12 Days Tour from Casablanca to Marrakech

Day 1: Casablanca – Rabat

As soon as you arrive at Casablanca airport, our staff will be waiting for you at the terminal. A English-speaking driver will pick you up in a private vehicle to begin, without further delay, the full exploration of Morocco .

The first stop will be in the city of Casablanca itself, the largest in the country. Specifically, the Hassan II mosque, which is not only the tallest in Morocco but also in the entire Islamic world: its minaret is about 200 meters high. it is one of the few visitable mosques in the country, so we will take the opportunity to enter and learn up close what this Muslim temple is like, made of high quality materials such as different marbles and pimples.

After visiting this modern architectural jewel, located on an artificial peninsula on the coast of Casablanca, we will leave for our next destination: Rabat. It has held the capital since 1912 and is considered one of the Imperial Cities of Morocco, a name that gives us clues about the monumentality of some of its buildings. For example, the Hassan Tower, erected at the end of the 12th century. In that same century, the construction of the Oudayas kasbah began, an impregnable walled enclosure from which you will enjoy magnificent panoramic views of the city, its coast and neighboring Salé.

You can discover all this and much more at your own pace, as you will have free time to spend the rest of the day in this city, distinguished as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. That way, you can get lost in the medina and its souk, or discover other interesting spaces outside of it, such as the Mohamed VI Museum of Contemporary Art, to name a few examples. And at night, you will rest in a comfortable riad in the center.

Day 2: Rabat – Chefchaouen

After breakfast at the riad in Rabat, we will leave early heading north. The goal is to arrive in Chaouen with enough time to get to know this small city full of charm. We will reach it after a journey of about 4 hours by road, the last section of which is through the Rif mountains.

Between two of them is Chaouen, also called Chefchaouen or El Aaiún. Its medina, with narrow, steep and twisting streets, exudes a special charm due to the light blue color used to decorate the walls. In addition, it has an interesting kasbah, which today houses an ethnographic museum, and strategic viewpoints from which to admire the city’s hamlet and its green surroundings.

It is also a town where ancient traditions and ways of life survive, such as very rich crafts, highlighting its textile productions. When you return from shopping and a walk through the medina, your riad will be close by, as it will be located in the historic center.

Day 3: Chefchaouen – Volubilis – Meknes- Fes

On the third day of this tour, after breakfast at the riad, we’ll depart from the Rif mountains and head south to explore two fascinating destinations that showcase the diversity and beauty of Morocco. Our first stop takes us back to the Roman Empire, specifically to one of its key cities in North Africa: Volubilis. This archaeological site is of immense value, boasting well-preserved colonnades, intricate mosaics, and monumental arches that offer insight into its historical significance. It’s no wonder that Volubilis is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Later, we will advance to Meknes, another of the sites recognized by UNESCO. In addition, it is considered one of the Imperial Cities of Morocco thanks to the fact that it was designated capital at the end of the 17th century by Sultan Moulay Ismail. During the free visit to its historic medina you will be able to admire its mausoleum, the wall and its monumental doors, among which Bab Mansour stands out.

In the last section of the day we will arrive in Fes, with time for a free walk. In it you will be able to experience a first contact with this city with a rich past, as well as make purchases in its craft stores, recognized inside and outside the country for their quality. And to conclude the day, you will sleep in a riad in the medina that will allow you to be rested for the guided tour the next day.

Day 4: Visit Fes with a Local Guide

To fully understand all the secrets and attractions of Fes, it is essential to have the explanations and help of an official local guide. And that is precisely what we provide you on this fourth day of the circuit. After having breakfast at the riad, you will meet him for a tour in Spanish of the city’s great medina, declared World Heritage by UNESCO.

Our guide will organize a tour adapted to your preferences and abilities, optimizing time. In this way, some of the possible places to discover will be the famous madrasas of the city, such as Bou Inania and Attarine. Or the Karaouine mosque, which houses one of the oldest universities in the world. Or Nejjarine Square, with its homonymous fountain from the 18th century. Another of the must-see places in Fes is its neighborhood of tanners, who still work the leather as in the past.

In any case, it will be difficult to cover all the attractions of Fes in a single morning, so the free afternoon can be dedicated to visiting what is left. The Golden Gates of the Royal Palace or the Jewish quarter (Mellah) can be interesting ideas for this time of day, as well as the interior visit to museums: Dar Bahta, Borj Nord, Nejjarine, etc. And after a day of intense visiting Fes, you will return to rest at night in the same riad in the center.

Day 5: Fes – Ifrane – Monkey Forest – Ziz Valley – Merzouga Desert

The fifth day of this circuit is one of the longest mileage. But precisely for this reason, it is also one of the most attractive ones in store for those who intend to discover Morocco in its entirety . And we will begin shortly after hitting the road, after having breakfast at the riad in Fez.

The first stop will be the small city of Ifrane, unique not only on this circuit but also in the rest of the country: it is located at more than 1,700 meters above sea level and, due to the numerous precipitations it receives (in the form of snow in winter) , its surroundings are very green and its roofs are gabled. It is no coincidence, therefore, that it is known by the name ‘Moroccan Switzerland’.

In this mountain environment we will discover another place of enormous interest: the Ifrane National Park, also called the Monkey Forest. It receives this name because a large population of Barbary macaques lives in this protected natural area, the largest in Morocco. Another attraction of this park is its large green forest mass, a color provided by its cedars. These trees provide the perfect habitat for the life of these primates, the only species that lives in freedom north of the Sahara.

After leaving the National Park, we will cross the Middle Atlas mountains and will discover shortly after that the landscape on the other side of this natural barrier is very different. On our descent we will connect with the Ziz Valley, formed by this humble river that encourages the formation of palm groves and crop areas, but surrounded by great aridity that is the prelude to the most marked desert.

We will also see this in Erfoud, a small desert town that has gained international fame thanks to the important discoveries of fossils in its subsoil, both dinosaurs and other extinct prehistoric animals. And shortly after we will arrive at Merzouga, where the asphalt of our road ends. Therefore, in this small town we will change means of transportation: we will park our motor vehicle and get on our camels, one per person.

On the back of these noble animals we will take a two-hour excursion through the Erg Chebbi dunes: this environment of fine golden sand will make us feel the emotion of the deepest desert. At the end of the journey we will arrive at our tent camp, where we will be welcomed as tradition dictates: with a Berber tea. Dinner will also be served here and, in its comfortable tents, you will spend the night. And probably at the time of going to rest you will still have in your retina the spectacle that occurs at this time of the day: a sky resplendent with stars, which show all their beauty without obstacles, that is, without pollution and, for sure, without cloudiness.

Day 6: Merzouga Desert – Khamlia – Paris-Dakar Tracks – Nomads – Merzouga Desert

One of the advantages of this circuit is that the Merzouga desert will not be a simple place to pass through. On the contrary: we will dedicate the entire sixth day to discovering its most authentic corners and traditions. Firstly, the magic of sunrise over the dunes of Erg Chebbi, where the dawn projects lights that are difficult to find anywhere else in the world. After that, breakfast will be served and we will return to the camels to return to Merzouga. In addition, you will have the possibility of taking a shower, at the camp or in a hotel depending on the contracted package.

Our first stop will be Khamlia, also known as the “black town” due to the predominant color of its inhabitants, a legacy of the centuries-old slave trade that brought people from sub-Saharan Africa. The residents we’ll meet are descendants of those brought here forcibly, and they’ve preserved the passion and sensitivity for their ancestors’ music, particularly the Gnawa genre. Recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO, we’ll witness a performance showcasing their percussion rhythms and characteristic mystical dances.

With the sound still in our ears, we will return to our 4×4 to travel one of the most spectacular tracks in this area, common on the routes of the legendary Paris-Dakar rally. Wrapped in this aura of adventure we will pass through other interesting places, such as kohl mines, abandoned French and Berber villages and a special elevation of the terrain from which you can enjoy impressive panoramic views of the Erg Chebbi dunes.

n addition, for a comprehensive understanding of the inhabitants of this Moroccan region, we’ll visit a settlement of semi-nomadic people who uphold customs and traditions of the past. They’ll share their experiences of living in the desert and welcome us with hospitality. Following this enlightening encounter, we’ll proceed to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay, situated in another captivating corner of the Merzouga desert.

Day 7: Merzouga Desert – Rissani – Todra Gorges – Dades Valley – Ouarzazate

On the seventh day of this circuit we will say goodbye to the Merzouga desert and the Erg Chebbi dunes. But, after breakfast at the hotel, we will head to other unique areas of the Moroccan desert. The first stop on this day’s road trip will be Rissani, a small but surprising city that is home to a beautiful historical medina. Its traditional market full of colorful local products and its picturesque donkey parking are scenes that demonstrate the genuine daily voting that continues to take place here.

As we bid farewell to Rissani, our journey will span over 150 km until we arrive at the Todra Gorges. Here, the Todra River has sculpted a rocky canyon with striking formations and towering walls, renowned among climbers globally. Yet, its awe-inspiring beauty is accessible to all visitors, inviting exploration of the gorge shaped by millennia of erosion. Even from our vehicle, the road winding through this area offers breathtaking views, showcasing nature’s artistry with each curve.

The twisting turns of the Todra Gorges will take us to the heart of the Dades Valley, which in turn is part of the Route of a Thousand Kasbahs: before our eyes numerous Berber fortresses perched on top of arid hills, as well as palm groves, will appear before our eyes. and farming areas where local inhabitants follow their traditional rhythm of life. The same will happen in the nearby Rose Valley, where the production of this flower provides numerous jobs for its people and a special color to the environment, especially in the spring season.

The city where we will end the day will be Ouarzazate. Many know it as the Hollywood of Morocco for its prestigious film studios. Scenes from films such as Lawrence of Arabia , Gladiator and many others were filmed there , as we will discover if the expedition wishes and schedules allow it. A visit that is on the program is the Kasbah of Taourirt, on the outskirts of this city: residence of Thami El Glaoui, Lord of the Atlas and Pasha of Marrakech, it still preserves much of its original decoration, both inside and out. abroad. At the end of the day, a hotel with all the comforts will serve dinner and offer you rest for the next day of our circuit.

Day 8: Ouarzazate – Ait Benhaddou – High Atlas- Essaouira

The eighth day of this circuit begins with breakfast at the hotel in Ouarzazate and, immediately afterwards, we will travel to the ksar of Ait Ben Haddou, located just 25 km from this city. Your visit is more than justified, as it is one of the best examples of traditional defensive architecture of the Berber civilization, as it is a key stop on the caravan route between Marrakech and Timbuktu. Walking through its interior and contemplating it from the outside, we will understand why it was chosen as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO… and why it serves as the setting for blockbusters such as Game of Thrones.

After this visit, we will return to our vehicle to head to the High Atlas mountains, which we will cross later. But before crowning the port, we will stop at another kasbah of interest: Telouet. This fortress is closely related to that of Taourirt, in Ouarzazate: although it has also suffered the ravages of time, a similar architectural style can be seen inside and outside, as it was also the residence and bastion of the Pasha of Marrakech, Thami El Glaoui .

Shortly after we will reach the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, at more than 2,200 meters above sea level, an unbeatable position to contemplate the surroundings: the highest peaks of the High Atlas rise imposingly on the horizon and small villages lie on the slopes of those mountains. Berbers where time seems to have stopped. We will see this during our descent, which will involve a trip through an environment of great scenic beauty.

This descent takes us directly to Marrakech, but we will not stop there… for now, since this entire Moroccan circuit ends precisely here, several days later. Therefore, we will take the highway that connects this city with Essaouira, popularly known as ‘the Pearl of the Atlantic’. We will arrive there in the early afternoon, with enough time to take a first walk through this beautiful city, bathed by the waters of the ocean. At night, you will stay in a charming riad, located in the heart of the medina.

Day 9: Essaouira

After breakfast at your riad, a free day will begin for you in Essaouira. It is one of the few that have this honor on this circuit that runs through Morocco in its entirety, as it offers ample reasons for this. In fact, its historic center is declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and it is there where you will find the main monumental attractions of this coastal city, which in the past was a Portuguese colony, with the name of Mogador. This way it will be easy to understand in places such as the imposing fortress of La Scala and at the gates of the old wall. It is an environment that evokes the strategic importance of this enclave, which has also hosted the filming of many scenes from the Game of Thrones series. And its fishing port maintains its charm, as do other spaces and corners of the medina, such as the Clock Tower.

But you can also dedicate part of the day to carrying out activities, since the city has space and professionals for this. Many of them take place on the coast. For example, Essaouira is a good place to practice kitesurfing and windsurfing, as it is a coastline that has abundant wind. Another option is to ride a horse or camel along the sand of the beach, an always magical experience thanks to the nobility of these animals and the beauty of the landscape that surrounds the experience. And if what you want is simply a refreshing swim in the summer season, this will be the best opportunity you will have on this circuit.

Our staff can help or advise you on what to do and how to book any activity in Essaouira. And at night, you will repeat accommodation in the riad in the medina.

Day 10: Essaouira – Marrakech

On this tenth day we will travel to the city where this circuit ends: Marrakech. Before that, you will have the corresponding breakfast at the riad in Essaouira and, immediately afterwards, our driver will pick you up to travel by road to the Red City, with expected arrival at mid-morning.

In this way, you will have almost the entire day free to discover at your own pace the places that you consider most important in Marrakech, taking into account that the next day you will also have a full day to get to know the main tourist city of Morocco in its entirety , in that case by guided tour during the morning. Therefore, you can plan the day according to your preferences, for example to discover interesting monuments such as the El Badi Palace, stroll through charming places such as the Majorelle Gardens or get tickets to prestigious museums, such as the Marrakech Museum or the Yves Saint Museum. Laurent.

Of course, you can also take advantage of this day to make purchases, taking into account that we will no longer travel to other cities and, therefore, you will not have to carry any more purchases. In this sense, you can visit the most traditional souks of the medina or visit other more modern shopping neighborhoods, such as Gueliz. Whatever the option chosen, you will enjoy a restful night’s rest in a riad in the historic center.

Day 11: Visit Marrakech with a Local Guide 

On this circuit, Marrakech is the perfect epilogue to almost two weeks of travel. Therefore, we will dedicate the entire morning to discovering its charms through a guided tour. Our official guide will wait for you to begin once you have finished breakfast, which will be served at the riad.

The tour that our guide will have prepared will focus on the historical places that have contributed to declaring this city a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Especially within the medina, where the famous Kutubia mosque, the Ben Youssef medersa, the Bahia Palace or the Saadian Tombs are located. They are places where all the beauty of Islamic art is displayed, with a dazzling decoration of tiles, marbles, cedar wood and other rich materials. There will also be time to discover the central souks and also the most popular square in the city: Jemaa el-Fna Square, which itself was declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

The afternoon of this day will be free again, so you will have the opportunity to make a different plan from those of the previous day. Or you can simply rest, especially if it is a traditional-style hammam or with a more modern character, with the aim of replenishing energy after the many kilometers of this circuit. And at the end of the day, you will stay again at the riad in the medina, on what will be the last night of the route.

Day 12: Transfer to Marrakech Airport

After getting to know Morocco completely , it’s time to say goodbye. This last day will begin with the corresponding breakfast at the riad and includes transfer to Marrakech airport. Our driver will pick you up at the agreed time and will take you in a private vehicle to be at the terminal on time. There we will say goodbye, grateful for the trust placed and with the hope that you will choose us again for another tourist experience in Morocco.