12 Days tour from Casablanca via Desert
12 Days tour from Casablanca via Desert
- 12 Days - 11 Nights
- Casablanca
- Casablanca
- Tour Overview:
This 12 Days tour from Casablanca via Desert, offers a complete journey through the country’s most iconic landscapes, cities, and cultural highlights. Starting in Casablanca, you travel through the capital Rabat and the blue-washed streets of Chefchaouen, before exploring ancient Roman ruins at Volubilis and the imperial cities of Meknes and Fes. The route continues across the Middle Atlas Mountains, cedar forests, and dramatic Ziz Valley toward the Sahara Desert in Merzouga, where you experience camel trekking and a night under the stars. From there, the journey passes through the spectacular Todra Gorges and Dades Valley, then into the cinematic landscapes of Ouarzazate and the famous Ait Benhaddou kasbah. You cross the High Atlas Mountains to reach vibrant Marrakech, where historic palaces, bustling souks, and lively squares await. A day trip to the coastal city of Essaouira adds Atlantic charm before returning to Casablanca. This itinerary blends culture, history, mountains, desert, and coastline in one immersive Moroccan experience.
- Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Casablanca
Your journey begins in Casablanca, the largest city in Morocco and its modern economic heart. Upon arrival at the airport, you are welcomed and transferred to your hotel to relax after your flight. Depending on your arrival time, you may already get a first impression of the Atlantic coast with a walk along the Corniche, where cafés and ocean views set a calm introduction to the country. If time allows, you can also admire the exterior of the impressive Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world, dramatically built over the ocean.
Day 2: Casablanca – Rabat – Chefchaouen
After breakfast, you leave Casablanca and head toward Rabat, the elegant capital city of Morocco. Here, you explore key landmarks such as the Hassan Tower and the peaceful Kasbah of the Udayas, overlooking the Atlantic. Rabat offers a calm, refined atmosphere compared to Casablanca’s energy. From there, your journey continues north through rolling countryside, small villages, and mountain scenery until you reach the magical blue city of Chefchaouen, hidden in the Rif Mountains. As you arrive in the late afternoon or evening, the blue-washed walls of the medina create a dreamlike first impression.
Day 3: Chefchaouen Sightseeing
Today is dedicated to fully enjoying the charm of Chefchaouen. You wander through narrow alleys painted in countless shades of blue, discovering small artisan shops, quiet squares, and friendly local life. The town has a peaceful rhythm that invites you to slow down and simply explore. You may visit Ras El Ma, a fresh mountain spring where locals gather, or hike up to the Spanish Mosque viewpoint for a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire blue medina surrounded by mountains. Sunset here is especially beautiful, with soft light turning the city into a glowing blue canvas.
Day 4: Chefchaouen – Volubilis – Meknes – Fes
You depart Chefchaouen and travel south toward one of Morocco’s most important archaeological treasures: Volubilis. Walking through this ancient Roman city, you discover mosaics, stone columns, and remnants of a once-thriving empire set in a peaceful open landscape. After exploring history, you continue to Meknes, one of Morocco’s imperial cities, where grand gates and historic walls reflect its royal past. In the late afternoon, you arrive in Fes, a city known for its deep cultural heritage and one of the world’s oldest living medinas.
Day 5: Fes Sightseeing
A full day is devoted to exploring Fes in depth. You enter the ancient medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with maze-like streets that seem frozen in time. Here, donkeys still transport goods through narrow alleys, and artisans continue centuries-old traditions. You visit the famous tanneries, where leather is dyed in colorful stone vats, and explore historic madrasas and mosques such as Al Quaraouiyine, one of the oldest universities in the world. Fes is not just a city—it feels like a journey into Morocco’s spiritual and intellectual soul.
Day 6: Fes – Ifrane – Cedar Forest – Midelt – Ziz Valley – Merzouga
Leaving Fes, you travel through the Middle Atlas Mountains, stopping in Ifrane, often called “Little Switzerland” because of its alpine architecture and clean mountain air. You continue through the cedar forests, where you may spot wild Barbary macaques. Passing through Midelt, the scenery gradually changes into dramatic desert landscapes. As you descend into the vast Ziz Valley, palm groves and deep gorges stretch across the horizon. By evening, you reach Merzouga, the gateway to the Sahara Desert, where golden dunes begin to appear.
Day 7: Merzouga – Berber Nomads – Khamlia – Desert Experience
Today is a deep immersion into desert life. You visit local Berber nomad families, gaining insight into their traditional way of living in the harsh Sahara environment. In the village of Khamlia, you experience Gnawa music, a spiritual rhythm rooted in African heritage. Later, you ride camels into the Erg Chebbi dunes, where silence and endless sand create a surreal atmosphere. As the sun sets, the dunes shift into shades of gold and orange, and you spend the night in a desert camp under a sky filled with stars.
Day 8: Merzouga – Todra Gorges – Dades Valley
Waking up in the desert, you witness a peaceful sunrise over the dunes before leaving Merzouga. The journey continues toward the dramatic cliffs of Todra Gorges, where towering canyon walls create one of Morocco’s most impressive natural landscapes. You can walk along the riverbed and admire the sheer rock formations. Later, you drive through winding roads into the scenic Dades Valley, known for its “monkey fingers” rock formations and lush valley views.
Day 9: Dades Valley – Rose Valley – Ouarzazate – Ait Benhaddou – Marrakech
The journey continues through the fragrant Rose Valley, famous for its annual rose harvest and cosmetic products. You then reach Ouarzazate, a major filming location often called the “Hollywood of Africa.” Nearby, you explore the iconic ksar of Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO-listed fortified village used in many famous films. Crossing the High Atlas Mountains via scenic passes, you finally descend into the vibrant city of Marrakech.
Day 10: Marrakech Sightseeing
Today you explore Marrakech, a city full of color, energy, and history. You visit the bustling Jemaa el-Fnaa square, where storytellers, musicians, and food stalls create a lively atmosphere. You also explore the Koutoubia Mosque, Bahia Palace, and the tranquil Majorelle Garden. The medina’s souks offer endless opportunities to discover spices, textiles, lanterns, and handmade crafts, making Marrakech a feast for the senses.
Day 11: Marrakech – Essaouira – Marrakech
A scenic drive takes you to the coastal city of Essaouira, known for its relaxed vibe and Atlantic winds. The white and blue medina contrasts beautifully with the ocean views. You walk along historic ramparts, watch fishermen at the harbor, and enjoy fresh seafood by the sea. In the afternoon, you return to Marrakech, where the warm energy of the city welcomes you back.
Day 12: Marrakech – Casablanca Airport
On your final day, you leave Marrakech and travel back to Casablanca for your departure flight. The journey marks the end of an unforgettable experience through Morocco’s imperial cities, mountains, desert, and Atlantic coast—a route that reveals the country’s incredible diversity in just 12 days.
What including in the Tour
- Pick-up & drop off at / from your accommodation / airoport
- Transport by private modern vehicle with A/C
- Experienced English speaking Driver/Guide
- Local Guide English speaking in Fes & Marrakech
- Car Fuel
- Camel Trekking (Camel per person)
- Sunset camel ride
- Overnight at the Desert Camp (At your preferred tent type)
- Accommodation with Breakfast
- Dinner in desert & Dades Valley
- 4x4 transfer from and to the camp (Alternative to Camels)
What not including in the Tour
- Lunches
- Drinks
- Monuments fees
- Tips