13-Day Tour from Casablanca to Marrakech and Sahara
On our 13-Day Tour from Casablanca to Marrakech and the Sahara, we’ll start by visiting Casablanca and its famous Hassan II Mosque. We’ll then explore Rabat’s historic sites before heading to the beautiful blue city of Chefchaouen. Next, we’ll travel to Fes to see its ancient medina and the Al Quaraouiyine University.
We’ll enjoy a camel ride and a night under the stars in the Sahara Desert, then visit the stunning Todra and Dades Gorges and the Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah. After crossing the High Atlas Mountains, we’ll reach Marrakech, where you’ll experience its lively square, palaces, and markets.
Finally, we’ll visit the coastal town of Essaouira before returning to Marrakech for the last night.
Tour Highlights
- Visit the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca
- Explore Rabat’s Mausoleum of Mohamed V and Hassan Tower
- Discover the blue city of Chefchaouen
- Wander through Fes’s ancient medina and visit Al Quaraouiyine University
- Enjoy a camel ride and camp under the stars in the Sahara Desert
- Marvel at the Todra and Dades Gorges
- Visit the historic Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah
- Cross the High Atlas Mountains to reach Marrakech
- Experience the lively Jemaa el-Fnaa square in Marrakech
- Tour the Bahia Palace and local souks in Marrakech
- Relax in the coastal town of Essaouira
- Return to Marrakech for the final night
Itinerary of the 13-Day Tour from Casablanca to Marrakech and Sahara
Day 1: Arrival in Casablanca
Today, you will arrive in Casablanca, where we will transfer you from the airport to our hotel to relax and unwind. Later, we’ll explore the majestic Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest in the world, and soak in the city’s vibrant urban atmosphere along the Corniche.
Overnight in Casablanca
Hotel, dinner, and breakfast included.
Day 2: Casablanca – Rabat – Chefchaouen
After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a delightful morning tour towards the capital city of Morocco, one of the four Imperial Cities. We will visit Mohamed V’s Mausoleum, the unfinished Hassan Tower, one of the three great Almohad towers, and the Kasbah of Oudayas.
This city is known for its mazelike alleys and traditional houses, decorated both outside and inside. Then, we will drive to one of the best cities in Morocco, Chefchaouen, the famous blue city, also known as the “blue pearl,” nestled between the Rif Mountains in northern Morocco.
Overnight in Chefchaouen
Hotel, dinner, and breakfast included.
Day 3: Chefchaouen – Fes
After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a morning tour in this amazing blue city, one of the most picturesque places you will ever see, and a small village with approximately 40,000 residents. Enjoy the crazy blue alleyways and stairwells, local artwork, and charming old houses, among other attractions.
We will then continue with a drive through the Rif Mountains with fascinating views until we reach Fes, where we will spend the night.
Overnight in Fes
Camps, dinner, and breakfast included.
Day 4: Fes Sightseeing Tour
After a traditional Moroccan breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a morning city tour of Fes, the most “genuine” imperial city of Morocco. The royal city of Fes has a lot to offer, so get your cameras and hearts ready.
Touch the old scripts on the walls, and visit the fascinating medina preserved as a UNESCO World Heritage Site; it is the largest medina in the world. Walk through its winding streets and see a maze of alleyways that take you back centuries with an authentic feel.
For a taste of the non-Islamic history of Fes, don’t miss the Mellah, the old Jewish quarter of the medina, built in the 13th century and becoming the first Jewish quarter in Morocco in 1438. Also, visit the world’s oldest university still in existence, The University of Al Quaraouiyine, established in 859 AD by a Muslim woman, Fatima Al-Fihri.
Overnight in Fes
Hotel, dinner, and breakfast included.
Day 5: Fes – Azrou – Midelt – Merzouga (Camel Trekking & Desert Camping)
After breakfast at the hotel, we continue our tour from Fes to the Merzouga desert, heading southward via Ifrane and Azrou. During our trip, we will stop at the cedar forest to see its magnificent Barbary macaques (Barbary apes), who are friendly and will take food from your hand.
We then continue through the panoramic view of the Middle Atlas Mountains to Midelt, where we will have lunch. We will explore the magnificent landscape of the Middle Atlas Mountains and Berber villages, crossing the Ziz Valley with a panoramic view of its nature.
After a beautiful drive through amazing nature, you will arrive at one of the most wonderful places you will ever see, the Sahara Merzouga. We will arrive at the hotel where you can drop off your belongings if needed, then hop on your camel and enjoy a desert experience of a lifetime in the highest dunes in North Africa.
Explore the Sahara by camel (dromedary) ride and witness the beautiful sunset. After a traditional Moroccan dinner at a Berber nomadic desert camp, enjoy the sound of silence under the starry desert skies and the comfortable weather.
Overnight in Merzouga Desert
Hotel, dinner, and breakfast included.
Day 6: Merzouga (Explore Erg Chebbi Desert) – Khamlia – M’fis – Desert & Nomads – Merzouga
In the morning, you can wake up early to enjoy an admirable sunrise over the Sahara dunes. It’s a sight you’ll never forget, so make sure to capture it with your camera. After breakfast, we’ll head to the village of Khamlia, known for its Gnawa tribe. You can learn about their traditional culture.
Next, we’ll visit the village of M’fis, a small desert settlement. Here, you can interact with the locals and gain insight into their way of life in this arid environment. One of the highlights of the day is a visit to a desert nomad family. You’ll have the opportunity to learn about their nomadic lifestyle, hear their stories, and enjoy tea with them. It’s a cultural exchange you won’t find anywhere else.
Return to Merzouga in the late afternoon, where you can relax and soak in the desert’s tranquility.
Overnight in Merzouga
Hotel, dinner, and breakfast included.
Day 7: Merzouga – Rissani – Todra Gorges – Dades Gorge & Valley
Your camel guide will wake you up to catch the sunrise and climb the dunes to see the magnificent view. Then, make your way back via camel to the lodge for a shower and breakfast. We will start our journey towards Todra and Dades Gorges, visiting Rissani where you will see many ksours, with its rich souk and palmary.
Continue our trip with a picturesque drive through beautiful Berber villages to Todra Gorge, one of the most spectacular gorges and river canyons in the world with its stunning rock formations. We will then continue through the impressive views of Dades Gorge and the breathtaking Dades Valley.
Overnight in Dades Valley
Hotel, dinner, and breakfast included.
Day 8: Boumalne Dades to Ourika Valley
We will lead you to the peaceful Ourika Valley. Along the way, we will stop in Ouarzazate to visit the impressive Taourirt Kasbah before continuing our scenic drive through the Atlas Mountains.
Overnight in Ourika Valley
Hotel, dinner, and breakfast included.
Day 9: Ourika Valley to Marrakech
We will start the day with a hike in the Ourika Valley, exploring the beautiful Setti Fatma waterfalls, before heading to Marrakech. After arriving in Marrakech, you will have the evening free to explore the city’s bustling souks or relax in our traditional riad.
Overnight in Marrakech
Hotel, dinner, and breakfast included.
Day 10: Marrakech City Sightseeing Tour
After breakfast at the hotel, immerse yourself in the hustle and bustle of Marrakech on a sightseeing city tour. Visit the fascinating Koutoubia Mosque, enjoy the garden atmosphere surrounding it, and see the Bahia Palace and the Saadian Tombs.
Have lunch, then visit the cultural and magical Jemaa el-Fnaa square. Enjoy the transformation throughout the day and hear the flute players while the snakes dance.
Walk through the souks surrounding the square and enjoy a refreshing tea at sundown from a panoramic terrace.
Overnight in Marrakech
Hotel, dinner, and breakfast included.
Day 11: Marrakech to Essaouira
We will make our way to Essaouira, a charming coastal town known for its laid-back atmosphere and stunning ocean views. We will spend the day exploring its fortified medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site, wandering through its narrow streets filled with artisan shops and vibrant markets.
As we stroll along the Atlantic coast, we’ll take in the fresh sea breeze and admire the historic ramparts. To top off the experience, we will indulge in the fresh seafood and other local delicacies that make Essaouira’s culinary scene so special.
Overnight in Essaouira
Hotel, dinner, and breakfast included.
Day 12: Back to Marrakech
We’ll start the day with a relaxing morning in Essaouira, enjoying the coastal atmosphere. Then, we’ll head back to Marrakech for our last evening in the city. This will give us a final chance to explore or just enjoy the sights and sounds of Marrakech before we leave.
Overnight in Marrakech
Hotel, dinner, and breakfast included.
Day 13: Airport departure
We will end our trip with a transfer to Marrakech Airport for your flight home, taking with you wonderful memories of Morocco
What’s Included
- Pick-up and drop-off from your hotel, riad, or airport
- English-speaking guide/driver
- Transport by private vehicle with A/C
- Fuel included
- Sandboarding in the sand dunes
- Camel trekking (including camel ride, sunset, and sunrise over the dunes)
- 1 night in a desert camp
- 11 nights in hotels/riads
- Daily breakfasts and dinners
- Optional: Experienced guided tours in Fes and Marrakech (multilingual)
What’s Not Included
- Drinks
- Lunches
- Entrance to monuments (Optional)
- Gratuities for guides and drivers (Optional)
Important Notes for the 13-Day Tour from Casablanca to Marrakech and Sahara
- This is a private tour tailored to your interests, allowing you to skip or add places along the way. You can also modify the itinerary as needed, and the tour can depart on any date that fits your plans.
- Additional activities such as Erg Chigaga tour, day trips, ATV quads, or extra days can be added upon request.
- You have the flexibility to discuss with the driver if you’d like to skip certain places or extend your time elsewhere.
- You can also take a look at other suggestions: 7-Day Imperial Cities and Northern Morocco Tour from Casablanca, 8-Day Tour of Morocco from Casablanca, and 10-Day Tour to Imperial Cities and Sahara from Casablanca.
- You have the option to travel to and from the camp either on a camel ride or by 4×4 vehicle.
- Bring some warm clothes, as the desert can become quite chilly at night and may be cloudy, making stargazing less likely. We also recommend comfortable shoes, long skirts, long-sleeved shirts, and pants, along with sunglasses, a hat or cap, and sunscreen to protect against the sun and ensure a comfortable camel ride.
- Vegetarian and vegan options are available. Please advise upon booking.
- At the time of booking, you’ll receive a confirmation for your reservation.
- Feel free to contact us if you have any further questions.
13-Day Tour from Casablanca to Marrakech and Sahara Price
The price for our 13-Day Tour from Casablanca to Marrakech and Sahara starts at €2460 per person, €2420 for two people, €2780 for three people, and so on. The more people who join, the lower the price per person. Please note that the final price may vary based on factors such as the number of participants, season, availability, and the specific accommodations selected (see below). For a personalized quote and more details, please contact us.
Accommodation Details
We take pride in providing comfortable and authentic Moroccan accommodations throughout your journey. Below is an overview of the types of lodging you can expect during our 13-Day Tour from Casablanca to Marrakech and Sahara:
| Night | Location | Accommodation |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Night | Casablanca | Kenzi Basma |
| 2nd Night | Chefchaouen | Riad El Palacio & Spa |
| 3rd Night | Fes | Riad Al Makan |
| 4th Night | Fes | Riad Al Makan |
| 5th Night | Erg Chebbi Dunes | Merzouga Dunes Luxury Camps |
| 6th Night | Merzouga Desert | Kasbah Azalay Merzouga |
| 7th Night | Dades Valley | Ksar Sultan Dades |
| 8th Night | Ourika Valley | Kasbah Agounsane |
| 9th Night | Marrakech | Riad Irhalne |
| 10th Night | Marrakech | Riad Irhalne |
| 11th Night | Essaouira | Riad Dar Etto |
| 12th Night | Marrakech | Riad Irhalne |
Note: Please be aware that if the listed accommodations are fully booked or unavailable for any reason, we can arrange similar alternatives to ensure your comfort during your stay.
Safety Information
Your safety is our top priority. We recommend that all travelers stay hydrated and protect themselves from the sun with sunscreen and appropriate clothing. Our experienced guides will provide safety briefings before activities, including camel trekking and hiking. For any emergencies, we will provide you with local emergency contact numbers. Our vehicles are equipped with safety features, and we encourage you to keep your personal belongings secure throughout the tour. Should you have any questions or concerns about safety, feel free to reach out to us.
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