10-Day Moroccan Adventure Brief Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Casablanca. Explore Casablanca & Rabat.
Day 2: Discover the Blue City of Chefchaouen.
Day 3: Visit Roman ruins at Volubilis and explore Meknes & Fes.
Day 4: Full-day tour of Fes, including its medieval Medina.
Day 5: Journey to the Sahara Desert via Ifrane and Ziz Valley.
Day 6: Experience desert adventures in Merzouga.
Day 7: Explore Berber villages, Todra Gorge, and Dades Valley.
Day 8: Travel through Dades Valley, Ouarzazate, Aït Benhaddou, and reach Marrakech.
Day 9: Immerse yourself in the vibrant Red City of Marrakech.
Day 10: Return to Casablanca.
Itinerary
Upon arrival at Casablanca airport, our staff will meet and greet you there. And without further delay, your 12 day Morocco tour starts. The first stop will be in Casablanca itself, the largest city in the country. Specifically, the Hassan II Mosque, which is not only the highest mosque in Morocco but also in Africa: its minaret is about 200 meters high. But that is not its only interest, far from it: it is one of the few visitable mosques in the country, so we will take the opportunity to enter and learn about this Muslim temple, made of high quality materials such as different marbles and granites.
After visiting this modern architectural jewel, located on an artificial peninsula on the coast of Casablanca, we will leave for our next destination: Rabat. It has been the capital since 1912 and is considered one of the Imperial Cities of Morocco, a name that gives us clues about the monumentality of some of its buildings. For example, the Hassan Tower, erected in the late twelfth century. In that same century, construction began on the Kasbah of the Oudayas, an impregnable walled enclosure from which you will enjoy magnificent panoramic views of the city, its coast and the neighboring Salé.
You will be able to discover all this and much more at your own pace, as you will have free time to spend the rest of the day in this city, distinguished as a World Heritage Site by Unesco. In this way, you can lose yourself in the medina and its souk, or visit other interesting places outside it, such as the Mohamed VI Museum of Contemporary Art, to name a few examples. And in the evening, you will rest in a comfortable riad in the heart of the city center.
After breakfast at the riad in Rabat, we will leave early in the morning heading north. The goal is to reach Chaouen with enough time to visit this small town full of charm. We will reach it after a journey of about 4 hours by road, the last stretch of which runs through the Rif Mountains.
Between two of them is Chaouen, also called Chefchaouen or El Aaiún. Its medina, with narrow, steep and twisted streets, exudes a special charm due to the light blue color used to decorate the walls. It also has an interesting kasbah, which today houses an ethnographic museum, and strategic viewpoints from which to admire the town’s hamlet and its green surroundings.
It is also a town where ancient traditions and ways of life survive, as well as a very rich craftsmanship, highlighting its textile productions. On your return from shopping and strolling through the medina, your riad will be close by, as it will be located in the historic medina center.
On the third day of this circuit, after breakfast at the riad, we will leave the Rif Mountains and head south to discover two places as different as interesting, which will help us to understand the diversity and beauty of Morocco as a whole. The first one takes us to the Roman Empire. Specifically, to one of its most important cities in North Africa, in the province called Mauritania Tingitana. We are talking about Volubilis, which is currently an archaeological site of great value, as it preserves colonnades, mosaics, monumental arches and other elements that allow us to understand its importance in the past. For all this it is listed as a World Heritage Site by Unesco.
Later, we will move on to Meknes, another of the sites recognized by Unesco. It is also considered one of the Imperial Cities of Morocco because it was designated capital in the late seventeenth century by Sultan Moulay Ismail. During the free visit of its historic medina you can admire its mausoleum, the wall and its monumental gates, including Bab Mansour.
In the last part of the day we will arrive in Fez, with time for a free walk. Here you can experience a first contact with this city with a rich past, as well as shopping in its craft shops, recognized inside and outside the country for their quality. And to conclude the day, you will sleep in a riad in the medina that will allow you to be rested for the guided tour the next day
As the oldest and perhaps most captivating of Morocco’s imperial cities, Fes offers an unparalleled glimpse into medieval life, untouched by significant colonial development. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Fes is home to the most complete medina in the Arab world, divided into three main areas: Fes el Bali (the ancient medina, where you'll spend much of your time), Fes el Jdid (the "new" medina), and the French-inspired Ville Nouvelle. Join your guide to delve into Fes's rich history and culture—and to expertly navigate the intricate medina.
Begin in Fes el Bali, entering through the iconic Bab Boujeloud gate, which leads you onto Talâa Kebira. Stroll through the vibrant souks, where Spanish and Tunisian-inspired architecture lines the way. A highlight is the Chouara Tannery, where you can climb to a leather shop rooftop for a view over the 11th-century stone pots filled with colorful dyes, as artisans continue the centuries-old tradition.
Next, visit the Al-Qarawiyyin Library and Mosque, founded in 859 CE. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse inside this ancient library, a true treasure of Fes.
Today’s journey takes you south toward Merzouga, on the edge of the Sahara Desert. Begin by ascending through the Middle Atlas Mountains with cedar forests and scenic views over the Col du Zad pass. Take a break in Midelt, the "Apple City," known for its orchards, and enjoy lunch near the Moulouya River. Continue toward the Ziz Valley through the Tizi n'Talremt pass, where fortified ksars built by merchants to protect their goods line the landscape.
Arriving in Erfoud, famed for dates and fossils, visit a local artisan collective to discover the diverse fossils found here. Then, head to the sweeping sand dunes of Erg Chebbi, where dunes rise over 600 feet. In Merzouga, meet your camel for a trek to your evening’s Bedouin-style camp stopping on the way to witness the sunset over the Sahara before enjoying dinner and a campfire beneath a stunningly starry desert sky.
Journey through the dunes of Erg Chebbi in a Jeep to uncover the hidden wonders of this enchanting land. Connect with local nomads, share tea with a welcoming family, and visit the Gnawa House in Khemliya village to immerse yourself in traditional music. Later, if you’re up for more adventure, try sandboarding on the dunes or take an exhilarating quad ATV tour. As evening approaches, climb a nearby dune to watch the sun set over the landscape, then return to camp for another night under the starlit sky.
Rise early to watch the sunrise over the desert, then prepare for some adventure with sandboarding, or opt for an ATV ride or a tour of the Erg Chebbi dunes. If relaxation is more your style, you can also lounge by a pool in Merzouga.
Afterward, leave the dunes to visit the traditional Saharan village of Khemliya, home to people with roots in Mali. Here, enjoy traditional music, drumming, and dancing, followed by a stroll through the village and its small, sand-based farms. Next, head to Rissani, a lively market town where you can see a live animal auction and explore the unique ‘donkey parking lot.’
Continue west to Tinerhir, where you’ll admire an extensive oasis and a vibrant community nestled along its lush landscape. Stop by the breathtaking Todra Gorge to descend to the river’s edge and relax by the refreshing waters of the Todra River. Then drive straight to your hotel in Dades Valley.
Your journey westward takes you through the Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs, where the ancient pisé clay structures evoke Morocco’s rich past. Travel through Boumalne Dades until you reach Kela'a M'gouna, where carefully tended rose fields line the landscape. Known for rose water and rose oil production, the blooms here are prized in the cosmetics industry.
Continue to the desert hub of Ouarzazate, a famous film location where you can tour movie studio.
Next, reach the iconic Kasbah of Aït Benhaddou, a fortified pisé village nestled in a valley at the foot of the Atlas Mountains. This UNESCO site played a vital role along the ancient trans-Saharan trade route between Marrakech and the southern desert. Climb to the old granary for sweeping views over the surrounding ksours (individual kasbahs) and the Ouarzazate Valley. Wander through the narrow lanes and pay a small fee to enter a few of the historic kasbahs.
As you head northwest, ascend through the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n'Tichka pass. Pause near the summit for breathtaking views, including Morocco's highest peak, Mount Toubkal (13,671 feet or 4,167 m). Stop in Taddert to visit an argan oil cooperative and learn about the traditional process of extracting oil from argan nuts, used widely in health and beauty products.
Descending the mountains, observe the striking change in climate and scenery from arid and sparse to lush and green. Finally, arrive in Marrakech and settle into your hotel before heading out to explore the lively main square, Jemaa el-Fna.
Start your exploration of Marrakech with the Koutoubia Mosque, home to the city’s tallest minaret at 253 feet (77 m). Continue to the Ben Youssef Madrasa, a 16th-century Islamic school, where you’ll admire the breathtaking Moroccan artisanship with intricate arabesques, Islamic calligraphy, and colorful geometric tile work.
Take a peaceful break at the Majorelle Gardens in Ville Nouvelle, a cool escape from the afternoon heat. Then, explore the Saadian Tombs, only uncovered in the 1930s, followed by the grand 19th-century Bahia Palace, known for its lavish woodwork and painted ceilings.
If time permits, visit the El Badi Palace and its unique sunken gardens, then wander through the Mellah (Jewish quarter) of Marrakech. As you make your way back to Jemaa el-Fna, notice the spacious fondouks (or caravanserais) that once served as inns for travelers along ancient trade routes.
Unlike Fes, Marrakech has Berber origins and remains a major economic hub. Founded in the 11th century, it’s often called the “Red City” for the natural red pigment in its walls. With your guide, uncover the hidden gems of the medina, including bustling souks filled with vibrant wares, offering an immersive journey into Marrakech’s culture and history.
After lunch, begin the return trip to Casablanca (about 3.5 hours). Stop for a quick drink on the way before catching your return flight.
The Cost Includes
- Transportation/Fuel: 11 days air-conditioned 4WD vehicle or minivan.
- Services of a qualified multilingual local guide / driver.
- Comprehensive sightseeing with guidance.
- 8 nights in well-recommended hotels/kasbahs/riads.
- 1 night in a Berber desert Nomadic luxury camp (private tent).
- 1 hour Camel ride (one camel per individual).
- Meals as stated
- Sand-boarding (free and optional -this activity is undertaken at your own risk-).
- Traditional Music live show in desert
The Cost Excludes
- International Airfare
- Visa Charges
- Your travel and medical insurance
- Personal Expenses such as shopping, laundry, etc
- Services not mentioned or not promised by agency
- Emergency expenses
FAQs
The Sahara desert’s Merzouga camel’s ride begins just before sunset, usually at around 5:30 p.m. However, it may start later depending on the season. It takes approximately 1 h 30 min to ride a camel through the Erg Chebbi dunes.
In Morocco, like in other Muslim countries, both men and women are encouraged to dress conservatively. Opt for loose, lightweight clothing to stay cool, protect your skin, and show respect for local customs. It’s also helpful to carry a lightweight scarf, which can be used as needed—especially around religious sites or for extra protection from the sun and desert sand.
Morocco is a fantastic year-round destination, but the best times to visit for comfortable temperatures are spring and autumn, ideal seasons for hiking in the Atlas Mountains. Winter brings cooler nights and mornings, especially on desert tours where temperatures can dip below 5°C (41°F), though Morocco remains a warm, sunny destination during the day—particularly along the coast. For climbing Mount Toubkal, May to June and September to October offer optimal conditions, with lower temperatures and occasional early or late snow on the summit.
In July and August, Morocco can be quite hot, so we only run family-friendly tours during these months, crafted with the summer heat in mind. These trips often include hotel pools or opportunities to swim in the sea, ensuring a refreshing experience.
Absolutely—negociating is a core part of Moroccan culture, and locals do it regularly in the bustling souks (marketplaces). Shopkeepers usually start with high prices, so don’t hesitate to negotiate, beginning at around half the initial amount.
For safety, consider wearing a secure money belt, especially in busy areas like the souks, as pickpocketing can occur, just as in any major city. Most importantly, enjoy wandering through the vibrant market stalls, filled with rich colors and unique items, for an authentic Moroccan experience and the chance to find some great deals.
Tap water in Morocco is not safe for drinking. We recommend using a water bottle with a built-in filtration system, such as a Water-to-Go bottle.