Experience the flavors of Morocco on a one-week Desert Tour from Casablanca, immersing yourself in the country’s rich history and culture. From paying homage to Casablanca’s legendary classics to the mystical Marrakech, every step of this journey will leave a lasting impression.
Beginning in the bustling city of Casablanca, we’ll venture through Chefchaouen’s blue-washed medina and explore the Roman ruins of Volubilis before arriving in Fes, known as the Athens of Africa. Then, prepare to be enchanted by Morocco’s legendary Sahara desert, where you’ll ride a camel through the Merzouga sand dunes, sleep under the stars in a desert camp, and marvel at lush green oases and canyons.
Finally, your journey culminates in the mystical city of Marrakech, where you’ll be swept away by the vibrant markets, intricate architecture, and lively atmosphere. With every taste and sight, you’ll fall deeper in love with the beauty of Morocco.
Upon arrival at Casablanca airport or your hotel, you’ll be greeted by your knowledgeable driver/guide who will take you on a remarkable journey through Morocco. Our first stop is the magnificent Hassan II Mosque, an architectural marvel that is the second-largest mosque in the world, accommodating over 100,000 worshippers within its interior and terrace. This mosque is also one of the few that welcomes non-Muslim visitors for a scheduled and guided tour.
Following our visit to the mosque, we’ll continue our journey to the enchanting Blue City of Chefchaouen, passing through charming villages and towns along the way. Upon arrival, you’ll check into your comfortable and cozy Riad in Chefchaouen, where you’ll enjoy a delicious dinner and a good night’s sleep.
Start your day off right with a delicious breakfast at your Riad in Chefchaouen before embarking on a leisurely stroll through the charming town. Marvel at the beauty of the blue and white houses lining the narrow streets, creating a stunning picture at every turn.
In the afternoon, we’ll depart for the ancient Roman archaeological site of Volubilis, where you’ll have a guided tour to immerse yourself in the rich history of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
After exploring Volubilis, we’ll head to the cultural capital of Morocco, Fes. Once we arrive, we’ll indulge in a delectable Moroccan dinner at an authentic Riad situated in the heart of the bustling Fes Medina. After dinner, you’ll retreat to your comfortable Riad to spend the night.
After a fulfilling breakfast, you’ll meet with your local guide to explore the spiritual capital of Morocco, Fes. Known for its rich cultural and religious heritage, Fes is one of the oldest cities in the kingdom and is often referred to as the “Athens of Africa” due to its abundance of educational institutions.
Our tour begins with a visit to the Royal Palace’s grand esplanade, where you’ll marvel at the luxurious architecture. Next, we’ll make our way to the 16th century Borj Sud, where you’ll enjoy a breathtaking view of the walled city. We’ll then delve deep into the UNESCO World Heritage Medina, strolling through narrow streets, charming bazaars, and ancient madrassas (old Koranic colleges), and hillside shrines. Don’t miss the bustling Nejjarine Square and the opportunity to discover Moroccan art at the Dar Batha Museum.
Fes is a city that captures your heart with its abundant places to see, and our guided tour will make sure you don’t miss any of the highlights. After finishing the city tour, you’ll have the evening to yourself to enjoy dinner at one of the many Moroccan restaurants. If you need assistance with reservations, please let us know. You’ll spend the night at your comfortable riad or hotel to rest up for tomorrow’s adventures.
After a satisfying breakfast, we’ll begin our journey by driving across the fertile Saiss plains to the Berber towns of Ifran and Azrou. Both towns are nestled in the Middle Atlas Mountains and are renowned ski resorts and winter/spring holiday destinations for locals.
As we continue our drive through the cedar forest, keep an eye out for Barbary Monkeys roaming around. We’ll stop for lunch at leisure in the Berber town of Midelt before continuing through Ziz Valley. The drive will take us past some of the most breathtaking date palm tree oases in Morocco, until we reach Errachidia, one of the major Moroccan cities in the Sahara desert. We’ll make a quick stop there before heading to Rissani, the birthplace of the dynasty that has ruled Morocco to this day and considered one of the holiest towns in the country.
After a brief stop in Rissani, we’ll continue on to Merzouga, where you’ll meet your camel caravan. Enjoy a leisurely ride on the back of your camel over Erg Chebbi dunes, watching the sun turn different shades of orange before sunset. Your camel caravan will lead you to your Sahara desert camp, where you’ll settle into your private tent and enjoy a delicious Moroccan dinner under the glittering stars while listening to the echoes of local nomadic drum music.
After a good night’s sleep and breakfast, you will start your day with a visit to the Monkey Fingers, a geological rock formation in the Dades Valley that resembles human fingers. You can also take a walk along the Dades Gorges, which offer breathtaking views of the valley and its surroundings. Next, you will continue to Ouarzazate, also known as the “Hollywood of Africa,” due to its film studios and numerous movies filmed in the area, such as Gladiator and Lawrence of Arabia. You will visit the Taourirt Kasbah, a well-preserved fortress that used to be the residence of the Glaoui tribe, who were the former rulers of the area. After lunch, continue to Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an ancient fortified city, which has been used as a backdrop for many famous movies such as Game of Thrones, The Mummy, and Prince of Persia. Your local guide will take you through the winding alleys of the kasbah and tell you about its fascinating history. After exploring Ait Ben Haddou, you will drive back to Marrakech, where you will spend the night at your riad or hotel. In the evening, you can experience the vibrant nightlife of Marrakech and dine at one of its famous restaurants.
On the last day of the tour, you will enjoy breakfast before departing on a scenic drive along the road of 1001 Kasbahs and the Valley of the Roses. If your tour coincides with the spring season, you will have the opportunity to witness local ladies’ artisanal rose water distilling workshops. You will also visit the famous oasis of Skoura and walk to the Kasbah of Amridil, one of the most well-preserved Kasbahs in Morocco, to learn about the Kasbah’s architecture, the Sahara desert lifestyle, irrigation techniques, and costumes.
Next, we will travel to Ouarzazate for lunch before visiting the UNESCO world heritage fortified village of Casbah Ait Ben Hadou. This village is renowned for being used as a set for various Hollywood blockbusters, fashion magazines, photo shoots, and world-known brand commercials. Finally, we will embark on a drive back to Marrakech through the High Atlas Mountains and Tizi N’tichka pass. You will arrive in Marrakech late in the afternoon, and your Morocco desert tour from Casablanca to Marrakech will conclude with a drop-off at your hotel, riad, or any other desired location.
