Casablanca Trip Overview
Explore Morocco’s imperial cities, mountains, desert and Essaouira with this balanced 11-days trip starting in Casablanca and ending in Marrakech. Wander medieval medinas in Fes and Marrakesh, explore the modern cities of Casablanca and Rabat, and adventure along old caravan routes in the desert.
HIGHLIGHTS TOUR
– 11 days private tour
– Roam maze-like streets in medieval Fes and Marrakesh with a local guide
– Enjoy the sunset overlooking the “blue city” of Chefchaouen
– Explore sand dunes, oases, hidden valleys, and old fortified kasbahs in Morocco´s desert
– Camel trek with overnight in nomad desert bivouac
– Driving through the palm grove of Shokura oasis and Rose Valley
– The strange rock formations “The Monkey Fingers”
– Visit Hairpin road at Dades Gorges
– Visit local artisan workshops and collectives for leather, ceramics, and fossils
– Discover the Atlantic coast: Day trip to Essaouira
Additional Info
* Duration: 11 days
* Starts: Casablanca, Morocco
* Trip Category: Outdoor Activities >> 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours
Explore Promoted Experiences
What to Expect When Visiting Casablanca, Casablanca-Settat, Morocco
Explore Morocco’s imperial cities, mountains, desert and Essaouira with this balanced 11-days trip starting in Casablanca and ending in Marrakech. Wander medieval medinas in Fes and Marrakesh, explore the modern cities of Casablanca and Rabat, and adventure along old caravan routes in the desert.
HIGHLIGHTS TOUR
– 11 days private tour
– Roam maze-like streets in medieval Fes and Marrakesh with a local guide
– Enjoy the sunset overlooking the “blue city” of Chefchaouen
– Explore sand dunes, oases, hidden valleys, and old fortified kasbahs in Morocco´s desert
– Camel trek with overnight in nomad desert bivouac
– Driving through the palm grove of Shokura oasis and Rose Valley
– The strange rock formations “The Monkey Fingers”
– Visit Hairpin road at Dades Gorges
– Visit local artisan workshops and collectives for leather, ceramics, and fossils
– Discover the Atlantic coast: Day trip to Essaouira
Itinerary
Day 1: Morning in Casablanca, afternoon in Rabat
Stop At: Casablanca, Casablanca, Casablanca-Settat
Welcome to Casablanca! If you only visit one place in Casablanca—the commercial capital of Morocco—make it the Hassan II Mosque. Sitting in a picturesque location on the ocean, its 690 feet (210 m) minaret is the tallest minaret in the world. While the exterior and surrounding area are impressive, what makes this mosque even more unique is it is one of the few mosques in the country where non-Muslims are permitted to enter. Join a morning tour of the mosque and marvel at the fine artisanship: hand-carved stone and wood, intricate marble floor detailing, and gilded ceilings.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Rabat, Rabat, Rabat-Sale-Kenitra
Venture north to the imperial city, and present-day capital, of Rabat. Explore the medieval fortification of the Chellah Necropolis and wander the Roman and Islamic ruins. Enter through the grand door of the Kasbah des Oudaias into Rabat’s old city center. From there, visit the 20th-century Andalusian Gardens and enjoy the serene space away from the crowds. Discover the Hassan Tower, a minaret of the incomplete mosque and Mausoleum of Mohamed V. A 12th-century project that was abandoned. All that remains are the minaret and some 200 columns—support structures for the mosque.
Duration: 12 hours
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight in Fes in an authentic Riad into the Old Medina.
Day 2: The Blue City of Chefchaouen
Stop At: Chefchaouen, Chefchaouen, Tanger-Tetouan-Al Hoceima
Head north to the striking blue city of Chefchaouen in the Rif Mountains. This day, unwind in charming Chefchaouen. Mostly untouched since the 15th century, Chefchaouen offers a relaxed atmosphere with some of the friendliest people in the country and is known for its blue-hued buildings in its historic medina (old quarter). Explore its narrow streets and alleyways which cling to the northern hillside of the mountains.
Discover Plaza Outa el-Hammam, the main square named for the number of hammams (public baths) which used to encircle it. Find a restaurant or café for a bite to eat, before browsing the many shops offering traditional wares. Visit the Grand Mosque and kasbah (old fortress or fortification) and tour the kasbah’s garden, museum, and even some of its old prison cells. As the evening approaches, ascend the path leading to the abandoned white Spanish Mosque (20 to 30 minutes) to enjoy one last view over Chefchaouen as the sun sets behind the mountains.
Duration: 1 day
Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight in an authentic Riad into the Old Medina.
Day 3: Roman ruins at Volubilis and imperial cities of Meknes and Fes
Stop At: Volubilis, Morocco
After your breakfast, you will travel south via Ouazzan towards Fes. Before that, you will visit have the chance to travel back to the 3rd century by visiting one of the most important archaeological site in the kingdom. It is Volubulis, Walili in Arabic language, an attractive roman city or what we call the ruins of Volubilis, which was listed as a UNESCO world Heritage site in 1997.
Duration: 45 minutes
Stop At: Meknes, Meknes, Fes-Meknes
Then onwards to Meknes, where your discovery includes visits to the main historical monuments of Meknes, starting with the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail (1672–1727).Then we go to the granaries, built in 1600. They were ingeniously designed. Tiny windows, massive walls and a system of underflow water channels kept the temperatures cool and air circulating. He didn’t store food for humans, but grain and hay to feed his 15.000 horses. You will stop as well to get pictures of the Bab Al Mansour the Great gate, built in the 11th century. Meknes has been greatly impacted by the Moorish style building. It is now the fifth biggest city of the kingdom since it has a good economy, based mainly on agriculture, olives and wine.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Fes, Fes, Fes-Meknes
Continue east to your third imperial city, Fes. With its impressively large (and somewhat confusing) old medina, Fes is a city worth getting lost in. Before venturing into the medina, drive up the hill to take the time to visit the Merenid Tombs located just north of the city and enjoy the all-encompassing view of historic Fes and the surrounding area. Descend the hill and find your way to your riad (a traditional Moroccan house with an interior garden) where you can enjoy a delicious meal and relax for the evening.
Duration: 12 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight in an authentic Riad into the Old Medina.
Day 4: Exploring the medieval medina and Imperial City of Fes
Stop At: Fes, Fes, Fes-Meknes
Fes is the oldest of the four Imperial Cities in Morocco and perhaps the most interesting and exciting to explore. It has the most complete medina in the Arab world and is relatively untouched since it was founded over 1000 years ago. Often considered the country’s cultural capital, it is made up of three parts, two medina quarters, Fes el Bali and Fes el Jdid, and the more modern, French colonial influenced, Ville Nouvelle. Meet your guide and spend a half day learning about the history and culture as you navigate the narrow streets of the medinas.
Start in Fes el Bali at the Bab Boujeloud gate and enter the main thoroughfare of Talâa Kebira. Notice the Spanish and Tunisian influenced architecture as you make your way past shops and souks (markets). Visit the Chouara Tannery and marvel at the many dye-filled stone pots and the men at work still using centuries-old techniques. Next, admire the intricate zellij tilework of the 14th-century Al Attarine Madrasa before heading over to the Mellah (old Jewish quarter and cemetery) in Fes el Jdid. If there’s time, visit Ville Nouvelle to discover the dramatic change in architecture.
Duration: 1 day
Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight in an authentic Riad into the Old Medina.
Day 5: Middle Atlas: Erfoud, Merzouga and the Sahara
Stop At: Merzouga Desert, Merzouga Morocco
You will begin the day traveling towards the Middle Atlas Mountains. Most of the day will be spent winding your way through the beautiful forests of Cedar, jagged rock faces, and Berber villages as you cross the Atlas Mountains and begin to descend towards the Sahara Desert. Half way, you will stop for lunch in the town of Midelt, famous for its fossils and rocks. Continue on mountain roads overlooking the wide flowing Oued Ziz. Passing Kasbahs and palm groves we pass through the adobe colored city of Er-Rachidia and arrive in the afternoon to Merzouga. Dinner and overnight in a hotel at the foothills of Erg Chebbi sahara dunes.
Duration: 12 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight in a hotel.
Day 6: Sahara Desert Expedition
Stop At: Erg Chebbi, Erg Chebbi, Meknes-Tafilalet Region
After your breakfast you will be discover this beautiful region of the Sahara desert. We visit the fossils center and the ancient city of Rissani. It was once home to the Alawite dynasty as they took power, as well as Moulay er Rachid. It is a cultural destination in Morocco boasting beautiful examples of early Moroccan architectural styles and noteworthy palaces and temples, such as Ksar Oulad Abdelhalim. We see men wearing the indigo blue robes distinctive of the Saharan people. We will also visit of Khamlia village where you have the opportunity to listen the Gnaoua music. Then later in the afternoon saddle your camels for your journey across the desert during a beautiful sunset to reach your camp for the night by the sand dunes of Erg Chebbi. Overnight in a tent, night full of stars, Berber music. A night that you will not forget.
Duration: 1 day
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight in a tent, night full of stars, Berber music. A night that you will not forget.
Day 7: Desert towns,Todra gorges, lush oases, and Kasbahs
Stop At: Boumalne Dades, Boumalne Dades, Souss-Massa
Wake up early to catch the sunrise over the dunes then take back to Merzouga. Then we begin our start travel to Alnif, heading towards the volcanic Jbel of Saghro of dramatic rock formations and gorges, where you will take a walk up in the towering Todra Gorges (600 feet high). The picturesque river valleys make for a beautiful journey towards the southeast of Morocco. Continue your journey towards another impressive gorge Dades, passing the strange rock creation of Tamnalt Hills. Overnight in the heart of Dades Gorge, with dinner and breakfast.
Duration: 12 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight in an authentic Riad.
Day 8: “Thousand Kasbah Road”: Film worthy landscapes, Aït Benhaddou, Tizi n’Tichka Pass over the High Atlas to Marrakech
Stop At: Ouarzazate, Ouarzazate, Draa-Tafilalet
Travel through the Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs. Though many are now in disrepair, local families still live in some of them. You may even come across nomads herding their animals. Head west to Kela’a M’gouna. Known for its Festival des Roses, here you can see extensively cultivated farmland bordered with fragrant rose bushes. Continue west to Ouarzazate, a gateway to the Sahara Desert made popular by the film industry. Join a studio tour and discover how the nearby desert landscapes have been featured in many films.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Ait Ben Haddou, Ait Ben Haddou, Souss-Massa
Travel to nearby Aït Benhaddou. A UNESCO World Heritage site, Aït Benhaddou is believed to date from the 11th century during a time when it held an important position along the trans-Saharan trade route between Marrakech, Ouarzazate, and the southern desert. Follow the narrow streets up to the Granary for a view of the surrounding landscapes. From there, ascend the High Atlas mountain range and look out for the highest peak, Mount Toubkal (13,671 feet or 4,167 m). Stop near the top of the Tizi n’Tichka pass (7,415 feet or 2,260 m) to enjoy the views over the mountain range.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Marrakech, Marrakech, Marrakech-Safi
As you descend the High Atlas, you will notice a dramatic change in the climate and landscape. Soon you will be a part of the noise and clamor of your final imperial city, Marrakech. After a long day on the road, settle into your hotel and spend the rest of the afternoon as you like. In the early evening, the main square, Jemaa el-Fna, comes alive with musicians, performers, snake charmers, games, and food stalls, a catch-all of entertainment. If you want to enjoy the spectacle from a distance, choose one of the many cafés surrounding the square and enjoy a cup of mint tea and a meal.
Duration: 12 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight in an authentic Riad into the Old Medina.
Day 9: Marrakesh: Exploring the Red City
Stop At: Marrakech, Marrakech, Marrakech-Safi
Nicknamed the “Red City” for its red sandstone walls and buildings, Marrakech was once an important trading capital for Atlas mountain tribes, and remains an exciting former imperial city. Located north of the Atlas mountain foothills, Marrakech is home to Africa’s busiest square, Jemaa el-Fna. Begin exploring Marrakech’s ancient medina, starting with the Koutoubia Mosque and Gardens. Though the mosque cannot be entered by non-muslims, it’s worth checking out its 12th-century foundations and 253 feet (77 m) minaret. Visit the fountains and pools in the adjoining garden.
Indulge your senses as you explore the complicated labyrinth of souks, tucked behind ordinary restaurants and shops. Check out Souk el Attarin, Souk Chouari, and Souk Smata for a selection of spices, woodwork, and babouche (traditional Moroccan slippers). Visit Souk des Teinturiers or the dyers’ souk to see how cloth and yarn are dyed using traditional methods. Next, admire the fine example of Moroccan Islamic architecture of the Ben Youssef Madrasa, a 16th-century Koranic school, and note the ornate detail of its interior: carved cedar ceilings, sculpted plaster, and zellij tiling.
Explore the kasbah area south of Jemaa el-Fna and check out the Saadian Tombs and discover the 500-year old craftsmanship that went into its construction. Visit the sunken gardens of the 17th-century El Badi Palace as you work your way through the mellah and to the 19th-century Bahia Palace.
Duration: 1 day
Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight in an authentic Riad into the Old Medina.
Day 10: Discover the Atlantic Coast: Day trip to Essaouira
Stop At: Essaouira, Essaouira, Marrakech-Safi
After breakfast, we will travel towards a charming small town, Essaouira, an Old Portuguese city of Mogador. It was fortified by a French architect Vauban follower. These influences have given a beautiful and unique result. Today, the city is gradually becoming a city of artists. Essaouira has a very favorable microclimate that ensures a mild winter and cool in summer. Not to mention also, a beautiful beach protected by islands Purpuraires. Artisans of Essaouira are famous for inlay on root growth cedar and offer a wide range of items from the souvenir to parts of furniture and works of art. In the late afternoon, you will return to Marrakech.
Duration: 8 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight in an authentic Riad into the Old Medina.
Day 11: Marrakesh transfer to the airport
Stop At: Marrakech, Marrakech, Marrakech-Safi
If there’s time, you may wish to check out the Dar Di Said Museum (also known as the Museum of Moroccan Arts) to see exhibits of clothing, antiques, jewelry, and beautifully carved Hispano-Moorish decorations of carved cedar wood. Transfer to the airport.
Duration: 12 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Not included
