your riad in the medina to rest and reflect on everything you’ve experienced.
Summary of the day
- Breakfast at a riad in Fez
- Guided tour in Fez, with an official local guide
- Free afternoon
- Night in a riad in Fez
Day 4
On the fourth day of this Moroccan journey, we shift from historic urban wonders to the raw beauty of nature. After breakfast at your riad in Fez, we’ll set off in a private vehicle, heading south toward the vast landscapes of the Moroccan interior.
Our first scenic stop will be Ifrane, often dubbed the “Switzerland of Africa.” Situated over 1,700 meters above sea level, its alpine-style houses and lush mountain environment offer a striking contrast to the rest of the country. In winter, the area is blanketed with snow, adding to its unique charm.
Next, we’ll explore the Ifrane National Park, also known as the Cedar Forest or Monkey Forest. This protected area is home to vast cedar woodlands and a population of endangered Barbary macaques, the only wild primate species north of the Sahara. Here, trees and wildlife exist in perfect harmony, creating a peaceful and ecologically rich setting.
From there, we continue over the Middle Atlas and begin our descent into a different world. The Ziz Valley gradually reveals a landscape of palm groves and cultivated oases, contrasting sharply with the rocky, arid hamadas surrounding them. This striking terrain leads us to Erfoud, a small desert town famed for its fossil-rich soil remnants of prehistoric life, including dinosaurs.
Our final destination is Merzouga, the gateway to the iconic Erg Chebbi dunes. Here, we’ll trade our vehicle for dromedaries and set off on a camel trek into the golden sea of sand. After this peaceful desert journey, we’ll arrive at a traditional tent camp, where Berber hospitality awaits with mint tea, dinner, and comfort for the night.
As darkness falls, prepare for one of the most magical moments of the trip: watching a crystal-clear sky come alive with stars, unspoiled by light or clouds a breathtaking experience that truly captures the soul of the Moroccan Sahara.
Summary of the day
- Breakfast at a riad in Fez
- Road route by:
- Ifrane
- Monkey Forest
- Ziz Valley
- Erfoud
- Arrival in Merzouga and camel ride through the Erg Chebbi dunes
- Dinner and overnight stay in a tent camp in the middle of the desert
Day 5
Another unforgettable moment of this 7-day Morocco tour comes on day five: witnessing sunrise over the Erg Chebbi dunes. As the first light of day spreads across the golden sands, it creates an enchanting scene of color and silence that is truly unique to the Sahara. After enjoying this serene moment, we’ll return to camp for breakfast, followed by a camel ride back to Merzouga. You’ll also have time to freshen up with a relaxing shower, either in your desert tent or at a hotel in Merzouga, depending on the selected package.
With the desert behind us, the day’s road trip brings a series of captivating stops. Our first destination is Rissani, a small but historically significant town it’s the birthplace of Morocco’s current royal family, the Alaouite dynasty. In its medina, you’ll experience authentic Moroccan life, with scenes of traditional markets filled with spices, local produce, and even a donkey parking area.
Continuing on, we’ll drive through a landscape of arid hills and scattered oases to reach the Todra Gorge. This dramatic canyon, with sheer rock walls soaring up to 200 meters high, is a favorite among rock climbers. But you don’t need climbing gear to enjoy it walking along the narrow gorge floor and admiring the surrounding scenery is an equally rewarding experience. The road that leads through the gorge is also a spectacle, filled with sharp turns and stunning views.
Next, our route takes us through the Dades Valley and the famed Route of a Thousand Kasbahs, so named for the many ancient Berber fortresses that dot the landscape. We’ll also travel through the Valley of Roses, where rose cultivation is an important part of local life and economy especially during harvest season.
Our final stop for the day is Ouarzazate, often called the “Hollywood of Morocco” for its role in many international film productions. If time permits, you may visit the renowned film studios. However, a guaranteed highlight will be the visit to Taourirt Kasbah, an adobe fortress on the city’s edge that once housed the powerful Glaoui family. With its impressive façade and richly decorated interiors, it’s a fascinating glimpse into Morocco’s past.
We’ll end the day with dinner and an overnight stay at a hotel in Ouarzazate, preparing for the final stretch of this incredible journey.
Summary of the day
- Sunrise in the dunes of Erg Chebbi
- Breakfast at the tent camp in the middle of the desert
- Camel trekking through the Erg Chebbi dunes, back to Merzouga
- Road route by:
- Rissani
- Todra Gorges
- Dades Valley
- Valley of the Roses
- Route of the Thousand Kasbahs
- Arrival in Ouarzazate and visit of the Kasbah of Taourirt
- Dinner and overnight stay at a hotel in Ouarzazate
Day 6
After enjoying breakfast at our hotel in Ouarzazate, we’ll set out for the Ksar of Ait Ben Haddou, just 25 km away. This iconic fortified village, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stands as one of the best-preserved examples of Berber military architecture. Historically, it played a vital role on the caravan route between Timbuktu and Marrakech. Today, it is also famous as a filming location for numerous international productions, including Game of Thrones.
Following our visit to Ait Ben Haddou, we’ll continue our ascent into the High Atlas Mountains. Along the way, we’ll stop at the Kasbah of Telouet, a historic residence of Thami El Glaoui, the former Pasha of Marrakech. Though less visited than other kasbahs, Telouet offers an intimate glimpse into the lavish life of Morocco’s former aristocracy, with beautifully decorated interiors.
The road then leads us to the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, perched over 2,220 meters above sea level. This mountain pass offers breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks often snow-covered and the traditional Berber villages clinging to the hillsides.
From there, we’ll begin a long descent, driving about 100 kilometers to reach Marrakech, the final destination of this 7-day Morocco tour. Upon arrival in the Red City, you’ll have a free afternoon to begin exploring the medina, a UNESCO-listed treasure trove of history and culture. You can visit emblematic landmarks such as the Koutoubia Mosque, Jemaa el-Fna Square, Ben Youssef Madrasa, the Bahia Palace, and many more.
Your accommodation for the night will be a charming riad in the heart of the city, allowing you to continue your discovery of Marrakech at your own pace.
Summary of the day
- Breakfast at a hotel in Ouarzazate
- Visit of the Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou
- Visit to the Telouet kasbah
- Alto Altas Pass through the Tizi n’Tichka Pass
- Arrival in Marrakech and free afternoon
- Night in a riad in Marrakech
Day 7
The seventh and final day of this 7-day Morocco tour marks the end of our journey together. After enjoying breakfast at your riad, you’ll have some free time depending on your flight schedule to take a last walk through Marrakech, perhaps to pick up some souvenirs or simply soak in the city’s vibrant atmosphere one last time.
At the agreed-upon time, our driver will arrive to take you to the airport in a private vehicle, ensuring a smooth and timely transfer.
Once at the terminal, our services will come to a close. We hope you’ve enjoyed your Moroccan adventure and look forward to welcoming you again on another tour perhaps to discover the Atlantic coastline, the Rif Mountains, or the charm of Morocco’s Mediterranean north.
Summary of the day
- Breakfast at a riad in Marrakech
- Check out
- If the program allows, free time in Marrakech
- Transfer to Marrakech airport
- End of our services
- Photos
- Map
- FAQ
Morocco Turism offers an extensive selection of tours, from explorations of the imperial cities to thrilling journeys through the Sahara Desert. For more information, check out our tours page.
Tour durations vary, ranging from quick weekend escapes to extended trips of over a week. You can select the option that best fits your schedule and interests.
The cities you’ll visit depend on the tour you select, but options often include Marrakech, Fez, Casablanca, Chefchaouen, and more. Each tour features a detailed itinerary available on our website.
Definitely. Your safety is our highest priority. We partner with professional guides and skilled drivers to provide you with a secure and unforgettable travel experience.
Our tours feature a variety of accommodations, including boutique hotels and traditional riads. Each option is thoughtfully chosen to provide both comfort and an authentic Moroccan experience.
Yes, at Morocco Turism, we recognize that every traveler is different. Reach out to us to tailor your tour according to your preferences and specific interests.
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