9 Days desert tour Marrakech to Casablanca

Durations

9 Days

Difficulty
Min Age

overview

This 9-day tour from Marrakech to Casablanca offers an immersive journey through Morocco’s deserts, mountains, historic cities, and coastal gems. Starting in Marrakech, you travel through the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, visiting the Glaoui Kasbah in Telouet, the UNESCO-listed Ait Ben Haddou, and cinematic Ouarzazate. The adventure continues through the Dades and Todra Valleys to the Sahara Desert, where you’ll enjoy a camel trek across the Erg Chebbi dunes and a night at a traditional desert camp. Heading north, you explore the Ziz Valley, Midelt, Azrou, and alpine Ifrane before arriving in Fes to discover its medina, Al Quaraouiyine University, tanneries, and traditional crafts. You then visit Meknes, the Roman ruins of Volubilis, and the blue city of Chefchaouen before heading to Tangier, Asilah, and the capital Rabat, exploring historic landmarks along the way. The tour concludes in Casablanca with a visit to the majestic Hassan II Mosque, completing a rich journey through Morocco’s culture, history, and natural beauty.

Included / Excluded

Itinerary

Upon arrival in Marrakesh, you will be transferred from the airport to your accommodation (riad or hotel), depending on your flight schedule.

After breakfast at your riad, we begin our 9-day tour from Marrakech to Casablanca. We depart Marrakech and head toward Ouarzazate via the scenic Tizi n’Tichka pass, winding through the majestic High Atlas Mountains with opportunities for photo stops. En route, we take a detour to Telouet to visit the historic Glaoui Kasbah, once the stronghold of the powerful Glaoui family. After exploring the kasbah, you’ll have time to stroll through nearby Berber villages nestled among terraced fields and orchards. We then continue to Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its well-preserved earthen architecture and frequent appearances in major films. Lunch will be served near the kasbah before we proceed to Ouarzazate—often called the “Hollywood of Africa.” Here, you may opt to visit the Atlas Film Studios, home to props and sets from productions like *Gladiator*, *The Mummy*, and *The Last Temptation of Christ*. We conclude the day with a visit to Kasbah Taourirt, another impressive Glaoui-era fortress, before checking into your accommodation for the night.

After breakfast, we begin the third day of our 9-day tour by driving through the lush palm groves of Skoura and into the Valley of the Roses. We continue through the dramatic Dades Valley and onward to Tinghir, a revitalized town at the foot of the Anti-Atlas. Our main destination is the Todra Gorges—towering red limestone cliffs carved by the Todra River, ideal for a short walk and photos. Following lunch near the gorges, we journey southeast toward the Sahara Desert, passing through Tinejdad, Touroug, and Erfoud. Along the way, you’ll observe the traditional *khettara* irrigation system. Upon reaching Merzouga, we switch from vehicle to camel for a memorable ride into the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi. You’ll witness a breathtaking sunset before arriving at a traditional Berber desert camp. Dinner, live drumming entertainment, and an overnight stay under the stars complete this magical desert experience.

After breakfast in the desert, we depart Merzouga and stop in Rissani to explore its vibrant local souk, one of the largest in southeastern Morocco. We then follow the Ziz Valley, lined with millions of date palms, all the way to Errachidia. Continuing through the dramatic Ziz Gorges and into the Middle Atlas Mountains, we pause for lunch in Midelt—a town known for its apple orchards. In the afternoon, we cross the cedar forests of Azrou, home to wild Barbary macaques; we’ll stop for photos with these curious primates. Next, we visit Ifrane, often called “Little Switzerland” for its Alpine-style architecture and pristine streets. We arrive in Fes by late afternoon and check into your riad, marking the third night of our 9-day journey from Marrakesh to Casablanca.

After breakfast, dedicate the day to exploring Fes, Morocco’s spiritual and cultural capital. Our guided walking tour begins at the Royal Palace gates and proceeds through the historic Jewish Quarter (Mellah), established in the 14th century. Highlights include Al Quaraouiyine University—founded in 859 AD and recognized by UNESCO as the oldest continuously operating university in the world—the colorful Chouara Tanneries, and the Mausoleum of Moulay Idriss II. After lunch, we visit a traditional tile cooperative to observe zellige craftsmanship, followed by a panoramic view over the entire Fes medina. Overnight in your riad—the fourth night of the 9-day tour from Marrakesh via the Merzouga Desert.

On the sixth day, we depart early for Meknes, the 17th-century imperial city. We explore its grand ramparts, monumental gates like Bab Mansour and Bab Khemis, the vast Heri es-Souani granaries, and the royal stables built for Sultan Moulay Ismail. We also visit his mausoleum, historically one of the few mosques in Morocco open to non-Muslims. From Meknes, we drive to the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis, a UNESCO site featuring well-preserved mosaics, arches, and basilicas dating back over 2,000 years. After a guided walk through the ruins, we continue to Chefchaouen—the famed “Blue City”—nestled in the Rif Mountains. Check into your riad and enjoy a peaceful evening in this picturesque town.

After breakfast, you’ll have free time to wander Chefchaouen’s blue-hued alleys at your own pace until 12:30 PM. We then depart for Tangier, passing through Tetouan—a charming city with whitewashed buildings cascading down hillsides—and driving through the lush, forested landscapes of the Rif Mountains. Arrive in Tangier in the late afternoon and settle into your accommodation for the night.

The eighth day begins with a sightseeing tour of Tangier, including Cap Spartel (where the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean), the Sultan’s Palace, the ancient Necropolis, and the legendary Caves of Hercules. Afterward, we head south to Asilah, a coastal gem known for its pastel walls, vibrant murals, and artisanal charm—ideal for a leisurely stroll and souvenir shopping. We then continue to Rabat, Morocco’s capital, where we visit the Kasbah of the Udayas, a 12th-century fortress overlooking the ocean, and the Hassan Tower—a striking minaret surrounded by royal mausoleums. In the late afternoon, we drive to Casablanca, where we enjoy dinner and an overnight stay, concluding the penultimate night of your 9-day tour.

After breakfast, we begin the final day with a guided visit to the Hassan II Mosque—one of the largest and most technologically advanced mosques in the world, and one of the few open to non-Muslim visitors. Following the tour, we transfer you to Marrakesh based on your flight schedule. This marks the end of your 9-day tour from Marrakesh to Casablanca via the Merzouga Desert.

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