10 Days Casablanca Desert Tour

Following breakfast at your hotel, embark on the journey to Chefchaouen, aiming to arrive in the midday for an exploration of the enchanting Chefchaouen Medina. This unique city is renowned for its white-washed walls and distinctive blue doors and windows. Unlike many other parts of Morocco, Chefchaouen was once occupied by Spain, leaving behind influences of Spanish civilization and architecture. Take the opportunity to meet locals and stroll through the picturesque Medina. Your overnight stay will be in your Riad.

Following breakfast, our journey will lead us through Volubilis, the Roman ruins, and Moulay Idriss, the sacred town. Continuing to Meknes, we will embark on a comprehensive tour of the Medina, exploring El Hdim square, Bab El Mansour—the impressive gate serving as the entrance to the old city—and the Jewish quarter. Delve into the Royal Granaries and the city ramparts before settling in for the night at your accommodation.

After breakfast at your Riad, embark on an exploration of the oldest city in Morocco, wandering through its alleys and narrow streets. Our tour commences with a visit to the Royal Palace gate, the Jewish headquarters, and the first Mellah ever built in Morocco. We'll ensure you explore all the sites of cultural and historical significance, including the renowned Al Qaraouine University—the oldest in the region, the Tanneries, and the Attarine museum.

Following lunch, you'll have the opportunity to observe the ceramic factory and enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire Medina of Fes. In the afternoon, we'll venture to the new city, "La Ville nouvelle," for a refreshing drink. Your overnight stay will be in our Hotel/Riad.

Following breakfast, we will depart from Fes, heading towards Ifrane, a picturesque mountain village often referred to as the "Switzerland of Morocco." En route, you will catch glimpses of the Middle Atlas and Higher Atlas mountains. A stop in Azrou, a Berber village situated in the renowned cedar forest (the largest in Morocco), may afford you the chance to observe Barbary apes.

Continuing through the Tizi Ntalghamt Pass to Midelt, you will traverse the magnificent Ziz Gorges, carved through volcanic rock. After lunch at your hotel, the journey continues to Merzouga via Errachidia and Erfoud. Passing through the Ziz Gorge, you'll witness the High Atlas plateau and notice the changing scenery, gradually revealing hints of the desert as you approach Errachidia. Subsequently, you will travel along the lush Ziz Valley, making stops for panoramic views on the way to Erfoud and Rissani.

Arriving in Merzouga in the afternoon, a warm welcome awaits you with a refreshing glass of mint tea before checking in to your Riad.

Following breakfast at the hotel, begin your exploration of the area. Visit the Gnawa people, originally brought as slaves from Sudan, to immerse yourself in their music and lifestyle. Not far away, the Merzouga lake hosts various bird populations, offering another interesting stop. You might also consider visiting the nomad wire house, where Berber handicrafts are often priced lower than in larger cities.

In the afternoon, it's time for your camel trek, guided by an experienced camel man, as you venture into the sand sea of Merzouga. Dinner awaits in front of the tent, where you will spend the night. The camp is equipped with flash-toilets and showers for your convenience.

Your camelman will rouse you early in the morning to witness what might be the most magnificent sunrise of your life. Following this breathtaking experience, you'll camel-trek back to the village of Merzouga, marveling at the unique beauty of the spectacular Erg Chebbi sand dunes, which evolve with the changing light throughout the day.

After enjoying breakfast in the Riad, your journey continues to Rissani, Tinghir, and the Todra Gorges – the highest and narrowest gorges in Morocco. A lunch in the heart of the gorge precedes a scenic drive through the Dades Valley towards Kalaa M’gouna and Ouarzazate. The route through the Dades Valley is known as the way of the thousand Kasbahs, providing numerous opportunities to capture some of the best photographic shots of the trip. A stop at Kalaa Mgouna, "the rose city," allows you to purchase rosewater, which will keep your linen fragrant long after your trip concludes. Your overnight stay will be in our Hotel/Riad.

Following breakfast, you will delight in the breathtaking views of the valley from a strategically located lookout in the mountains. From this vantage point, you can appreciate the multitude of kasbahs and the distinctive characteristics of each one. The journey continues along a road of a thousand kasbahs to Ait Ben Haddou, passing by cinema studios. Approximately half an hour from Ouarzazate, a stop will be made at the ksar (fortified village) of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This famous Kasbah has been featured in renowned films such as Gladiator, Obelix, The Mummy, The Jewel of the Nile, and Games of Thrones. Explore the site and enjoy lunch in the town.

In the afternoon, the road leads to Marrakech through the Atlas Mountains via Tizi Ntichka, with stops for picturesque photo opportunities. Along the way to Marrakesh, a visit to an Argan oil cooperative is included. Your overnight accommodation will be in a local Riad.

After enjoying breakfast in your Riad, embark on a comprehensive tour of Essaouira. Explore the Skala Fortress, visit the port, wander through the bustling souks, and marvel at Thuya wood craftsmanship created by skilled artisans. As you stroll through the medina's narrow alleys, you'll encounter a plethora of handicrafts. Known as the "City of the Wind" due to its persistent strong winds, Essaouira is a global magnet for surfers. Despite being shaped by various civilizations, including Portuguese influence, Essaouira has retained its small village charm and rich history. With its distinctive blue doors and whitewashed walls, it is often referred to as Morocco's "Jewel of the Atlantic."

Your tour includes visits to the Mellah, the Jewish quarter, and the beach. Essaouira hosts an annual Gnawa music festival, attracting musical groups from various parts of Africa and the world. If your visit coincides with this event, you may choose to extend your stay for an additional day. Lunch today will feature a Moroccan-style experience with freshly caught fish cooked to order. The afternoon is free for you to explore at your own pace before heading back to Marrakech. Overnight accommodation will be provided in a Riad within the Medina.

The morning will be free for shopping or relaxation in Marrakech before our departure in the mid-afternoon. We anticipate arriving in Casablanca around 4 pm. If you have a departing flight or wish to spend additional time in Casablanca, we can adjust the departure time from Marrakech to suit your preferences. This marks the end of our trip.