13 days - 12 nights: Casablanca - Desert - Essaouira - Casablanca

13-Days / 12-Nighst Tour: Casablanca – Desert – Essaouira – Casablanca

Overview:

A 13-day, 12-night tour of Morocco starting and ending in Casablanca. This itinerary combines the Imperial Cities, the unique experience of the Sahara Desert, and the coastal charm of Essaouira.
Along the way, you will discover historic medinas, kasbahs, oases, and spectacular landscapes, eventually reaching the Merzouga Desert, where you will experience magical nights amidst the dunes and Berber camps. The journey continues to Essaouira, renowned for its bohemian atmosphere, its Atlantic-side medina, and its charming beaches.
A perfect route to explore the diversity of Morocco, combining culture, adventure, desert, coast, and authentic traditions in an unforgettable journey.

Itinerary

Casablanca – Rabat – Chefchaouen – Volubilis – Fez – Merzouga – Nomads – Tinghir – Sahara Desert – Todra and Dades Gorges – Ouarzazate – Ait Benhaddou – Marrakech

Day 1

CASABLANCA – RABAT

Upon your arrival at Casablanca airport, our team will meet and accompany you as we begin our journey in Morocco's economic capital, Casablanca—the country's largest and most densely populated city, known for its rapid growth. Must-see attractions here include the Hassan II Mosque, Rick’s Café, and the Corniche (Ain Diab). Afterward, we will drive toward Fez, stopping along the way in Rabat—the country's official capital and one of Morocco's four Imperial Cities. While primarily a bustling administrative hub, Rabat is home to significant historical sites worth exploring, such as the Hassan Tower, the Mausoleum, and the Kasbah of the Udayas. Overnight stay at a Riad (bed and breakfast included).

Day 2

RABAT – MEKNES – VOLUBILIS – FEZ

After breakfast at the hotel, we will travel to Fez via Meknes—the least known of the imperial cities—stopping at Volubilis along the way. In Meknes, Morocco's Ismaili capital, you will see the fascinating Bab Mansour gate (built by Sultan Moulay Ismail), the granary, and the Sahrij Souani, a reservoir used for irrigation and agriculture. Volubilis is home to some of the best-preserved Roman ruins, dating back to 225 BC; there, you can view mosaics that remain in excellent condition. Afterward, we will continue our journey to Fez, passing through the countryside and the foothills of the Rif Mountains. Accommodation and breakfast included.

Days 3 and 4

 EXPLORING FES – GUIDED TOUR – MONUMENTS AND MEDINA

After breakfast at your riad, we will begin a guided tour of Morocco's cultural capital, Fez, exploring its alleys and narrow streets. Our cultural tour will take in the Royal Palace, the Jewish Quarter—home to the first *Mellah* built in Morocco—and other key landmarks. We will ensure you visit all sites of cultural and historical interest, including the famous Al Qaraouine University—the oldest in the region and the world, notably founded by a woman—as well as museums and tanneries. After lunch, you will visit a pottery workshop and enjoy a panoramic view of the entire Fez Medina. In the afternoon, we will visit the "New Medina" (the more modern area) for refreshments. Overnight stay at a riad, with breakfast included.

Day 5

FEZ – IFRAN – AZROU – ERRACHIDIA – MERZOUGA

After breakfast at your riad, we will depart from Fez, traveling to Ifrane—known as the "Little Switzerland of Morocco"—and then to Merzouga via Azrou and the Ziz Valley. During this journey, you will experience the beauty of the Middle and High Atlas Mountains. We will stop in Azrou, a Berber town nestled within Morocco's largest cedar forest, where you can see and interact with Barbary macaques. You will gradually notice the landscape shifting to reveal the proximity of the desert as we approach the city of Errachidia. The journey continues to Merzouga via the Tizi Ntalghamt Pass and along the lush Ziz Valley, with stops to enjoy panoramic views along the way. We will arrive in Merzouga in the late afternoon and welcome you with a glass of mint tea. Dinner, overnight stay, and breakfast are included.

Day 6

MERZOUGA – CAMEL RIDE

After breakfast at the riad, we will begin our initial exploration of the area. You will visit the Gnawa village—home to the descendants of people originally brought from Sudan as slaves—to experience their music and way of life. Nearby lies Lake Merzouga, a small wetland that serves as a stopover for migratory birds and a habitat for diverse avian populations. You can also visit a local nomad cooperative, where Berber handicrafts are often more affordable than in the big cities. In the afternoon, you will ride a camel, guided by an experienced handler, to explore the sea of ​​sand at Merzouga. Enjoy a magnificent sunset over the golden dunes and spend the night at our luxury desert camp—nestled among secluded dunes far from any villages—for a truly unique and unforgettable desert experience amidst stunning orange sands. Your stay at the luxury camp includes dinner, accommodation, and breakfast. After dinner, we will enjoy a drumming party around a crackling campfire.

Day 7

MERZOUGA – TODRA GORGES – DADES GORGES

If you wish, we will wake you up early in the morning to witness what may well be one of the best sunrises of your lives—an early start you certainly won't regret. Afterward, you will enjoy a leisurely camel ride back to the village of Merzouga. Along the way, you can admire the unique beauty of the spectacular Erg Chebbi sand dunes, which shift in appearance as the light changes throughout the day. Following breakfast at the riad, we will set off for Rissani, Tinghir, and the Todra Gorges—the highest and narrowest gorges in Morocco. After lunch in the heart of the gorge, we will drive through the Dades Valley, where you will see majestic "sandcastles" and incredible rock formations known as "monkey fingers," continuing through the valley toward Kalaa M’gouna and Marrakech. We will stay in the Dades Valley itself, where we will spend the night; dinner and breakfast are included.

Day 8

DADES VALLEY – OUARZAZATE – AIT BEN HADDOU – MARRAKECH

After breakfast, we resume our journey toward the "Road of a Thousand Kasbahs," offering numerous opportunities to capture some of the trip's best photos. We will stop in Kalaa Mgouna—"the City of Roses"—to discover the country's finest rose water, which is also among the best and most award-winning in the world; among its many virtues, it leaves clothes smelling wonderful long after your trip has ended. Next, we visit the well-preserved 17th-century Kasbah of Amredil—a major symbol of the region—before continuing through Skoura and the Valley of the Birds. After a walk through the valley, we will stop for lunch at a restaurant overlooking the entire area. Upon arriving in Ouarzazate—"the Hollywood of Africa," a place whose geography and stunning landscapes have attracted world-class filmmakers—we can choose to visit the film studios. These house props from movies you may have seen, such as *The Mummy*, *Gladiator*, and *The Last Temptation of Christ*, as well as the renowned series *Game of Thrones*. Before heading to Marrakech, we will pass by the famous Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou and cross the Tizi n'Tichka pass in the High Atlas Mountains. We will stop to visit Ait Benhaddou, the largest and best-preserved Kasbah in Morocco. Built in the 18th century by Et Hami El Glaoui—one of the last Berber chieftains—it was once a stronghold of the Glaoui family. Your journey continues across the majestic Tizi n'Tichka pass (2,260 m) in the High Atlas Mountains before finally arriving in Marrakech. Overnight stay in a riad, breakfast included.

Day 9

EXPLORING MARRAKECH- GUIDED TOUR.

After breakfast at the riad, we will begin our guided tour of Marrakech, "the Red City of Morocco." Your guide will ensure you see the most important historical and cultural sites, including the Saadian Tombs, the Bahia and El Badi Palaces, and the Ben Youssef Madrasa. You will have free time for lunch near the square if you wish, followed by an afternoon visit to the Majorelle and Menara Gardens and the Koutoubia Mosque. After dinner, you will have the opportunity to stroll through Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, which is bustling with magicians, storytellers, snake charmers, and food vendors. Overnight stay and breakfast at the same riad.

Day 10

MARRAKECH – ESSAOUIRA

After breakfast at the Riad, we will travel to Essaouira, a more relaxed coastal city. Along the way, we will make several photo stops; since this is the heart of argan culture, we will also visit a women's argan oil cooperative to see the traditional extraction process—yielding oil renowned for its culinary, cosmetic, and medicinal properties. In Essaouira, you will visit the Skala Fortress, the port, and the souks, where you can admire Thuya wood carvings and browse hundreds of handcrafted items as you stroll through the alleys of the medina. Finally, you will arrive at your accommodation in Essaouira. Overnight stay at a Riad.

Day 11

EXPLORING ESSAOUIRA- GUIDED TOUR.

After breakfast at your riad, begin exploring the city. Stroll through the streets around the Skala Fortress, the harbor, and the souks. Essaouira is known for strong winds for most of the year—earning it the nickname "City of the Wind"—which attracts surfers from all over the globe. The city has seen many civilizations, including a period of Portuguese occupation that remains evident in much of its architecture; yet, it retains the feel of a small town rich in history. Thanks to its size, distinctive blue doors, and whitewashed walls, it is also considered the "Jewel of the Atlantic" in Morocco. Your visit includes the Mellah (the Jewish quarter) and the beach. The city also hosts an annual Gnawa music festival, drawing musical groups from across Africa and the rest of the world. Overnight at the riad.

Day 12

ESSAOUIRA – CASABLANCA BY COAST

After breakfast at the riad in Essaouira, we will drive along the beautiful coast, passing through the city of Safi—where we can stop to learn about this world-renowned pottery hub and visit the artisans—giving you the chance to buy local ceramics or even try your hand at the craft alongside these professionals. Our next stop will be El Oualidia for lunch; afterwards, we will take the highway to Casablanca, where we will spend the night at a hotel.

Day 13

CASABLANCA – AIRPORT

After breakfast at your accommodation, we will take you to the airport—where the tour concludes—depending on your flight's departure time.

Including

  • Pick-up and transfers to and from Casablanca Airport
  • Travel throughout the tour in a highly comfortable vehicle—sized to fit the group—equipped with air conditioning and an experienced, English-speaking driver (please inquire about other languages).
  • All included accommodations are 3-, 4-, and 5-star quality.
  • Breakfasts.
  • Dinners in Merzouga and Dades.
  • Camel ride (1 per person)
  • Overnight stay at a luxury desert camp, with dinner and breakfast included.
  • Guided tours in Fez, Marrakech and Essaouira.

Not Included

  •  Midday lunches (main meals).
  • Drinks
  • Flights or any additional activities.
  • Dinners in Rabat, Fez, Marrakech, Essaouira and Casablanca.
  • Travel insurance.
  • Gratuities and anything not included in the program.

🗺️ Tour Route

Follow the full itinerary of this unique experience in Morocco.

4 Reasons to Choose Our Morocco Tours

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Authentic Connection with Morocco

We are a local team that lives and breathes Morocco. We don't just organize trips; we create real experiences. With our expert, multilingual guides, you'll discover the country's culture, traditions, and best-kept secrets, far from mass tourism.

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Personalized and exclusive experiences

Every traveler is unique, and your journey should be too. We design private tours and tailor-made itineraries to fit your interests, from Sahara Desert adventures to cultural tours through Marrakech, Fez, and beyond. You imagine it, we make it happen.

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Complete tour of the best of Morocco

From the imperial cities to the golden sands of the Sahara, through the Atlas Mountains and hidden oases. We offer you a complete experience that combines nature, culture, and adventure in a single unforgettable journey.

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Confidence, security, and total assistance

Your peace of mind is our priority. We accompany you every step of the way with personalized attention and 24/7 assistance. We take care of all the details so you can just enjoy Morocco worry-free.