9-Day Morocco Tour from Casablanca via Merzouga Desert
Overview: 9-Day Morocco Tour from Casablanca via Merzouga Desert
Discover the highlights of Morocco on this 9-Day Morocco Tour from Casablanca, a private journey that takes you from the Atlantic coast to the Sahara Desert and back to Casablanca.
Your adventure begins in Casablanca, where you will explore the city’s most important landmarks before travelling north to Rabat, the capital of Morocco, and Chefchaouen, the famous blue city in the Rif Mountains. Continue to the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis and the imperial city of Meknes, before discovering the cultural treasures of Fes.
From Fes, the journey continues south through Ifrane, the cedar forests of Azrou, Midelt, and the Ziz Valley before reaching the Sahara Desert of Merzouga. Experience a camel trek across the golden Erg Chebbi dunes, watch the sunset from the top of a dune, and spend an unforgettable night in a luxury desert camp under the stars.
The southern part of the journey takes you through Rissani, Erfoud, Todra Gorge, Dades Valley, the Valley of Roses, Skoura, Ouarzazate, and Aït Ben Haddou. Finally, cross the spectacular High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass and arrive in Marrakech for a guided tour of the Red City before returning to Casablanca.
This private itinerary is an excellent choice for travellers who want to experience Morocco’s imperial cities, Sahara Desert, mountains, UNESCO sites, and traditional culture in one complete journey.
Highlights of 9-Day Morocco Tour from Casablanca via Merzouga Desert
- Explore Casablanca and visit the impressive Hassan II Mosque.
- Discover Rabat, Morocco’s capital city.
- Explore the blue-painted streets of Chefchaouen.
- Visit the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis.
- Discover the imperial city of Meknes.
- Enjoy a guided tour of the historic Medina of Fes.
- Visit Ifrane, known as the “Switzerland of Morocco.”
- Explore the cedar forests of Azrou and see Barbary macaques.
- Drive through the spectacular Ziz Valley.
- Discover the fossil town of Erfoud.
- Explore the traditional market of Rissani.
- Experience the Sahara Desert of Merzouga and Erg Chebbi.
- Ride camels across the golden dunes at sunset.
- Spend a night in a luxury desert camp under the stars.
- Enjoy traditional Berber music around the campfire.
- Visit the dramatic Todra Gorge.
- Explore the beautiful Dades Valley.
- Discover the Valley of Roses and Skoura palm groves.
- Visit Ouarzazate and its famous film studios.
- Explore the UNESCO-listed Aït Ben Haddou Kasbah.
- Cross the High Atlas Mountains via Tizi n’Tichka Pass.
- Discover Marrakech with a local guide.
- Return to Casablanca at the end of the tour.
Itinerary: 9-Day Morocco Tour from Casablanca via Merzouga Desert
Day 1: Arrival in Casablanca
Your 9-Day Morocco Tour from Casablanca begins with a private pickup from Casablanca Airport or your accommodation.
Depending on your arrival time, begin exploring Casablanca. Visit the impressive Hassan II Mosque, located on the Atlantic coast, then discover some of the city’s main landmarks, including the Corniche, Mohammed V Square, and the famous Rick’s Café area.
If your arrival is late, some visits can be moved to the following day.
Overnight in Casablanca.
Day 2: Casablanca – Rabat – Chefchaouen
After breakfast, leave Casablanca and travel along the Atlantic coast toward Rabat, Morocco’s capital.
Explore the city’s historic highlights, including Hassan Tower, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, and the Kasbah of the Udayas. After some free time for lunch, continue north through Ouazzane and the scenic Rif Mountains.
Arrive in Chefchaouen, famous for its charming blue-painted buildings and winding streets.
Enjoy some free time to explore the Medina and take photographs before settling into your riad.
Overnight in Chefchaouen.
Day 3: Chefchaouen – Volubilis – Meknes – Fes
After breakfast, enjoy some free time to wander through Chefchaouen’s beautiful blue streets before continuing to the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis.
Explore the remarkably preserved archaeological site, including its Roman columns, ancient buildings, and impressive mosaics. Volubilis is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Continue to Meknes, one of Morocco’s four imperial cities. Discover important landmarks such as Bab Mansour, the Royal Stables, Heri es-Souani, and the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail.
Later, continue to Fes.
Overnight in a traditional riad in Fes.
Day 4: Guided Tour of Fes
After breakfast, meet your local guide for a full-day exploration of Fes, Morocco’s cultural and spiritual capital.
Begin with a short driving tour, including the impressive Royal Palace gates, the historic Mellah Jewish Quarter, and a panoramic viewpoint overlooking the ancient Medina.
Continue on foot through Fes el-Bali, one of the world’s largest medieval medinas and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Explore the narrow streets and traditional souks while visiting highlights such as Al Attarine Madrasa, Al Quaraouiyine University and Mosque, and the famous Chouara Tanneries.
Discover traditional Moroccan craftsmanship at the ceramic village before returning to your riad.
Overnight in Fes.
Day 5: Fes – Ifrane – Azrou – Midelt – Ziz Valley – Merzouga
After breakfast, begin your journey south toward the Sahara Desert.
Your first stop is Ifrane, known for its alpine-style architecture and cooler mountain climate. Continue through the Middle Atlas Mountains to the cedar forests of Azrou, where you may see Barbary macaques in their natural environment.
Continue to Midelt, where you will have time for lunch before driving toward Merzouga through spectacular mountain landscapes.
Cross the Tizi-n-Tilghmt Pass and follow the Ziz Valley, stopping at scenic viewpoints along the way.
In the afternoon, arrive at the Merzouga Sahara Desert. Leave the vehicle behind and begin your camel trek into the Erg Chebbi dunes.
Stop on a high dune to watch the sunset before continuing to your desert camp.
Enjoy dinner, traditional Berber music, and an evening around the campfire beneath the stars.
Overnight in a luxury desert camp.
Day 6: Merzouga – Rissani – Erfoud – Todra Gorge – Dades Valley
Wake up early to enjoy the sunrise over the Sahara dunes before returning to Merzouga.
After breakfast, travel to Rissani, the historic capital of the Tafilalet region. If the day coincides with market days, explore its lively traditional souk, known for its local products and authentic atmosphere.
Continue to Erfoud, famous for fossils and fossilized marble. Visit a local workshop to learn more about the region’s fossil craftsmanship.
Continue through the palm groves of Touroug and Tinejdad before reaching the spectacular Todra Gorge.
Take a walk through the dramatic canyon, surrounded by towering rock walls. The area is also well known for hiking and rock climbing.
Later, continue toward the Dades Valley, passing through Boumalne Dades and stopping at scenic viewpoints, including the famous “Monkey Fingers” rock formations.
Dinner and overnight in a hotel or riad.
Day 7: Dades Valley – Valley of Roses – Skoura – Ouarzazate – Aït Ben Haddou – Marrakech
After breakfast, continue through the landscapes of southern Morocco.
Travel toward Kalaat M’Gouna and the Valley of Roses, famous for its rose cultivation and traditional cosmetic products.
Continue through the palm groves of Skoura, where you can admire its historic kasbahs and lush landscapes.
Arrive in Ouarzazate, often called the gateway to the desert. Depending on your schedule, visit the famous Atlas Film Studios.
Continue to the spectacular Aït Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Morocco’s most iconic fortified villages. Explore its narrow streets and traditional earthen architecture.
After the visit, cross the High Atlas Mountains via the spectacular Tizi n’Tichka Pass, with stops for photographs and panoramic views.
Arrive in Marrakech in the evening.
Overnight in a riad in Marrakech.
Day 8: Guided Tour of Marrakech
After breakfast, explore Marrakech, known as the Red City, with a local guide.
Visit the magnificent Bahia Palace, the historic Ben Youssef Madrasa, and the traditional souks of the Medina.
Enjoy free time for lunch near Jemaa el-Fnaa Square before continuing your sightseeing.
Visit the Koutoubia Mosque and Majorelle Garden, then enjoy some free time to explore Marrakech independently.
Return to your accommodation in the evening.
Overnight in Marrakech.
Day 9: Marrakech – Casablanca
After breakfast, enjoy some free time in Marrakech depending on your departure schedule.
Later, travel north toward Casablanca by private vehicle.
Your driver will drop you at Casablanca Airport or your accommodation according to your travel plans.
End of your 9-Day Morocco Tour from Casablanca.
The itinerary can also be customized. You may shorten or extend the tour, add extra nights, or arrange a different departure or ending location.
Map
What is Include
- 9 days of private transportation in a comfortable 4×4 or minivan.
- Air-conditioned vehicle and fuel.
- Private English-speaking driver.
- Local guide in Fes.
- Local guide in Marrakech.
- Walking tours in Fes and Marrakech.
- Accommodation in selected hotels and traditional riads.
- Daily breakfasts.
- Selected dinners.
- One night in a luxury Sahara Desert camp with a private bathroom.
- Camel trekking in the Erg Chebbi dunes.
- Sandboarding at the desert camp.
- Traditional Berber music and desert camp experience.
- Casablanca Airport transfers.
- Visits and stops mentioned in the itinerary.
What is Exclude
- International or domestic flights.
- Lunches.
- Some dinners.
- Drinks and beverages.
- Entrance fees to monuments and attractions.
- Personal expenses and shopping.
- Tips for drivers and local guides.
- Travel insurance.
- Any service not specifically mentioned under What’s Included.
FAQ: 9-Day Morocco Tour from Casablanca via Merzouga Desert
Is the 9-Day Morocco Tour from Casablanca worth it?
Yes. This 9-Day Morocco Tour from Casablanca is a great option for travellers who want to experience Morocco’s major highlights in one private journey. It combines Casablanca, Rabat, Chefchaouen, Volubilis, Meknes, Fes, the Middle Atlas Mountains, the Sahara Desert, Todra Gorge, Aït Ben Haddou, and Marrakech.
What should I pack for a 9-Day Morocco Tour from Casablanca?
Pack comfortable walking shoes, lightweight clothing, sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, a reusable water bottle, and a small day backpack. A warm layer is also recommended for the Sahara Desert and mountain areas, especially during the cooler evenings and winter months.
When is the best time to take the 9-Day Morocco Tour from Casablanca?
Spring and autumn are generally the most comfortable seasons for this itinerary, with pleasant temperatures in the cities, mountains, and desert. Summer can be very hot in the Sahara, while winter brings colder nights in the desert and cooler conditions in the Atlas Mountains.
Can I customize the 9-Day Morocco Tour from Casablanca?
Yes. This is a private and customizable Morocco tour. You can request changes to the itinerary, add extra nights, adjust the pace, upgrade your accommodation, or change the departure and ending locations according to your travel plans.
Customize your Tour
Our experienced guides, comfortable transportation, and personalized itineraries ensure you’ll experience Morocco like never before. Get in touch now to start planning your dream Moroccan adventure!