8 Day Desert Tour From Casablanca to Marrakech

1st Day : Arrival in Casablanca – Explore Morocco’s Largest City 

On the first day of your 8 Days in Morocco, we will welcome you at the airport or pick you up from your accommodation in Casablanca — the country’s largest city and economic hub. Your adventure begins with a visit to the impressive Hassan II Mosque, beautifully located on a promontory overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. As the largest mosque in Morocco, its remarkable architecture and oceanfront setting make it an essential landmark to discover.

After free time for lunch, we continue exploring Casablanca’s main highlights. Depending on your arrival time, the visit may include:

Mohammed V Square – the lively administrative center known for its elegant colonial buildings

A photo stop at the legendary Rick’s Café, inspired by the famous film Casablanca

A relaxing walk along the vibrant Corniche of Casablanca

Note: The order and number of visits may change depending on your arrival schedule.

Overnight stay in a comfortable hotel in Casablanca.

2nd Day: Casablanca – Rabat the Capital – Chefchaouen

After breakfast, we drive along the Atlantic coast to Rabat, one of Morocco’s imperial cities and the current capital. We visit the city’s highlights including the Hassan Tower, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, and the Kasbah of Oudaya. Free time for lunch.

In the afternoon, we head north via Ouazzane to reach the Blue City of Chefchaouen, nestled in the Rif Mountains. The town is famous for its charming white and blue-painted buildings and narrow alleyways. Overnight stay in a hotel.

3rd Day : Chefchaouen – Volubilis – Meknes – Fes

After breakfast, enjoy free time to stroll through the picturesque blue alleys of Chefchaouen. Then we drive to the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis, a remarkably well-preserved UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring beautiful mosaics, columns, and archways.

After exploring the ruins, we continue 30 km to Meknes, known as the Ismaili capital and one of Morocco’s imperial cities. Here we visit Bab Al-Mansour, Sahrij Souani basin, the Royal Stables, the granary, and the Moulay Ismail Mausoleum. Later, we drive to Fes. Overnight stay in a riad.

4th Day : Guided Sightseeing Tour of Fes 

After breakfast, we pick you up from your riad to begin your discovery of Fes — Morocco’s cultural and spiritual heart.

The tour starts with a driving visit. We stop at the Royal Palace Gate, then visit the historic Jewish Quarter (The Mellah). Next, enjoy panoramic views from Borj Sud fortress overlooking the ancient Medina. We also visit the Ceramic Village & School to see traditional craftsmanship.

Then begins the walking tour inside the medieval Medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best-preserved historic cities in the Arab world. With a local guide, explore Al Attarine Madrasa, the University and Mosque of Al Quaraouiyine — considered the oldest existing university in the world — and the colorful Chouara Tanneries, where leather is dyed using traditional methods.

After this fascinating journey through history, return to your riad to relax.

5th Day : Fes – Ifrane – Cedar Forest – Midelt – Ziz Valley – Merzouga

After breakfast, we travel south via Imouzzer to visit Ifrane, famous for its cold climate, snow, and alpine-style houses — often called the Switzerland of Morocco.

We continue to the Cedar Forest, home to the Barbary macaques. Feel free to walk through the forest and observe them. Later, we head to Midelt for free time for lunch.

In the afternoon, we drive through the Tizi-n-Tilghmt pass and along the scenic Ziz Valley, with panoramic stops along the way.

Upon arrival in Merzouga, you switch to camels and cross the golden dunes of the Sahara. Stop atop a high dune to admire the sunset, then continue to the desert camp. The camp combines traditional nomadic tents with hotel-style comfort. Enjoy Berber drum music and dance around the campfire under a sky full of stars. Dinner and overnight in the camp.

6th Day : Merzouga – Rissani – Erfoud – Todra Gorges – Dades Valley

Wake up early to enjoy a magical sunrise in the desert. After breakfast, return by camel to Merzouga where your driver awaits.

We visit Rissani, the former capital of Tafilalet and an important trading center with a lively souk (especially on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays).

Next, we continue to Erfoud to visit a fossil workshop. Then we drive through Touroug and Tinjdad palm groves to reach Todra Gorges, where the Todra River carved dramatic red cliffs forming a spectacular canyon. Free time to walk and enjoy the scenery. Lunch at a local restaurant.

Later, we drive to Dades Valley via Boumalne Dades, stopping at the famous “Monkey Fingers” rock formations and a viewpoint overlooking the valley. Dinner and overnight in a hotel.

7th Day : Dades Valley – Rose Valley – Skoura – Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – Marrakech

After breakfast, we head to Kalaa Magouna to visit Rose Valley, where an annual Rose Festival is held in May and locals sell rose-based products.

We continue through the palm groves of Skoura to Ouarzazate, known as the “Gateway to the Desert,” where we visit the film studios used for famous movies.

Next, we explore the UNESCO-listed Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, a fortified village featured in films such as Gladiator, Alexander, The Mummy, and the series Game of Thrones.

Then we drive to Marrakech via the Tizi-n-Tichka Pass across the spectacular High Atlas Mountains, with stops for lunch and photos. Arrival in Marrakech and overnight stay in a riad.

8th Day : Marrakech – Casablanca

On the final day, we drive north to Casablanca Airport, making panoramic stops along the way. Transfer to the airport. End of your 8-day Morocco tour.