8 Days Morocco Tour From Casablanca to the Imperial Cities and Merzouga Sahara Desert

Upon arrival at Casablanca airport, your driver will greet you and begin your Moroccan adventure. Your first stop will be the Hassan II Mosque, an architectural masterpiece and the largest mosque in Morocco, featuring the tallest minaret in the world (210m) and offering breathtaking ocean views.
Leaving Casablanca, you will continue to Rabat, the political capital of Morocco. Here, you will visit the Kasbah of the Oudayas, a historic fortress overlooking the Bou Regreg River, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V & Hassan II, an iconic tribute to Morocco’s kings, and the Hassan Tower, the unfinished 12th-century minaret of an ambitious mosque.
After exploring Rabat, you will head north to Chefchaouen, the famous blue city nestled in the Rif Mountains

Start your morning wandering through the mesmerizing blue alleyways of Chefchaouen, discovering its charming streets, artisan shops, and panoramic views.
Departing Chefchaouen, travel south via Ouazzane toward the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore its well-preserved mosaics, temples, and grand columns, offering insight into Morocco’s Roman past.
Next, visit Meknes, an imperial city known for its Spanish-Moorish influences. Highlights include the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, resting place of the legendary Sultan, the Heri es-Souani Granaries, showcasing advanced 17th-century engineering, and Bab Mansour, one of Morocco’s most magnificent gates.
By evening, continue to Fes, where you’ll settle into a traditional riad.

Today, you will explore Fes el-Bali, Morocco’s oldest medina and a UNESCO site, with a local guide. Walk through its labyrinthine streets, witnessing the Al-Qarawiyyin University, the world’s oldest degree-granting university, the Chouara Tanneries, famous for its colorful leather-dyeing process, the Fes Royal Palace (outer gates), and the Nejjarine Fountain and Bou Inania Madrasa, masterpieces of Moroccan craftsmanship.
After the tour, return to your riad and enjoy your evening exploring the medina at your own pace

Departing Fes, you will travel south through the Middle Atlas Mountains, making your first stop in Ifrane, often called the “Switzerland of Morocco” for its European-style architecture and clean streets. Continuing through the scenic cedar forests, you will have a chance to spot Barbary macaques before reaching the town of Midelt, known for its minerals and fossils, where you will stop for lunch.
As you journey further, you will follow the Ziz Valley, passing through kasbahs and palm groves before reaching Erfoud, a gateway to the desert famous for its fossil workshops. In the afternoon, you will arrive in Merzouga, where you will saddle up for a camel trek across the mesmerizing Erg Chebbi dunes, enjoying a breathtaking sunset over the golden sands. Your night will be spent in a traditional nomadic camp under a star-filled sky, with Berber music around the campfire.

Wake up early to witness the magical sunrise over the dunes before returning to Merzouga by camel. After freshening up, you will travel towards Alnif and then continue to the dramatic Todra Gorges, where towering canyon walls reach 600 feet high. Here, you can enjoy a short walk through the gorge, taking in its natural beauty.
Continuing your journey, you will pass through picturesque valleys before reaching the Dades Gorge, home to stunning rock formations and the unique “Monkey Fingers” landscape in Tamnalt Hills. Overnight in the heart of Dades Gorge.

After breakfast, you will set off towards the High Atlas Mountains via Ouarzazate, stopping along the way at the beautiful Valley of Roses, where you will have the opportunity to visit a local rose cooperative and learn about traditional rosewater production.
Continuing along the Road of One Thousand Kasbahs, you will pass through the Skoura palm oasis before arriving in Ouarzazate, often referred to as the “Hollywood of Morocco.” Here, you will visit the famous Ait Benhaddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a backdrop for numerous Hollywood films, including Lawrence of Arabia, Gladiator, and Game of Thrones.
After lunch at Ait Benhaddou, you will cross the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, the highest road pass in Morocco, offering breathtaking views as you descend into Marrakech.

After breakfast, you will set out to explore Marrakech, the “Red City” of Morocco, with a local guide. Your tour includes visits to the Bahia Palace, an architectural masterpiece filled with intricate carvings and beautiful gardens, the Saadian Tombs, a stunning 16th-century royal necropolis, and the iconic Koutoubia Mosque, Marrakech’s largest and most important mosque.
You will also visit the vibrant Djemaa el-Fna Square, a lively hub filled with street performers, snake charmers, and traditional food stalls. The afternoon is free for you to explore the souks or relax at a rooftop café overlooking the medina.

After breakfast, your driver will transfer you to Mohammed V Airport in Casablanca, depending on your flight schedule. This marks the end of your unforgettable 8-day journey through Morocco. We hope to see you again for another adventure