10 Days tour from Casablanca to Merzouga Desert

Day 1: Arrival in Casablanca

Your Moroccan adventure begins in Casablanca, the country’s largest city and economic hub. After arriving at Mohammed V International Airport, head to your hotel to settle in. Spend the afternoon exploring some of Casablanca’s highlights, starting with the magnificent Hassan II Mosque. This architectural marvel, with its towering minaret, is one of the largest mosques in the world and offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Stroll along the Corniche, Casablanca’s scenic waterfront boulevard, and enjoy dinner at one of the many seaside restaurants. Savor some fresh seafood while watching the sunset over the ocean, setting the tone for your Moroccan journey.

Day 2: Casablanca to Rabat

On the second day, make your way to Rabat, Morocco’s capital city, located just an hour’s drive north of Casablanca. Rabat offers a blend of historical charm and modern elegance. Start with a visit to the Royal Palace, the official residence of King Mohammed VI, followed by the Hassan Tower, an incomplete minaret of a grand mosque built in the 12th century.

Explore the Kasbah of the Udayas, a picturesque fortress with narrow, winding streets and beautiful gardens overlooking the Atlantic. Take a leisurely stroll through the medina, where you can shop for traditional crafts and souvenirs. End your day with a relaxing walk along the Bouregreg River before heading to your hotel for the night.

Day 3: Rabat to Chefchaouen

Depart Rabat in the morning and embark on a scenic drive to Chefchaouen, the famed Blue City nestled in the Rif Mountains. The drive takes approximately four hours, offering plenty of opportunities to enjoy the changing landscapes along the way. Upon arrival, check into your accommodation and spend the afternoon exploring the charming streets of Chefchaouen.

The town is renowned for its striking blue-painted buildings, which create a serene and picturesque atmosphere. Wander through the medina, visit the Plaza Uta el-Hammam, and enjoy a traditional Moroccan meal at a local restaurant. As the sun sets, the blue hues of the city take on a magical quality, providing perfect photo opportunities.

Day 4: Chefchaouen to Fes

Spend the morning soaking up the tranquility of Chefchaouen before setting off for Fes, one of Morocco’s most historic and culturally rich cities. The drive to Fes takes around four hours, allowing for a relaxed pace with stops to admire the scenery. Arrive in Fes in the late afternoon and check into your hotel.

Spend the evening exploring the city’s vibrant medina, one of the best-preserved medieval cities in the world. Wander through the narrow alleys, bustling markets, and enjoy the sensory overload of sights, sounds, and smells that define Fes.

Day 5: Exploring Fes

Dedicate a full day to exploring Fes, starting with a visit to the University of Al-Qarawiyyin, the oldest continuously operating university in the world. Continue to the Bou Inania Madrasa, an architectural masterpiece adorned with intricate tile work and carved wood.

Take a guided tour through the Fes el-Bali medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where you’ll discover historical sites, traditional tanneries, and artisan workshops. Enjoy a traditional Moroccan lunch at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the medina, providing a perfect vantage point to appreciate the city’s unique skyline.

Day 6: Fes to Merzouga

Prepare for a long but rewarding drive to Merzouga, the gateway to the Sahara Desert. Depart early and travel through the scenic Middle Atlas Mountains. Stop in Ifrane, known as “Little Switzerland” for its European-style architecture, and then in Azrou to see the famous cedar forests and playful Barbary macaques.

Continue through the Ziz Valley, with its lush palm groves and dramatic gorges, before reaching Merzouga in the late afternoon. Check into your desert accommodation and enjoy the serene ambiance of the dunes as the sun sets. The changing colors of the sand create a mesmerizing display, setting the stage for your desert adventure.

Day 7: Merzouga Desert Experience

Day seven is all about immersing yourself in the magic of the Sahara Desert. Begin with an exhilarating camel trek, navigating the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi. As you ride, take in the vast, otherworldly landscape that stretches as far as the eye can see.

Arrive at a traditional Berber camp, where you’ll spend the night. Engage in activities such as sandboarding, or simply relax and soak in the tranquility of the desert. Enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner under a canopy of stars, with the sounds of Berber music providing a soothing backdrop. The clear desert skies offer some of the best stargazing opportunities you’ll ever experience.

Day 8: Merzouga to Boumalne Dades

Wake up early to witness a stunning sunrise over the dunes, a sight that will stay with you forever. After breakfast, leave Merzouga and head towards Boumalne Dades. Along the way, make a stop at the Todra Gorge, a spectacular canyon with towering rock walls that create a dramatic natural corridor.

Continue to Boumalne Dades, a charming town situated at the edge of the Dades Valley. Check into your accommodation and spend the evening exploring the valley, known for its rugged beauty and unique rock formations. The Dades Valley offers excellent hiking opportunities, with trails that lead through picturesque landscapes and traditional Berber villages.

Day 9: Boumalne Dades to Marrakech

On the ninth day, depart from Boumalne Dades and begin your journey to Marrakech. The drive takes you through the High Atlas Mountains, offering breathtaking views and opportunities to stop and take in the scenery. A highlight of the day is a visit to Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site and iconic ksar (fortified village) that has appeared in numerous films and television series.

Continue your journey through the Tizi n’Tichka pass, the highest major mountain pass in North Africa, before descending into the plains surrounding Marrakech. Arrive in Marrakech in the late afternoon and check into your hotel. Spend the evening exploring the vibrant Jemaa el-Fnaa square, where you can experience a sensory overload of sights, sounds, and flavors.

Day 10: Exploring Marrakech

Dedicate your final day to exploring the wonders of Marrakech. Start with a visit to the Koutoubia Mosque, with its iconic minaret visible from across the city. Next, head to the Bahia Palace, a stunning example of Moroccan architecture with its intricate tile work and lush gardens.

Wander through the souks, where you can shop for spices, textiles, and handicrafts, and then visit the Jardin Majorelle, a beautiful garden designed by French artist Jacques Majorelle and later restored by Yves Saint Laurent. As your journey comes to an end, take some time to reflect on the incredible experiences of the past 10 days.

Conclusion

A 10-day tour from Casablanca to the Merzouga Desert, ending in Marrakech, offers an unforgettable adventure through some of Morocco’s most iconic destinations. From the bustling cities and tranquil blue town of Chefchaouen to the majestic Atlas Mountains and the serene Sahara Desert, this itinerary showcases the diverse beauty and rich culture of Morocco. Whether you’re exploring ancient medinas, trekking through the desert, or marveling at historic sites, each day is filled with new discoveries and lasting memories.