travello
travello
travello
travello
travello
travello
travello
travello
travello

Travel itinerary from Casablanca to Chefchaouen, Fes, Sahara Desert, Marrakech and Essaouira

Tours From Casablanca

Duration: 16 Days

2 Person Minimum

Overview

This 16-day Morocco tour from Casablanca is an ultimate in-depth journey covering the best of Morocco’s imperial cities, blue town, Sahara Desert, Atlas Mountains, and Atlantic coast.

Begin your adventure in Casablanca before exploring Rabat, the capital city. Continue north to Tangier’s surroundings and the iconic blue city of Chefchaouen, known for its charming blue-washed streets and mountain views.

Travel through the Roman ruins of Volubilis and the imperial city of Meknes before arriving in Fes, where you will enjoy a guided tour of one of the world’s oldest and most historic medinas.

Journey across the Middle Atlas Mountains, cedar forests, and Ziz Valley before reaching the Sahara Desert in Merzouga. Experience camel trekking across the dunes of Erg Chebbi and spend a magical night in a desert camp under the stars.

Continue through Todra Gorge and Dades Valley, meeting nomad families and exploring the Rose Valley before reaching Ouarzazate and the UNESCO site of Ait Benhaddou.

Cross the High Atlas Mountains to Marrakech for a full guided city tour, then enjoy a cultural Moroccan cooking class before heading to the Atlantic coastal town of Essaouira. Relax in its peaceful medina, beach atmosphere, and artistic vibe before returning to Casablanca.

This itinerary is ideal for travelers who want a complete Morocco travel experience from north to south, desert to ocean, culture to adventure.

Tour Plan

Today we will meet you at your arrival time at the airport and transfer to a nice hotel .

After breakfast at the hotel you will visit Hassan II Mosque and the corniche which are the main highlights there in Casablanca then drive to Rabat. Overnight at nice riad.

After breakfast at the riad you visit the main highlights of Rabat including the Oudaya Kasbah, Hassan Tower and Mohammed V mausoleum. After that we will drive north to Chefchaouen. Overnight at anice Riad.

Today you will spend the full day exploring the blue city and you will have opportunity to take some nice pictures of blue wallas streets and blue doors on the aldo Medina. Overnight at the same riad.

After breakfast in your riad, you will start travelling to Fes via Ouazzan and the Roman site of Volubilis. After a couple of hours drive, you will get to Volubilis, the well preserved Roman empire dating to 225 BC, where you will see the most beautiful Mosaics in Morocco dating back to 3rd century BC.. After that we travel to Meknes, the Ismaili capital of Morocco. In Meknes we see the fascinating gate Bab Mansour built by the sultan My Ismail; the granary and the Sahrij Souani, used for irrigation and plantation. Your visit also includes the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail. We then continue via the highway to Fes. Overnight accommodation at a nice riad in the Medina.

After breakfast in your riad, you will start exploring Fes the “the Sprititual City of Morocco”. You will spend the whole morning exploring the Medina and its alleys; visiting most of the sites with cultural and historical interest - including the famous Al Karaouine Mosque and University (the oldest in the world), the Medrasa Bouanania, the Tanneries and the Najjarine fountain. After lunch, we will drive you outside the Medina to see the Royal Palace gate, walk through the Jewish quarter “the Mellah”, and then visit the pottery cooperative. In the afternoon, we will drive you to one of the fortresses to experience an amazing panoramic view of the whole Medina of Fes. Overnight accommodation at the same riad.

After breakfast in your riad, you’ll start travelling southeast to Merzouga via Midelt and Errachidia. Your first stop will be at Ifran, referred to as "the Switzerland of Morocco", and then to Merzouga via Midlet and the Ziz Valley. During this journey you’ll experience glimpses of the Middle Atlas and Higher Atlas Mountains. Stopping at the famous cedar forest - the largest in Morocco – where you may well sight Barbarian apes. You’ll notice how the scenery changes to reveal hints of the desert as you approach the city Er Rachidia. After lunch in Midelt, your journey continues along the luxuriant Ziz Valley, stopping for panoramic views along the way. We will drive through welcoming Berber villages to Erfoud,. Arriving in Merzouga at the end of the day, you’ll be welcomed with a glass of mint tea before you check in to your riad. Dinner included.

After breakfast in the riad you’ll start your explorative journey of the area, starting by a walk in the Oasis in the desert then visiting the gnawa peaple in Khamlia village originally from Sudan, Mali and Senegal to experience their music and lifestyle. Later , we will drive in the desert area to meet nomad families-living under Berber tents- to explore their way of life . Today our lunch will be a traditional Berber meal (Berber pizza) with a local family. You will have the option also to visit the old city of Rissani - the foundation of the Alaouite dynasty - the current ruling royal family in Morocco. Rissani is surrounded by about 360 ksar (a fortified village with many towers) and has a big souk (an open market), held three times a week. Once called Sijilmassa, this was the meeting place for the salt caravans, coming from Tombouctou in Mali. Here you’ll walk through the souk, selling spices, vegetables and cloths . After that we Drive back to the village of Merzouga. In the afternoon, you will ride your camel, guided by an experienced camel-man to explore what is hidden in the middle of the highest sand dunes in morocco and enjoy the sunset and spend the night at the camp with dinner , drum party and camp fire.

You will wake you up early in the morning to watch what well may be the best sunrise in your life. appreciating the unique beauty of the spectacular Erg Chebbi dunes – changing with the light as the day progresses. After breakfast, you’ll leave for Tinghir and Todgha gorges – the highest, narrowest gorges in Morocco. Here you’ll have the opportunity to hike along it’s valley. We’ll drive through the Dades Valley, where you’ll see the majestic sand castles and the amazing rock formations known as “monkey toes”. Overnight ata nice riad in the heart of the Valley.

After breakfast in the hotel, you will travel through the Dades Valley towards Kalaa M’gouna and Ouarzazate. The route through Dades Valley is the way of the thousand Kasbahs – providing numerous opportunities to take some of your best photographic shots of the trip. Today you will have the opportunity to meet Berber Nomads in their caves and then you will enjoy the fertile Rose valley and the rock formations along the way. We’ll stop at Kalaat M’gouna, “the rose city”, to purchase the rosewater, which will make your linen smell good a long time after your trip is over. Continuing on to Skoura and the Birds Valley, here you can visit the Kasbah Ameridil, a well-preserved kasbah in this area followed and a stop for lunch at a traditional Moroccan restaurant, overlooking the whole valley. Today, you will have the chance to meet nomad families living in cave. After lunch, we continue to Ouarzazate - “the Hollywood of Africa”- whose geography and beautiful landscapes have attracted many world class movie producers. Overnight at a nice riad.

After breakfast, we’ll drive towards Marrakech, Passing by the famous Ait Benhaddou kasbah, the largest Kasbah in Morocco. It is recognized by UNESCO as a world patrimony. It is famous as a backdrop for many films, including 'Lawrence of Arabia', 'Gladiator'. After visiting the Kasbah our journey will continue through the majestic Tizi n'Tichka pass (2260 m) over the High Atlas Mountains . You will do stops in good spots for nice pectures then get to Marrakech and Overnight in Marrakech.

After breakfast in the riad, you will enjoy a morning guided tour of Marrakech "the Red City of Morocco”. Your guide will ensure that you see all the sites with historical and cultural interest, including the Koutoubia Minaret; the Saadian tombs; the beautiful Palace of Bahia and the Ben Youssef Coranic School. Finally, end the morning by walking through the medina alleys -getting a chance to admire all of the different artisans performing their crafts before arriving at the famous Jamaa El Fna Square. Lunch at a restaurant near the square, and then in the afternoon you can visit the Majorelle gardens, and have a short tour at Gueliz -the new city of Marrakech. After that you will have free time to walk through the square entertained by magicians, story-tellers, tooth-pullers and food sellers. Overnight accommodation will be at the same riad .

Today you will do the cooking class to learn how to prepare the main Moroccan dishes then after lunch we will drive to Essaouira . When we get close to Essaouira it will be possible to see the goats climbing the Argan trees and you will have a chance to watch and learn about the producing of Argan oil by Berber women in their cooperative. After that you will get to Essaouira and Overnight at a nice riad.

Today you will have free time to walk and explore the old medina of Essaouira and also enjoy your time in the beach. Overnight at the same riad.

Today we will drive to Casablanca . you will enjoy stops in good spots in the way then get there in the afternoon. Overnight at a nice hotel.

Today we will drive to the airport at any time you want.

Included

  • Travel in a private tour with a comfortable AC SUV or Van
  • Experienced English speaking driver.
  • Fuel
  • Accommodation at 4 stars hotels/Riads with dinner and breakfast except in Casablanca , Rabat, Chefchaouen ,Fes , Marrakech and Essaouira the dinner is not included.
  • One night at the desert camp with dinner and breakfast.
  • The camel ride to spend the night in the desert.
  • Guided tour in Fes and Marrakech.
  • Optional Cooking class.
  • Optional Hiking In Dades Valley.

Exclude

  • Lunch
  • Dinner in Casablanca, Rabat , Chefchaouen, Fes , Marrakech and Essaouira.
  • Drinks
  • Entry fees
  • Tips

Extra Info

🔹 Extra Information

Duration: 16 Days / 15 Nights

Departure City: Casablanca

Ending City: Casablanca

Tour Type: Private Morocco Tour

Transportation: Air-conditioned SUV / Minivan

Accommodation: Riads, 4★ Hotels & Desert Camp

Difficulty Level: Moderate (long driving days)

Best Time to Travel: March–June, September–November

Languages Available: English (Spanish / French / Italian optional)

🔹 Good to Know

Airport pickup and drop-off in Casablanca included

Guided tours in Fes and Marrakech included

Cooking class experience in Marrakech included

Camel trekking in Merzouga desert included

Nomad family visits and Berber cultural experiences included

Long scenic drives through Atlas Mountains and Sahara region

Desert camp includes private tents with bathroom facilities

Comfortable walking shoes recommended for medinas

Weather varies from coast to mountains to desert

Optional upgrades to luxury desert camp available

Essaouira offers a relaxing Atlantic coastal experience

🔹 Highlights

Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca

Rabat historical monuments

Chefchaouen blue city exploration

Roman ruins of Volubilis

Meknes imperial city

Guided tour of Fes medina

Middle Atlas Mountains & cedar forest

Ziz Valley scenic drive

Sahara Desert camel trekking (Erg Chebbi)

Overnight desert camp experience with music & stars

Todra Gorge canyon walk

Dades Valley & Rose Valley

Visit nomad families in caves

Ait Benhaddou UNESCO site

Atlas Mountains crossing via Tizi n’Tichka pass

Marrakech guided city tour

Majorelle Garden & Jemaa el-Fnaa square

Moroccan cooking class experience

Essaouira medina & Atlantic coast

Argan oil cooperatives visit

🔹 Optional Add-ons

Luxury desert camp upgrade (ensuite tents)

Quad biking & sandboarding in Merzouga

Hot air balloon in Marrakech

Extra nights in Chefchaouen, Fes, Marrakech or Essaouira

Professional photographer for the tour

Multilingual driver (Spanish / French / Italian)

Surf lessons in Essaouira

Private hammam & spa experience in Marrakech

Currency:

The official currency of Morocco is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD). On average, 1 Euro (EUR) equals approximately 10 to 11 dirhams, 1 US Dollar (USD) equals around 9 to 10 dirhams, and 1 British Pound (GBP) equals approximately 12 to 13 dirhams, depending on current exchange rates. In all major cities, you can withdraw cash using international Visa, MasterCard, and other widely accepted bank cards. There are also numerous exchange offices available at airports, city centers, and tourist areas. Please note that exporting Moroccan dirhams outside the country is prohibited, so it is recommended to exchange or withdraw only the amount you need.

Local Time:

Morocco generally operates on GMT+1, with slight adjustments during certain times of the year, particularly during Ramadan. Compared to countries such as France, Belgium, Germany, Italy, or Spain, there may be a one to two-hour time difference depending on the season. For travelers from the United Kingdom, Morocco often shares the same time zone or differs by one hour. Visitors from the United States or Canada should expect a larger time difference depending on their departure city.

Passport and Visa:

Citizens of many countries including France, Belgium, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Germany, Italy, Spain, and several other European nations are required to hold a valid passport with at least six months validity beyond the date of entry into Morocco. For short-term tourist stays, a visa is generally not required for these nationalities. However, entry requirements may vary depending on your country of origin, so it is strongly recommended to check with your local Moroccan embassy or consulate before traveling.

Health:

No specific vaccinations are required for most international travelers visiting Morocco. However, it is recommended to be up to date on routine vaccinations. The best precaution remains prevention: drink bottled water, avoid poorly preserved food, and consider purchasing travel insurance that covers medical expenses. Morocco’s major cities offer good healthcare facilities, and pharmacies are widely available throughout the country.

Booking Form

Select Date and Travelers