9-Day Adventure from Casablanca: Explore Morocco's Imperial Cities and the Sahara Desert
- Duration: 9 days
- From: Casablanca
- Arrival: Marrakech
Starting from Casablanca, this carefully designed 9-day itinerary offers one of the most enriching experiences Morocco has to offer. You’ll explore the grandeur of the Imperial Cities, venture deep into the Sahara Desert, and uncover the stunning highlights of the country’s northern region. It’s a perfect blend of cultural discovery and natural wonder, where authenticity and beauty take center stage. Throughout the journey, you’ll be accompanied by our experienced team, ensuring a smooth, safe, and enjoyable experience while making the most of your time. The tour also includes free time for you to explore each destination at your own pace.
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
If you’re flying into Casablanca from abroad, your journey with us will begin right at the airport terminal, where our driver will greet you and escort you in a private vehicle to the city center. If you’re already in Casablanca, we’ll arrange a convenient meeting point, such as your hotel.
The first highlight of this adventure is the magnificent Hassan II Mosque, dramatically set on an artificial promontory extending into the Atlantic. Towering at around 200 meters, its minaret is among the tallest in the Islamic world. Uniquely, the mosque welcomes non-Muslim visitors, allowing us to appreciate its exquisite interior architecture.
Following this visit, we’ll set off for Rabat, the nation’s capital and one of Morocco’s historic Imperial Cities, located less than an hour away by road. Its old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to remarkable landmarks such as the 12th-century Hassan Tower and the Oudaya Kasbah, both emblematic of the Almohad era. From the kasbah, you’ll enjoy stunning panoramic views of the Bou Regreg River and the neighboring city of Salé.
The afternoon is yours to explore Rabat at your own pace. With our guidance, you can customize your visit to include the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, the bustling medina souks, or the Mohammed VI Museum of Modern Art. At the end of the day, you’ll rest in a charming riad in the heart of the city.
Summary of the day
- Arrival in Casablanca and airport pickup
- Transfer to the center of Casablanca and visit to the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca
- Road trip to Rabat
- Free visit of the city
- Night in a riad in Rabat
Day 2
After enjoying breakfast at your riad in Rabat, your driver will meet you to begin the journey northward, toward the scenic Rif Mountains. Nestled among these mountains lies the picturesque town of Chefchaouen, affectionately known as “the Blue City” due to the distinctive blue hues that adorn its historic medina.
Upon arrival in Chefchaouen, you’ll have the rest of the day to explore at your leisure. Notable sights include the town’s kasbah, which now houses the Ethnographic Museum, and several viewpoints offering breathtaking panoramas of the medina and the surrounding landscapes. Simply wandering the blue-painted alleys adorned with flowers, artisan shops, and local art galleries is an experience in itself.
In the evening, you’ll stay at a cozy riad located in the medina, near the lively Uta el Hammam square, known for its charming cafes, restaurants, and boutique shops.
Summary of the day
- Breakfast in a riad in Rabat
- Road trip to Chaouen
- Free visit of the city
- Night in a riad in Chaouen
Day 3
The third day of your journey is rich in cultural discoveries. After breakfast at your riad in Chefchaouen, we’ll set out by road toward our first destination: Volubilis, Morocco’s most well-preserved Roman archaeological site. Here, you’ll explore impressive remnants that speak to the city’s significance under emperors like Mark Antony and Caracalla, including towering temple columns, intricate mosaic floors, triumphal arches, and a clearly defined urban layout. It’s no surprise that Volubilis is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Next, we’ll head to Meknes, one of Morocco’s famed Imperial Cities and also a UNESCO-listed site. The city owes much of its splendor to Sultan Moulay Ismail, who made it his capital in the late 17th century. As you wander the medina, you’ll discover his mausoleum along with impressive architectural features like the massive gates, with Bab Mansour being the most iconic.
To close out the day, we’ll continue to Fez, where the famous medina and its vibrant atmosphere await deeper exploration the following day. For now, you’ll have time for a first impression of the city. Your riad, located in the heart of the medina, provides the perfect base for the night.
Summary of the day
- Breakfast at a riad in Chaouen
- Trip to Volubilis and visit of the Roman archaeological site
- Trip to Meknes and free tour of the city
- Trip to Fez and free time
- Night in a riad in Fez
Day 4
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, an Imperial City, and a major spiritual and cultural hub in the Islamic world. Fez is a destination that calls for in-depth exploration. After breakfast at your riad, you’ll meet our official local guide for a tour of the city’s most captivating landmarks.
The walking tour will cover the highlights of the medina, including the Karaouine Mosque and its university, one of the oldest in existence. You’ll also visit renowned Quranic schools like Bou Inania and Attarine madrasas, as well as popular landmarks such as Nejjarine Square, its fountain, the famous tanners’ quarter, and the bustling souks.
Given the vastness of Fez’s old town, the afternoon is reserved for further discovery. You might visit the Royal Palace’s golden gates, explore the Mellah (Jewish Quarter), or stop by museums like Borj Nord. This is also the perfect time for shopping in the city’s celebrated artisan shops, offering fine leather goods, woodwork, ceramics, and metal crafts. After a full day of cultural immersion, you’ll return to your riad in the heart of the medina for a well-earned rest.
Summary of the day
- Breakfast at a riad in Fez
- Guided tour of the city, with an official local guide
- Free afternoon
- Night in a riad
Day 5
Day five is one of the longest and most captivating of the journey. After breakfast at your riad in Fez, we’ll set off early for a scenic road trip heading deep into the Moroccan desert. Not long after departing, the route begins to climb into the Middle Atlas Mountains.
Our first major stop is Ifrane, often called the “Switzerland of Morocco” due to its alpine-style architecture and unique ambiance. Sitting at over 1,700 meters in elevation, the city is surrounded by lush landscapes in summer and blanketed in snow during winter, offering a refreshingly cool climate throughout the year.
Next, we’ll visit Ifrane National Park, near Azrou, famous for its expansive cedar forests. Commonly referred to as the Monkey Forest, this area is home to a thriving population of Barbary macaques, the only wild primates found north of the Sahara and a protected species.
The journey continues through the Middle Atlas, gradually descending into more arid terrain. We’ll pass through the Ziz Valley, where palm groves and patches of farmland appear like green oases against the rocky backdrop.
Eventually, we’ll reach Erfoud, a small town renowned among fossil hunters for the prehistoric remains discovered in the area, including those of dinosaurs. From there, the road leads to Merzouga, the last major stop before entering the desert, more than 650 kilometers from Casablanca.
In Merzouga, we’ll switch from vehicle to camelback for a peaceful ride into the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi. This unforgettable experience, lasting around two hours, ends at our desert camp, set in the heart of the sands. Upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed with traditional Berber tea, followed by dinner. You’ll spend the night in a nomadic-style tent outfitted with all modern comforts. And as the evening settles in, a breathtaking sky filled with stars will light up your surroundings like nowhere else on earth.
Summary of the day
- Breakfast at a riad in Fez
- Road trip by:
- Ifrane
- Ifrane National Park or Monkey Forest
- Ziz Valley
- Erfoud
- Arrival in Merzouga and camel ride through the Erg Chebbi dunes
- Dinner and overnight stay in a tent camp
Day 6
On the sixth day, we bid farewell to the Merzouga Desert, but not before witnessing one of its most awe-inspiring sights: sunrise over the Erg Chebbi dunes. As daylight breaks, the golden sands come alive with warm, shifting colors, offering a moment of silence and beauty that’s hard to forget.
After taking in this magical scene, we’ll enjoy breakfast at the tent camp before riding camels back to Merzouga. Depending on your tour package, you’ll have time to freshen up with a shower either at the camp or a nearby hotel.
Once back on the road, our first stop will be Rissani, a town steeped in history and known for its traditional charm. Here, you’ll discover a medina that feels frozen in time, complete with a donkey parking area and a vibrant market brimming with aromas, colors, and textures. Rissani is also notable as the cradle of the Alaouite dynasty, Morocco’s current royal family.
We’ll then continue through a landscape of rocky plains, dry hills, and scattered palm groves before arriving at the dramatic Todra Gorge. Carved over millennia by the Todra River, this natural canyon features towering cliffs and a narrow, walkable passage that’s a favorite among climbers and nature lovers alike.
As the route winds on, we’ll enter the Dades Valley, part of the famed Route of a Thousand Kasbahs. This area is dotted with centuries-old Berber fortresses and is also home to the Valley of Roses, known for its fragrant blooms. Local communities cultivate roses for use in beauty products and to celebrate annual cultural festivals.
Our day concludes in Ouarzazate, where dinner and accommodation await at a comfortable hotel. Time permitting, you may also visit the Taourirt Kasbah, a former residence of Thami El Glaoui, the Lord of the Atlas. Its elaborately decorated interiors stand in contrast to its rugged adobe exterior. Alternatively, or additionally, you might explore Ouarzazate’s renowned film studios, famous backdrops for numerous international movies and the reason why the city is often called “Morocco’s Hollywood.”
Summary of the day
- Sunrise in the dunes of Erg Chebbi
- Breakfast at the tent camp
- 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 7
The seventh day of this journey will immerse us in dramatically shifting landscapes, transitioning from the vast desert to towering mountain ranges and eventually toward the Atlantic plains. After breakfast at our hotel in Ouarzazate, we’ll set off to visit the ksar of Ait Ben Haddou, a fortified village recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This stunning example of traditional adobe architecture reflects the Berber people’s mastery of construction in harmony with their environment. Its remarkable preservation has made it a favored filming location for major productions like Game of Thrones and Lawrence of Arabia.
Following our visit, we’ll continue the road trip, which climbs steadily into the High Atlas Mountains. Along the way, we’ll stop at the Kasbah of Telouet, once a residence of Thami El Glaoui, the powerful Pasha of Marrakech. While it shares similarities with the Kasbah of Taourirt, Telouet has its own unique features and history.
As we reach the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, panoramic views of the High Atlas open up before us. This natural barrier stretches with snowcapped peaks for much of the year and small Berber villages nestled on its rugged slopes. From this high point, the road winds downward toward Marrakech.
Arrival in the city is expected in the afternoon, giving you time for a relaxed walk and first impressions. As you wander the bustling medina and take in its lively energy, you’ll get a taste of the vibrant culture that awaits. Your accommodation, a traditional riad, will be located in the heart of this historic area.
Summary of the day
- Breakfast at a hotel in Ouarzazate
- Visit of the ksar of Ait Ben Haddou
- Road trip by:
- Kasbah of Telouet
- Crossing the High Atlas through the Tizi n’Tichka Pass
- Arrival in Marrakech and free time
- Night in a riad in Marrakech
Day 8
Marrakech, the most visited city in Morocco and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a rich cultural experience that deserves to be discovered with the guidance of a local expert. After breakfast at your riad, you’ll set out on a guided tour to explore the medina and its historical treasures.
In the morning, you’ll visit several key landmarks, including the Koutoubia Mosque, the Saadian Tombs, the Ben Youssef Madrasa, and the beautifully decorated Bahia Palace. A stop at Jemaa el-Fna Square is also essential, known for its vibrant atmosphere and its recognition as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.
The afternoon is yours to enjoy freely. You might choose to delve deeper into the city’s culture by visiting museums or strolling through the serene Majorelle Gardens. Alternatively, you could explore the bustling souks, where traditional crafts and local products abound. In the evening, your riad in the heart of the medina will be waiting to offer you a peaceful and restful night.
Summary of the day
- Breakfast at a riad in Marrakech
- Guided tour of the city, with an official local guide
- Free afternoon
- Night in a riad in Marrakech
Day 9
Nine days after your arrival in Casablanca, your journey through Morocco concludes. Following breakfast and check-out from your accommodation in Marrakech, there may be time for a final stroll or a bit of last-minute shopping, depending on your flight schedule. At the scheduled time, our driver will arrive to transfer you comfortably to the airport. Once at the terminal, we’ll say our goodbyes, grateful for the trust you’ve placed in us and hopeful to welcome you again on a future adventure through other captivating regions of Morocco.
Summary of the day
- Breakfast at a riad 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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