8 Day Tour from Casablanca to the Desert

Day 1: Casablanca – Rabat

Pickup at the Casablanca airport or your hotel. We begin our route toward Rabat, the most important Imperial City today. Before arriving, we will visit the Hassan II Mosque, located on the seafront—a temple featuring the tallest minaret in the Islamic world. Upon arrival in Rabat, we will visit its most important monuments: the Kasbah of the Udayas, the Royal Mausoleum of Mohammed V, and the Hassan Tower. Dinner and overnight stay at a hotel.

Day 2: Rabat – Meknes – Volubilis – Moulay Idriss – Fes

Setting off toward Meknes, we drive along the Mamora forest. Located in the Saiss plain, Meknes was the capital of the Alaouite dynasty during the reign of Moulay Ismail. About 20 km from Meknes lie the ruins of the Roman city of Volubilis, the best-preserved archaeological site in North Africa and a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1997. We will also visit Moulay Idriss, the holy town where the first Moroccan dynasty was founded, built upon a rock overlooking the Volubilis plain. We continue to our destination, Fes. Dinner and overnight stay in a Riad.

Day 3: Exploring Fes

A free day in Fes to discover the city considered the religious and cultural center of the country. As we enter the narrow streets of the old town, you will feel time turn back: the medieval guild structure is still present in the workshops, and the narrow alleys allow for no transport other than mules. We will explore the Andalusian quarter, magnificent mosques, and Quranic schools. In the tanner’s souk, you can witness the medieval artisanal process used to dye leather. After exploring the Medina, you have the option to wander through Fes el-Jdid to see the Royal Palace, the Mellah (Jewish quarter), and the oldest mosque in Fes. Dinner and overnight stay in a Riad.

Day 4: Fes – Ifrane – Midelt – Errachidia – Ziz Valley – Erfoud – Merzouga – Erg Chebbi

After breakfast, we depart toward Midelt, passing through the Middle Atlas cedar forests. We stop in Ifrane, known as the “Switzerland of Morocco,” and Azrou, an important handicraft center specializing in cedar wood. After crossing the Zad pass (2,178m), we arrive in Midelt for lunch. In the afternoon, we descend toward Errachidia via the palm-fringed Ziz Valley. We pass through Erfoud, the ancient gateway to the desert famous for its dates and fossils. Upon reaching the impressive Merzouga dunes, we will enjoy a tea of hospitality. We then set out on a camel caravan toward the Great Dune of Erg Chebbi. During the 90-minute ride, you will witness a beautiful sunset and the silence of the desert. We arrive at the camp for an authentic Berber dinner and traditional drum music. Sleep in nomad tents (jaimas) under a vast, starry sky.

Day 5: Merzouga Desert Activities

We rise early to enjoy a spectacular sunrise over the dunes. After breakfast, we return to the village by camel. We then visit the village of Khamlia for a live Gnawa music performance by local inhabitants of sub-Saharan origin. We explore more of the desert, visiting oases and the village of Tissardmine, a popular filming location. We will also visit a fossil quarry and share tea with a nomad family. After a picnic lunch in an oasis, we return to the camp to climb the dunes for the sunset and spend another night in the desert.

Day 6: Merzouga – Rissani – Draa Valley – Ouarzazate

We begin our journey toward Rissani, the birthplace of the Alaouite dynasty. We will visit its traditional souk—the largest and most authentic in the south—where you can find everything from handicrafts and food to livestock. We continue to Ouarzazate via the Draa Valley, stopping to admire charming adobe Kasbahs, Berber villages, and unique geological formations. Arrival in Ouarzazate for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 7: Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – High Atlas – Marrakech

A visit to the film studios is a must before continuing to the fabulous Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Famous movies like *Gladiator*, *The Jewel of the Nile*, and *Babel* were filmed in this spectacular natural setting. We continue the 200 km journey to Marrakech through the High Atlas, crossing the Tizi n’Tichka pass. Enjoy the panoramic views of Berber villages nestled in the hills. Arrival in Marrakech to visit the main square. Dinner and overnight stay at a hotel or Riad.

Day 8: Marrakech – Casablanca

We visit the city’s historical monuments, including the Menara Gardens and the Bahia Palace, followed by a visit to the souk. After lunch near the main square, we depart for Casablanca. We can take a stroll through the old town and its plazas before dinner and overnight stay at a hotel or Riad.