12 Days
Private Tour
Up to 1 day
English, Multilingual
The journey begins in Casablanca, Morocco’s modern city by the Atlantic, and continues to Rabat, the country’s capital, where you can see the impressive Hassan Tower and the quiet Kasbah of the Udayas. From there, the road leads north to Chefchaouen, the famous blue town hidden in the Rif Mountains, a place that feels almost magical. On the way south, you stop at the Roman ruins of Volubilis, explore the imperial city of Meknes, and arrive in Fes, where narrow streets reveal old mosques, schools, and colorful markets.
Traveling further, the route passes through the cedar forests of Azrou and the alpine-style town of Ifrane before opening into the wide Ziz Valley. Soon, the golden dunes of Merzouga rise in the distance. Here, camel rides, desert camps, and nights under starry skies bring the Sahara to life. You will also meet nomadic families and hear the traditional Gnawa music that carries the desert’s rhythm.
From Merzouga, the adventure continues through the dramatic Todra Gorges, the winding road of the Dades Valley, and the Roses Valley with its sweet fragrance. The path then leads to Ouarzazate, famous for its old kasbahs and film studios. Another highlight is Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage village of clay houses, before crossing the High Atlas Mountains and reaching Marrakech. In this lively city, palaces, gardens, and the busy Jemaa el-Fnaa square capture Morocco’s energy and culture.
The tour also takes you on a day trip to the Ouzoud Waterfalls, the highest in Morocco, and finishes by the ocean in Essaouira, a charming town with white houses, blue shutters, historic walls, and fresh seafood.
| Day | Departure | Arrival | Distance |
| #1 | Airport | Casablanca | 30 km |
| #2 | Casablanca | Chefchaouen | 340 km |
| #3 | Chefchaouen | Fes | 200 km |
| #4 | Fes | Fes | — |
| #5 | Fes | Merzouga Desert | 470 km |
| #6 | Merzouga | Eg Chebbi Desert | 40 km |
| #7 | Merzouga | Dades | 270 km |
| #8 | Dades | Marrakech | 320 km |
| #9 | Marrakech | Marrakech | — |
| #10 | Marrakech | Ouzoud | 360 km |
| #11 | Marrakech | Essaouira | 190 km |
| #12 | Essaouira | Airport | 370 km |
Your journey begins on Day 1 with arrival in Casablanca, Morocco’s bustling commercial hub on the Atlantic. Depending on when your flight lands, you may have time to explore. The Hassan II Mosque, standing proudly on the oceanfront, offers a stunning first impression of Moroccan architecture and spirituality.
Later, you can stroll along the Corniche, where the sea breeze sets the tone for the adventure ahead. You will spend the night in Casablanca, resting for the days of travel to come.
Accommodation:
Standard: Hotel Melliber or similar
Superior: Hotel Art Palace Suite & Spa or similar
On Day 2, you leave Casablanca and head toward Rabat, the country’s political capital. Here, the Royal Palace, Hassan Tower, and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V showcase Morocco’s regal past and present. A walk through the Kasbah of the Udayas, with its white-and-blue Andalusian houses and peaceful gardens, feels like stepping into another world. Afterward, the road takes you north to Chefchaouen.
This small mountain town, painted in shades of blue, invites you to wander its quiet streets. As the sun sets, the Spanish Mosque viewpoint offers sweeping vistas of the medina and the Rif Mountains. The night is spent in Chefchaouen.
Accommodation:
Standard: Hotel Casa Hassan or similar
Superior: Hotel Dar Echaouen or similar
Day 3 begins with a drive from Chefchaouen through rolling hills to the Roman ruins of Volubilis. The site is a UNESCO treasure, filled with mosaics and columns that hint at the city’s former grandeur. A short distance away lies Meknes, once the capital under Sultan Moulay Ismail.
Here, the grand Bab Mansour gate and the royal granaries highlight the sultan’s ambition. As evening approaches, the road leads you to Fes, the spiritual and cultural heart of Morocco, where you will settle in for the night.
Accommodation:
Standard: Hotel Riad Fes Yamanda or similar
Superior: Hotel Riad Palais Houyam or similar
On Day 4, the entire day is devoted to discovering Fes. The medieval medina of Fes el Bali is a labyrinth of narrow alleys alive with history. You can visit the Bou Inania Madrasa, admire the oldest university in the world at Al-Qarawiyyin, and witness the colorful leather dyeing traditions at the tanneries.
The Royal Palace gates and the old Jewish quarter, the Mellah, provide a wider perspective of the city’s diverse heritage. By evening, Fes reveals itself as a living museum of Morocco’s layered past.
Accommodation:
Standard: Hotel Riad Fes Yamanda or similar
Superior: Hotel Riad Palais Houyam or similar
Day 5 takes you south, climbing through the Middle Atlas Mountains. The first stop is Ifrane, often called Morocco’s “Little Switzerland” for its European-style architecture. Further along lies Azrou, where cedar forests shelter Barbary macaques.
Lunch is enjoyed in Midelt before the road winds down into the Ziz Valley, lined with thousands of palm trees. Passing through Erfoud, known for fossils and dates, the journey continues until the golden dunes of Merzouga rise on the horizon. Here, a camel ride or 4x4 transfer carries you into the heart of the Erg Chebbi desert. The evening unfolds beneath a star-filled sky at a desert camp.
Accommodation:
Standard: Hotel Lhomme du Desert or similar
Superior: Hotel Riad Madu or similar
On Day 6, the rhythm of desert life begins. You will meet nomadic families who continue to live in tents and practice traditions passed down for generations. The rocky desert landscapes surrounding Merzouga reveal mineral quarries and volcanic black stone plateaus.
In Khamlia village, the sound of Gnawa music echoes a spiritual heritage brought from sub-Saharan Africa. Later, the dunes of Erg Chebbi invite you to climb, relax, or try sandboarding. As the sun sinks below the horizon, a camel trek takes you deeper into the dunes for another unforgettable night in the desert.
Accommodation:
Standard: Mouhou Standard Camp or similar
Superior: Mouhou Luxury Camp or similar
Day 7 is a journey back toward civilization, but not without wonders along the way. Departing Merzouga, you travel through Rissani and Tinghir, where the Todra Gorges rise dramatically, their cliffs towering nearly 300 meters high.
A walk through this canyon shows the raw power of nature. Continuing on, the Dades Valley offers winding roads and dramatic rock formations before you pass through the Roses Valley, celebrated each spring for its fragrant blossoms.
By evening, you arrive in Ouarzazate, often called the Hollywood of Morocco for its film studios and desert scenery.
Accommodation:
Standard: Hotel Riad Dar Barbara or similar
Superior: Hotel Riad Dar Chamaa or similar
The adventure on Day 8 leads to one of Morocco’s most iconic landmarks, the fortified village of Ait Benhaddou. This UNESCO site has starred in countless films and television series, yet remains a living kasbah for some families.
After exploring its maze of clay buildings, the road climbs into the High Atlas Mountains. Crossing the Tizi n’Tichka pass, the highest in Morocco, you descend into Marrakech.
As night falls, the famous Jemaa el-Fnaa square bursts to life with food stalls, performers, and storytellers.
Accommodation:
Standard: Hotel Riad Marana or similar
Superior: Hotel Riad Bahia Salam or similar
Day 9 is a full day dedicated to Marrakech. The Koutoubia Mosque stands tall with its graceful minaret, while the Bahia Palace enchants visitors with its intricate tilework and gardens. The Saadian Tombs tell stories of past dynasties, and the Majorelle Garden, once owned by Yves Saint Laurent, provides a tranquil escape in a city of vibrant energy. The souks of Marrakech, meanwhile, buzz with artisans selling everything from spices to carpets.
Accommodation:
Standard: Hotel Riad Marana or similar
Superior: Hotel Riad Bahia Salam or similar
On Day 10, you leave the city behind for an excursion to the Ouzoud Waterfalls, located about two and a half hours from Marrakech. These are the tallest waterfalls in Morocco, plunging into emerald pools below.
A short hike offers stunning viewpoints, and along the way you might encounter playful Barbary monkeys. Returning to Marrakech in the evening, you once again immerse yourself in the city’s rhythm.
Accommodation:
Standard: Hotel Riad Marana or similar
Superior: Hotel Riad Bahia Salam or similar
Day 11 brings a change of scenery as you travel west to Essaouira on the Atlantic coast. With its whitewashed houses trimmed in blue, narrow lanes, and sea breeze, Essaouira feels different from anywhere else in Morocco.
The UNESCO-listed medina is calm and charming, while the bustling port reveals fishermen at work. The Skala fortress provides sweeping ocean views, and the seafood here is among the freshest you’ll taste. The day ends in this coastal haven.
Accommodation:
Standard: Hotel Riad Maison du Sud or similar
Superior: Hotel Riad Raoud Rayhane or similar
Today, we will drive from Essaouira back to Casablanca, a journey of about five hours. Depending on your flight schedule, there may be time to pause along the coast in towns like Safi or El Jadida before heading to the airport. Your journey ends where it began, but with memories of deserts, mountains, medinas, and oceans woven together into an unforgettable travel story.
The journey from Casablanca to Chefchaouen via Rabat usually takes around 6 to 7 hours, depending on stops. It is a scenic drive with changing landscapes.
Yes, a local guide is included in both cities (Marrakech and Fes). The medinas are large and complex labyrinths, and a guide will help you explore hidden gems while sharing the history and culture
Driving times vary: some days are shorter, like in Marrakech or Essaouira (3–4 hours), while desert travel days (like Fes to Merzouga) can be 8–9 hours with stops. The drives are scenic with plenty of photo opportunities and rest breaks.
Yes, the itinerary can be fully customized. You can add extra nights in Marrakech, Fes, or Chefchaouen, or shorten the tour to focus only on specific regions.
If you have more time in Morocco, we recommend a 15-day tour, 20 days, or even the 30-day tour of Morocco.
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