Explore Morocco on a 12-day private cultural journey from Casablanca to the Sahara Desert. Discover the imperial cities, the blue streets of Chefchaouen, the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis, the historic medina of Fez, and the spectacular dunes of Merzouga. Continue through the Todra Gorges, Dades Valley, Ouarzazate and Ait Ben Haddou before reaching Marrakech and the Atlantic coast of Essaouira. This private Morocco desert tour also includes a camel ride and an overnight stay in a traditional desert camp.
DAY 1: Casablanca Airport – Casablanca
We will pick you up at Casablanca Airport and begin your Moroccan adventure. After meeting your driver, we will head into the city to visit the impressive Hassan II Mosque, one of the most famous landmarks in Casablanca and one of the largest mosques in Africa.
After the visit, we will continue to your Riad or hotel, where you can relax after your flight and prepare for the journey ahead.
Accommodation: Riad / hotel in Casablanca.
DAY 2: Casablanca – Rabat – Chefchaouen
After breakfast, we will leave Casablanca and drive towards Chefchaouen, with a stop in Rabat, the capital of Morocco. During the visit, you will discover some of the city’s most important landmarks, including the historic Hassan Tower and the beautiful Kasbah of the Oudayas.
After exploring Rabat, we will continue north towards the Rif Mountains. The landscape gradually changes as we approach Chefchaouen. Finally, we will arrive in the famous blue city, known for its whitewashed buildings, blue doors and peaceful mountain setting.
Accommodation: Riad / hotel in Chefchaouen.
DAY 3: Exploring Chefchaouen
After breakfast at your Riad or hotel, you will spend the day exploring Chefchaouen, one of the most charming towns in northern Morocco. The city is famous for its blue-painted streets, whitewashed houses and beautiful doors and windows.
During the walking tour, you will discover the old medina, traditional architecture, small squares and local shops. You will also have time to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of this mountain town and discover its unique cultural heritage.
Later, you can enjoy some free time to explore the medina at your own pace before returning to your accommodation.
Accommodation: Riad / hotel in Chefchaouen.
DAY 4: Chefchaouen – Volubilis – Meknes – Fez
After breakfast, we will leave Chefchaouen and continue towards Fez, passing through Ouazzane. Our first major stop will be Volubilis, one of Morocco’s most important archaeological sites and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Here, we will take a guided tour of the ancient Roman ruins. You will discover the remains of temples, columns, mosaics and ancient streets while learning about the history of the Roman Empire in North Africa.
Afterwards, we will continue to Meknes, one of Morocco’s imperial cities. We will visit the impressive Bab Mansour Gate and the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail before continuing towards Fez.
We will arrive in Fez in the afternoon and check into your Riad or hotel.
Accommodation: Riad / hotel in Fez.
DAY 5: Exploring Fez
After breakfast, you will begin exploring Fez, one of the four imperial cities of Morocco and an important historical and cultural centre of the country.
During the guided tour, you will discover the medieval Fez Medina, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will walk through its narrow streets and explore its traditional neighbourhoods, historic monuments and lively souks.
The tour will include the Al Quaraouiyine Mosque and University, the Nejjarine Fountain, the decorated Bab Boujloud Gate, the medieval tanneries and the area around the Royal Palace.
Afterwards, we will continue through the traditional souks, where you can discover Moroccan handicrafts, spices, leather products and other local goods.
Accommodation: Riad / hotel in Fez.
DAY 6: Fez – Ifrane – Azrou – Midelt – Ziz Valley – Merzouga
After breakfast, we will leave Fez and begin our journey towards Merzouga and the Sahara Desert. Along the way, we will make several interesting stops through the landscapes of the Middle Atlas Mountains.
Our first stop will be Ifrane, known for its European-style architecture and mountain atmosphere. We will then continue towards Azrou, where we can stop in the famous cedar forest and look for the Barbary macaques living in the area.
Afterwards, we will continue towards Midelt, where we will have time for lunch. The journey then continues through the spectacular Ziz Valley, with its palm groves, mountains and traditional villages.
As we travel further south, the landscape gradually becomes more arid. We will pass through Berber villages before reaching Erfoud, often considered one of the gateways to the Sahara.
Finally, we will continue towards the impressive Erg Chebbi dunes and arrive in Merzouga.
Accommodation: Kasbah / hotel in Merzouga.
DAY 7: Exploring the Sahara Desert around Merzouga
After breakfast, we will begin a full day exploring the fascinating landscapes and cultural heritage of the Sahara Desert.
First, we will visit Khamlia, a small village famous for its Gnawa music. Here, you will have the opportunity to experience traditional music and learn more about the cultural heritage of the local community.
Afterwards, we will continue towards the desert landscape and the surrounding fossil areas. We will also visit a Berber nomadic family, where you can share a traditional tea and learn about their way of life in the Sahara.
Later, we will return towards the Erg Chebbi dunes. In the afternoon, you will begin your camel ride across the desert. The journey will take you through the golden sand dunes as the sun begins to set.
Finally, you will arrive at the traditional desert camp, where you can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the Sahara.
Accommodation: Berber desert camp, including dinner and breakfast.
DAY 8: Merzouga – Rissani – Todra Gorges – Dades Valley
We will wake up early to enjoy the beautiful sunrise over the Erg Chebbi dunes. After breakfast at the camp, you will have time to shower before preparing for the camel ride back to Merzouga.
Once we arrive in Merzouga, we will continue our journey towards Rissani, an important traditional market town in the region. We will explore its famous souk and discover the local atmosphere before continuing towards the Todra Valley.
Our next destination will be the spectacular Todra Gorges, famous for their enormous rocky cliffs and impressive landscapes. We will have time to walk through the gorge and enjoy lunch in the area.
After the visit, we will continue towards the Dades Valley, arriving later in the afternoon or evening.
Accommodation: Riad / hotel in the Dades Valley.
DAY 9: Dades Valley – Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – High Atlas – Marrakech
After breakfast, we will leave the Dades Valley and continue towards Marrakech. Along the way, we will pass through the beautiful Valley of the Roses, known for its rose fields and traditional villages.
We will then continue to Ouarzazate, often called the gateway to the desert and famous for its connection with the film industry. Depending on the schedule, we will visit the Atlas Film Studios before continuing our journey.
Afterwards, we will head towards Ait Ben Haddou, one of the most famous Kasbahs in Morocco and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will explore this historic fortified village and have time for lunch in the area.
In the afternoon, we will continue across the High Atlas Mountains, following the spectacular road through the Tizi N’Tichka Pass.
Finally, we will descend towards Marrakech and arrive in the Red City in the evening.
Accommodation: Riad / hotel in Marrakech.
DAY 10: Exploring Marrakech
After breakfast, you will meet your local guide at the Riad and begin exploring the fascinating city of Marrakech.
During the guided tour, you will discover some of the city’s most famous landmarks, including the Koutoubia Mosque, the Bahia Palace, the Saadian Tombs and the historic medina.
We will also explore the lively Jemaa el-Fna Square, one of the most famous places in Marrakech. From here, you can enter the traditional souks and discover local handicrafts, spices, textiles and Moroccan products.
The tour will give you time to experience the history, architecture and atmosphere of Marrakech before returning to your Riad.
Accommodation: Riad / hotel in Marrakech.
DAY 11: Marrakech – Essaouira
After breakfast, we will leave Marrakech and travel towards the Atlantic coast to Essaouira, a charming coastal town located approximately three hours from Marrakech.
During the journey, we will have the opportunity to see the famous goats climbing argan trees, a unique sight associated with this region. We will also stop at a local Berber women’s cooperative, where you can learn about the traditional production of argan oil.
After the visit, we will continue towards Essaouira. Upon arrival, we will have lunch at a restaurant near the Atlantic Ocean.
In the afternoon, you will have free time to explore the charming town at your own pace. You can walk through the historic medina, visit the port, explore the old city walls or simply enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of this Atlantic coastal town.
Accommodation: Riad / hotel in Essaouira.
DAY 12: Essaouira – Casablanca Airport
After breakfast, we will begin the final journey of your 12-day Morocco cultural and desert tour.
We will leave Essaouira and drive directly towards Casablanca Airport, allowing enough time for your departure according to your flight schedule.
Once we arrive at the airport, our driver will drop you off and assist you with your final transfer.
This marks the end of our Morocco Cultural Trip from Casablanca to the Sahara Desert, after an unforgettable journey through the imperial cities, Rif and Atlas Mountains, traditional villages, ancient Kasbahs, Sahara dunes and the Atlantic coast.
End of our services.
Tour Includes
- Private tour: The journey is private, with no other travelers joining your group.
- Flexible stops: You can stop along the way to enjoy viewpoints, villages and landscapes.
- Airport and hotel transfers: Pick-up from the airport, hotel, Riad or another agreed location.
- Private transportation: Comfortable 4×4 vehicle or minibus with air conditioning.
- Experienced English-speaking driver/guide.
- Fuel and transportation expenses.
- Accommodation: Overnight stays in traditional Moroccan hotels and Riads.
- Sahara camel ride: Camel trekking through the Erg Chebbi dunes.
- Desert camp: Overnight stay in a traditional Berber desert camp.
- Desert camp meals: Dinner and breakfast included.
- Local guides: Guided visits in Marrakech, Fez and Meknes.
Not Included
- International or domestic flights.
- Lunches during the tour.
- Drinks and personal beverages.
- Entrance fees to monuments and attractions.
- Personal expenses and tips.
Price
The price depends on the travel season and the number of travelers.