7 Days Morocco Tour from Casablanca – Desert & Imperial Cities

Your 7-day Morocco tour from Casablanca begins the moment you step into the country’s vibrant economic capital. Whether you arrive in the morning light or late afternoon glow, the city greets you with a mix of modern energy and deep cultural roots. After meeting your driver, your first steps lead to the jewel of the city — the Hassan II Mosque, Morocco’s largest mosque and one of the most spectacular landmarks in North Africa. Perched directly above the Atlantic Ocean, its marble courtyards, ornate zellij mosaics, and towering minaret shimmer against the sea breeze.

After exploring the mosque, enjoy some free time for lunch — perhaps fresh seafood or a fragrant tagine — before continuing your introductory tour of Casablanca. Your next stop is the Habous Quarter, one of the city’s most atmospheric districts. Often called the “new medina,” this neighborhood blends Moroccan artisan traditions with graceful French colonial design. Wander past whitewashed archways, small craft shops, fragrant bakeries, and bookshops that preserve Casablanca’s cultural heartbeat. The gentle hum of daily life here offers a peaceful contrast to the city’s modern boulevards.

Depending on your arrival schedule, you may continue to Mohammed V Square, admired for its French-inspired architecture and lively fountains, followed by a quick photo stop at the cinematic Rick’s Café. A stroll along the sunlit Corniche offers a final glimpse of the Atlantic before you settle into your Casablanca hotel for the night.

Your second day opens with a scenic drive along Morocco’s Atlantic coast toward Rabat, the nation’s political and royal capital. This elegant imperial city blends history with tranquility, and its fresh ocean air contrasts beautifully with Casablanca’s bustle. Here, you’ll explore the graceful Hassan Tower, the ornate Mausoleum of Mohammed V, and the cliffside Kasbah of the Oudayas, whose white-and-blue streets overlook the meeting point of river and sea.

After lunch, your journey turns north toward the Rif Mountains. The road winds through rolling hills, olive groves, and small rural towns until the blue hues of Chefchaouen begin to appear. The city, tucked into a mountain bowl, feels like a watercolor painting brought to life — homes, alleyways, and doors washed in layers of sky blue. Evening in Chefchaouen is peaceful and fragrant, with the scent of fresh bread drifting through the lanes and the soft echo of mountain birds settling into the twilight. Overnight in a charming local hotel.

Morning in Chefchaouen offers the perfect opportunity to wander freely through its calm, narrow streets. As sunlight bounces off blue walls and terracotta pots, you’ll feel a slow, blissful rhythm that sets the tone for the day.

Your next destination carries you far deeper into Moroccan history: Volubilis, the country’s most important preserved Roman archaeological site and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, ancient columns and exquisite mosaics stand quietly against the open sky, telling stories of an empire that once stretched to North Africa’s edge. Walking through this open-air museum, you can almost imagine merchants’ footsteps echoing across the stone pathways.

A short drive then brings you to Meknes, another imperial city and the former seat of Sultan Moulay Ismail. Your visit includes the monumental Bab Al-Mansour Gate, the peaceful Sahrij Souani basin, the historic Royal Stables and granary, and the ornate Moulay Ismail Mausoleum. After soaking in this chapter of Moroccan royalty, you continue onward to Fes, where a traditional riad awaits with warm lamps and intricate tilework.

Day four is fully dedicated to exploring Fes, Morocco’s intellectual and spiritual capital. After breakfast, your local guide meets you for a deep dive into the city’s rich heritage. Your tour begins with a panoramic drive for a close look at the Royal Palace Gate, followed by a visit to the historic Mellah, the Jewish Quarter dating back to the 14th century. From Borj Sud, a fortress perched above the city, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the ancient medina — a sea of clay rooftops, domes, and minarets.

Before entering the old town, you stop at a Ceramic Village, where artisans shape pottery and hand-paint intricate blue-and-white designs — craftsmanship that Fes is famous for.

Next comes the heart of the experience: a walking tour through Fes el-Bali, one of the world’s oldest and best-preserved medieval medinas. Here, artisans hammer copper, bakers slide fresh khobz from wood-fired ovens, and the streets twist into a maze of markets and historic institutions. You’ll visit the Al Attarine Madrasa, wander past the world’s oldest existing university — Al Quaraouiyine — and view the colorful Chouara Tanneries, where leather is dyed in sunlit stone vats using traditional methods unchanged for centuries. After this immersive cultural journey, you return to your riad for a restful evening.

After breakfast, your route takes a dramatic shift as you leave the urban landscapes behind and journey toward the sweeping desert. Passing through Imouzzer, you soon arrive in Ifrane, nicknamed “the Switzerland of Morocco” for its alpine-style architecture, cool climate, and winter snowfall. The crisp mountain air is invigorating, and the town’s neat gardens and European-influenced chalets make it a striking contrast to Fes.

Continuing south, you enter the Cedars Forest, home to the Barbary macaques. Their playful presence and the scent of cedar trees create a refreshing break before the road leads toward the town of Midelt for lunch. Afterwards, the landscapes grow broader and more dramatic as you descend through the Tizi-n-Tilghmt Pass into the fertile Ziz Valley, where date palms line the river like a green ribbon through the desert.

By the late afternoon, the golden dunes of Merzouga emerge on the horizon. Here you transition from road to camelback, swaying gently across the sands as the sun melts into the horizon. On top of a high dune, you pause to watch the sunset — a moment that feels timeless, silent, and unforgettable. Your night unfolds in a luxury desert camp where traditional nomadic tents are enhanced with modern comforts. Enjoy Berber drum music, share stories around the fire, and gaze at a sky thick with stars. Dinner and overnight in the Sahara.

Rise early to witness the Sahara sunrise — a spectacle worth every second of lost sleep. After breakfast, you return to Merzouga by camel or 4×4, then begin your journey toward the dramatic landscapes of southern Morocco.

Your first stop is Rissani, the ancient capital of the Tafilalet region and still home to one of the area’s liveliest traditional markets. Stalls overflow with spices, dates, fabrics, and local crafts, and the sounds of bargaining fill the air.

Next, you visit Erfoud, known for its fossil workshops where prehistoric marine fossils are carved into decorative pieces and furniture. Continuing through the palm groves of Touroug and Tinjdad, you soon reach the imposing Todra Gorges. Here, the Todra River has cut a deep canyon into the mountains, leaving sheer red cliffs that tower above you like cathedral walls. Walk through the gorge to fully absorb its beauty — the cool shade, the echoing footsteps, the soft rush of water.

In the afternoon, you travel to the Dades Valley, a region known for its lush oases and unusual rock formations. Stops include viewpoints overlooking the valley and the famous “Monkey Fingers” rocks. Dinner and overnight in a traditional riad surrounded by the calm of the mountains.

Your final day begins with a visit to Kalaa Mgouna, the heart of Morocco’s Rose Valley. Each May, the area hosts a vibrant Rose Festival, and you’ll visit a local cooperative where rosewater, oils, and perfumes are produced using traditional methods.

Passing through the palm groves of Skoura, you soon reach Ouarzazate, often called the “Hollywood of Africa.” Here you visit Atlas Studios, where iconic films and series such as Gladiator, The Mummy, and Game of Thrones were filmed.

A short drive away lies the legendary Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Morocco’s most beautiful fortified villages. Its earthen towers and winding alleys capture centuries of desert caravan history.

After lunch, you cross the High Atlas Mountains via the scenic Tizi-n-Tichka Pass, where the road curves through rugged cliffs and Berber villages. As the landscapes soften into the plains, Marrakech appears — a fitting finale to your 7-day Morocco tour. Your driver will drop you at your accommodation or the airport, marking the end of an unforgettable journey.