Itinerary of Casablanca Desert Tour 12 Days:
Casablanca Desert Tour 12 Days tour will take you on a journey through Morocco’s most iconic cities and destinations, starting at the modern and fast-paced Casablanca, to the world-famous colorful Marrakech city. Your itinerary will include some must-see locations such as Chefchaouen the “Blue town”, the imperial city of Fez, the Middle Atlas Mountains, the Erg Chebbi desert, and the Todra gorges, and finally the historical Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou.
Highlights:
Some highlights of this tour include, but are not limited to:
- Taking photographs at the picture-perfect Chefchaouen.
- Spending one or multiple nights at a genuine traditional Riad.
- Discovering the Old Medinas of imperial cities (Fez and Marrakech).
- Journeying/hiking through the Atlas Mountains (the Middle Atlas and High Atlas).
- Camel trekking through the desert from the town of Merzouga.
- Spending the night in traditional tents at a desert camp.
- Exploring the filming sites at the Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou.
- Enjoy the lively Jamaa El Fna square in Marrakech.
Day 1:
Upon your arrival at Casablanca airport, our professional driver will pick you up and drive you to your hotel. There, you can get some rest before we start our Casablanca Desert tour.
Day 2: Casablanca – Rabat
On the next day of the Casablanca desert tour, you will have breakfast at the hotel, before getting ready for a tour of the city. This will include the Hassan II, one of the largest mosques in the world, which is considered a masterpiece of Moroccan craftsmanship. After walking alongside the Corniche on the coast, we will start heading towards Rabat city. Here we will visit some iconic monuments such as The Hassan Tower and the Oudaya Kasbah. Finally, you have dinner and spend the night at a traditional Riad in the Old Medina.
Day 3: Rabat – Chefchaouen City Tour
After having breakfast, we will leave Rabat city behind and start heading north towards the famous Chefchaouen town. We will get there by lunchtime, which we will have before starting our exploration of this charming “blue Town”. It has received this name for having the majority of its buildings painted in vibrant blue color. You will notice some traces of Spanish influence left in the city since it was occupied by Spain in the past. After spending enough time exploring the town and meeting its people, we will finally head to the Riad where you will be having dinner and spending the night. Casablanca Desert Tour 12 Days
Day 4: Chefchaouen – Volubilis – Meknes – Fes
After spending some time enjoying the charming blue town of Chefchaouen, we will start heading towards the spiritual capital of Morocco: Fez city. On our way there, we will stop to visit the town of Volubilis and enjoy the view of the roman ruins preserved there. After that, we will continue driving towards Meknes city where we will have lunch and visit some of its historical landmarks. Finally, we will get to Fez city where we will have dinner and spend the night at a local Riad.
Day 5: Exploring Fes
Today on our Casablanca Desert tour, you will get to enjoy the wonders of Fez city, Morocco’s spiritual capital. We will first visit the iconic gates of the royal palace known for their intricate work of Modern craftsmanship. After that we will get a tour of Morocco’s first established Jewish quarter “El Mellah” (during the 16th century), then another tour of the fascinating Old Medina. While exploring the streets and pathways of the old Medina, you will discover its most important historical monuments such as Al Quaraouine University (the oldest in the world), the Chouara leather tanneries and more. We will wrap up the morning with a visit to the Mausoleum of Moulay Idriss and the Attarine museum. Casablanca Desert Tour 12 Days
After lunch, we will make a visit to one of the local cooperatives specialized in traditional tiles. Finally, you will get the chance to admire the entire city from a beautiful panoramic spot which we will head to, before returning to our Riad.
Day 6: Fes – Ifrane – Azrou – Midelt – Arfoud – Merzouga
Today we will leave Fez and begin an exciting journey towards the Sahara desert, starting at the town of Ifrane. Ifrane is known for being a winter snow resort, referred to a lot as the “Switzerland of Morocco”. We will continue driving through the Azrou cedar forests in the mountains, where we can stop to hopefully sight some wild Macaque monkeys. After spending some time there, we will continue our road trip, which will take us to the city of Midelt.
Next, we will be crossing the Tizin Tlghamt mountain pass, before driving through the magnificent Ziz gorges. After taking in all the green scenery of the High Atlas plateau, the landscape will start shifting towards more of a desert atmosphere, and that’s how you’ll know we’re approaching Errachidia city. After passing by the desert towns of Erfoud and Rissani, we will finally arrive at Merzouga town. At Merzouga, you will receive a warm desert-style welcome before spending the night at a Riad.
Day 7: Merzouga area and the Camel trek
This day of the Casablanca Desert tour will be dedicated to exploring the Moroccan desert and the surroundings of Merzouga town, starting with the village of Khamlia. Khamlia is a small village inhabited by people originating from sub-Saharan countries, who are known for their unique Gnaoua music that you will get to enjoy today. Following that, we will drive to the nearby Serji Lake which attracts a variety of seasonal exotic bird species. During our trip you will also get to meet nomad Berbers living in the middle of the desert; and from them you can purchase many genuine Berber handicraft products.
Finally, we will get to one of the most exciting parts of this trip, which camel trekking through the dunes of Erg Chebbi. You will get to mount a camel and ride it through the majestic desert dunes during the sunset, before arriving at the desert camp where you will spend the night. At the camp, you will have dinner accompanied by a fun time with Berber music and dance.
Day 8: Merzouga – Todra Gorges – Dades Valley – Ouarzazate
This morning, you will wake up to watch the early morning sun deposit its first rays on the desert dunes. After this, we will again ride the camels back to Merzouga, on a scenic trip through the Erg Chebbi dunes. We will have breakfast at a traditional Riad in the town, then we will leave the desert to Ouarzazate city. On our way there, we will first stop at the gorgeous Todra gorges, which are Morocco’s tallest and narrowest gorges. We will have lunch and explore the beauty of the location before finally continuing to the Dades valley.
You will get to enjoy the rocky landscape and the scattered sandcastles surrounding the valley, after which we will begin journeying through the Road of The Thousand Kasbahs. This exciting road gets its name from all of the abandoned Kasbahs and sandcastles all over, which means we will get plenty of photo opportunities. After that, we will be driving through the beautiful Valley of Roses (we can stop at the city of Kalaat Mgouna) to then finally reach the cinematic Ouarzazate city. Casablanca Desert Tour 12 Days
Day 9: Ouarzazate – High Atlas – Marrakech
On the next day of the Casablanca Desert tour, we will get to the nearby world-famous Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah. This is perhaps the most important historical Kasbah in Morocco. It was built under the order of Pacha Glaoui, who was an important ruler of the region back during the early 20th century. Today, the Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou is a UNESCO world heritage site, and is used as the backdrop of many international historical movies. Finally, we will head to Marrakech city through the High Atlas Mountains, enjoying their green scenery and mountainous landscape.
Day 10: Exploring Marrakech
After you will wake up in your traditional Marrakech Riad, get ready for an eventful day of exploring the red city. Alongside an experienced tour guide, you will discover Marrakech’s most important and impressive landmarks such as the Bahia Palace, the Saadian tombs, the Koutoubia Mosque and more. Nearing lunchtime, we will head to the Old Medina district to enjoy its colors and liveliness, before deciding on a spot in the square of Jamaa El Fna to have lunch. After that, you will be free to explore the city on your own and enjoy whatever activity you prefer.
Day 11: Relaxing in Marrakech
Since Marrakech never ceases to impress its visitors with more and more attractions, we will be spending a second day exploring the more modern part of the city. You can visit some contemporary locations such as the Majorelle Gardens or the Yves Saint Laurent museum. For the afternoon, you will be free to do whatever activities you desire, although we strongly recommend a trip to a traditional Moroccan Hammam and Spa. Finally, you will have dinner and spend the night at the same Riad as the night before. Casablanca Desert Tour 12 Days
Day 12: Marrakech – Airport Transfer
For the last day of your Casablanca desert tour. You will be free to just relax or do whatever you want. Before we transfer you to the Menara airport to catch your flight.
THE TOUR PRICE: Depends on your budget, we manage reliable accommodations. Feel free for any booking category.
What’s Included:
- Pick up and drop off at Marrakech airport
- 12 days of private and exclusive services of the vehicle with AC
- 12 days of services of an English speaking driver/guide
- Local guide in Fes and Marrakech
- 10 nights en-suite accommodation
- 1 night under a nomadic tent
- Camel ride to the desert camp
- Sand-boarding in the dunes
- 4 dinners
- 11 breakfasts
What’s Not Included:
- Drinks
- Lunches
- Dinners( Marrakech, Rabat & Fez)
- Entrance/Activity Fees and tips
Nb: For more information on the first-class tours and services we offer, please get in touch. We’ll be happy to talk with you and ensure. We meet all your holiday and travel needs for your Moroccan experience. And look forward to welcoming you to our beautiful country.