Casablanca Trip Overview
This is your perfect private tour to visit all the highlights of Northern Morocco and the Desert – from Casablanca to the Imperial Cities to the Atlas Mountains and further to the desert – such a lot to see and discover!
Visit Rabat, the capital of Morocco
Explore the Imperial cities Fes, Meknes and Marrakech
Enjoy Chefchaouen, the “Blue City” in the Rif mountains
Get lost in the small streets of Tangier Medina
Visit a local Berber family and learn about Nomadic life in the southern Morocco
Ride a camel in Erg Chebbi to reach your desert camp
Spend the night at a Luxury Desert camp in Erg Chebbi and Erg Chegaga
Explore Todra Gorges and Dades Gorges
Visit the legendary world heritage site of Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou and Taourirt Kasbah
Explore the old Telouet Kasbah together with a local guide
Cross the fantastic Views of High Atlas Mountains with its pass of Tizi N’Tichka
Additional Info
* Duration: 15 days
* Starts: Casablanca, Morocco
* Trip Category: Outdoor Activities >> 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours
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What to Expect When Visiting Casablanca, Casablanca-Settat, Morocco
This is your perfect private tour to visit all the highlights of Northern Morocco and the Desert – from Casablanca to the Imperial Cities to the Atlas Mountains and further to the desert – such a lot to see and discover!
Visit Rabat, the capital of Morocco
Explore the Imperial cities Fes, Meknes and Marrakech
Enjoy Chefchaouen, the “Blue City” in the Rif mountains
Get lost in the small streets of Tangier Medina
Visit a local Berber family and learn about Nomadic life in the southern Morocco
Ride a camel in Erg Chebbi to reach your desert camp
Spend the night at a Luxury Desert camp in Erg Chebbi and Erg Chegaga
Explore Todra Gorges and Dades Gorges
Visit the legendary world heritage site of Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou and Taourirt Kasbah
Explore the old Telouet Kasbah together with a local guide
Cross the fantastic Views of High Atlas Mountains with its pass of Tizi N’Tichka
Itinerary
Day 1: Casablanca – Rabat – Assilah
Stop At: Hassan II Mosque, Blvd Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdallah, Casablanca 20450 Morocco
Pick up at the airport or at your hotel in Casablanca in the morning, depending on your arrival time.
We start with the visit of the spectacular Mosque of Hassan II situated directly at the ocean. A must see for every visitor of Casablanca!
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Stop At: Rabat, Rabat, Rabat-Sale-Kenitra
Afterwards, drive to Rabat, a city originally built by Muslim Arabs from Spain.
Visit the Hassan Tower and just next to it, the impressive Mohammed V Mausoleum. From there, you enjoy a fantastic view of the old town of Rabat and Sale, Rabat’s neighbor city across the river. Have lunch in a restaurant in Kasbah Oudaya, the Medina of Rabat. Explore the small streets and look at the colorful fishing boats along the river side.
Duration: 3 hours
Stop At: Asilah, Asilah, Tanger-Tetouan-Al Hoceima
Afterwards we take the highway in direction of Asilah, where we’ll spend the first night. This small seaside-town is famous for its white-and-blue houses with the colorful murals. Walk through the small streets and enjoy the street art!
Duration: 12 hours
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight in a Riad in Assilah
Day 2: Assilah – Atlantic Beaches – Tangier
Stop At: Medina of Tangier, Tangier Morocco
After breakfast in your Riad we head in direction Tangier, where we’ll meet the local city guide for your walking tour in Tangier Medina and Kasbah.
Duration: 3 hours
Stop At: Tangier Casbah, Place de la Kasbah, Tangier 90000 Morocco
A complex of castles on top of the hill overlooking the city built by Sultan Moulay Ismail. The gardens are part of his 17th century palace called Dar el Makhzen.
Duration: 45 minutes
Stop At: Musee de la Kasbah, El Casbah Square, Tangier Morocco
Museum about the historical role played by Tangier in linking Africa and Europe due to its strategic geographical location
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Place du Grand 9 Avril 1947, Tangier 90000 Morocco
The Place du 9 Avril 1947 is named after the momentous speech of independence of King Mohamed V
Stop At: Moise Nahon Synagogue, Rue de la Synagogue, Quartier Beni Ider, Tangier 90000 Morocco
Constructed by Moise Nahon from an important bankers family
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: Petit Socco, Tangier Morocco
Petit Socco was once one of the greatest souks of Morocco, home to many artists, businessmen, diplomats and bankers. Located around the square are cafes, hotels and casinos.
Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight in a Riad in the Medina of Tangier
Day 3: Tangier – Tetouan – Chefchaouen
Stop At: Hercules Cave, Cap Spartel, Tangier 90060 Morocco
After Breakfast we’ll have time to visit the fantastic Hercules caves before we drive to Tetouan and further to Chefchaouen.
This popular tourist attraction is situated 14 km west of Tangier, just next to the King’s Palace. The cave is part natural and part man-made, and the entrance to the sea has the shape of the continent Africa.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Tetouan, Tetouan, Tanger-Tetouan-Al Hoceima
We’ll continue our drive along the Mediterranean Ocean for about 2 h until we reach Tetouan, where we’ll stop for lunch. Before the city’s foundation in the late 13th century, small fortifications existed here with the name Tittawin. You can have a short stroll around the city centre before we continue in direction Chefchaouen.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Chefchaouen, Chefchaouen, Tanger-Tetouan-Al Hoceima
Chefchaouen, the “blue city” in the Rif mountains, is famous for its photogenique Medina with the houses in all shades of blue. Stroll around the small alleys and discover this little jewel.
Duration: 12 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight in a Riad in the Medina of Chefchaouen
Day 4: Chefchaouen – Volubilis – Meknes – Fes
Stop At: Volubilis, Morocco
After breakfast in your Riad we head in direction of the Roman Ruins of Volubilis. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the largest of its kind in North Africa and very well preserved. It lies in a strategic position about 33 km north of Meknès and is famous for its mosaics.
The best time for a visit is in springtime, when the wild flowers are in full bloom among the old stones. The roman city is over 2’000 years old and was destroyed in 1755 by an earthquake. You can explore this fascinating site by your own or with a local guide (not included). There is also a museum on site.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Meknes, Meknes, Fes-Meknes
After the visit of Volubilis we continue about 30 min to Meknes, which is famous for its luxurious palaces and beautiful mosques as well as one of the most important souks of Morocco. Enjoy a guided tour here together with a local city guide.
Meknès, once capital of Morocco is a historic city full of life. The souks are spacious and ideal to explore. See the beautiful gate of Bab el-Mansour at the Place el Hedim, maybe the most beautiful of all the gates of the imperial cities. Visit the mausoleum of Mulay Ismail and his corn attics and stables that are called Heri es-Souani, which once accommodated up to 12,000 horses.
Duration: 3 hours
Stop At: Fes, Fes, Fes-Meknes
After the city tour in Meknes, we continue our trip to Fes, where we’ll stay for the next 2 nights.
Duration: 12 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight in a Riad in the Medina of Fes
Day 5: Full Day City Tour of Fes
Stop At: Royal Palace of Fez, Avenue Omar Ibnou Khattab, Fes 30004 Morocco
Today we’ll spend the whole day exploring the impressive city of Fez with its huge Medina «Fes el-Bali» together with a local guide.
Outside the medina lies the Royal Palace with its large plaza lined with palm trees.
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: Bab Bou Jeloud, Fes Morocco
Bab Boujloud is one of the gates which leads into the Medina. Here, we’ll start our walking tour together with the city guide.
Duration: 10 hours
Stop At: Museo Nejjarine, Pl. Nejjarine, Fes 30030 Morocco
Visit the Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts and Crafts and discover traditional tools, carpets, furniture and musical instruments in a beautifully restaurated caravanserai.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Chouara Tannery, Hay Lablida Chouara, Fes 30030 Morocco
After lunchbreak in one of the hunderts of restaurants in the medina, we continue our tour to the famous tanneries, where the leather is processed still the same as hunderts of years ago. You can observe the workers from a lookout and they will be glad to explain you the different workings steps if you are willing to bargain for a bag or new belt afterwards. But be aware of the bad smelling of the furs and coloring goods!
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Medina of Fez, Fes 30000 Morocco
Last but not least we will drive up a hill to the cementary where we’ll enjoy the panoramic view over the white sea of houses of the Medina.
Duration: 1 hour
Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight in a Riad in the Medina of Fes
Day 6: Fes – Ifrane – Midelt – Erfoud – Merzouga
Stop At: Ifrane, Ifrane, Fes-Meknes
We start our journey in the morning and head for the Middle Atlas Mountains. Stop for a coffee in Ifrane, also known as «Switzerland of Morocco» with its chalet like houses.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Middle Atlas, Skoura M’Daz Morocco
From here we are heading south through several typical villages and you will have the opportunity to spot nomad families living in their tents along the road.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Midelt, Midelt, Meknes-Tafilalet Region
After lunch in Midelt we continue our drive and enjoy panoramic views crossing the Tizi N’ Talghoumt pass.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Erfoud, Erfoud, Meknes-Tafilalet Region
In Erfoud, you can enjoy a fantastic view of the valley of the river Ziz lined with thousands of date palms.
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Hassilabied, Hassilabied, Merzouga, Draa-Tafilalet
Now we’re almost at the dunes! After arriving in Merzouga, we will enjoy dinner in the desert lodge where we’ll spend the night.
Duration: 12 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight in a Riad in the Village of Merzouga or Hassilabied
Day 7: Merzouga – Erg Chebbi 4×4 Dunes Tour
Stop At: Erg Chebbi, Erg Chebbi, Meknes-Tafilalet Region
Today will be devoted entirely to enjoy the desert. We’ll cross the dunes with our 4×4, visit nomads for tea in their tents, explore an oasis and ride through the dunes of Erg Chebbi.
Duration: 6 hours
Stop At: Khamlia, Khamlia, Draa-Tafilalet
We’ll continue with a visit to the village of Khamlia. Here, you’ll enjoy the inhabitants’ music and dance, and have the opportunity to try their instruments and learn to play some desert music of your own!
Duration: 45 minutes
Stop At: Erg Chebbi, Erg Chebbi, Meknes-Tafilalet Region
After arriving back in Merzouga in the late afternoon, you will experience a one hour camel ride to reach the desert camp while the sun sinks down behind the dunes. Enjoy your evening dining in a berber tent, look for shooting stars at the camp fire and sleep in a nomad tent!
Duration: 12 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight in a private tent in a desert camp in the Dunes of Erg Chebbi, Merzouga
Day 8: Merzouga – Todra Gorges – Dades Gorges
Stop At: Erg Chebbi, Erg Chebbi, Meknes-Tafilalet Region
Wake up by the first strays of light to watch the sunrise over the Sahara before you enjoy your typical breakfast. We return on the camel’s back or 4×4 to the village of Merzouga.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Rissani, Rissani, Meknes-Tafilalet Region
In Rissani we will have the opportunity to visit the local market with the «donkey parking» and have a look at some fossils outside the city.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Gargantas del Todra, Tinerhir 45800 Morocco
After lunch break, we will follow the road along the river to reach the gorges of Todra, where you can take a short but spectacular hike between the up to 300 m high rock walls.
Duration: 45 minutes
Stop At: Boumalne Dades, Boumalne Dades, Souss-Massa
Before arriving at our Riad for the night in the Dades valley, we head to Boumalne Dades where you can make some nice pictures of the special rock formations which look like monkey hands.
Duration: 12 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight in a Riad in the Dades Valley
Day 9: Dades Gorges – Saghro Mountains – Nkob – Draa Valley – Zagora
Stop At: Jbel Saghro, Morocco
Today, you will leave the Dades valley and take a secluded way through the Saghro-Mountains, a region secluded from the “big tourism”. You can explore beautiful landscapes and maybe even visit a Nomad family to have some tea and see how they live with their kettle.
Duration: 3 hours
Stop At: Nkob, Nkob, Souss-Massa
Have lunch in Nkob, overlooking the impressive Draa Valley with its huge palm groves.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Zagora, Zagora, Souss-Massa
After, we’ll continue our way through the Draa valley in direction of the “desert capitol” Zagora, where we’ll spend the night.
Duration: 12 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight in a Riad in Zagora
Day 10: Zagora – Tamegroute – Mhamid / Erg Chegaga Desert
Stop At: Zagora, Zagora, Souss-Massa
Today, we’ll continue our way through the Draa valley in direction desert. We’ll have enough time to visit the surroundings of Zagora like the Jewish quarter in Amzrou and have a look at the huge palm groves. Afterwards, we’ll continue our trip towards the desert to M’hamid.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Tamgrout, Tamgrout, Souss-Massa
Along the way, we stop at a Saadian town of the 16th century which is called Tamegroute. There, we are able to visit an old coran library and a subterranean Kasbah together with a local guide. Tamegroute is also famous for its traditional pottery shops.
After the visit, we’ll make a stop at a panoramic view point over the Bani mountains.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Erg Chigaga، Morocco
M’hamid is the end of the Draa valley as well as the end of civilization. We’ll have our Pic Nic-lunch in the desert and continue in direction Erg Chegaga, passing through Ouled Driss with its old Kasbah and then taking the 4×4 piste through the desert. We’ll arrive in your desert camp before sunset. Hop on a camel and walk at the desert pace along the dunes with its diverse colors. We’ll arrive at the desert camp where you’ll pass the night in a nomad tent or under the shining stars in the middle of impressive sand dunes. A traditional dinner is served and you can spend the night watching for shooting stars or dance around the camp fire to the beat of the desert drums.
Duration: 12 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight in a Luxury Desert Camp in the Erg Chegaga Dunes in a private tent including camel ride.
Day 11: Erg Chegaga Dunes – Iriki – Foum Zguid – La Fayja Desert – Zagora
Stop At: Erg Chigaga، Morocco
After enjoying the sunrise at the top of the sand dunes, you’ll have your breakfast in the desert camp before the journey with the 4×4 car starts.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Iriki, Morocco
Discover the the old Paris-Dakar road to Foum Zguid and cross the Iriki lake, which is a temporary wet land during rain periods. In this national park you’ll have the chance to spot some wild animals like lizards, snakes, gazelles and even hyenas with a little luck.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Foum Zguid, Foum Zguid, Guelmim-Oued Noun
Lunch will be served in the berber village Amzrou after Foum Zguid. This small town is famous for its berber carpet cooperations. You are welcome to attend a detailed demonstration of how the women of the area are producing the colorfully masterpieces which can also bring some oriental flair to your house.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Zagora, Zagora, Souss-Massa
In the afternoon, we’ll continue to your Riad in Zagora, where we’ll stay overnight.
Duration: 12 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight in a Riad in Zagora
Day 12: Zagora – Draa Valley – Agdz – Anti Atlas – Ouarzazate
Stop At: Agdz, Agdz, Souss-Massa
Today we will see a lot of different landscapes on our way back to Marrakech. Admire the views of the Valley of a thousand Kasbahs and the famous movie city in Morocco and the berber Village along the road.
We’ll continue with the drive to the village Agdz, which means “resting place” and which is located on the old caravan route from Marrakech to Timbuktu. Check out the beautiful view over the date palm groves to the characteristic mountain Jbel Kissane.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Ouarzazate, Ouarzazate, Draa-Tafilalet
In the afternoon, we’ll pass over the vast but impressive Anti Atlas Mountains to your Riad in Ouarzazate, where we’ll stay overnight.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Ouarzazate, Ouarzazate, Draa-Tafilalet
The old town of Ouarzazate is named Taourirt. You’ll have some time there to explore the narrow pedestrian streets on your own and visit the palace with its countless rooms which seem like a labyrinth.
Duration: 12 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight in a Riad in Ouarzazate
Day 13: Ouarzazate – Oasis du Fint – Ait Ben Haddou – High Atlas – Marrakech
Stop At: Ouarzazate, Ouarzazate, Draa-Tafilalet
Today we will see a lot of different landscapes on our way back to Marrakech.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Atlas Film Studio, Km 5, road of Marrakech BP 28, Ouarzazate 45000 Morocco
Continue to the Atlas Corporation film studios, where you can discover the diverse sets and listen to the anecdotes of the multiple movies and actors. Several famous movies like Gladiator, Babel, Prince of Persia, and recently The Physician have been shot in those studios. Guided tour of the movie studios in a group – about 60 min duration
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Ksar of Ait-Ben-Haddou, Douar Ait Ben Haddou, Ait Ben Haddou 45000 Morocco
A little outside of Ouarzazate lies Aït Ben Haddou, the fortified clay city with its numerous ksars and kasbahs, where several famous movies such as Gladiator, Kingdom of Heaven and Prince of Persia have been shot. This photogenic city is also listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore it together with a local guide.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Telouet Kasbah, Telouet Morocco
Continue through the breathtaking landscape to Telouet. This fortress was occupied by Thami el Glaoui before he was expelled by independence efforts. One section has unfortunately disintegrated into red sand, but you can still visit the beautiful rooms with mosaic tiles and wood carvings. Learn about the Kasbah life from a local guide.
Duration: 1 hour
Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight in a Riad in the Medina of Marrakech
Day 14: Full Day City Tour of Marrakech
Stop At: Marrakech, Marrakech, Marrakech-Safi
Today we’ll spend the hole day in the beautiful red city of Marrakech together with a guide.
Duration: 7 hours
Stop At: Palacio da Bahia, 5 Rue Riad Zitoun el Jdid, Marrakech 40000 Morocco
In the morning, you’ll visit the famous Palais de Bahia, with its fantastic courtyards and mosaic walls built for Bou Ahmed.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Mellah, Marrakech Morocco
Stroll through the Jewish Quarter and notice the difference in architecture in this district.
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: Saadian Tombs, Rue De La Kasbah, Marrakech 40000 Morocco
Visit the hidden Saadian tombs built during the reign of Sultan Ahmed El Mansour in 1557.
Duration: 40 minutes
Stop At: Jemaa el-Fnaa, 38 Jemaa el-Fna, Rue El Ksour, Marrakech Morocco
You’ll arrive at the Koutoubia mosque and the Djemaa el Fna-square, where you can drink some fresh pressed orange juice while observing the bustle of the snake charmers, henna tatoo artists and water sellers.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Jardin Majorelle-Yves Saint Laurent Mansion, Rue Yves St Laurent, Marrakech 40090, Morocco
After lunch in a restaurant overlooking Jemaa el Fna, you’ll visit the beautiful Majorelle Garden. This botanical garden is a quiet oasis and the former home of the famous french designer Yves Saint Laurent. Nowadays, the bright blue villa contains a Berber Museum
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight in a Riad in the Medina of Marrakech
Day 15: Marrakech – Marrakech Airport or Casablanca Airport or Casablanca Hotel
Pass By: Marrakech, Marrakech, Marrakech-Safi
Drive from Marrakech directly over the highway to Casablanca airport or to your hotel in the city of Casablanca, if you’ll stay there another days. It is also possible to finish your tour in Marrakech with a transfer to Marrakech Airport.
Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: No accommodation included
