9 days Morocco Tour Casablanca to Desert

After breakfast, head north to the blue city of Chefchaouen, stopping in Rabat along the way (approximately 3 hours’ drive). In Rabat, visit the Kasbah of the Udayas, the Hassan Tower, and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, all of which highlight the rich history and royal heritage of Morocco. Continue to Chefchaouen (approximately 4 hours from Rabat), where you’ll arrive in the late afternoon. Take a leisurely walk through Chefchaouen’s charming blue-painted streets and explore the quaint cafes and markets in this serene mountain town. Enjoy dinner and stay overnight in a local hotel.

On the third day, enjoy a relaxed morning in Chefchaouen, allowing you to explore the medina’s blue-hued buildings, hidden squares, and artisan shops. Afterward, drive to Fes (approximately 4 hours). Arrive in Fes, one of Morocco’s oldest and most culturally significant cities. Check into your hotel and spend the evening at leisure. You can enjoy a traditional Moroccan meal at a local restaurant to prepare for the following day’s full exploration of Fes.

After breakfast, embark on a guided tour of Fes, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore the labyrinthine streets of the Fes el-Bali Medina, the city’s oldest district. Visit the Al Quaraouiyine University, which dates back to 859 AD and is considered the oldest continually operating university in the world. Explore the famous Chouara Tannery, where leather is still dyed using ancient techniques. Visit Bou Inania Madrasa, a beautiful religious school, and the Mausoleum of Moulay Idriss, the founder of Fes. You will also explore the vibrant souks (markets), where local artisans create pottery, textiles, and jewelry. After a full day of sightseeing, return to your hotel in Fes for an overnight stay.

After breakfast, leave Fes and begin your journey toward the Sahara Desert. Travel through the Middle Atlas Mountains and stop in the charming town of Ifrane, known as “Little Switzerland,” before heading through scenic cedar forests and the town of Azrou. Continue on to Merzouga (approximately 7 hours), located on the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes, one of the most famous desert landscapes in Morocco. Upon arrival in Merzouga, board camels and trek into the dunes for a magical desert experience. Reach your desert camp by evening, where you’ll enjoy a traditional Berber dinner, live music around the campfire, and a night under the stars.

After an early morning desert sunrise, ride back to Merzouga on camels or by 4×4, then begin your journey through the Todra Gorge (approximately 3 hours). The Todra Gorge is known for its towering cliff walls, which rise up to 300 meters and provide stunning views and great photo opportunities. After exploring the gorge, continue your journey to Dades Gorges (about 2 hours), where you’ll spend the night. The Dades Gorges is famous for its beautiful valley and unique rock formations, offering a peaceful retreat in the heart of the Atlas Mountains.

On this day, you’ll travel through the Dades Valley and Skoura, known for its palm groves and impressive kasbahs. Continue to Ouarzazate, the “Hollywood of Morocco,” where many films have been shot. Visit the Taourirt Kasbah and the nearby Atlas Film Studios, one of the largest movie studios in the world. From Ouarzazate, drive to Ait Ben Haddou (approximately 1.5 hours), a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its dramatic red clay kasbahs, which have served as the backdrop for numerous films, including Gladiator and Game of Thrones. After a tour of the kasbah, continue to Marrakech (approximately 3.5 hours) for an evening arrival. Check into your hotel and relax after a full day of exploration.

Spend the entire day exploring Marrakech, a vibrant city filled with history, culture, and stunning architecture. Begin with a visit to the iconic Jemaa el-Fnaa square, the heart of the city, where you’ll find storytellers, street food vendors, and performers. Explore the Bahia Palace, a beautiful example of Moroccan architecture, and visit the Koutoubia Mosque, the tallest building in Marrakech. Wander through the tranquil Majorelle Gardens, once owned by Yves Saint Laurent, and visit the Marrakech Museum and the Saadian Tombs. Spend the afternoon exploring the souks (markets) in the medina, where you can shop for spices, textiles, and unique crafts. In the evening, enjoy a Moroccan feast and perhaps a traditional music and dance show.

On your final day, enjoy a leisurely breakfast before traveling back to Casablanca (approximately 3 hours) for your departure. Depending on your flight time, you can visit any last-minute attractions or enjoy some final shopping in Casablanca’s modern malls. You’ll be dropped off at Mohammed V International Airport in time for your departure, marking the end of your 9-day Moroccan adventure.