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8-Day trip from Casablanca to the Imperial cities & desert

Duration

8 Days

Tour Type

Private Tour

Free Cancellation

48 H

Languages

English, Multilingual

Tour overview

The 8-day tour adventure begins in Casablanca, where the stunning Hassan II Mosque welcomes you to this vibrant country. The next day reveals Morocco’s royal heritage in Rabat’s historic sites and Meknes’ grand architecture before arriving in Fes.

Fes enchants visitors with its medieval medina, where the world’s oldest university and colorful tanneries showcase centuries-old traditions. Leaving the city behind, you’ll traverse the Middle Atlas Mountains, passing through cedar forests and the dramatic Ziz Valley before reaching the golden dunes of Merzouga. A camel ride at sunset leads to your desert camp, where Berber music and starlit skies create unforgettable memories.

The journey continues through palm-fringed oases to the towering Todra Gorges and scenic Dades Valley. You’ll discover Morocco’s “Rose Valley” and the famous Ait Ben Haddou kasbah, a UNESCO site featured in countless films. Crossing the High Atlas Mountains brings you to Marrakech, where bustling souks, historic palaces, and the magical Jemaa el-Fna square await exploration.

This carefully crafted itinerary balances cultural immersion with natural wonders, offering comfortable travel between destinations while allowing time to experience Morocco’s authentic charm. From the Atlantic coast to the Sahara Desert, each day reveals new facets of this diverse country – imperial cities, mountain vistas, desert landscapes, and vibrant markets. The trip concludes with lasting memories of Morocco’s warm hospitality, rich history, and breathtaking scenery.

Perfect for first-time visitors, this tour showcases Morocco’s highlights while providing insights into its fascinating culture and traditions.

Brief itinerary of the 8 days from Casablanca to the Imperial cities and the desert

Day Departure Arrival Distance
#1 Airport Casablanca 30km
#2 Casablanca Fes 320km
#3 Fes
#4 Fes Merzouga Desert 470 km
#5 Merzouga Dades 250 km
#6 Dades Marrakech 330 km
#7 Marrakech
#8 Marrakech Airport 6 km

What should I know about this 8-day tour from Casablanca?

  1. This exciting 8-day journey takes you through Morocco’s most beautiful places, starting in Casablanca and ending in Marrakech. You’ll visit historic cities like Rabat and Fes, see amazing desert landscapes in Merzouga, and explore stunning valleys and mountains along the way. The entire trip spans approximately 1,500 kilometers (930 miles) of diverse scenery.
  2. Packing the right items will make your trip more comfortable. Don’t forget a power adapter (Type C or E works in Morocco) for your electronics. The sun can be strong, so be sure to bring sunscreen and a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated. For the desert portion, pack sunglasses to protect your eyes from the bright sand, a scarf to cover your face during windy moments, and a small flashlight for moving around the camp at night. It’s also smart to bring hand sanitizer and basic medicines for stomach issues, just in case.
  3. This popular tour fills up quickly during busy travel seasons, so it’s best to book your spot early. The most pleasant times to visit are spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) when temperatures are comfortable. While the tour operates year-round, summer months can get extremely hot in the desert areas – sometimes over 40°C (104°F). If you travel in summer, be prepared for intense heat during the day.
  4. You’ll need a moderate level of fitness for this adventure. The old city areas (medinas) have uneven stone streets with steps and slopes that require careful walking. The camel ride to the desert camp lasts about an hour, but if you prefer not to ride, there’s always the option to take a 4×4 vehicle instead. Most days involve some walking at historical sites, and Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, so comfortable shoes are a must.

Tour highlights

  • Hassan II Mosque – Stunning oceanfront mosque
  • Imperial Cities – Rabat's palaces & Meknes' grand gates
  • Fes Medina – Ancient tanneries & world's oldest university
  • Atlas Mountains – Cedar forests with wild monkeys
  • Sahara Sunset – Camel ride over golden dunes
  • Desert Camp – Stargazing & Berber music
  • Todra Gorges – Dramatic 300m canyon walls
  • Ait Ben Haddou – Famous movie-set kasbah
  • Jemaa el-Fnaa – Marrakech's vibrant main square

Tour itinerary

Day 1: Casablanca – Transfer to the hotel

Our driver will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. If time allows, visit the stunning Hassan II Mosque by the ocean – its towering minaret and beautiful tiles make it one of the world’s most impressive mosques. Enjoy a relaxed evening with dinner at your hotel, resting up for the exciting days ahead.

 

Accommodation:
Standard: Hotel Melliber or similar
Superior: Hotel Art Suite & spa or similar

Day 2: Casablanca – Rabat – Meknes – Fes

After breakfast, travel to Rabat, Morocco’s capital. Walk through history at the Hassan Tower, an unfinished mosque from the 12th century, and visit the elegant Mohammed V Mausoleum nearby. Stroll through the blue-painted streets of the Udayas Kasbah, perched above the sea.

Next, head to Meknes, known as the "Versailles of Morocco." See the grand Bab Mansour gate and explore the massive royal stables that once held 12,000 horses. By evening, arrive in Fes, where you’ll spend the night in a traditional riad.

 

Accommodation:
Standard: Hotel Fes Yamanda or similar
Superior: Hotel Riad Palais Houyam or similar

Day 3: Full Day To Visit Fes

Fes will amaze you with its ancient medina, a maze of narrow streets alive with colors and sounds. Visit the world’s oldest university, Al Quaraouiyine, founded in 859 AD. Watch craftsmen work with leather at the famous Chouara Tannery, where hides are dyed in giant vats. Wander through bustling markets filled with spices, brass lamps, and handwoven carpets.

If time allows, see the golden doors of the Royal Palace and the old Jewish quarter. As the call to prayer echoes through the city, return to your riad for a quiet evening.

 

Accommodation:
Standard: Hotel Fes Yamanda or similar
Superior: Hotel Riad Palais Houyam or similar

Day 4: Fes - Ifrane - Azrou - Ziz Valley - Erfoud - Merzouga (Erg Chebbi desert)

Leave Fes behind as you drive toward the Sahara. Pass through Ifrane, a town with Swiss-style houses, and stop in the cedar forests to see wild monkeys. The landscape changes as you enter the Ziz Valley, where thousands of palm trees create a green ribbon in the desert.

Reach Merzouga by afternoon, where camels wait to carry you into the Erg Chebbi dunes. As the sun sets, the sand turns fiery orange. Spend the night in a luxury desert camp, enjoying Berber music under a sky full of stars.

 

Accommodation:
Standard: Mouhou Standard Camp or similar
Superior: Mouhou Luxury Camp or similar

Day 5: Merzouga - Errissani - Jorf - Todra Gorges - Dades Valley

Wake early to watch the sunrise paint the dunes in soft pinks. After breakfast, visit Rissani’s lively market where nomads trade dates and spices. Drive through rocky landscapes to the Todra Gorges, where 300-meter-high cliffs tower over a narrow river.

Continue to the Dades Valley, where wind and water have carved strange shapes into the red rock. Spend the night in a hotel overlooking this dramatic scenery.

 

Accommodation:
Standard: Hotel Kasbah Didis or similar
Superior: Hotel Ksar Sultan or similar

Day 6: Dades - Roses Valley - Skoura - Ouarzazate - High Atlas - Marrakech

Morning brings you to the Roses Valley, where fields of pink damask roses bloom in spring. Visit the Amridil Kasbah, a beautifully preserved mud-brick fortress. In Ouarzazate, explore Atlas Studios where movies like Gladiator were filmed, and walk through the ancient Ait Ben Haddou village, a UNESCO site.

Cross the High Atlas Mountains on winding roads with breathtaking views. By evening, arrive in vibrant Marrakech for dinner and rest.

 

Accommodation:
Standard: Hotel Riad Marana or similar
Superior: Hotel Riad Bahia Salam or similar

Day 7: Full Day To Visit Marrakech

Start your day at the Bahia Palace, with its peaceful courtyards and intricate woodwork. Visit the hidden Saadian Tombs and the towering Koutoubia Mosque.

The heart of Marrakech beats in Jemaa el-Fnaa square – a whirlwind of snake charmers, orange juice stalls, and storytellers. Get lost in the souks, bargaining for leather goods and lanterns. End your day in the tranquil Majorelle Garden, a splash of blue among the city’s pink walls.

 

Accommodation:
Standard: Hotel Riad Marana or similar
Superior: Hotel Riad Bahia Salam or similar

Day 8: Marrakech - Airport

Enjoy a final breakfast in Marrakech, perhaps picking up last-minute souvenirs. When it’s time, your guide will take you to the airport.

Inclusions/Exclusions

  • Airport pick up in Casablanca
  • Modern and comfortable vehicle
  • Expert driver
  • Hotels/Riads
  • Dinners
  • Breakfasts
  • Local guide to visit Fes
  • Camel excursion in Merzouga desert
  • Night in a desert camp
  • Local guide to visit Marrakech
  • Lunches
  • Drinks
  • Flight tickets
  • Entrance tickets

Map of the "8-Day trip from Casablanca to the Imperial cities & desert"

FAQs about 8-Day trip from Casablanca to the Imperial cities & desert

How much walking is involved?

Moderate walking in medinas (Fes/Marrakech) with uneven surfaces. Desert and gorges involve light walking. Comfortable shoes are essential.

What's the group size?

Private tours are just for your party, and the group tours usually have 12-16 people max.

This tour is safe for solo female travelers?

Yes, it is safe; however, dress modestly and avoid walking alone at night.

Will language be a barrier?

No – guides speak excellent English. Learning a few Arabic/French phrases (like "Shukran" for thank you) is appreciated.

Who meets us at the airport?

A driver/guide with your name on a sign will meet you in arrivals. They’ll have contact details for your hotel.

Do you recommend another tour similar to this 8 day tour from Casablanca?

We have another two similar tours that include more cities. The tours are the 10-day and the 12-day tour from Casablanca.

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