9-Day Grand Morocco Tour_ From Casablanca to Marrakech and the Sahara Desert

Route: Casablanca → Rabat

Upon arrival at Casablanca’s airport, you’ll be warmly welcomed and transferred to explore Morocco’s bustling economic capital. Begin your city tour with a visit to the stunning Hassan II Mosque, with its towering minaret and breathtaking seaside location. Afterward, visit the Habous Quarter, the oldest part of Casablanca, where French colonial architecture meets traditional Moroccan souks. Take a leisurely stroll and perhaps enjoy a traditional Moroccan mint tea.

Depart for Rabat, Morocco’s political capital. Upon arrival, visit the entrance to the Royal Palace, a magnificent structure adorned with intricate mosaics and lush gardens. Continue to the Mohammed V Mausoleum, a stunning monument dedicated to Morocco’s beloved king. Nearby, you’ll find Hassan Tower, one of Rabat’s most prominent landmarks, and the unfinished minaret of a mosque dating back to the 12th century. Spend the night in Rabat.

Route: Rabat → Meknes → Moulay Idriss → Volubilis → Fes

After breakfast, continue your exploration of Rabat with a visit to the Oudaya Kasbah, a fortress overlooking the Bou Regreg river, where the old medina and Chella Necropolis reveal fascinating Roman and Islamic ruins. Depart Rabat, passing through sprawling agricultural fields en route to Meknes, the third imperial city of Morocco.

In Meknes, begin with a visit to the Bab El Mansour Gate, a massive and intricately decorated entryway. Explore Harri Souani, the royal stables built by Sultan Moulay Ismail, followed by a walk through the city’s old medina and royal palace. Continue to the nearby sacred city of Moulay Idriss, where you can admire picturesque views and learn about Morocco’s early Islamic history.

Next, visit Volubilis, Morocco’s best-preserved Roman ruins. Stroll through the remnants of Roman baths, mosaics, and palatial buildings, and take in the atmosphere of this ancient city. The site’s grandeur and historical significance have earned it UNESCO World Heritage status. In the evening, arrive in Fes and settle into your accommodation for the night.

Begin the day with breakfast at your hotel before meeting your official local guide for a comprehensive tour of Fes el-Bali, the oldest medina in Morocco and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander through the narrow, maze-like streets, where donkeys and mules are the only means of transport. Dive into the vibrant souks filled with aromatic spices, artisan crafts, and traditional clothing.

Visit the Bou Inania Madrasa, an exquisite religious school with stunning architecture, and the Al Quaraouiyine University, one of the world’s oldest universities. Observe the craftsmen at the famous tanneries of Fes, where leather is produced using ancient techniques. Despite the strong smell, the tanneries offer a fascinating glimpse into this centuries-old craft, with leather goods available as unique souvenirs.

Stop for lunch at a traditional restaurant within the medina, then visit the Dar Batha Museum to view its collection of Moroccan arts and crafts. Spend the evening at your leisure or continue exploring the medina before retreating to your hotel for the night.

Route: Fes → Ifrane → Azrou → Midelt → Ziz Valley → Erfoud → Merzouga

Start your day with a scenic drive from Fes to Merzouga, crossing the Middle Atlas Mountains. Pass through Ifrane, known as the “Switzerland of Morocco” for its alpine-style architecture and pleasant climate. Continue to Azrou, famous for its cedar forests inhabited by Barbary apes, which you may spot along the way.

Travel onward to Midelt for lunch, a town framed by the dramatic peaks of the High Atlas Mountains. Cross the Tizi-n-Talremt Pass and descend into the vast Ziz Valley, lined with date palms and fortified villages, before reaching Erfoud. This town is known for its fossils and desert landscapes, marking the gateway to the Sahara.

Arrive in Merzouga in the late afternoon, where you’ll prepare for an unforgettable camel trek. Ride into the Erg Chebbi dunes, where you’ll witness the mesmerizing desert landscape illuminated by the setting sun. In the evening, settle into a luxury Berber camp amidst the dunes, where you’ll enjoy a traditional dinner by the campfire with Berber music and storytelling under a stunningly clear night sky.

Route: Merzouga → Todra Gorge → Dades Valley → Roses Valley → Skoura Oasis → Ouarzazate

Awaken to a magical sunrise over the dunes before a camel ride back to Merzouga. After breakfast, continue your journey through the desert landscapes, heading to Todra Gorge, known for its towering red cliffs and scenic beauty. Take a leisurely walk through the gorge, surrounded by rugged mountain terrain and verdant palm groves.

Travel along the “Road of 1000 Kasbahs” through the Dades Valley and the Roses Valley, where blooming rose fields fill the air with their sweet scent in spring. Arrive at the Skoura Oasis, an area known for its palm groves and ancient kasbahs, before reaching Ouarzazate, the “Hollywood of Morocco.” End the day with dinner and an overnight stay.

Route: Ouarzazate → Ait Benhaddou → Atlas Mountains → Marrakech

Start with breakfast and a tour of Ouarzazate, visiting Atlas Studios, where famous films like Gladiator and Lawrence of Arabia were shot. Visit the impressive Taourirt Kasbah, then continue to Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO-listed ksar and one of Morocco’s most iconic sites. Explore the village’s narrow streets and ancient dwellings before crossing the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, enjoying panoramic views of rugged landscapes. Arrive in Marrakech for dinner and an overnight stay.

Following breakfast, embark on a guided tour of Marrakech, starting with the Koutoubia Mosque and its 12th-century minaret. Explore the Bahia Palace, adorned with intricate stuccos and mosaics, and the Saadian Tombs, a royal necropolis with ornate tombstones.

Venture into the bustling Djemaa el-Fna square, a UNESCO site renowned for its lively atmosphere, where you’ll encounter street performers, musicians, food vendors, and artisans. Spend the afternoon at your leisure, perhaps relaxing at a hammam or exploring the vibrant souks of the medina. Stay overnight in Marrakech.

Take the morning to wander through Marrakech’s medina, visit local artisans, or simply soak in the city’s vibrant atmosphere. In the afternoon, transfer to Casablanca, where you’ll have time to unwind and reflect on your journey.

On your final day, you’ll be assisted with departure formalities and taken to Casablanca airport for your onward journey.