Morocco Grand 15-Day Tour from Casablanca
Overview
This 15-day grand tour of Morocco takes you on a captivating journey through the country’s diverse landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. Beginning in Casablanca, Morocco’s bustling commercial capital, you’ll explore the Atlantic Coast, the imperial cities of Rabat, Meknes, and Fes, as well as the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis.
The tour ventures deep into the Sahara Desert, where you’ll enjoy thrilling camel trekking and an unforgettable night under the stars in a desert camp at Merzouga. Travel through dramatic Todra Gorges, lush valleys, and historic kasbahs as you cross the majestic High Atlas Mountains. Once in Marrakech, you’ll uncover the city’s lively medina, rich history, and iconic gardens.
Finally, unwind with visits to the charming coastal town of Essaouira, the artisanal pottery hub of Safi, and the UNESCO World Heritage city of El Jadida. This grand tour is an immersive experience that perfectly blends culture, adventure, and natural beauty, leaving you with lasting memories of Morocco’s best.
Tour Highlights:
- Visit the monumental Hassan II Mosque and stroll along the scenic Corniche.
- Explore the historical sites, including the Hassan Tower, Mausoleum of Mohammed V, and the charming Kasbah of the Udayas.
- Discover Bab Mansour Gate and the Royal Stables, relics of the city’s imperial past.
- Wander through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Roman ruins with its ancient mosaics.
- Immerse yourself in the medieval wonders of Fes el-Bali, with visits to the Al-Qarawiyyin University, tanneries, and the Bou Inania Madrasa.
- Enjoy a camel trek through the Erg Chebbi dunes, spend nights in a traditional Berber desert camp, and explore Khamlia village.
- Walk through the towering cliffs of the Todra Gorge and admire the scenic beauty of the Dades Valley.
- Visit the Kasbah Taourirt and explore the famous UNESCO site of Ait Ben Haddou, a backdrop for many films.
- Discover the iconic landmarks such as the Koutoubia Mosque, Bahia Palace, and Jemaa el-Fnaa square.
- Wander through the medina, relax on the beach, and explore the Skala de la Kasbah.
- Visit the Portuguese Citadel in Safi and the Mazagan Fortress and Portuguese Cistern in El Jadida, both UNESCO-listed sites.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Casablanca
Upon arrival at Casablanca’s Mohammed V International Airport, you’ll be greeted and transferred to your hotel. After check-in and some rest, you can start exploring the city’s highlights. Visit the famous Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest in the world, known for its stunning architecture and coastal location. If time permits, stroll along the Corniche for ocean views or stop by Rick’s Café, a replica of the iconic café from the classic film Casablanca. Dinner and overnight stay in Casablanca.
Day 2: Casablanca – Rabat
After breakfast, head to Rabat, the capital of Morocco, just over an hour’s drive from Casablanca. In Rabat, visit the Hassan Tower, an unfinished mosque that stands as a symbol of Rabat’s rich history, and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, an ornate resting place for the Moroccan king. Explore the Kasbah of the Udayas, a picturesque area with narrow streets, blue-painted walls, and stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. End the day with a visit to Chellah, the Roman and medieval ruins on the outskirts of the city. Overnight stay in Rabat.
Day 3: Rabat – Meknes – Volubilis – Fes
Depart from Rabat in the morning and drive to the imperial city of Meknes, once the capital under Sultan Moulay Ismail. Visit the Bab Mansour Gate, one of the finest examples of Moroccan architecture, and the Royal Stables, which once housed thousands of horses. Afterward, continue to the Roman ruins of Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore its well-preserved mosaics and ancient structures before heading to Fes for an overnight stay.
Day 4: Fes Guided Tour
Enjoy a full day of guided exploration in the medieval city of Fes, the cultural and spiritual heart of Morocco. Start in the Fes el-Bali (Old Medina), a UNESCO-listed site, where you’ll visit the famous Al-Qarawiyyin University, the oldest continuously operating university in the world. Walk through narrow alleys, pass by traditional tanneries, and stop by Bou Inania Madrasa, a masterpiece of Moroccan architecture. Other highlights include the Jewish Quarter (Mellah) and the Royal Palace. Overnight stay in Fes.
Day 5: Fes – Ifrane – Azrou – Midelt
After breakfast, depart for Midelt, passing through the Middle Atlas Mountains. Along the way, stop at Ifrane, known as “Little Switzerland” for its European-style architecture and ski resorts. Continue to the cedar forests of Azrou, where you might spot wild monkeys. As you travel through the mountainous region, enjoy panoramic views of lush valleys and traditional Berber villages. Arrive in Midelt in the late afternoon, where you’ll settle in for an overnight stay.
Day 6: Midelt – Erfoud – Merzouga Desert
Depart Midelt in the morning and journey through the Ziz Valley, an oasis of palm groves and lush greenery, before arriving in the town of Erfoud, famous for its fossils and date production. From here, head toward Merzouga, the gateway to the Sahara Desert. Upon arrival, switch to camels and embark on a camel trek through the Erg Chebbi dunes, enjoying the stunning desert landscape at sunset. Spend the night in a traditional Berber desert camp, with dinner under the stars and live music around the campfire.
Day 7: Merzouga Desert Exploration
Spend a full day exploring the desert. In the morning, visit the Khamlia village, known for its Gnaoua music, and meet local Berber nomads to learn about their lifestyle. In the afternoon, take a 4×4 excursion around the dunes or simply relax at the camp. For the more adventurous, consider sandboarding or quad biking across the golden sands. Return to the camp in the evening for another night under the stars.
Day 8: Merzouga – Todra Gorge – Dades Valley
After watching the sunrise over the dunes, leave Merzouga and head toward the dramatic Todra Gorge, a canyon with towering limestone cliffs reaching up to 300 meters high. Enjoy a short walk through the gorge before continuing on to the Dades Valley, known for its impressive rock formations and green oases. Along the way, stop at Berber villages nestled in the mountains and admire the landscape dotted with kasbahs. Overnight stay in a local hotel or guesthouse in the Dades Valley.
Day 9: Dades Valley – Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou
Continue your journey through the Valley of the Roses, famous for its rose gardens and rosewater production. Arrive in Ouarzazate, often referred to as the “Hollywood of Morocco,” where you’ll visit the Kasbah Taourirt, a historic fortress once home to the Glaoui family. Afterward, drive to the UNESCO-listed Ait Ben Haddou, a stunning ksar that has been featured in films like Gladiator and Game of Thrones. Explore its maze-like alleys and fortified walls before settling in for an overnight stay nearby.
Day 10: Ait Ben Haddou – Tizi n’Tichka Pass – Marrakech
Depart Ait Ben Haddou and travel over the spectacular Tizi n’Tichka Pass, one of the highest roads in Morocco, offering breathtaking views of the High Atlas Mountains. Along the way, stop at traditional Berber villages and enjoy the changing landscapes. Arrive in Marrakech in the late afternoon, where you can spend the evening exploring the lively Jemaa el-Fnaa square, known for its bustling food stalls, snake charmers, and musicians. Overnight stay in Marrakech.
Day 11: Marrakech Guided Tour
Today, enjoy a guided tour of Marrakech, one of Morocco’s most vibrant cities. Visit the Koutoubia Mosque, known for its stunning minaret, and explore the Bahia Palace, a 19th-century masterpiece of Moroccan architecture. Stroll through the Majorelle Garden, once owned by Yves Saint Laurent, and visit the Saadian Tombs, the final resting place of the Saadian dynasty. End the day with a visit to the Souks (markets), where you can shop for spices, textiles, and handicrafts. Overnight stay in Marrakech.
Day 12: Marrakech – Essaouira
Depart for the coastal city of Essaouira, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This charming town is known for its fortified medina, whitewashed buildings with blue shutters, and laid-back atmosphere. Visit the Skala de la Kasbah, a historic sea bastion with cannons overlooking the Atlantic, and explore the medina, filled with artisan shops and art galleries. Spend the afternoon relaxing on the beach or enjoying fresh seafood by the harbor. Overnight stay in Essaouira.
Day 13: Essaouira – Safi – El Jadida
After breakfast, travel up the Atlantic coast to the city of Safi, known for its pottery and rich history. Visit the Portuguese Citadel and the National Museum of Ceramics, where you can see traditional Moroccan pottery in all its forms. Continue along the coast to El Jadida, a former Portuguese colony and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore the Portuguese Cistern and the Mazagan Fortress before checking into your hotel for the night.
Day 14: El Jadida – Casablanca
In the morning, enjoy a leisurely walk along the beach or visit the nearby Mazagan Resort for a relaxing break. Afterward, return to Casablanca, where you’ll have time for some last-minute shopping or revisiting favorite spots like the Habous Quarter. Spend your final evening in Morocco savoring local cuisine at one of Casablanca’s fine restaurants. Overnight stay in Casablanca.
Day 15: Departure from Casablanca
After breakfast, depending on your flight schedule, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your departure. Reflect on your incredible journey through Morocco’s rich history, diverse landscapes, and vibrant culture as you head home.
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