12 Days to Sahara and Imperial Cities from Casablanca

Introduction :

This 12-day, 11-night journey offers a rich introduction to Morocco’s imperial cities, mountain landscapes, and Sahara desert. The route begins in Casablanca with a visit to the Hassan II Mosque, then continues to Rabat for iconic sights such as the Hassan Tower and the Kasbah of the Udayas. From there, the program leads to Meknes and the Roman ruins of Volubilis before a full day discovering the history and atmosphere of Fes. The adventure then moves through Ifrane, Azrou, and Morocco’s largest cedar forest, before reaching the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi for camel rides, unforgettable sunsets and sunrises, and a night in a desert camp. The itinerary also includes Khamlia’s Gnaoua music, the Draa and Dades Valleys, Ouarzazate, the famous Ait Benhaddou, Marrakesh, and a final excursion to Essaouira before returning to Casablanca.

Program details :

1 Day 1 : Arrival at Airport – Visit Casablanca
Arrival at Casablanca Mohamed V airport. Begin with a visit to the city’s main heritage highlights, including the Hassan II Mosque and the Corniche seaside area, then return to the hotel for overnight.

2 Day 2 : Casablanca – Rabat
Travel to Rabat, Morocco’s capital. Discover the Kasbah of Udayas, the scenic Bu Regreg river, and Atlantic Ocean views. Continue to the Hassan Tower and its tomb, part of an unfinished mosque begun by Almohad leader Yacoub Al-Mansour. The evening is free at leisure.

3 Day 3 : Rabat – Meknes – Volubilis – Fes
Drive across farmland to Meknes and visit Medersa Bou Inania, Bab Mansour, and the Heri es-Souani stables and granaries. Continue to Volubilis, the partially excavated Roman site near Meknes, then proceed to Fes. Overnight in a hotel or riad.

4 Day 4 : Full day exploring Fes
Spend the day in Fes, Morocco’s old imperial city. Visit the ceramics cooperative, the Medina, the Jewish Quarter, the tanneries, Al Karaouine University, Moulay Idriss mausoleum, Nejjarine Fountains, and the exterior of the Royal Palace. Overnight in Fes.

5 Day 5 : Fes – Ifrane – Midelt – Ziz Valley – Merzouga Desert
Travel to Ifrane and Azrou, passing cedar forests and Berber villages. Continue through the Atlas Mountains to Midelt, Rich, and Erfoud. Arrive in Merzouga, rest, then enjoy a camel ride into the desert for an overnight stay in a desert camp with sunset views.

6 Day 6 : Full day in the Sahara desert – Merzouga – Nomads – Gnawa music
Wake early to watch sunrise in the desert. Ride camels back to meet the driver, explore the desert surroundings, visit Khamlia village for Gnawa music, and meet Berber nomads in their tents. Overnight in a hotel or riad.

7 Day 7 : Merzouga – Rissani – Todra Gorges – Dades Valley
After sunrise in Merzouga and a camel ride back to the village, continue after breakfast to Rissani, then to Tinghir and Todra Gorges, the highest and narrowest gorges in Morocco. Travel onward through Dades Valley and admire the rock formations known as “monkey toes.” Overnight in Dades Valley.

8 Day 8 : Dades Valley – Skoura – Ouarzazate
Drive through Dades Valley to Kalaat Mgouna, known as the “Rose City,” then continue to Ouarzazate via Amridil Kasbah and Taourirt Kasbah. Overnight in Ouarzazate.

9 Day 9 : Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah – Marrakesh
Depart for Marrakesh through the High Atlas Mountains. Visit Atlas Film Studios and the UNESCO-listed Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou, with a lunch stop in a local village. Cross the Tizi N’Tichka Pass at 2260 m and arrive in Marrakesh. Overnight in a riad.

10 Day 10 : Full day to visit Marrakesh
Optional guided sightseeing in Marrakesh includes the Koutoubia Mosque, the Medina and souks, Ali Ben Youssef Koranic School, Saadian Tombs, Bahia Palace, and Majorelle Gardens. Overnight in a riad.

11 Day 11 : Day trip to Essaouira
Drive to Essaouira, approximately 2.5 hours away. Explore the medina, local handicrafts, and the women’s argan oil cooperative. Have lunch in the medina or at the port, then return to Marrakesh for overnight in a riad.

12 Day 12 : Marrakesh – Casablanca Airport
After breakfast, transfer to Casablanca airport for your flight home. End of the 12-day Sahara and Imperial Cities tour.

Included :

• Private transport: 4×4, minibus, bus, or air-conditioned vehicles
• Multilingual driver/guide
• Local guide in Fes and Marrakesh
• Fuel for the vehicle
• 10 nights in a hotel or riad with breakfast
• 1 night in a desert camp with dinner and breakfast
• Camel ride in the desert
• Sandboarding

Not included :

• Drinks
• Lunches
• Monument tickets