8-Day Morocco Desert Tour from Casablanca
- Start: Casablanca
- End: Marrakech or Casablanca
- Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights
- Type: Private Tour – Customizable
Day 1: Casablanca – Rabat – Chefchaouen
Driving time: ~5.5 to 6 hours
Pick-up from your hotel or the airport in Casablanca. Start the journey with a visit to the spectacular Hassan II Mosque, standing over the ocean. Afterward, we drive to Rabat, the capital of Morocco, for a short visit to the Kasbah of the Udayas, Royal Palace, and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V.
We then continue north through the mountains to reach Chefchaouen, the peaceful blue-painted town in the Rif Mountains.
Overnight in Chefchaouen – Riad in the Medina
Day 2: Chefchaouen – Volubilis – Meknes – Fes
Driving time: ~4.5 to 5 hours
Free morning to explore Chefchaouen’s blue alleyways, quiet squares, and local markets. Later, we drive to the Roman ruins of Volubilis for a self-guided walk through the ancient columns and mosaics.
Short stop in Meknes, one of Morocco’s imperial cities. Then we head to Fes, arriving in the evening.
Overnight in Fes – Traditional Riad
Day 3: Fes – Full Day Guided Tour
No long driving
Today, your local guide will take you deep into the UNESCO-listed old medina of Fes. Visit the tanneries, Bou Inania Madrasa, artisan workshops, spice souks, and the oldest university in the world, Al-Qarawiyyin.
Optional sunset view over the medina from a panoramic hill.
Overnight in Fes – Same Riad
Day 4: Fes – Ifrane – Midelt – Ziz Valley – Merzouga Desert
Driving time: ~7.5 to 8 hours
We head south across the Middle Atlas Mountains, stopping at Ifrane (nicknamed the “Switzerland of Morocco”) and the cedar forest near Azrou to see wild monkeys.
After lunch in Midelt, continue through the palm-filled Ziz Valley. By late afternoon, we reach the edge of the desert in Merzouga. You’ll ride camels into the dunes and enjoy a magical night at a desert camp.
Overnight in Desert Camp – Dinner & music included
Day 5: Merzouga – Rissani – Todra Gorges – Dades Valley
Driving time: ~5 hours
After sunrise and breakfast in the dunes, return by camel or 4×4. Then visit the traditional market of Rissani, and drive toward the beautiful Todra Gorges, where you can walk between the 300m-high canyon walls.
Continue to the Dades Valley, passing Berber villages and kasbahs along the way.
Overnight in Dades Valley – Hotel or Guesthouse
Day 6: Dades Valley – Roses Valley – Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – Marrakech
Driving time: ~6.5 to 7 hours
We follow the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs, with a stop at Kalaat M’Gouna (famous for rose products). Next is Ouarzazate, home to Atlas film studios.
Then explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Ben Haddou, a clay fortress that appeared in many films like Gladiator and Game of Thrones. Cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka pass and arrive in Marrakech by evening.
Overnight in Marrakech – Riad in the Medina
Day 7: Marrakech – Guided Tour
No long driving
Discover Marrakech with a local guide: visit the Bahia Palace, Koutoubia Mosque, Majorelle Garden (optional), souks, and Jamaa el Fna Square. You’ll have free time in the afternoon for shopping or relaxing at a rooftop café.
Overnight in Marrakech – Same Riad
Day 8: Marrakech – Transfer (or to Casablanca)
Optional return to Casablanca (~2.5–3 hrs) or drop-off at Marrakech airport, depending on your travel plan.
End of tour.