8 Days Discover Morocco Tour From Casablanca To Marrakech Via Desert

After morning meal, enjoy a few more hours visiting Chefchaouen before heading south toward Fes. Along the way, stop to visit the Roman ruins of Volubilis, a UNESCO-protected site that remains incredibly well-preserved. Next, explore Meknes. A smaller version of Fes, Meknes offers a calmer medina where shopkeepers are not as pushy. While Meknes is quite large, the main areas of interest are the Ville Impériale (Imperial City) and the manageable medina. Visit the Bab al-Mansour gate and the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail. Continue eastward to Fes, check into your riad, and enjoy the stunning Moroccan architecture.

Experience the authentic Fes like the locals do. This guided city tour offers you the opportunity to explore the vibrant culture and rich history of Fes with a knowledgeable local guide. Wander through the old medina alleys, filled with intricate mosaics and beautiful palaces, and learn about the city's rich heritage as you visit historic sites such as the Al Quaraouiyine Mosque and the Bou Inania Madrasa. Your guide will share personal stories and local perspectives that bring this authentic city to life, making your tour a truly immersive and unforgettable experience.

Begin your journey south toward Merzouga. Along the way, stop in the cedar forests of the Middle Atlas Mountains, where you can enjoy sightings of the local Barbary macaque monkeys. Continue over the Tizi n'Talremt pass and into the Ziz Valley, known for its hidden oases and clusters of palm trees. Along the road, you will see many fortified houses known as ksars—built to protect precious wares, including gold, salt, and spices.

Continue on to Erfoud, known for its date festival and fossil mining. Then, proceed to Erg Chebbi, an extensive sea of sand dunes covering an area of 13.5 square miles (35 square km). The massive dunes shift and travel depending on the changing wind! Upon reaching Merzouga, switch gears and ride your camel through the dunes to your pre-prepared base camp. Climb a nearby sand dune to watch the sunset before returning to base camp for a tasty dinner and relaxing by the base campfire.

Overnight with dinner

Catch the sunrise before renting a sandboard to test your skills. Leave the dunes and head to Khemliya to experience a traditional Saharan village—its people originally from Mali. Continue west through a dramatic gate into Rissani, a market town that holds a livestock auction and is home to a "donkey parking lot," a site worth hearing and experiencing! Make your way to the desert town of Tinerhir before reaching the 984-foot (300 m) deep Todra Gorge. You'll have time to explore the gorge and relax in the cool waters of the shallow Todra River. Then, continue your journey to another beautiful valley, the Dadès Valley, for an overnight stay in the heart of the valley.

Overnight with dinner

Today, travel through the Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs. Though many kasbahs are now in disrepair, local families still live in some of them. You may even come across nomads herding their animals. Head west to Kela'a M'gouna, known for its Festival des Roses, where you can see extensively cultivated farmland bordered with fragrant rose bushes. Continue west to Ouarzazate, a gateway to the Sahara Desert made popular by the film industry. Join a studio tour to discover how the nearby desert landscapes have been featured in many films. Then, travel to Aït Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site believed to date from the 11th century, during a time when it held an important position along the trans-Saharan trade route between Marrakech, Ouarzazate, and the southern desert. Follow the narrow streets up to the granary for a view of the surrounding landscapes. From there, ascend the High Atlas Mountains and then drive down to the lively city of Marrakech.

Start your day with a guided city tour, exploring the iconic Koutoubia Mosque and its towering minaret. Walk through the colorful and lively souks of the Medina to haggle for souvenirs and gifts. Visit the stunning Bahia Palace, an impressive example of Moroccan architecture and design. Feel the tranquility of the Majorelle Garden, filled with plants and vibrant blue accents. Try delicious Moroccan cuisine at a local restaurant for midday meal. See the beautiful architecture and details of the Saadian Tombs. Experience the lively Djemaa el-Fna square with its street performers, music bands, and food vendors. It's a great opportunity to enjoy the vibrant energy and culture of Marrakech.

It's time to bid farewell to the beautiful country of Morocco. Your trip has come to an end, and it's time for your transfer back to the airport. We hope you enjoyed your time here, exploring the culture, history, and Moroccan cuisine of this fascinating country. A transfer will be arranged with your driver. Have a safe flight back home, with a lot of wonderful memories.