12-Day Morocco Tour from Casablanca

Detailed Day Wise Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrival in Casablanca airport » Transfer to the hotel

  Today upon your arrival, we'll warmly greet you and take you to your hotel. If you're up for it, we can check out the Hassan II Mosque, which happens to be the largest mosque in Africa and experience the coastal Cornish seaside. Alternatively, we can leave the visit for the next morning, depending on when you arrive and how tired you feel. Rest well in Casablanca tonight!

• Day 2: Casablanca » Oudayas Kasbah » Rabat[247Km]

  Enjoy breakfast at your Casablanca hotel today before we head to Rabat. Once there, we'll explore the Hassan Tower, the Oudayas Kasbah, and the King's Tombs. Then, we will go ahead to explore some historical sites like Chellah, a charming spot blending Roman and Merinid remains. After the sightseeing, you'll get to settle into your riad in the heart of the Medina.

• Day 3: Rabat » Meknes » Volubilis » Fes[247Km]

  After enjoying breakfast at your riad, you'll begin your journey to Fes via Meknes and Volubilis. In Meknes, a significant imperial city in Morocco, known as the Ismaili capital, you'll explore the renowned Bab Mansour gate, the Sahrij Souani Bassin, and the Mulay Ismail Mausoleum. Following a satisfying lunch, your trip continues to the Roman city of Volubilis, where you'll have the opportunity to admire wonderfully preserved original mosaics, Roman roads, and the city layout.

  As you travel through the picturesque Moroccan countryside, you'll pass by the Holy City of Moulay Idriss Zarhoun, providing an ideal spot for a quick photo opportunity. By late afternoon, you'll reach Fes and check in to your riad located within the bustling Medina. Prepare for a comfortable overnight stay at the riad, surrounded by the charm of Fes.

• Day 4: Full day exploring Fes [Sightseeing Guided Day Tour]

  After breakfast at your riad, start on a discovery of the Medina, uncovering hidden gems known only to the locals. Fes, the former capital of Morocco for over 350 years, boasts the world's oldest operating university, Al Qaraouine. Your guided tour will lead you to the Moulay Idriss mausoleum, the Nejjarine Fountains, and the Tanneries. Following lunch, you'll catch a glimpse of the Royal Palace's exterior and stroll through the renowned Jewish quarter, the Mellah. Here, you can choose to visit one of the few active synagogues in Morocco.

  The Fes city tour includes a brief stop at the famous ceramic factory, and later, you can enjoy a fantastic panoramic view of the entire Medina of Fes. Conclude your day with an overnight stay at your riad, immersed in the charm of Fes.

• Day 5: Fes » Midelt » Ziz Valley » Merzouga Desert[477Km]

  After breakfast at your riad before heading southeast to Merzouga, tracing the historic Caravan roads. Along the way, catch glimpses of the Middle Atlas and Higher Atlas mountains. Make a stop at the Cedar forest, the biggest one in Morocco, nestled in the Middle Atlas Mountains, where you might spot Barbarian apes. Following a satisfying lunch in Midelt, continue through the vast open high desert, witnessing the gradual transition of scenery as you approach Errachidia.

  As you travel, take in the sights of the luxuriant Ziz Valley and the Tafilalet date palm grove, renowned for date cultivation and the birthplace of the Alaouite dynasty, the current ruling royal family in Morocco. Your journey concludes in Merzouga by late afternoon, where a warm welcome with a glass of mint tea awaits before you settle into your riad.

• Day 6: Merzouga area » Camel trek and overnight in berber tent

  After having breakfast at the riad, set out on an exploration of the Sahara desert area. Visit the Gnawa people, originally brought from Sudan as slaves, to get a feel for their music and way of life. We'll also pass by nomad settlements and learn about their way of life. Our next stop will be at a viewpoint to see the whole Erg Chebbi. Then, you might also want to check out the souk in Rissani, a traditional town that played a significant role in Morocco's ruling family and served as a meeting point for caravans trading as far as Timbouctou in Mali. In Rissani, you'll encounter many men wearing hoods and women with veils.

  Return to the village of Merzouga for some relaxation. In the afternoon, hop on a camel guided by an experienced camel man to explore the sand sea of Merzouga. Your overnight stay will be at our desert camp, complete with dinner. For your convenience, the camp is equipped with western bathrooms.

• Day 7: Merzouga » Todra Gorges » Palm Groves of Tinghir » Dades Gorges[273Km]

  Wake up early as your camel guide gently rouses you to witness what could easily be the most amazing sunrise of your life. After soaking in the sunrise, trek back to Merzouga village, marveling at the unique beauty of the ever-changing Erg Chebbi dunes as the daylight unfolds. We will start on a new journey to Rissani, Tinghir, and Todra gorges - the tallest and narrowest gorges in Morocco.

  Pause for lunch in the heart of the gorge, and then proceed through the Dades Valley, where you'll encounter majestic sand castles and fascinating rock formations famously called "monkey toes". Your overnight stay will be in a stylish hotel overlooking the picturesque Dades Valley.

• Day 8: Dades Gorges » Kasbah Amridil » Palm Groves of Skoura » Ouarzazate[133Km]

  After having breakfast at the hotel, we'll drive through the Dades Valley on our way to Kalaat Mgouna and Ouarzazate. The route along the Dades Valley is known for its thousand Kasbahs, offering plenty of chances to capture some of the best photos of your trip. Make a pit stop at Kalaat Mgouna, also called "the rose city", to buy some rosewater that will keep your linens smelling fresh long after your journey ends.

  Continue the drive to Ouarzazate, passing by the Amridil Kasbah, once the residence of Berber chieftains in the 18th century and now a home to many Glaoui people. You'll spend the night in Ouarzazate.

• Day 9: Ouarzazate » Ait Benhaddou » Tizi N'Tichka » Marrakech[205Km]

  After breakfast in the riad, we start our journey to reach the Ksar (fortified village) of Ait Benhaddou where we will visit the famous Kasbah (declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1986). Famous films have been shot on this spectacular stage, including Gladiator, Obelix, The Mummy, The Jewel of the Nile, Sahara with Penélope Cruz, Games of Thrones...etc!

  After visiting the kasbah, we'll go to Marrakech, where we'll see Tizi N'Tichka port, which (2260m) is the highest point in our country. We'll enjoy beautiful landscapes from the viewpoints on the way and make some stops to take pictures of the Berber villages. At the end of the afternoon, check-in to your riad within Medina. Overnight at Riad.

• Day 10: Day trip to Essaouira from Marrakech

  After having breakfast at your riad, set off for the coastal city of Essaouira. It's about a 2-and-a-half-hour drive to get there, and once you arrive, take the time to explore the city. Wander through the narrow streets of the medina and check out the numerous handicrafts. Essaouira, also known as the "City of the Wind", is a magnet for surfers worldwide. Despite its varied history, including Portuguese influence on its architecture, Essaouira maintains a quaint village feel. Thanks to its small size, distinctive blue doors, and whitewashed walls, it's often called Morocco's "Jewel of the Atlantic".

  While there, don't miss a visit to the women's co-operative of Argan oil. Witness the extraction process of this famous oil known for its culinary, cosmetic, and medicinal uses. Lunchtime is yours to enjoy in the medina or by the port. In the afternoon, make your way back to Marrakech for an overnight stay at your riad.

• Day 11: Full free day in Marrakech [Sightseeing Guided Day Tour]

  Enjoy a day of exploration in Marrakech with no set plans. After breakfast at the riad, take in the historical and cultural sites, such as the Koutoubia Minaret, the Saadian Tombs, the beautiful Bahia Palace, and the Ben Youssef Koranic School. Explore the medina's alleys in the morning, where you can witness various artisans showcasing their crafts before reaching the famous Jamaa El-Fna Square.

  For lunch, find a cozy restaurant near the square. In the afternoon, visit the Majorelle Gardens and take a short tour of Gueliz, Marrakech's new city. After dinner, you have the option to stroll through the square, where magicians, storytellers, toothpullers, and food sellers provide entertainment. Your overnight stay will be in the riad.

• Day 12: Marrakech » Casablanca Airport[244Km]

  Start your day with an early breakfast at your riad, and we'll take you to either Casablanca or Marrakech airport for your journey back home. This marks the end of our 12-day tour from Casablanca. Safe travels!