MOROCCO TOUR 11-DAY IMPERIAL CITIES & SAHARA ADVENTURE: FROM CASABLANCA TO THE SAHARA DESERT

• 08:30 TRANSFER TO ESSAOUIRA , SEASIDE RAMPARTS : After breakfast, depart Casablanca and journey along the Atlantic coast toward Essaouira, a charming port city known for its whitewashed medina and fortified ramparts. The drive offers scenic views of the ocean and passing fishing villages. Upon arrival, check into your riad and enjoy a relaxing afternoon exploring Essaouira’s laid-back atmosphere. Stroll through the narrow lanes of the medina, where artisans craft wooden sculptures and colourful textiles. Visit the old Portuguese ramparts, Skala de la Ville, offering breathtaking views of the Atlantic. For lunch or dinner, treat yourself to freshly caught seafood at one of the harbour stalls—grilled fish, lobster, or calamari straight from the sea. Essaouira’s tranquil energy provides a perfect contrast to Morocco’s bustling inland cities.

• 14:06 TRANSFER TO MARRAKECH FROM ESSAOUIRA : Today, depart Essaouira and drive inland to Marrakesh, the “Red City.” The journey takes around three hours and showcases changing landscapes—from the coastal plains to the arid foothills of the Atlas Mountains. Upon arrival, check into your riad and relax before heading out for a first glimpse of the city’s magic. In the evening, visit the iconic Jemaa el-Fna Square, a UNESCO-listed cultural space that comes alive with storytellers, snake charmers, musicians, and food stalls. The vibrant energy of Marrakesh after sunset is an unforgettable experience. Enjoy dinner on a rooftop terrace overlooking the square, where you can watch the city pulse with life.

• 09:30 EXPLORE THE RED CITY OF MARRAKECH : Spend the full day discovering Marrakesh’s treasures. Begin with a visit to the Koutoubia Mosque, admired for its 12th-century minaret and gardens. Continue to the Bahia Palace, an exquisite example of Moroccan architecture, and the Saadian Tombs, resting place of 16th-century royalty. Wander through the labyrinthine souks filled with colourful carpets, lanterns, spices, and leather goods. In the afternoon, visit the Majorelle Garden, an oasis of exotic plants and cobalt-blue artistry once owned by Yves Saint Laurent. Later, unwind in a traditional hammam or sip mint tea in a peaceful riad courtyard. Marrakesh is a sensory feast—its sounds, scents, and colours create an atmosphere that’s historic .

• 09:00 TRANSFER TO DADES VALLEY VIA AIT BENHADDOU KASBAH AND HIGH ATLAS MOUNTAINS : This morning, begin your scenic drive across the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, one of Morocco’s most spectacular routes. Stop at the UNESCO-listed Aït Benhaddou, a fortified village famous for its earthen architecture and appearances in films like Gladiator and Game of Thrones. Explore its ancient alleyways and learn about its history as a caravan stop along the old trans-Saharan trade route. Continue through Ouarzazate, known as the “Gateway to the Desert,” and into the Dades Valley, where dramatic rock formations and lush oases create a breathtaking landscape. Arrive in Dades Valley in the evening, check into your hotel, and relax amid the stunning scenery.

• 09:00 TRANSFER TO MERZOUGA AND ERG CHEBBI DUNES VIA TOUDRA GORGES , OVERNIGHT AT A DESERT CAMP : After breakfast, journey toward the edge of the Sahara Desert. You’ll pass through the scenic Todra Gorge before arriving in Merzouga, a small town on the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes. Here, your adventure continues as you trade your vehicle for a camel and trek across the rolling sands at sunset. Upon arrival at your luxury desert camp, enjoy a traditional Berber dinner beneath a sky filled with stars. Local musicians often perform around the campfire, creating an enchanting desert ambiance. Overnight in your private tent surrounded by the vast silence of the Sahara—a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

• 09:00 FROM MERZOUGA TO FES: ZIZ VALLEY AND MIDDLE ATLAS MOUNTAIN : Wake early to witness a magnificent desert sunrise before returning to Merzouga village by camel or 4x4. After breakfast, begin your journey north toward Fes. The drive is long but full of changing landscapes—from arid plains to cedar forests. Along the way, stop in Midelt for lunch and perhaps meet Barbary macaques in the Middle Atlas Mountains. Arrive in Fes by evening and settle into your riad in the medina. Fes is Morocco’s spiritual and intellectual heart, known for its ancient madrasas, mosques, and artisans. Rest tonight before a full day of exploration tomorrow.

• 09:30 EXPLORE THE MEDIEVAL MEDINA OF FES : Today, step back in time as you explore Fes el-Bali, the city’s walled medieval medina and UNESCO World Heritage site. Wander through its narrow alleys, lined with spice shops, leather tanneries, and centuries-old madrasas. Visit the Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque and University, one of the world’s oldest educational institutions. Continue to the Bou Inania Madrasa and the Chouara Tannery, where you can watch artisans dye leather using traditional methods. The day ends with a panoramic view of the medina from a nearby hilltop. Fes offers an authentic look into Morocco’s soul, where ancient traditions remain alive.

• 09:00 TRANSFER TO CHEFCHAOUEN, EXPLORE THE BLUE CITY : Depart Fes this morning for Chefchaouen, nestled in the Rif Mountains. Known as the “Blue Pearl” of Morocco, Chefchaouen’s blue-washed buildings create a dreamlike setting. Upon arrival, check into your riad and start exploring its picturesque lanes. Visit the Kasbah Museum in the main square and enjoy mint tea while overlooking the bustling plaza. As the sun sets, the blue hues of the city shift with the light, making it one of Morocco’s most photogenic spots. The peaceful atmosphere here is a refreshing contrast to the busier imperial cities.

• 08:01 FROM CHEFCHAOUEN TO RABAT AND CASABLANCA : After breakfast, begin your journey south through rolling countryside toward Rabat, Morocco’s capital. Stop to explore Rabat’s highlights, including the Hassan Tower, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, and the picturesque Kasbah of the Udayas. Enjoy lunch along the Bou Regreg River before continuing to Casablanca. Arrive in Casablanca in the evening and spend your final night reflecting on your journey. You may choose to revisit the Corniche for a farewell dinner overlooking the Atlantic Ocean—a fitting end to an incredible Moroccan adventure.

View in Google Maps