Overview of the Morocco Desert Tour from Casablanca
Embark on an unforgettable 8-day Morocco Desert Tour from Casablanca to Marrakech, crafted to showcase the best of the kingdom. This flexible itinerary is based on our travelers’ favorites and can be tailored to suit your preferences.
Discover Morocco’s imperial cities, traverse the majestic Atlas Mountains, visit UNESCO-listed kasbahs, and spend a magical night under the Sahara stars in Merzouga. Complete with a camel ride and luxury desert camp, this tour blends cultural discovery, natural beauty, and authentic experiences.
Tour Highlights
- Explore the ancient University of Al Qarawiyyin in Fes – the oldest in the world.
- Visit the vibrant Chouara Tannery, famous for traditional leather-making.
- Meet the Barbary apes in Azrou’s cedar forest.
- Ride camels across the golden Erg Chebbi dunes at sunset.
- Enjoy a night in a luxury Berber camp under starry desert skies.
- Wander through the spectacular Todgha Gorges and Dades Valley.
- Discover the cinematic Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Included / Excluded
- 7 nights’ accommodation in selected hotels/riads and a desert camp
- Daily breakfast, plus 2 dinners
- Private vehicle with an English-speaking driver/guide
- Camel trek to/from the desert camp
- Sandboarding experience
- Guided tours in Fes, Ait Benhaddou, and Marrakech
- Parking fees and local taxes
- Soft drinks and lunches
- Entrance fees to monuments
- Tips and personal expenses
Route Map – 8 Days Morocco Desert Tour from Casablanca
Itinerary for Desert Tour From Marrakech to Fes
Your 8-day adventure begins with a warm welcome at Casablanca airport, followed by a transfer to your hotel or riad. If your arrival is early, we’ll treat you to a tour of Casablanca’s highlights. For late arrivals, you’ll head straight to your accommodation to relax. Time permitting, you can visit the iconic Hassan II Mosque—Africa’s largest functional mosque and the seventh largest in the world—famous for its majestic minaret that partly extends over the Atlantic Ocean.
After breakfast, we’ll begin our journey to Fes with a stop in Rabat, Morocco’s current capital. There, we’ll explore landmarks like the Hassan Tower—once intended to be the tallest minaret in the world but left incomplete after its patron’s death.
Next, we’ll head to Meknes, an imperial city that was the seat of the Ismaili dynasty. Nearby, we’ll visit the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis, offering a glimpse into Morocco’s Roman past.
In Meknes, you’ll see the lively Lhdim Square, the grand Bab Mansour gate, and the mysterious Qara Prison—an underground jail surrounded by tales claiming it stretches all the way to Fes.
We’ll end the day by arriving in Fes and checking into your accommodation to prepare for the next day’s exploration.
Today is dedicated to exploring Fes, Morocco’s oldest imperial city. After breakfast, a local guide will take you through the narrow alleys of the UNESCO-listed Fes El Bali medina, filled with vibrant souks, historic monuments, and hidden gems.
You’ll visit the famous Al-Qarawiyyin University, the oldest existing degree-granting university in the world, as well as the Bou Inania Madrasa and the Chouara Tannery, where traditional leather-making techniques are still in use. The tour also includes stops at artisan workshops, showcasing the city’s rich craftsmanship.
The evening will be free for you to unwind or continue exploring the local scene at your own pace.
After breakfast, we set off toward the captivating Merzouga Desert. Our first stop is Ifrane, dubbed the “Little Switzerland of Morocco” for its European-inspired architecture and clean, green surroundings. We’ll stroll around and visit the famous Atlas Lion Statue.
Next, we continue to Azrou and its peaceful Cedar Forest, home to playful Barbary macaques. We’ll break for lunch in Zaida or Midelt before heading further south.
As we approach Merzouga, we’ll pass through the scenic Ziz Valley, known for its expansive palm groves. Once in Merzouga, we’ll hop on camels for a magical ride across the Erg Chebbi dunes just in time to catch the desert sunset.
The day ends with a traditional dinner and Berber music under the stars at your desert camp—a truly unforgettable experience.
We’ll start the day early to catch the sunrise over the dunes—an awe-inspiring moment in the heart of the Sahara. After breakfast at camp, luxury guests may shower on-site, while those at standard camps will freshen up upon arrival in Merzouga.
We then begin our journey to Boumalne Dades, stopping first in Rissani, known for its bustling traditional souks that offer an authentic taste of Moroccan life.
Continuing through Tinjdad and Tinghir, we’ll arrive at the dramatic Todgha Gorges—towering rock formations carved by a narrow river, perfect for photos and a short walk.
We’ll finish the day in Dades Gorges, surrounded by stunning red rock formations where you’ll spend the night and relax after a day full of adventure.
After breakfast, we’ll begin our journey to Marrakech. Our first stop is Kelaat M’Gouna, the rose capital of Morocco, where you can visit local cooperatives and sample rose-based products.
Next, we travel along the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs, passing through Skoura. Here, you have the option to visit the Amridil Kasbah, one of Morocco’s most beautiful and well-preserved fortresses.
Our journey continues to Ouarzazate, where you’ll visit the world-famous Atlas Studios—frequented by international filmmakers. We’ll then head to Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and iconic ksar used in many famous movies.
After exploring this historic village, we’ll take the scenic Tizi n’Tichka mountain pass (2,260m) and enjoy panoramic views before arriving in Marrakech, where you’ll spend the night.
Day seven is fully dedicated to exploring Marrakech. To make the most of it, a local guide will join you for an insightful city tour. Marrakech, the cultural and tourism capital of Morocco, is vibrant, busy, and filled with must-see attractions.
We’ll start with the Majorelle Garden, created by French artist Jacques Majorelle. Then we’ll visit the serene Secret Garden, a peaceful escape in the heart of the city. Afterward, explore the historic Saadian Tombs and discover the legacy of the Saadian dynasty.
The tour continues with stops at Bahia Palace and various bustling souks and artisan areas.
As evening falls, we’ll explore Jamaa El-Fna Square and admire the Koutoubia Mosque, the city’s iconic landmark. You’ll spend the night in a riad or hotel in Marrakech.
On the final day of your 8-day tour from Casablanca, your itinerary will depend on your flight schedule. If departing from Casablanca, we’ll take the highway directly to Mohammed V International Airport. If your flight is from Marrakech and scheduled later in the day, we can use the extra time to explore a few more hidden gems of the city before taking you to the airport for your departure.