12-day tour itinerary starting in Casablanca and covering the highlights of Morocco, including Marrakech, Zagora Desert, Merzouga Desert, Dades Gorges, Ouarzazate, Essaouira, and returning to Casablanca.
Your hotel
8:00 AM
Upon your arrival at Mohammed V International Airport in Casablanca, you will be met by your driver and guide. Begin your journey with a guided city tour of Casablanca. Start with the impressive Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world, and take in the spectacular ocean views. Continue to the Royal Palace, the Mohammed V Square, and the coastal Corniche. You will also have time to explore local markets and enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner before retiring for the night.
After breakfast, depart for Marrakech (approximately 3 hours). Upon arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy a relaxing afternoon. You can take a casual walk around the Jemaa el-Fnaa square, one of the most famous public squares in the world, filled with snake charmers, musicians, and food stalls. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner at a local restaurant.
On day three, enjoy a full guided city tour of Marrakech. Visit the iconic Koutoubia Mosque, the tallest building in Marrakech. Explore the Bahia Palace, a masterpiece of Moroccan architecture, and visit the Saadian Tombs, which date back to the 16th century. Wander through the lush Majorelle Gardens, once owned by Yves Saint Laurent, and stop by the Marrakech Museum. In the afternoon, delve into the lively souks of Marrakech, offering everything from spices to beautiful handmade crafts. Finish your day with a leisurely dinner at a traditional restaurant.
After breakfast, begin your journey to the Zagora Desert (approximately 6-7 hours), a stunning desert landscape located at the edge of the Sahara. Along the way, you’ll pass through the Atlas Mountains, passing by villages, kasbahs, and palm groves. Upon reaching Zagora, a small town in the southern Draa Valley, you’ll take a camel ride into the desert dunes. Watch the sunset over the dunes, and enjoy a traditional Berber dinner at your luxury desert camp. Spend the night under the stars in a comfortable camp.
After breakfast in the desert, take a final camel ride back to Zagora. Then, continue your journey to the Merzouga Desert (approximately 5 hours), famous for its massive sand dunes of Erg Chebbi. Upon arrival, settle into your hotel or desert camp, where you’ll have a chance to relax before embarking on a camel trek into the desert at sunset. Overnight in a luxury desert camp where you’ll enjoy a traditional Moroccan meal and entertainment under the stars.
Wake up early to witness the breathtaking sunrise over the dunes, followed by a camel ride back to your hotel. After breakfast, explore the surrounding area of the Merzouga Desert and visit the nearby Khamlia village, where you can experience the music and culture of the Gnaoua people. In the afternoon, visit the Moulay Ali Cherif Mausoleum and the black desert (reg). Return to your desert camp or hotel for a peaceful night in the desert.
After breakfast, leave the desert behind and drive through the Ziz Valley (approximately 5 hours), known for its palm groves and impressive kasbahs. Continue your journey towards Dades Gorges, a picturesque valley surrounded by dramatic rock formations and lush greenery. Upon arrival, check into your hotel, and spend the evening exploring the area. The valley is also known for its local crafts and traditional mud-brick kasbahs. Enjoy dinner and relax in this peaceful oasis.
After breakfast, drive from Dades Gorges to Ouarzazate (approximately 2 hours), known as the “Gateway to the Desert” and a major film-production location. Visit the famous Taourirt Kasbah, one of the best-preserved kasbahs in the region. You can also visit the Atlas Film Studios, where many famous movies, such as Gladiator and Lawrence of Arabia, were filmed. After a full day of exploration, check into your hotel in Ouarzazate and enjoy a traditional dinner.
After breakfast, begin the journey back to Marrakech (approximately 4 hours), passing through the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, a winding mountain road with stunning views. Along the way, stop to visit Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its dramatic kasbahs and fortified villages. After exploring Ait Ben Haddou, continue your journey to Marrakech. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and relax for the evening.
On day ten, travel to the coastal city of Essaouira (approximately 3 hours). Known for its beautiful beaches, fortified walls, and relaxed atmosphere, Essaouira is the perfect place to unwind. Visit the Medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and stroll along the Skala de la Ville, the old ramparts that offer fantastic views of the Atlantic Ocean. Explore the fishing port and its daily catch, and enjoy a delicious seafood lunch. In the evening, enjoy a leisurely walk along the beach or visit the local souks before heading to your hotel for the night.
After breakfast, depart for Casablanca (approximately 4 hours). Upon arrival, you will have free time to explore the modern part of the city or do some last-minute shopping in the Moroccan malls or local markets. If time allows, you can visit the Royal Palace or the Mohammed V Square before enjoying your final dinner in Morocco at a traditional restaurant.
On your final day, depending on your flight schedule, you can relax before heading to Mohammed V International Airport for your departure, marking the end of your 12 days Moroccan adventure.
