12 Days Morocco Desert Tour Itinerary from Casablanca

Day 1: Arrival in Casablanca – Rabat

Your Moroccan adventure begins with a warm welcome at Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport.

• Visit the Hassan II Mosque, a masterpiece of modern Islamic architecture built partially over the Atlantic Ocean.

• Transfer to Rabat, the capital of Morocco and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• Explore:

  • The Royal Palace

  • The Mausoleum of Mohammed V

  • The Hassan Tower

  • The Kasbah of the Udayas

Overnight in Rabat, in a charming riad near the medina.

Day 2: Rabat – Chefchaouen (The Blue City)

After breakfast, travel north through the Rif Mountains to the dreamy town of Chefchaouen.

• Discover the blue-washed alleyways, a photographer’s paradise.

• Visit the Grand Mosque, Ras El Ma waterfall, and enjoy tea in the peaceful Outa el Hammam Square.

• Walk up to the Spanish Mosque for breathtaking views at sunset.

Overnight in Chefchaouen, surrounded by mountain serenity.

Day 3: Chefchaouen – Volubilis – Meknes – Fes

Leave the mountains and head toward Morocco’s ancient heart.

• Explore the Roman ruins of Volubilis, known for its incredible mosaics and ancient structures.

• Stop in Meknes, one of Morocco’s imperial cities:

  • See the Bab Mansour gate

  • Visit the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail

  • Walk through El Hedim Square

• Arrive in Fes, the spiritual and intellectual capital of Morocco.

Overnight in a traditional riad within the historic medina.

Day 4: Fes – Full-Day City Tour

Dive into the historic UNESCO-listed medina of Fes el-Bali with a professional guide.

• Visit:

  • University of Al Quaraouiyine

  • Chouara Tannery

  • Moulay Idriss Mausoleum

  • Nejjarine Fountain

• Witness artisans practicing ancient crafts in the medina’s souks.

• Explore the Bou Inania Madrasa, one of the finest theological schools in Morocco.

Second overnight in Fes, embracing its deep-rooted culture.

Day 5: Fes – Ifrane – Azrou – Midelt – Ziz Valley – Merzouga Desert

Begin your desert journey, traveling south into Morocco’s diverse landscapes.

• Pass through Ifrane, a European-style alpine town

• Visit the cedar forests of Azrou, where wild Barbary macaques live

• Stop in Midelt for lunch at the foot of the Atlas Mountains

• Drive through the lush Ziz Valley, filled with date palms and kasbahs

• Reach Merzouga, at the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes

Camel Trek at Sunset:

• Ride camels deep into the desert

• Watch the sun melt into the dunes

• Arrive at your luxury Sahara camp

• Enjoy a Berber dinner, drumming by the fire, and a sky full of stars

Overnight in a deluxe tented camp

Day 6: Explore Merzouga Region (Nomads, Villages & Oasis)

Dedicate this day to cultural immersion in the Sahara.

• Visit Khamlia village, home to Gnawa musicians

• Explore the black desert with volcanic rock plateaus

• Have tea with a nomadic family

• Discover the Mefiss mines, used since French colonial times

• Walk through a desert oasis and admire its resilient ecosystem

Optional activities: quad biking, sandboarding, or 4×4 dune driving

Second night in Merzouga, under desert stars

Day 7: Merzouga – Rissani – Todra Gorges – Dades Valley

Leave the dunes and travel through a region of oases and gorges.

• Visit the traditional market in Rissani, rich in Berber culture

• Drive through the palmeraie of Tinejdad

• Reach the dramatic Todra Gorges, where vertical walls rise up to 300 meters

• Continue to the scenic Dades Valley, known for its winding roads and red cliffs

Overnight in a charming kasbah hotel nestled in the valley

Day 8: Dades Valley – Rose Valley – Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou

Drive the scenic Route of a Thousand Kasbahs, dotted with palm groves and fortified villages.

• Stop in Kalaat M’Gouna, famous for its roses and beauty products

• Pass through Skoura Oasis, home to the majestic Amridil Kasbah

• Reach Ouarzazate, known as the “Hollywood of Africa” – optional visit to Atlas Film Studios

• Explore Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO-protected ksar where movies like Gladiator and Game of Thrones were filmed

Overnight in a guesthouse near Ait Ben Haddou

Day 9: Ait Ben Haddou – High Atlas – Marrakech

Cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2260 m).

• Stop at panoramic viewpoints along the way

• Visit Berber villages, learning about traditional mountain life

• Arrive in Marrakech, a city buzzing with energy and tradition

Evening at leisure to explore Jemaa el-Fnaa Square

Overnight in a luxury riad in the Marrakech medina

Day 10: Marrakech – Full-Day City Tour

Explore the Red City with a certified local guide.

• Visit:

  • Bahia Palace

  • Saadian Tombs

  • Koutoubia Mosque

  • Majorelle Garden and the YSL Museum

• Wander through the souks, filled with spices, textiles, and handicrafts

• Discover the vibrant culture and rhythm of the medina

Second overnight in Marrakech, with optional spa or hammam experience

Day 11: Day Trip to Essaouira (Atlantic Coast)

Take a full-day excursion to the coastal town of Essaouira.

• Explore the Portuguese fortress, Skala de la Ville

• Walk through the white-washed medina, a UNESCO site

• Watch the blue fishing boats return to port

• Visit local art galleries and argan oil cooperatives

• Enjoy fresh seafood by the sea

Return to Marrakech for the night.

Overnight in Marrakech, reflecting on your journey from desert to ocean.

Day 12: Departure – Transfer to Casablanca or Marrakech Airport

Your 12-day desert adventure concludes with a transfer to Casablanca or Marrakech airport, depending on your flight. If time allows, you may visit Rick’s Café in Casablanca for a classic farewell.

Included in the 12-Day Morocco Desert Tour

• Private modern vehicle with English-speaking driver/guide

• 11 nights in handpicked riads, hotels, and luxury desert camp

• Daily breakfast and most dinners

• Camel trek and desert activities

• Local guides in Fes, Marrakech, and Essaouira

• Entrance fees to listed monuments

• Airport transfers from/to Casablanca or Marrakech