10-Day Morocco Tour From Casablanca to Marrakech via Desert

Depart Casablanca and drive north to Rabat, the country’s capital. Explore key highlights such as royal mausoleums, the Kasbah, and historical towers. Continue to Meknes, a grand imperial city, where you can admire the Royal Palace and explore the medina, sampling local delicacies along the way. Journey next to the extensive Roman ruins of Volubilis, guided by an expert to uncover the history and architecture of this ancient site. Finally, ascend into the Rif Mountains, arriving in Chefchaouen, where the striking blue streets await.

Spend the morning breathing in the fresh mountain air of Chefchaouen. Wander its famous blue alleys, observe local artisans at work, or enjoy a coffee while watching the town’s rhythm. In the afternoon, descend from the Rif Mountains and travel toward Fes, entering the plains that cradle one of Morocco’s oldest cultural hubs. Arrive in Fes and settle in for the night.

Meet your local guide and embark on a full-day exploration of Fes’s historic medina. Admire intricately carved gates at the Royal Palace, walk through the Jewish quarter, and navigate bustling alleys filled with artisans weaving carpets, hammering brass, or crafting pottery. Visit the famous tanneries to see traditional leather dyeing techniques. Break for lunch at a local spot before continuing your tour and returning in the evening, enriched by the sights and sounds of this ancient city.

Leave Fes behind and journey over the Middle Atlas mountains, stopping in Ifrane, nicknamed “the Switzerland of Morocco,” with its European-style architecture and alpine charm. Continue through cedar forests where Barbary monkeys roam freely. Pass Midelt and the scenic Ziz Valley, dotted with date palms and Berber villages, before arriving in Merzouga. Here, swap your car for a camel and ride into the desert to your camp. Enjoy dinner under the stars and spend a night enveloped by the tranquility of the Sahara.

After sunrise in the desert, return to your vehicle and head toward Todgha Gorge. En route, pass through Erfoud, known for its dates, and the Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs, where centuries-old fortresses and villages dot the landscape. Explore the dramatic gorge, with its towering cliffs, and spend the night in the nearby valley, experiencing authentic Berber hospitality.

Travel through the southern Berber villages, stopping in the Roses Valley, where thousands of roses are harvested annually to create oils and beauty products. Continue through remote villages, witnessing traditional irrigation systems and rural life. Pass through Ouarzazate, a city known for its film studios, before arriving at the magnificent Ait Ben Haddou kasbah. Explore the ancient alleyways and take in panoramic views before settling in for the night nearby.

Journey across the High Atlas Mountains via Tizi n’Tichka Pass, one of Morocco’s most scenic drives. Descend into the valley leading to Marrakech, where the vibrant Red City awaits. Settle into your accommodation near the medina and enjoy an evening exploring Jemaa el-Fnaa square, tasting local delicacies, and immersing yourself in the lively street performances.

Depart Marrakech and drive west to the coastal town of Essaouira. Wander its historic medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with whitewashed buildings and colorful shutters. Explore the bustling port, shop for local crafts, and enjoy fresh seafood while listening to the sounds of the Atlantic waves. Take in the relaxed coastal atmosphere, a refreshing contrast to Morocco’s desert landscapes.

On the final day, return to Casablanca for your departure flight. Depending on your schedule, make a quick stop to explore the city or enjoy some last-minute shopping before heading to the airport, concluding your 10-day Moroccan adventure.