11 days Morocco Tour From Casablanca to the Imperial Cities and Sahara Desert

Upon arrival at Casablanca Airport, you will be greeted by your private driver who will escort you to a short sightseeing tour of Casablanca, Morocco bustling economic capital. You will first visit the Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world, and a true architectural masterpiece. This mosque is perched on a promontory overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and boasts the tallest minaret in the world (210 meters). It can hold up to 105,000 worshippers, including 25,000 inside the mosque and 80,000 in the adjoining grounds. Spend time marveling at its intricate mosaics, grand hall, and beautiful views of the ocean. After your visit, check into your hotel for the night.

After breakfast, your adventure continues to Rabat, the political capital of Morocco. Your first stop is the Kasbah of the Oudayas, a stunning 12th-century fortress located by the Abou Regreg River, with beautiful gardens and panoramic views over the ocean. Visit the Mausoleum of Mohamed V, a tranquil resting place of King Mohamed V and his sons, which showcases beautiful Moroccan architecture. From here, explore Hassan Tower, the remains of an ambitious mosque project from the 12th century, designed to be the largest mosque in the world, though never completed. After your exploration of Rabat, journey northwards to Chefchaouen, the iconic blue city nestled in the Rif Mountains.

Chefchaouen is known for its charming narrow streets, distinctive blue-painted buildings, and stunning mountain backdrop. Today, explore the city at your own pace. Wander through the picturesque alleyways of the medina, visit the Uta el-Hammam Square, where you willll find cafes and shops selling local crafts, including handwoven textiles, pottery, and woolen blankets. Take time to visit the Kasbah Museum, housed in a 15th-century fortress, and stroll along the Ras el-Maa Waterfall for beautiful views of the city and its surroundings. The relaxed atmosphere here offers a perfect chance to soak in the serenity of this magical city.

After breakfast, leave Chefchaouen behind and head south, making a stop at the Volubilis Ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage site. These ruins of a Roman city, dating back to the 3rd century BC, are remarkably well-preserved and offer an insight into Morocco ancient past. Admire the intricate mosaics, temples, and arches. Continue your journey to Meknes, one of Morocco imperial cities, where you willll visit the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, dedicated to the Sultan who made Meknes his capital in the 17th century. you willll also visit the Granaries, massive storage units built to feed the sultan army and horses, as well as the grand Bab Al Mansour, an impressive gate designed by Ismail architects. After exploring Meknes, travel to Fes, where you will check into your riad for a restful night.

Your day in Fes starts with a guided tour of the Fes Medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the largest medieval walled cities in the world. Your local guide will take you through the labyrinthine streets, explaining the rich history of this ancient city. Visit the King Palace, a grand example of Moroccan architecture with stunning mosaics and gardens. Explore the tanneries, where leather is still dyed in traditional methods, and the pottery workshops, where artisans create beautiful ceramics using ancient techniques. Wander through the bustling souks, filled with spices, textiles, and brasswork. The day will end with free time to explore the medina or relax in the riad.

Today, you will head south, traveling through the Middle Atlas Mountains to the town of Ifrane, a charming town with Swiss-style chalets and a reputation as a resort town. Continue to Midelt, known for its fossils and mineral-rich landscapes, where you willll enjoy lunch. The drive then takes you to Erfoud, famous for its dates and fossils, before reaching the Merzouga Desert. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and relax after a long day of travel.

Start your day with a visit to Rissani, once the home of the Alawite dynasty. Discover the Ksar Oulad Abdelhalim, a fortified village with striking mud-brick architecture. Visit the Khamlia Village, known for its Gnaoua music, a unique blend of African rhythms and Berber traditions. In the afternoon, your desert adventure begins. Ride camels into the Erg Chebbi Dunes to experience a beautiful Sahara sunset. you willll arrive at your Nomad camp, where you willll be welcomed with traditional Berber music and enjoy a traditional dinner under the stars.

Rise early to catch the sunrise over the majestic dunes before heading back to Merzouga. From here, you will continue to the Todra Gorges, towering cliffs that rise 600 feet above the valley floor. Enjoy a walk through this natural wonder and take in the dramatic landscape. Afterward, continue your journey through the Dades Valley, famous for its unique rock formations, such as the Tamnalt Hills, which resemble human faces. Reach Dades Gorge in the afternoon, where you willll check into your hotel and enjoy a traditional dinner.

After breakfast, depart for Ouarzazate, known as the “Gateway to the Sahara.” Take a detour to visit a nomad village, where you willll experience the traditional lifestyle of Berber people living in cave dwellings. Continue along the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs, a scenic route dotted with fortified mud-brick kasbahs and oases. Stop at Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a popular film location, to explore its ancient kasbah, which has appeared in films like Gladiator and Lawrence of Arabia. Afterward, continue your journey across the High Atlas Mountains to Marrakech.

Begin your day with a guided tour of Marrakech, Morocco vibrant “Red City”. Visit the Saadian Tombs, the final resting place of the Saadian dynasty, and explore the lush Majorelle Gardens, once owned by Yves Saint Laurent. Marvel at the architecture of the Koutoubia Mosque, with its tall minaret, and visit the Bahia Palace, an exquisite example of Moroccan craftsmanship. Wander through the souks where you can shop for spices, textiles, and handicrafts. In the afternoon, visit Jemaa el-Fna, a lively square filled with snake charmers, musicians, and storytellers.
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After breakfast, you willll travel along the scenic coastal route to Casablanca, where you will be dropped off at Mohammed V International Airport for your departure flight.
End of Tour.