14-Day Epic Journey from Casablanca to the Sahara Desert
Day 1: Arrival in Casablanca
Welcome to Morocco! Upon arrival at Mohammed V International Airport, you will be met by your private driver-guide and transferred to your hotel.
Begin your journey with a visit to the Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest and most stunning mosques in the world, dramatically located on the Atlantic coast. Explore the Corniche seaside promenade, and if time allows, stroll through the lively central medina to get a first taste of Moroccan culture. Overnight in Casablanca.
Day 2: Casablanca – Rabat
After breakfast, drive to Rabat, Morocco’s elegant capital and a UNESCO-listed city.
Discover the Kasbah of the Udayas, a tranquil hilltop fortress with white-and-blue houses and ocean views. Visit the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, guarded by royal sentries, and admire the imposing Hassan Tower, an unfinished minaret from the 12th century. Enjoy dinner in a charming riad near the medina. Overnight in Rabat.
Day 3: Rabat – Meknes
Depart Rabat and journey inland to Meknes, one of Morocco’s four imperial cities.
Explore the grand Bab Mansour Gate, walk through the Royal Stables, and visit the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, the city’s founder. Wander through the peaceful and authentic medina, known for its relaxed atmosphere and artisanal workshops. Overnight in a boutique hotel in Meknes.
Day 4: Meknes – Volubilis – Chefchaouen
After breakfast, visit the ancient Roman city of Volubilis, a beautifully preserved archaeological site with stunning mosaics and panoramic countryside views.
Continue north into the Rif Mountains, arriving in the picturesque blue town of Chefchaouen. Spend your afternoon meandering through its dreamy blue-washed medina, with its narrow alleyways, mountain views, and artisan shops. Overnight in a traditional riad.
Day 5: Chefchaouen – Fez
Enjoy a relaxed morning in Chefchaouen before heading south toward Fez, the cultural and spiritual capital of Morocco.
Arrive in Fez and settle into your riad located in the heart of the ancient medina. Spend the evening at leisure soaking in the ambiance of this historic city. Overnight in Fez.
Day 6: Discovering Fez
Take a full-day guided tour of Fez el-Bali, one of the world’s largest and oldest walled cities, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Visit highlights such as the Al Quaraouiyine University (considered the oldest in the world), the Bou Inania Madrasa, and the iconic Chouara Tanneries. Discover artisan quarters, vibrant souks, and serene riad courtyards. End your day with panoramic views from the Merenid Tombs. Overnight in Fez.
Day 7: Fez – Ifrane – Azrou – Merzouga
Leave Fez behind and journey through the Middle Atlas Mountains. Stop in Ifrane, a town with Swiss-style architecture and clean mountain air, then continue to Azrou, known for its cedar forests and wild Barbary macaques.
Descend through the Ziz Valley and arrive at the edge of the Sahara Desert in Merzouga. Mount a camel for a scenic ride across the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi to your luxury desert camp. Enjoy dinner and traditional Berber music under a canopy of stars. Overnight in a desert tent.
Day 8: Life in the Desert
Wake early to witness the sunrise over the dunes—a magical and serene experience.
After breakfast, visit Khamlia Village, where you’ll enjoy live Gnawa music performed by descendants of sub-Saharan Africans. Meet nomadic families, enjoy a Berber pizza lunch, and relax back at the camp. Optional activities include sandboarding or ATV rides. Overnight in the desert.
Day 9: Merzouga – Todra Gorges – Dades Valley
Leave the desert behind and head toward the Todra Gorges, a dramatic canyon carved by the Todra River, ideal for short hikes and photography.
Continue along the Dades Valley, known for its red cliffs, oases, and rock formations like the “Monkey Fingers.” Stay in a welcoming guesthouse with stunning views. Overnight in Dades.
Day 10: Dades – Kelaa Mgouna – Skoura – Ouarzazate
Drive through the Valley of Roses, stopping in Kelaa Mgouna, a town famous for its fragrant rose products.
Visit the Skoura Oasis, where you’ll explore the Kasbah Amridil, one of Morocco’s most iconic and photogenic kasbahs. Arrive in Ouarzazate, a city known for its desert landscapes and film studios. Overnight in a kasbah-style hotel.
Day 11: Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – Marrakech
Visit the Atlas Film Studios, where movies like “Gladiator” and “Game of Thrones” were filmed. Then explore the ancient Ksar of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of earthen clay architecture.
Cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, stopping in traditional Berber villages en route. Arrive in vibrant Marrakech in the evening. Overnight in a riad in the old city.
Day 12: Exploring Marrakech
Discover the magic of Marrakech with a professional guide.
Highlights include the Bahia Palace, the tranquil Majorelle Gardens, the Koutoubia Mosque, and the richly decorated Saadian Tombs. Get lost in the bustling souks and marvel at the energy of Jemaa el-Fna Square by night. Overnight in Marrakech.
Day 13: Marrakech – Essaouira
Travel to the charming Atlantic port town of Essaouira, a favorite among artists and surfers.
Stroll through the UNESCO-listed medina, explore the historic ramparts, and enjoy fresh seafood by the harbor. Wander through art galleries and handicraft stalls. Overnight in a riad near the beach.
Day 14: Essaouira – Casablanca
After breakfast, return to Casablanca via the scenic Atlantic coast. Stop for lunch en route in coastal towns like El Jadida or Oualidia, depending on your preferences.
Upon arrival in Casablanca, enjoy your final evening in Morocco with a farewell dinner or relaxing hammam experience. Overnight in Casablanca.
Tour Highlights
Hassan II Mosque and Casablanca’s vibrant medina
Royal monuments and ocean views in Rabat
Roman ruins of Volubilis
Blue-washed streets of Chefchaouen
Labyrinthine alleys and tanneries of Fez
Sahara camel trek and starlit desert camp
Todra Gorge and Dades rock formations
Ancient ksars and movie locations near Ouarzazate
Marrakech’s colorful markets and serene gardens
Coastal charm and seafood in Essaouira
What’s Included
Airport pick-up and drop-off
Multilingual driver-guide throughout the tour
Private transportation in comfortable air-conditioned 4×4 or minibus
13 nights’ accommodation in carefully selected riads, hotels, and desert camp
Daily breakfast
Dinners in Merzouga and Ouarzazate
Guided city tours in Fez and Marrakech
Camel trek in the Sahara
Not Included
International flights
Lunches and beverages
Monument entrance fees
Tips and personal expenses