10-Day Desert Tour from Marrakech to Casablanca | Desert Camp Included

Day 1: Arrival in Marrakech

Upon arrival at Marrakech Menara Airport, you will be greeted and transferred to your accommodation. Take the day to relax or explore the lively city at your leisure. Stroll through the bustling Jemaa El-Fna square, lined with food stalls, snake charmers, and musicians. Alternatively, unwind in your traditional riad and prepare for the adventures ahead.

Day 2: Marrakech Guided City Tour

Delve into the cultural heart of Marrakech with a guided tour. Visit the 12th-century Koutoubia Mosque and admire its towering minaret. Explore the lush Majorelle Garden, a masterpiece of vibrant colors and tranquility. Wander through the labyrinthine alleys of the medina, uncovering hidden gems like the Bahia Palace and the Saadian Tombs. The day concludes at Jemaa El-Fna, where the square comes alive with a carnival of sights, sounds, and flavors.

Day 3: Marrakech – Ait Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate

Depart Marrakech and journey across the stunning Tizi-n-Tichka Pass of the High Atlas Mountains, where breathtaking landscapes await. Stop at the UNESCO-listed Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, famous for its role in numerous films like Gladiator. Continue to Ouarzazate, known as the gateway to the Sahara and home to the renowned Atlas Film Studios. Visit the Kasbah Taourirt before settling into your accommodation.

Day 4: Ouarzazate – Dades Valley – Todra Gorges

Head towards the Dades Valley, passing through the Valley of Roses and small Berber villages. Enjoy the striking rock formations of the Dades Gorges, also called “Monkey Fingers.” After a leisurely lunch, continue to the Todra Gorges, where towering canyon walls create a dramatic backdrop. Take a refreshing walk along the river and enjoy a peaceful evening in this serene environment.

Day 5: Todra Gorges – Erfoud – Merzouga

Travel to Erfoud, a town renowned for its fossil workshops and date palm groves. Continue to Rissani, known for its vibrant souks and as the gateway to the Sahara. Arrive in Merzouga, where you’ll switch to camels for a trek into the golden Erg Chebbi dunes. Witness a magical sunset over the sands before arriving at your luxury desert camp. Relish a traditional dinner, live Berber music, and stargazing under the vast desert sky.

Day 6: Merzouga Desert Exploration

Spend a full day exploring the enchanting Merzouga region. Visit nearby nomadic villages and learn about their way of life. Stop by the village of Khamlia to enjoy traditional Gnawa music performed by local artists. Explore the nearby oases, fossil quarries, and abandoned mines. Return to your desert camp or lodge to unwind and enjoy another mesmerizing desert evening.

Day 7: Merzouga – Midelt – Azrou – Ifrane – Fes

Bid farewell to the Sahara as you journey through the captivating Ziz Valley, a vast palm oasis stretching along the river and surrounded by dramatic gorges. Enjoy the scenic drive through the Middle Atlas Mountains, passing quaint Berber villages. Stop in Midelt for a lunch break and marvel at the views of the Jebel Ayachi peaks. Continue to the cedar forests near Azrou, where you can spot playful Barbary macaques in their natural habitat. The road then takes you through Ifrane, a charming alpine town often referred to as “Little Switzerland,” with its neat streets and European-style chalets. Arrive in Fes by evening and settle into your riad, ready to explore the cultural gem of Morocco.

Day 8: Fes Guided City Tour

Spend the day discovering the wonders of Fes, Morocco’s oldest imperial city and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Begin in the Fes el-Bali medina, an intricate labyrinth of narrow alleys filled with vibrant souks, historic mosques, and medieval madrasas. Visit the Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque and University, considered the oldest continuously operating university in the world. Marvel at the intricate architecture of the Bou Inania Madrasa and the beautiful Nejjarine Fountain. Stop by the iconic Chouara Tannery to witness traditional leather dyeing techniques and shop for exquisite handmade goods. End the tour with panoramic views of the city from the Marinid Tombs, capturing the grandeur of Fes as the sun sets.

Day 9: Fes – Meknes – Volubilis – Chefchaouen – Rabat

Begin the day with a short drive to Meknes, the “Versailles of Morocco,” an imperial city rich in history. Explore the magnificent Bab Mansour, one of the most iconic gates in Morocco, and the Mausoleum of Sultan Moulay Ismail, which reflects the grandeur of his reign. Stroll through the bustling medina and the serene Sahrij Souani, a massive water reservoir built to irrigate royal gardens.

Next, head to Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage site and Morocco’s best-preserved Roman ruins. Wander through the ancient city, marveling at its intricate mosaics, grand arches, and remnants of public baths and temples. Learn about the city’s role as a cultural and economic hub during the Roman Empire.

Continue your journey to Chefchaouen, the enchanting “Blue Pearl” nestled in the Rif Mountains. Take a short walking tour of the medina, known for its dreamy blue-washed walls, vibrant squares, and relaxed atmosphere. Enjoy a late lunch or snack at a local café, savoring the town’s charm and unique blend of Andalusian and Moroccan influences.

In the evening, travel to Rabat, Morocco’s modern capital. Upon arrival, check into your accommodation and enjoy a quiet evening in this coastal city, ready for the final leg of your adventure.

Day 10: Rabat – Casablanca – Departure

On your final day, travel to Casablanca, Morocco’s largest city and economic hub. Visit the iconic Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world, boasting exquisite Moroccan craftsmanship and offering breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy a stroll along the Corniche or visit the bustling markets of the city. Conclude your journey with a transfer to Mohammed V International Airport, carrying with you unforgettable memories of Morocco’s diverse landscapes, rich culture, and warm hospitality.