12 Days Tour from Casablanca to Marrakech

Itinerary

Day 1: Casablanca – Arrival and City Tour

Upon arrival in Casablanca, you’ll be greeted by your driver and embark on a city tour. Begin with a visit to the Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest and most impressive mosques in the world, perched on the Atlantic coast. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll along the Corniche, a lively seaside promenade with cafes and restaurants. You’ll also visit the Royal Palace and the central market before checking into your hotel for dinner and an overnight stay in Casablanca.

Day 2: Casablanca – Rabat – Meknes

After breakfast, you’ll leave Casablanca and drive to Rabat, Morocco’s capital. Visit the historic Kasbah of the Udayas, the stunning Mausoleum of Mohammed V, and the towering Hassan Tower, an unfinished minaret from the 12th century. After lunch, continue to Meknes, an imperial city known for its grand architecture and impressive gates. Explore the Bab Mansour Gate, El Hedim Square, and the Royal Stables before settling into your riad for the night.

Day 3: Meknes – Volubilis – Chefchaouen

Following breakfast, you’ll set out for the ancient Roman city of Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Wander through the well-preserved ruins, admiring the intricate mosaics, Roman baths, and towering columns that once formed part of this grand city. After exploring Volubilis, continue to the enchanting town of Chefchaouen, nestled in the Rif Mountains. Known for its blue-washed streets and relaxed atmosphere, Chefchaouen offers a peaceful respite. Upon arrival, check into your riad and enjoy the rest of the evening at your leisure.

Day 4: Chefchaouen – Fes

Spend the morning wandering through the charming streets of Chefchaouen, admiring its beautiful blue architecture, colorful doorways, and unique artisan shops. Explore the medina’s lively squares and visit the Grand Mosque, a centerpiece of the town. In the afternoon, depart for Fes, one of Morocco’s most culturally significant cities. As you travel through scenic mountain landscapes, take in the breathtaking views before arriving in Fes, where you’ll check into your riad and enjoy dinner.

Day 5: Fes Guided Tour

Today is dedicated to exploring Fes, Morocco’s oldest imperial city and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Begin your guided tour with a visit to the Fes el-Bali medina, a maze of narrow alleys filled with souks, mosques, and bustling markets. Visit the famous Al Quaraouiyine University, the oldest continuously operating university in the world, and the Bou Inania Madrasa, known for its stunning architecture. Explore the iconic tanneries, where leather is dyed using traditional methods. In the afternoon, visit the Royal Palace, the Jewish Quarter, and the ceramics workshops. Return to your riad in the evening for a relaxing dinner.

Day 6: Fes – Midelt – Merzouga

After breakfast, depart Fes and travel through the Middle Atlas Mountains towards Merzouga. Along the way, stop in Ifrane, often referred to as “Little Switzerland” due to its European-inspired architecture and mountain setting. Continue through the cedar forests of Azrou, where you may encounter Barbary macaques, before stopping in Midelt for lunch. As you journey further south, the landscape shifts to arid desert plains as you approach the Sahara Desert. Arrive in Merzouga in the late afternoon, where you’ll embark on a camel trek into the Erg Chebbi dunes, witnessing a stunning desert sunset. Enjoy a traditional Berber dinner and spend the night in a desert camp under the stars.

Day 7: Merzouga – Todra Gorges – Dades Valley

Rise early to watch the sunrise over the dunes, a magical experience in the Sahara. After breakfast at the camp, you’ll leave Merzouga and head towards the dramatic Todra Gorges, where towering limestone cliffs soar above a clear river. Take a walk through the gorge, enjoying the serene environment and dramatic rock formations. Afterward, continue through the lush palm groves of the Dades Valley, often referred to as the “Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs” due to its many ancient fortresses. Arrive at your hotel in the Dades Valley for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 8: Dades Valley – Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou

After breakfast, explore more of the scenic Dades Valley, passing through traditional Berber villages and kasbahs. Continue to Ouarzazate, a town known as the “Hollywood of Morocco” due to its use as a filming location for many major films. Visit the impressive Kasbah Taourirt and the Atlas Film Studios, where movies like Gladiator and Lawrence of Arabia were filmed. After lunch, head to the nearby Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO-listed ksar with well-preserved mudbrick buildings. Take a guided tour of the site, known for its historical significance and as a backdrop for films. Spend the night in a guesthouse near Ait Ben Haddou.

Day 9: Ait Ben Haddou – High Atlas Mountains – Marrakech

This morning, enjoy a final exploration of Ait Ben Haddou before departing for Marrakech. You’ll cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes. Along the way, stop for lunch and take in the stunning mountain scenery. Arrive in Marrakech in the late afternoon, where you’ll check into your riad and spend the evening at leisure, perhaps exploring the lively Jamaa El Fna Square, filled with street performers, food stalls, and musicians.

Day 10: Marrakech Guided Tour

Today, you’ll embark on a full-day guided tour of Marrakech, starting with a visit to the iconic Koutoubia Mosque, with its soaring minaret visible from across the city. Explore the Bahia Palace, a masterpiece of Moroccan architecture with intricate tilework and lush gardens. Visit the Saadian Tombs, rediscovered in the early 20th century, and the vibrant souks of the medina, where you can shop for handicrafts, spices, and textiles. In the afternoon, visit the tranquil Majorelle Gardens and the Yves Saint Laurent Museum. Return to Jamaa El Fna Square in the evening to experience its vibrant atmosphere once again.

Day 11: Marrakech Day Trip to Essaouira

On this day, take a refreshing day trip to the coastal city of Essaouira, just a 2.5-hour drive from Marrakech. Known for its laid-back atmosphere, Essaouira offers a charming blend of culture and scenery with its UNESCO-listed medina, lively souks, and striking Atlantic coastline. Wander through its narrow streets lined with blue and white buildings, visit the Skala de la Kasbah for panoramic views of the ocean, and explore local artisan shops. For lunch, enjoy freshly caught seafood at a beachfront restaurant before relaxing on the sandy beaches or exploring the town’s vibrant art scene. In the afternoon, we drive back to your riad in Marrakech to spend your last night.

Day 12: Marrakech – Departure

On the final day of your tour, enjoy breakfast at your riad before being transferred to the airport in Marrakech or Casablanca, depending on your departure flight. Take with you unforgettable memories of Morocco’s diverse landscapes, rich cultural experiences, and warm hospitality, marking the end of your 12-day adventure through the country.