8-Day Morocco Tour from Casablanca – Desert, Cities & Mountains

Your adventure begins in Casablanca, Morocco’s largest city and economic hub. Upon arrival at the airport—or directly from your hotel—you’ll be greeted by your private driver and guide. Your first stop is the Hassan II Mosque, a masterpiece perched on the Atlantic coastline. With its intricate mosaics, towering minaret, and sweeping ocean views, it stands as one of Morocco’s most impressive architectural achievements.

After soaking in the mosque’s grandeur, continue to the Habous Quarter, Casablanca’s charming “new medina,” built in the 1930s. Wander through its whitewashed arcades, artisan shops, traditional bakeries, and book-lined stalls. It’s the perfect blend of Moroccan craftsmanship and French–Moorish design, offering a quieter, more intimate glimpse of local life.

Enjoy free time for lunch at one of Casablanca’s bustling cafes before exploring Mohammed V Square, a lively landmark surrounded by elegant colonial-era buildings. you may also take a photo stop at the legendary Rick’s Café, inspired by the classic film Casablanca.

End your day with a relaxing stroll along the Corniche, where the ocean breeze mingles with the scent of fresh seafood. Overnight in a comfortable Casablanca hotel.

After breakfast, your journey heads north along Morocco’s scenic coastline to Rabat, the nation’s modern capital and imperial city. Explore the Hassan Tower, the towering minaret of an unfinished mosque; the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, a monument of stunning marble and zellij tilework; and the Kasbah of Oudaya, a fortress offering panoramic views of the Bou Regreg River. Stop for lunch in a local café, savoring Moroccan flavors that blend spice and tradition.

In the afternoon, venture further north into the Rif Mountains to Chefchaouen, the famous Blue City. As you wander through its alleys and stairways, you’ll be enchanted by buildings painted in shades of azure and cobalt, with bougainvillea spilling over whitewashed walls. The air is fragrant with local herbs and freshly brewed mint tea, inviting you to pause and capture every corner on camera. Overnight stay in a charming Chefchaouen hotel.

Start your day with a leisurely morning stroll through Chefchaouen, where the soft morning light makes the blue streets even more magical. Afterwards, journey to the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander among intricately preserved mosaics, monumental columns, and archways that whisper stories from two millennia ago.

Next, a short drive brings you to Meknes, the former imperial capital under Sultan Moulay Ismail. Visit Bab Al-Mansour, one of Morocco’s grandest gates; the royal stables and granaries; and the Moulay Ismail Mausoleum. From here, continue to Fes, Morocco’s spiritual and cultural heart. Settle into a traditional riad, where intricate mosaics and courtyard gardens offer a serene retreat.

Today is a full immersion into Fes, one of the most historically rich cities in Morocco. Your day begins with a driving tour, including the Royal Palace Gate, the historic Jewish Quarter Mellah, and panoramic views from Borj Sud fortress. Visit the Ceramic Village & School, where artisans craft traditional pottery with exquisite detail.

Next, a guided walking tour through the medieval Fes Medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, reveals the city’s timeless charm. Explore the Al Attarine Madrasa, the University and Mosque of Al Quaraouiyine—the world’s oldest university—and the bustling Chouara Tanneries, where leather is dyed in vivid colors using centuries-old methods. The scents of spices, leather, and freshly baked bread create an unforgettable sensory tapestry. Return to your riad for a well-deserved evening of rest.

After breakfast, head south through the Middle Atlas Mountains to Ifrane, Morocco’s “Switzerland,” known for its alpine architecture and refreshing mountain air. Continue to the Cedar Forests, home to playful Barbary macaques you can feed while strolling among towering cedars. Pause in Midelt for lunch, surrounded by the valley’s dramatic landscapes.

In the afternoon, drive through the breathtaking Ziz Valley to Merzouga, at the edge of the Sahara Desert. Here, transfer onto camels for a magical trek across the golden dunes, pausing to witness the sunset over the vast desert horizon. Arrive at your luxury desert camp, where traditional nomadic tents meet modern comforts. Enjoy a Berber music performance around the campfire, with dinner under a sky filled with stars. Overnight in the desert.

Wake up early to witness a Sahara sunrise, with the sun casting soft pink and gold hues over the rolling dunes. After breakfast, return by camel to Merzouga and travel to Rissani, a lively trading town known for its historic souk. Continue to Erfoud, where fossil workshops showcase the region’s ancient heritage.

Drive through Todra Gorges, a red cliff-sided canyon carved by the river over centuries, ideal for hiking or rock climbing. After lunch, proceed to Dades Valley, stopping to admire the “Monkey Fingers” rock formations and panoramic viewpoints. Overnight in a hotel, surrounded by the dramatic landscapes of the Atlas Mountains.

Today’s route winds through the fragrant Rose Valley, famous for its annual festival and locally produced rose oils, perfumes, and cosmetics. Continue through the lush palm groves of Skoura, before arriving in Ouarzazate, the “Gateway to the Desert,” known for its film studios.

Visit the iconic Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and backdrop for films like Gladiator and Game of Thrones. Then, cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi-n-Tichka Pass, enjoying sweeping mountain vistas before arriving in Marrakech, where your riad awaits for the night.

On the final day, drive back to Casablanca, with scenic stops for photographs and last glimpses of Morocco’s diverse landscapes. Your private transfer ensures a smooth arrival at the airport for departure, concluding an unforgettable Moroccan journey.