Morocco itinerary, Casablanca to Marrakech, 12 days tour to Morocco: Morocco in full, Morocco trip, travel guide Morocco, Casablanca highlights, Rabat sightseeing, Chefchaouen travel, Fes medina tour, Sahara Desert adventure, Todra Gorge hiking, Ouarzazate Kasbah, Marrakech attractions
Day 1: Casablanca – Rabat
Upon arrival at Casablanca airport, our staff will greet you at the terminal. An English-speaking driver will then transfer you in a private vehicle to start your exploration of Morocco.
Your first stop will be Casablanca, the country’s largest city. You’ll visit the Hassan II Mosque, the tallest mosque in Morocco and the Islamic world, with a minaret of about 200 meters. It’s one of the few mosques in Morocco open to visitors, allowing you to explore its stunning architecture, crafted from high-quality marbles and granites.
Next, you’ll head to Rabat, Morocco’s capital since 1912 and one of the Imperial Cities. Key sites include the Hassan Tower, built in the late 12th century, and the Kasbah of the Oudayas, a historic walled area offering panoramic views of the city and coast. Enjoy free time to explore Rabat’s medina, souk, or visit the Mohamed VI Museum of Contemporary Art. You’ll spend the night in a comfortable riad in the city center.
Day 2: Rabat – Chaouen
After breakfast at the riad in Rabat, we will leave early in the morning heading north. The goal is to reach Chaouen with enough time to visit this small town full of charm. We will reach it after a journey of about 4 hours by road, the last stretch of which runs through the Rif Mountains.
Between two of them is Chaouen, also called Chefchaouen or El Aaiún. Its medina, with narrow, steep and twisted streets, exudes a special charm due to the light blue color used to decorate the walls. It also has an interesting kasbah, which today houses an ethnographic museum, and strategic viewpoints from which to admire the town’s hamlet and its green surroundings.
It is also a town where ancient traditions and ways of life survive, as well as a very rich craftsmanship, highlighting its textile productions. On your return from shopping and strolling through the medina, your riad will be close by, as it will be located in the historic center.
Day 3: Chaouen – Volubilis – Meknes- Fez
On the third day, after breakfast at the riad, we will depart the Rif Mountains and head south to explore two fascinating sites that showcase Morocco’s diversity and beauty.
First, we’ll visit Volubilis, an important Roman city in ancient Mauritania Tingitana. This archaeological site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, features well-preserved colonnades, mosaics, and monumental arches, offering a glimpse into its historical significance.
Next, we’ll proceed to Meknes, another UNESCO-recognized Imperial City. Designated capital by Sultan Moulay Ismail in the late 17th century, Meknes boasts a historic medina with highlights like its mausoleum, city walls, and the impressive Bab Mansour gate.
In the late afternoon, we’ll arrive in Fez, where you’ll have free time to explore the city, shop for quality crafts, and get a feel for its rich history. You’ll spend the night in a riad within the medina, preparing for a guided tour the next day.
Day 4: Fez
On the fourth day, you’ll delve deeply into the secrets of Fez with the assistance of a local guide. After breakfast at the riad, you’ll join an English-speaking guide for a tour of Fez’s historic medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Your guide will tailor the tour to your interests and pace. You might explore notable sites like the Bou Inania and Attarine madrasas, the Karaouine Mosque with its ancient university, Nejjarine Square and its 18th-century fountain, or the traditional tanners’ quarter, where leather is still processed in traditional methods.
Given the wealth of sights, you may not see everything in the morning, so you’ll have a free afternoon to visit additional attractions. Consider exploring the Golden Gates of the Royal Palace, the Jewish quarter (Mellah), or museums such as Dar Batha, Borj Nord, or Nejjarine.
After a full day of sightseeing, you’ll return to the riad in the center of Fez to rest for the night.
Day 5: Fez – Ifrane – Monkey Forest – Erfoud – Merzouga Desert
On the fifth day, you’ll embark on a long but rewarding journey to explore more of Morocco. After breakfast at the riad in Fez, you’ll head to your first stop, the town of Ifrane.
Ifrane, situated at over 1,700 meters above sea level, is often called ‘the Moroccan Switzerland’ due to its green landscape and snow-covered roofs in winter. This unique environment is a result of its high altitude and abundant precipitation.
Next, you’ll visit Ifrane National Park, also known as the Monkey Forest. This protected area is home to the largest population of Barbary macaques in Morocco. The park’s lush cedar forests provide an ideal habitat for these primates, who are the only wild monkeys living north of the Sahara.
Day 6: Merzouga Desert – Khamlia – Paris-Dakar Tracks – Nomads – Merzouga Desert
On the sixth day, you’ll immerse yourself in Merzouga’s desert. Start with a stunning sunrise over the Erg Chebbi dunes, followed by breakfast and a camel ride back to Merzouga. Depending on your package, you can freshen up at the camp or a hotel.
Next, visit Khamlia, the ‘village of the blacks,’ where descendants of sub-Saharan Africans continue to practice Gnawa music. Experience their unique rhythms and dances.
Afterward, take a 4×4 across a scenic route, famous from the Paris-Dakar rally, visiting kohl mines, abandoned villages, and a viewpoint with panoramic dune views.
You’ll also meet semi-nomadic people, learning about their traditional desert life. The day concludes with dinner and an overnight stay in a desert hotel.
Day 7: Merzouga Desert – Rissani – Todra Gorges – Dades Valley – Ouarzazate
On the seventh day, we’ll bid farewell to the Merzouga desert and head to new Moroccan desert landscapes. After breakfast at the hotel, our first stop will be Rissani, a charming city known for its vibrant medina, colorful market, and unique donkey parking, reflecting authentic local life.
We’ll then travel 150 km to the Todra Gorges, where the river has carved dramatic rock formations. This area is famous among climbers, but its striking landscape is impressive to all visitors. The scenic drive through the gorge offers breathtaking views.
Next, we’ll continue to the Dades Valley, part of the Route of the Thousand Kasbahs. Here, you’ll see traditional Berber fortresses, lush palm groves, and cultivated fields. The nearby Valley of the Roses, known for its rose production, adds a special touch to the landscape, especially in spring.
Our day concludes in Ouarzazate, often called the Hollywood of Morocco for its film studios. If time allows, we might visit the Kasbah of Taourirt, a historic residence of Thami El Glaoui, showcasing its original decor. The day ends with dinner and a comfortable stay at a hotel in Ouarzazate.
Day 8: Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – High Atlas- Essaouira
On the eighth day, after breakfast in Ouarzazate, we’ll visit the ksar of Ait Ben Haddou, just 25 km away. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a prime example of traditional Berber architecture and a key stop on the historic caravan route between Marrakech and Timbuktu. Its striking appearance has also featured in blockbusters like
Next, we’ll travel through the High Atlas Mountains, stopping at the Telouet Kasbah. This fortress, like the Kasbah of Taourirt, was once a residence of Thami El Glaoui and features a similar architectural style despite its age.
We’ll then ascend the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, over 2,200 meters high, offering stunning views of the High Atlas peaks and traditional Berber villages.
Our descent leads us to Marrakech, but we’ll continue on to Essaouira, known as ‘the Pearl of the Atlantic.’ Arriving in the early afternoon, you’ll have time to explore this charming coastal city before staying overnight in a delightful riad in the medina.
Day 9: Essaouira
After breakfast at your riad, you’ll have a free day in Essaouira, one of the few cities on this circuit offering such leisure. Essaouira’s historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site, showcases its Portuguese colonial past under the name Mogador. Explore the impressive La Scala fortress, the old city walls, and other significant sites, including those featured in Game of Thrones. The charming fishing port and medina, with landmarks like the Clock Tower, add to the city’s appeal.
You might also enjoy various activities along the coast. Essaouira is ideal for kitesurfing and windsurfing due to its breezy coastline. Alternatively, consider a horse or camel ride along the beach, or simply enjoy a refreshing swim if you’re visiting in the summer.
Our staff can assist with activity recommendations and bookings. In the evening, you’ll return to the riad in the medina for another night’s stay.
Day 10: Essaouira – Marrakech
On the tenth day, after breakfast at the riad in Essaouira, our driver will take you to Marrakech, arriving by mid-morning. You’ll have the rest of the day to explore the city at your leisure.
With another full day of sightseeing planned for the following day, you can use this time to visit key attractions like the El Badi Palace, Majorelle Gardens, or the Marrakech Museum and Yves Saint Laurent Museum. It’s also a great opportunity for shopping, whether in the traditional souks of the medina or the more modern stores in Gueliz.
In the evening, you’ll enjoy a restful night at a riad in Marrakech’s historic center.
Day 11: Marrakech
On the final day of the tour, Marrakech will serve as a fitting conclusion to nearly two weeks of travel. After breakfast at the riad, you’ll embark on a guided tour of the city’s historical highlights.
Your guide will lead you through the medina to explore the Kutubia Mosque, Ben Youssef Medersa, Bahia Palace, and Saadian Tombs—each showcasing the splendor of Islamic art with intricate tilework, marble, and cedar. You’ll also have time to visit the bustling souks and the famed Jemaa el-Fna Square, recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
In the afternoon, you’re free to relax or explore further. Consider a traditional or modern hammam to rejuvenate after your journey. The day concludes with a final night at your riad in the medina.
Day 12: Marrakech – Airport
After getting to know Morocco to the fullest, it is time to say goodbye. This last day will start with breakfast at the riad and foresees the transfer to Marrakech airport. Our driver will pick you up at the agreed time and take you in a private vehicle to be on time at the terminal. There we will say goodbye, grateful for the trust placed in us and hoping that you will choose us again for another tourist experience in Morocco. 12 days tour to Morocco: Morocco in full
TOURIST PACKAGE INCLUDED
- Pick up and drop off at the airport
- Comfortable private transportation with air conditioning
- English speaking driver / tour guide
- Sandboarding in the desert
- Camel ride
TOURIST PACKAGE EXCLUSIONS
- Plane tickets
- Drinks
- Lunches
- Tickets