7 Days Morocco Desert Tour from Marrakech to Casablanca

Day 1: Arrival in Marrakech – Discover the Red City

Your tour begins in the heart of Marrakech, one of Morocco’s most vibrant and colorful cities. Upon arrival at the airport, your private driver will transfer you to your riad or hotel in the Medina. Depending on your arrival time, you’ll have the chance to explore:

• Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, alive with performers, food stalls, and musicians

• The Koutoubia Mosque, a stunning symbol of Moroccan-Andalusian architecture

• The exotic souks filled with spices, leather, metalwork, and handmade crafts

Spend the night in a beautifully restored riad, soaking in the charm of the old city.

Day 2: Marrakech – Aït Benhaddou – Ouarzazate – Skoura

After breakfast, leave Marrakech behind as you head through the spectacular High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260m). This scenic drive offers panoramic views of terraced fields, Berber villages, and snow-capped peaks.

Visit Aït Benhaddou

Stop at the famous Aït Benhaddou, a fortified village recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its timeless mud-brick architecture and hilltop views have made it a film favorite (Gladiator, Game of Thrones). Take time to explore the kasbah and enjoy a traditional lunch nearby.

Overnight in the Skoura Oasis

Continue to Skoura, a hidden gem filled with palm groves and kasbahs. Visit the impressive Kasbah Amridil, a perfect example of southern Moroccan architecture. Dinner and overnight in a charming riad nestled in the palm-filled oasis.

Day 3: Skoura – Dades Valley – Todra Gorges – Merzouga (Erg Chebbi Dunes)

Dades Valley & Road of a Thousand Kasbahs

After breakfast, drive through the Valley of Roses, known for its blooming fields and rosewater cooperatives. The journey continues along the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs, dotted with ancient fortresses and Berber homes.

Explore Todra Gorges

Arrive at the breathtaking Todra Gorges, where towering cliffs form a narrow canyon perfect for light hiking and photography. After a short walk, enjoy lunch in a local restaurant.

Sunset Camel Ride in Merzouga

Reach Merzouga by late afternoon and begin your unforgettable camel trek into the Erg Chebbi dunes. As the sun sets over the golden sand, you’ll arrive at your luxury desert camp.

Enjoy mint tea, a traditional Moroccan dinner, and live Berber music by the campfire. Overnight in a private tent beneath a canopy of stars.

Day 4: Merzouga – Nomad Villages – Khamlia – Erg Chebbi Exploration

Spend the day discovering the magic of the Sahara Desert. After breakfast, embark on a 4×4 tour around the dunes, visiting:

• Nomadic families who live in tents and maintain ancient traditions

• The village of Khamlia, home to the Gnaoua people, where you’ll enjoy live African spiritual music

• Desert oases and panoramic viewpoints for photography

• Optional activities: sandboarding, quad biking, or visiting fossil workshops in Erfoud

Lunch will be served with a local family or at a small Berber restaurant. Return to your desert camp or a comfortable desert lodge in the evening for a second magical night under the stars.

Day 5: Merzouga – Ziz Valley – Midelt – Cedar Forest – Ifrane – Fes

After breakfast, say goodbye to the desert and begin the scenic drive north. Along the way, you’ll pass through:

• The Ziz Valley, a lush date-palm oasis stretching along a river

• Midelt, nestled in the Middle Atlas Mountains, ideal for a lunch stop

• The cedar forests of Azrou, home to wild Barbary macaques

• Ifrane, known as the “Switzerland of Morocco” for its alpine architecture and clean streets

Arrive in Fes in the evening and check into a traditional riad in the Medina. Enjoy a relaxing dinner and rest after a day full of breathtaking landscapes.

Day 6: Fes – Full Day Guided City Tour

Explore the spiritual and intellectual capital of Morocco with a local guide. Highlights of your full-day Fes tour include:

• Fes el-Bali, the largest intact medieval city in the world

• The ancient Al Quaraouiyine University, the oldest university on Earth

• The famous Chouara Tannery, where leather is dyed in vibrant colors

• Beautiful madrasas, traditional fountains, and artisan quarters

• A visit to the Royal Palace gates and Jewish quarter (Mellah)

This in-depth cultural experience offers insight into Fes’s rich heritage, religious importance, and unique atmosphere. Overnight in your riad.

Day 7: Fes – Rabat – Casablanca

After breakfast, depart Fes and head west toward Casablanca, with a stop in the capital city of Rabat, where you’ll visit:

• The Hassan Tower and Mausoleum of Mohammed V

• The Kasbah of the Udayas, offering ocean views and Andalusian gardens

Continue to Casablanca, Morocco’s bustling economic hub. Upon arrival, visit the Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest and most beautiful mosques in the world, sitting dramatically on the Atlantic coastline.

Drop-off at your hotel or Casablanca International Airport, concluding your unforgettable 7-day desert tour from Marrakech to Casablanca.

What’s Included in the Tour

• Private modern 4×4 vehicle or minibus with A/C

• English-speaking driver/guide

• Airport transfers in Marrakech and Casablanca

• 6 nights’ accommodation:

  • Riads in Marrakech and Fes

  • Guesthouse in Skoura

  • Luxury desert camp in Merzouga (2 nights)

  • Riad in Fes

• Daily breakfasts and 4 dinners

• Camel trek in Merzouga

• Guided city tour in Fes

• Entrance fees to major monuments

• All fuel, tolls, and local taxes