10-day tour from Casablanca: Chefchaouen, Fes, the Sahara and Marrakech

Tour itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Casablanca:

Your 10-day tour of Morocco begins in Casablanca. We will pick you up at the airport or at your hotel in Casablanca: waiting for you is one of our drivers — Ahmed, Omar or another of the team — who stays with you for all ten days. Known as the largest and most modern city in Morocco, Casablanca is full of charm and life.
The first stop is the famous Hassan II Mosque, the largest in Morocco. Set on the city’s Atlantic coast, it is the only mosque in the country open to non-Muslim visitors. The building is beautifully decorated with intricate designs, colourful mosaics and grand architecture.
After visiting the mosque you explore the lively Old Medina, where the culture and history of the city come to life.
A visit to Casablanca is not complete without trying the local cuisine. Seafood is especially popular: try dishes such as fish tagine or prawn couscous. Finish your meal with a glass of refreshing Moroccan mint tea.
In the afternoon you have free time for lunch, then you visit the beautiful Corniche of Casablanca, a famous seaside promenade. Whether you want to relax or explore, Casablanca has something for everyone.

Day 2

Casablanca > Rabat > Chefchaouen (the blue city):

After breakfast you travel to Rabat, the capital of Morocco and one of its imperial cities. Here you visit the main monuments such as the Hassan Tower, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V and the Kasbah of the Udayas. The Hassan Tower is a 12th-century minaret, while the mausoleum holds the tombs of King Mohammed V and his sons.
You also explore the old Medina of Rabat, full of local markets selling Moroccan crafts and souvenirs.
After lunch the journey continues northwards through scenic countryside and Rif villages, including the charming town of Ouazzane, before you arrive in Chefchaouen, known for its blue-painted streets and buildings.
In the evening you explore the peaceful medina and discover the history and traditions of the town, including a small spring that is its main water source.

Day 3

Chefchaouen city tour:

After breakfast, enjoy a full day discovering Chefchaouen. Along the way you can stop at the Mellah (the old Jewish quarter) of Tetouan, with its colourful ceramics and traditional architecture.
Once in Chefchaouen, visit Outa el Hammam square, the Kasbah, the local mosques and the religious schools. Wander through the beautiful blue-painted lanes and admire the stunning views over the Rif Mountains.
Local artisans sell handmade products such as ceramics, textiles and leather goods. The town is also home to many excellent restaurants offering Moroccan and international cuisine.
At sunset, visit the Spanish Mosque for a breathtaking panoramic view. It is a 20–30-minute walk from the centre, but the tranquillity of the spot and the surrounding garden make the walk well worthwhile.
Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 4

Chefchaouen > Volubilis > Meknes > Fes:

Today you travel from Chefchaouen to Fes, with exciting stops along the way.
First you visit Volubilis, an ancient Roman city and UNESCO World Heritage site. Located about 30 km from Meknes, Volubilis was once an important trading centre where the Romans exchanged wine and olive oil for African goods such as ivory and gold.
Next you head to Meknes, another imperial city and former capital under Sultan Moulay Ismail. Visit Bab Al-Mansour (a grand gate), Sahrij Souani (a royal water reservoir), the royal stables, the granary and the mausoleum of Moulay Ismail. Meknes is famous for its massive walls, historic monuments and beautiful mosaics.
In the evening you arrive in Fes and settle into your traditional riad in the heart of the old medina.

Day 5

Fes city tour:

After breakfast, spend the day exploring Fes, the oldest of Morocco’s imperial cities and its cultural and religious centre.
Walk through the medieval medina (Fes el-Bali), full of narrow streets, ancient mosques and lively souks. You will visit landmarks such as the Bou Inania Madrasa, the Nejjarine square and fountain, and the traditional tanneries where leather is dyed using centuries-old methods.
Fes is famous for its traditional crafts: metalwork, ceramics and above all leather. Visit the craft workshops in the artisans’ quarter, where the methods are passed down from generation to generation.
Later, visit the Mellah (Jewish quarter), a symbol of Morocco’s multicultural history. Throughout the day you will have a local guide to help you discover the hidden corners of this complex city.

Day 6

Fes > Ifrane > Ziz Valley > Merzouga desert:

Today you leave Fes for the Sahara desert. The journey is long (about 7 hours), but the scenery is worth it.
The first stop is Ifrane, often called the “Switzerland of Morocco” for its alpine architecture and clean air. Next you visit Azrou, where you can admire cedar forests and feed the wild monkeys.
You stop for lunch in Midelt, at a local restaurant we know well: tagine, grilled meat from the barbecue and mint tea. Then you continue through the Ziz Valley, with views over palm groves and adobe villages.
In the late afternoon you reach the Merzouga desert, near the famous Erg Chebbi dunes. From here you ride a camel across the golden sand dunes and watch the sunset, a magical moment in the desert.
You have a Berber-style dinner, enjoy traditional music around the fire and spend the night at Mouhou Camp, one of our own two camps at the foot of the dunes.

Day 7

Merzouga > Todra Gorge > Boumalne Dades:

Wake up early to admire the sunrise over the dunes: a breathtaking experience. After breakfast you return to Merzouga by camel and meet your driver.
On the way to Boumalne Dades you can visit the local market if it is Tuesday, Thursday or Sunday.
You also pass through Erfoud, a town famous for fossils and minerals, with shops selling beautiful stones and crystals.
Next you stop in Tinghir, where you can admire the palm groves before reaching the Todra Gorge, a favourite spot for climbers and hikers.
In the evening you arrive in Boumalne Dades. Dinner and overnight stay in a hotel with a beautiful view over the valley.

Day 8

Dades Valley > Ouarzazate > Aït Ben Haddou > Marrakech:

Start the day with a short visit to the Dades Gorge, then cross the Valley of Roses (Mgouna) and the lush Skoura oasis.
Next you reach Ouarzazate, known as the Hollywood of Morocco. Visit the Taourirt Kasbah, the Cinema Museum and the Atlas Film Studios.
Continue to the iconic Aït Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site and filming location for Game of Thrones and many other productions.
In the afternoon you cross the High Atlas Mountains via the scenic Tizi n’Tichka pass (2,260 m). The road offers beautiful views over mountains, valleys and Berber villages.
You arrive in Marrakech in the evening and check in at your hotel.

Day 9

Marrakech city tour:

Today is dedicated to exploring Marrakech, also called the “Pearl of the South”. You will visit the key sites, including:
– the Koutoubia Mosque
– the Saadian Tombs
– the Bahia Palace
– the El Badii Palace
– the Majorelle Garden
– the Menara Gardens and more

You also walk through the old medina, explore the colourful souks and visit Jamaa El Fna square, full of street performers and local vendors.
After lunch near the square you head to the modern district of Gueliz, where tradition meets modern life. Dinner and overnight stay in Marrakech.

Day 10

Marrakech > Airport:

Your 10-day tour of Morocco ends today. Depending on your flight time, we will transfer you to Marrakech or Casablanca airport.