11 Days Desert Tour from Casablanca to Marrakech

Tour Highlights

Detailed Itinerary

1. 1

   Day 1

   Arrival in Casablanca

   Your 11-day Morocco desert tour begins with pickup from Mohammed V International Airport, Casablanca port, your hotel or your preferred meeting point. After a warm welcome, transfer to your hotel in Casablanca. Depending on your arrival time, you may enjoy free time to relax after your journey or take a short first walk in the city. Dinner and overnight stay in Casablanca.

   Airport or city transferFlexible on the road
2. 2

   Day 2

   Casablanca - Rabat - Chefchaouen

   After breakfast, start with a short panoramic visit of Casablanca, including the exterior of the iconic Hassan II Mosque. Continue toward Rabat, Morocco’s capital city, where you may visit the Hassan Tower, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V and the Kasbah of the Oudayas. In the afternoon, drive north through scenic landscapes toward Chefchaouen, the famous Blue City located in the Rif Mountains. Arrive in the evening and settle into your riad or hotel.

   Approx. 340 km5h on the road
3. 3

   Day 3

   Chefchaouen - Volubilis - Meknes - Fes

   After breakfast, enjoy a final walk through Chefchaouen’s peaceful blue streets before departing toward Volubilis, the best-preserved Roman archaeological site in Morocco. Continue to Meknes, one of Morocco’s imperial cities, where you may visit Bab Mansour, the old medina and historical landmarks connected to Sultan Moulay Ismail. Later, travel to Fes, one of the country’s most important cultural and spiritual cities. Overnight stay in Fes.

   Approx. 260 km4h 30min on the road
4. 4

   Day 4

   Guided Cultural Visit of Fes

   Today is dedicated to discovering Fes with a local guide. Explore the UNESCO-listed medina, traditional souks, artisan workshops, historic madrasas, fountains and religious landmarks. Highlights may include Bab Boujloud, the Royal Palace Gate, the Jewish Quarter, Al Quaraouiyine area, Bou Inania Madrasa and the famous Chouara Tanneries. The visit offers a deep introduction to Morocco’s heritage, craftsmanship and old city life. Overnight stay in Fes.

   Minimal city drivingFlexible on the road
5. 5

   Day 5

   Fes - Ifrane - Azrou - Cedar Forest - Midelt - Erfoud - Merzouga

   After breakfast, leave Fes and travel through the Middle Atlas Mountains. Stop in Ifrane, known for its alpine-style architecture, then continue to Azrou and the Cedar Forest, where Barbary macaques can often be seen. Travel through mountain landscapes and Berber villages before reaching Midelt for a break. Continue through the Ziz Valley, famous for its palm groves and panoramic viewpoints, then pass Erfoud before arriving in Merzouga near the Erg Chebbi dunes. Dinner and overnight stay near the Sahara.

   Approx. 470 km7h 30min on the road
6. 6

   Day 6

   Erfoud - Merzouga - Khamlia - Erg Chebbi

   Spend the day exploring the Merzouga desert region. Visit Khamlia village, known for Gnawa music and its cultural roots, and discover local desert traditions. You may also visit nomad families, fossil areas, desert viewpoints or the palm oasis depending on the rhythm of the day. In the afternoon, prepare for a camel ride through the golden Erg Chebbi dunes at sunset. Arrive at your desert camp, enjoy dinner, Berber music and a peaceful night under the stars.

   Approx. 80 kmDesert discovery on the road
7. 7

   Day 7

   Merzouga - Erfoud - Todra Gorges - Dades Valley

   Wake up early to admire the sunrise over the Sahara dunes before breakfast. After leaving the desert, travel through Erfoud and continue toward the impressive Todra Gorges, one of Morocco’s most dramatic natural canyons. Enjoy time to walk between the high rock walls and take photos. Continue through palm groves, Berber villages and desert landscapes toward the Dades Valley, famous for its rock formations and scenic viewpoints. Dinner and overnight stay in Dades Valley.

   Approx. 280 km4h 30min on the road
8. 8

   Day 8

   Dades Valley - Ouarzazate - Ait Ben Haddou - Marrakech

   After breakfast, travel through the Rose Valley and Skoura palm groves before reaching Ouarzazate, often called the gateway to the desert. Continue to Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its earthen architecture and cinematic history. After exploring the fortified village, cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n'Tichka Pass, enjoying panoramic stops along the way. Arrive in Marrakech in the evening and check in to your riad or hotel.

   Approx. 320 km5h 30min on the road
9. 9

   Day 9

   Marrakech Guided City Tour

   After breakfast, discover Marrakech with a local guide. Visit the city’s most famous landmarks, such as Bahia Palace, the Saadian Tombs, the Koutoubia Mosque exterior and the lively old medina. Walk through colorful souks filled with spices, lanterns, carpets, leather goods and artisan workshops. You may also visit Jardin Majorelle depending on your interests. In the evening, enjoy the atmosphere of Jemaa el-Fna square. Overnight stay in Marrakech.

   Minimal city drivingFlexible on the road
10. 10

    Day 10

    Day Trip from Marrakech to Essaouira

    Today, enjoy a day trip from Marrakech to Essaouira, a relaxed Atlantic coastal town known for its white-and-blue medina, ocean breeze, fishing port and artistic atmosphere. On the way, travel through the argan tree region and stop for photos or a visit to an argan oil cooperative. Upon arrival, explore Essaouira’s medina, ramparts, artisan shops, harbor and beach. Enjoy fresh seafood or local specialties before returning to Marrakech in the evening.

    Approx. 370 km5h on the road
11. 11

    Day 11

    Marrakech - Casablanca

    After breakfast, transfer from Marrakech back to Casablanca. Depending on your flight schedule, your driver will drop you off at Mohammed V International Airport, your hotel, the port or another preferred location. This marks the end of your 11-day Morocco desert tour from Casablanca through Chefchaouen, Fes, the Sahara Desert, Marrakech and Essaouira.

    Approx. 240 km3h on the road

What's Included & Excluded