12-day tour from Casablanca: imperial cities, the Sahara and Essaouira

Tour itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Casablanca > Rabat:

Welcome to Morocco! Your 12-day tour begins with a warm welcome at Mohammed V International Airport in Casablanca. Our local guide will meet you and make sure your trip starts smoothly. At the wheel for all twelve days is one of our own drivers: Ahmed, Omar or another of the team, all Moroccan and with years of these roads behind them.
First we visit the imposing Hassan II Mosque, known for its beautiful tilework, marble details and stunning ocean views. It has one of the tallest minarets in the world.
Next we head to Rabat, the capital of Morocco. You explore famous sites such as the Hassan Tower and the Kasbah of the Udayas, learning more about Moroccan history and culture.
At the end of the day we take you to your hotel in Rabat to relax and prepare for tomorrow. If you arrive late in the evening, we take you straight to a hotel in Casablanca to rest before the tour begins the next day.

Day 2

Rabat > Chefchaouen (the blue city of Morocco):

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before travelling to Chefchaouen, a peaceful town in the Rif Mountains. The 4-hour drive offers beautiful views of green hills and small villages.
On arrival, check in at your riad and enjoy free time exploring the blue-painted streets of Chefchaouen. Walk through the medina, browse the local shops or relax in a café over some Moroccan food.
Chefchaouen is full of charm, colour and unique places to photograph. Don’t forget your camera: today will be a day full of memories!

Day 3

Chefchaouen > Volubilis > Meknes > Fes:

After breakfast we start with a scenic drive through the Rif villages to Volubilis, an ancient Roman city. We explore its ruins, including mosaics and public buildings from the 3rd century.
Next we head to Meknes, the capital of Morocco in the 17th century. Here you have lunch and visit the Bab el-Mansour gate and the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail.
Afterwards we continue to Fes, where you spend the night in a comfortable riad, reflecting on the day’s cultural journey.

Day 4

Fes city tour:

Today you explore Fes with a local guide. Start at the golden gate of the Royal Palace, then walk through the old medina, a UNESCO site.
Visit the Al-Qarawiyyin University, the Al-Attarine Madrasa, the Nejjarine Fountain and the Chouara tanneries. Discover the Jewish quarter (Mellah) and end the day with a view over Fes from an ancient fortress.
Return to your riad for a restful evening after this rich cultural experience.

Day 5

Fes > Ifrane > Azrou > Ziz Valley > Merzouga desert:

After breakfast we set off for the Sahara desert. First stop: Ifrane, known as the “Switzerland of Morocco”. Then we cross the Middle Atlas mountain range.
In the cedar forest, keep an eye out for the wild monkeys. Have lunch in a local restaurant before driving through the Ziz Valley, rich in palm trees and beautiful landscapes.
In the late afternoon you reach the Merzouga desert. Ride a camel among the dunes at sunset. Later, enjoy dinner and music under the stars at Mouhou Camp, the agency's own camp among the Erg Chebbi dunes.

Day 6

Merzouga > Khamlia > Berber villages > nomads > riad in Merzouga:

Wake up early to see the sunrise over the dunes. After breakfast, choose between a camel ride or a 4×4 back to the village of Merzouga.
Visit Khamlia to hear Gnawa music, then go off-road to see the ancient mining village of M’Fis. Later, meet a nomadic family in their traditional tent for tea.
After lunch, relax at a riad with a pool. In the evening you can try quad biking or simply enjoy the sunset. End the day with dinner and a quiet night at the riad.

Day 7

Merzouga > Erfoud > Todra Gorge > Dades Valley:

After breakfast you leave for the Dades Gorge, stopping in Rissani to visit the traditional market (open on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays).
Next, explore the impressive Todra Gorge and its high cliffs. Continue to the Dades Valley to admire the famous “monkey finger” rock formations.
Arrive at the hotel in the Dades Gorge for dinner and a comfortable overnight stay.

Day 8

Dades > Skoura > Ouarzazate > Aït Ben Haddou Kasbah > Marrakech:

After breakfast we set off for Ouarzazate, known as the “Hollywood of Africa”. Visit the Atlas Studios, where many films have been shot.
Then explore the ancient Aït Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO site that has appeared in productions such as The Mummy and Game of Thrones.
After lunch, cross the scenic High Atlas Mountains, stopping for photos. You arrive in Marrakech in the evening and check in at a charming riad.

Day 9

Marrakech city tour:

After breakfast, meet your guide to explore Marrakech. Visit Jemaa El-Fna square, the Bahia Palace, the Saadian Tombs, the Ben Youssef Madrasa and the Koutoubia Mosque.
After lunch you can visit the Majorelle Garden or relax at your riad.
In the evening, return to Jemaa El-Fna for dinner and enjoy the lively atmosphere from a rooftop café.

Day 10

Marrakech > Essaouira:

Today we head to the coastal town of Essaouira, known for its beach, blue doors and relaxed atmosphere.
Explore the medina, a UNESCO site with craft shops, souks and lovely cafés. Walk along the beach or visit the old Portuguese ramparts.
Essaouira is an ideal place to relax and enjoy the slow pace of Moroccan life.

Day 11

Essaouira > Casablanca:

After breakfast, free time in Essaouira for shopping or relaxing.
We then return to Casablanca (about 4.5 hours). Along the way, admire Morocco’s changing landscapes.
For your final night, check in at your hotel in Casablanca. Rest and reflect on your incredible journey.

Day 12

Casablanca > Airport:

Your 12-day adventure ends today. We will transfer you from your hotel to Casablanca airport in time for your flight.
Thank you for choosing the Tour al Marocco agency. We hope your trip was full of good memories and unforgettable moments. Have a safe journey and we look forward to seeing you again!