18-day tour from Casablanca: all of Morocco down to the Anti-Atlas

Tour itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Casablanca:

Arrive in Casablanca, the largest city in Morocco. Outside the arrivals hall you are met by the driver who will be with you for all eighteen days: Ahmed, Omar or another of our local drivers. Visit the iconic Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world. Take a relaxing walk along the Corniche to admire the beautiful ocean views, followed by a welcome dinner in a local restaurant.

Day 2

Casablanca > Rabat:

After breakfast, head north to Rabat, the capital of Morocco. Start your exploration at the Chellah Necropolis, a fascinating mix of Roman and Islamic ruins. Visit the Royal Palace, the official residence of the King of Morocco (from the outside), and continue to the Kasbah of the Udayas, a peaceful fortress overlooking the ocean with narrow blue-washed lanes. End the day with a quiet walk along the Bouregreg River, enjoying the sunset and the calm surroundings.

Day 3

Rabat > Chefchaouen (the Blue City of Morocco):

Set off on a journey through the Rif Mountains to the enchanting town of Chefchaouen, also known as the “Blue Pearl of Morocco”. The entire medina is painted in shades of blue, creating a dreamlike atmosphere. Wander through the colourful lanes, browse the handmade goods in the local souks and relax in Uta el-Hammam square with a mint tea and a view of the Grand Mosque. The serene mountain backdrop adds to the charm.

Day 4

Chefchaouen > Volubilis > Meknes > Fes:

After breakfast, leave Chefchaouen and cross the Rif hills to Volubilis, the most important Roman archaeological site in Morocco and a UNESCO World Heritage site: walk among arches, columns and mosaics still in place, overlooking a plain of olive groves. Continue to Meknes, the imperial city of Sultan Moulay Ismail, with a stop at the monumental Bab Mansour gate and El Hedim square. In the late afternoon you arrive in Fes, the oldest imperial city in Morocco. Check in at your riad, then dinner and overnight stay. The guided tour of the medina is planned for the next day.

Day 5

Fes city tour:

Discover the spiritual and cultural soul of Morocco on an unforgettable guided tour of Fes, one of the most fascinating imperial cities in the world.
Wander through the labyrinthine lanes of the UNESCO-listed Fes el-Bali medina, where time seems to have stopped. Admire the University of Al Quaraouiyine, founded in 859 AD and recognised as the oldest educational institution still in operation, a beacon of learning and spirituality. Be enchanted by the refined architecture of the Bou Inania Madrasa, with its intricate zellij mosaics, carved cedar ceilings and Quranic inscriptions decorating the walls.

Visit the Nejjarine Museum, a gem housed in a restored ancient caravanserai, where you can admire an extraordinary collection of traditional Moroccan crafts, including musical instruments, Berber jewellery and inlaid furniture.
End the day with an authentic dinner in a local restaurant, tasting traditional dishes such as pastilla, tagine and sweets made with honey and almonds, surrounded by the magical atmosphere of Fes, with soft lighting and Andalusian melodies.
It is an experience that takes you into the history, art and traditions of a city that is the true beating heart of Morocco.

Day 6

Fes > Ifrane > Azrou forest > Midelt:

Leave the city behind and head into the Middle Atlas mountains. Stop in Ifrane, a picturesque alpine town often called “Little Switzerland” for its clean streets and European-style architecture. Continue to the cedar forests of Azrou, where you can see Barbary macaques roaming freely among the centuries-old trees. Carry on to the mountain town of Midelt, known for its apple orchards, where you spend the night. Lunch is at the local restaurant in Midelt we have been stopping at for years: tagine, grilled meat from the barbecue and mint tea.

Day 7

Midelt > Ziz Valley > Erfoud > Merzouga desert:

Drive south-east through the Ziz Valley, a scenic region dotted with date palms and traditional Berber villages. Arrive in Merzouga, the gateway to the Erg Chebbi dunes in the Sahara desert. Before sunset, you set off on a camel excursion across the golden sands. Watch the sky change colour as you reach a Berber desert camp, where you can have dinner under the stars, listen to music by the fire and sleep in a tent at Mouhou Camp, one of the two camps the agency owns.

Day 8

Merzouga > Tanamoust > Khamlia village > Erg Chebbi nomads > the Merzouga desert:

Wake up in the desert and spend the day exploring the surroundings. Climb the dunes for the view, visit the village of Khamlia to hear live Gnawa music and meet a nomadic family to learn about their way of life. Later, relax in the peaceful beauty of the desert. In the evening, gather around the fire for more local music, storytelling and stargazing, far from city lights.

Day 9

Merzouga > Rissani > Todra Gorge > The Dades Valley:

Get up early to admire the magical sunrise over the dunes. After breakfast you travel across the desert to the dramatic Todra Gorge, where towering limestone cliffs rise above a clear river. Enjoy a walk through the canyon before continuing to the scenic Dades Valley, known for its winding roads, rock formations and green oases. Overnight stay in a charming guesthouse.

Day 10

Dades > Skoura > Aït Ben Haddou > Ouarzazate:

After breakfast, leave the Dades Valley along the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs. The first stop is Kelaat M’Gouna in the Valley of Roses, where cooperatives distil the rose water and scented oils the area is famous for (in May the harvest festival brings the whole valley to life). Continue to the Skoura palm grove and visit Kasbah Amridil, one of the best-preserved earthen fortresses in the south. After lunch (at your own expense) you reach the ksar of Aït Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the set of many films: climb to the granary at the top of the hill for views over the Ounila valley. In the evening, return to Ouarzazate, the “gateway to the desert”, with the option of a photo stop at the Atlas Studios. Dinner and overnight stay at a hotel.

Day 11

Ouarzazate > the Atlas > Taroudant:

After breakfast, begin the scenic journey from Ouarzazate to Taroudant, often called the “grandmother of Marrakech”. The drive takes you through beautiful High Atlas mountain scenery and authentic Berber villages, where life moves in harmony with nature. Enjoy the panoramic views, valleys lined with almond and argan trees and occasional stops for photos or to meet local people. Arrive in Taroudant, a charming walled town known for its lively souks and relaxed atmosphere. Dinner and overnight stay in a traditional guesthouse.

Day 12

Taroudant > Tafraout:

Set off in the morning for Tafraoute, a picturesque village at 1,200 metres, surrounded by imposing pink granite mountains and lush palm groves. In February the region becomes a dreamlike landscape of almond blossom. Tafraoute is also renowned for its traditional leather babouches (pointed slippers), handmade in bright colours. In the evening, dinner and an overnight stay with a local Berber family let you enjoy a home-cooked meal and authentic hospitality, for an immersive cultural experience.

Day 13

Tafraout > Sidi Ifni:

After breakfast, continue south-west to Sidi Ifni, a former Spanish enclave on the Atlantic coast. Known for its Art Deco architecture, the town still carries echoes of its colonial past. Once a centre of the trans-Saharan slave trade, Sidi Ifni today feels like a forgotten outpost, especially when the Atlantic fog rolls in at sunset, creating a scene of haunting beauty. Explore the faded architecture and the esplanade before settling in for dinner and overnight stay in a local riad.

Day 14

Sidi Ifni > Mirleft > Aglou > Imsouane:

Leave Sidi Ifni and follow one of the most picturesque coastal roads in Morocco. Stop in Mirleft, a bohemian seaside town loved by artists and surfers, where lively cafés painted in pink and blue line the arcaded streets. Continue north to Aglou beach, a well-known surf spot with breathtaking sea views and jagged cliffs. In the evening, reach the quiet beach village of Imsouane, between Agadir and Essaouira. Known for its small fishing port, its unique ecosystem and the nearby cave village, Imsouane is a peaceful retreat. Dinner and overnight stay in a guesthouse near the beach.

Day 15

Imsouane > Essaouira:

In the morning, after a walk around Imsouane harbour, drive up the coast for about an hour and a half to Essaouira. Then enjoy the rest of the day free to explore Essaouira at your own pace. Walk through the historic medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site, stroll along the lively fishing port and relax by the Atlantic Ocean. You can also explore local art galleries, shop for crafts or try fresh seafood in a seaside café. Dinner and overnight stay in a charming riad.

Day 16

Essaouira > Marrakech:

After breakfast, set off for Marrakech, crossing the famous argan region, one of the few areas in the world where this rare tree grows naturally. You can stop at a women’s cooperative to see how argan oil is traditionally produced. Arrive in the vibrant “red city” of Marrakech in the afternoon and settle into your riad in the heart of the medina. Spend the evening discovering the city’s energy or relaxing. Dinner and overnight stay at the riad.

Day 17

Marrakech city tour:

Start the day with a tasty breakfast at your welcoming riad. Your friendly local guide will meet you there and take you to discover the most famous sights of Marrakech.
You will visit:
Jemaa El-Fna square
The Bahia Palace
The Saadian Tombs
The Ben Youssef Madrasa
The Koutoubia Mosque

Afternoon:
After a delicious lunch you can choose to:
Explore more! Visit the Majorelle Garden (a peaceful blue oasis) and see the modern side of Marrakech.
Relax at your riad: take a break and rest before the evening.

Evening:
As the sun begins to set, return to Jemaa El-Fna square. The atmosphere changes completely at night: musicians, storytellers and food stalls fill the square.
Have a drink in a rooftop café and enjoy the sunset view.
Taste delicious Moroccan dishes at the stalls in the square or in a nearby restaurant.

After a day full of fun, return to your riad for a good night’s sleep.

Day 18

Marrakech > Airport:

As your extraordinary 18-day adventure in Morocco comes to an end, it is time to head to the airport for your flight home. Use this final journey to relax and look back on all the unforgettable moments you have experienced.
From exploring the ancient imperial cities to camel rides in the Sahara desert, from walking the blue streets of Chefchaouen to tasting delicious tagines, every day brought something new and exciting.
You have seen Morocco’s great palaces, slept under desert stars, hiked in lush valleys and met warm, welcoming local people. These memories will stay with you long after you leave.
On arrival at the airport, take one last look at this beautiful country: you have just experienced the best of Morocco! Have a safe journey, and who knows? Perhaps one day you will return for another adventure.