12 Days Private Morocco Tour from Casablanca to the Sahara Desert

Day 1: WE MEET YOU AT YOUR STARTING POINT – CASABLANCA AIRPORT, FERRY PORT OR HOTEL

1. Casablanca
   2h
   The first day depends on your arrival time and location in Morocco. At Casablanca Mohamed V Airport, our team will meet you outside Terminal 2 with a sign showing your name and welcome you to Morocco. If you arrive late, you will be taken directly to your hotel to rest. Early arrivals can enjoy a short Casablanca visit before hotel check-in.
   
   This is a private and customizable tour. You can request changes such as additional days, 3-, 4-, or 5-star hotels, extra excursions, or different arrival and departure locations.
2. Hassan II Mosque
   1h · Admission ticket not included
   Explore Casablanca, Morocco’s vibrant coastal city, and visit its iconic Hassan II Mosque, beautifully located on the Atlantic Ocean. Admire its impressive architecture and detailed Moroccan craftsmanship on a guided visit. Enjoy the ocean views before continuing with your private Morocco tour.

Day 2: CASABLANCA ⇨ RABAT ⇨ ASILAH ⇨ TANGIER

1. Hassan Tower
   3h · Admission ticket not included
   After breakfast, travel to Rabat, Morocco’s capital and one of its historic Imperial Cities. Enjoy a guided tour of the city, including the ancient Chellah Necropolis, the Kasbah of the Udayas, the peaceful Andalusian Gardens, Hassan Tower, and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V. After sightseeing, continue your journey toward Tangier with a stop in the charming coastal town of Asilah.
2. Asilah Medina
   3h
   After exploring Rabat, continue north to the charming coastal town of Asilah. Discover its historic medina, fortified walls, and old Portuguese heritage overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Visit the traditional streets and see landmarks such as the historic ramparts and Raisuni Palace. Overnight at a hotel or traditional riad, based on availability.

Day 3: TANGIER ⇨ SIGHTSEEING

1. Tangier
   5h
   After breakfast, discover Tangier, a lively coastal city with a unique blend of Moroccan and European influences. Explore the historic Medina and Kasbah, then visit Cap Spartel and the Caves of Hercules, offering beautiful views over the Atlantic Ocean. Enjoy free time in the city before a relaxing walk along the Corniche and waterfront. Overnight in Tangier.

Day 4: TANGIER ⇨ TETOUAN ⇨ CHEFCHAOUEN

1. Tetouan
   3h
   After breakfast, depart Tangier and travel toward the beautiful blue city of Chefchaouen. Along the way, stop in Tetouan, located at the foothills of the Rif Mountains and home to a UNESCO-listed historic Medina. Enjoy some free time to explore the old town at your own pace, with recommendations from your driver-guide. Lunch is at your leisure before continuing to Chefchaouen.
2. Chefchaouen
   3h
   Continue to Chefchaouen, famous for its charming blue-painted streets, stairways, and traditional houses. After checking into your hotel or traditional riad, enjoy free time to explore the Medina at your own pace. Visit Outa el Hammam Square, wander through the colorful alleyways, or simply relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. Dinner is at your leisure. Overnight in Chefchaouen.

Day 5: CHEFCHAOUEN ⇨ VOLUBILIS ⇨ MEKNES ⇨ FES

1. Volubilis
   3h · Admission ticket not included
   Leave Chefchaouen and travel south toward Fes, with a stop at the ancient Roman city of Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the impressive ruins, historic temples, former residences, and beautifully preserved mosaics. Local guides may be available at the site, and your driver can assist if you would like a guided visit. Continue to Fes after your visit.
2. Moulay Idriss
   1h
   Continue to Moulay Idriss, a historic pilgrimage town known for its whitewashed buildings and distinctive round minaret. Take some time to explore the town and enjoy its peaceful atmosphere. You can have lunch here or continue to the next destination for a meal.
3. Meknes
   2h
   Continue to Meknes, one of Morocco’s historic Imperial Cities. Explore the Ville Impériale, including Bab al-Mansour, the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, the Royal Stables, and the surrounding gardens and palaces. Then continue to Fes, where you will be dropped off at your traditional riad in the Medina. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon and evening at your leisure.

Day 6: FES ⇨ SIGHTSEEING

1. Fes El-Bali
   6h · Admission ticket not included
   Discover the historic Fes Medina, one of Morocco’s best-preserved medieval urban areas, with a local guide. Explore Fes el Bali and Fes el Jdid, walk through the lively souks, and visit the famous Chouara Tannery, Al-Qarawiyyin, and Al Attarine Madrasa. Continue to the Mellah, the historic Jewish quarter, and visit a local ceramics cooperative to see traditional Moroccan craftsmanship.

Day 7: FES ⇨ IFRANE ⇨ CEDAR FOREST ⇨ MIDELT ⇨ ZIZ VALLEY ⇨ SAHARA DESERT

1. Ifrane
   2h
   Start early and leave Fes behind as you journey through the scenic Middle Atlas Mountains. Travel through Ifrane and Azrou, with a stop in the cedar forest where you may spot Barbary macaques among the trees. Continue to Midelt, known for its apple orchards and beautiful mountain surroundings, where you can enjoy lunch before continuing toward the Sahara Desert.
2. Midelt
   2h
   Continue through the dramatic landscapes of the Ziz Valley, passing rugged mountains, scenic gorges, and traditional Berber villages. Along the ancient Saharan trade route, you’ll see fortified ksars and old settlements that reflect Morocco’s rich trading history. Enjoy the changing scenery as you make your way toward the Sahara Desert.
3. Erg Chebbi
   3h
   After crossing the spectacular Ziz Gorge, the landscape gradually changes as the first Sahara sand dunes come into view. Continue toward Merzouga, passing traditional water channels, nomadic settlements, and desert scenery along the way.
   
   Near Merzouga, prepare for your camel trek to the luxury desert camp. Ride across the Erg Chebbi dunes and arrive in time to watch the sunset from the top of the sand dunes. At camp, enjoy dinner, traditional Berber music around the fire, and a peaceful evening beneath the stars. Overnight at a luxury desert camp in Erg Chebbi.

Day 8: ERG CHEBBI DUNES ⇨ NOMAD FAMILY VISIT ⇨ MERZOUGA DESERT

1. 6h
   Wake up early to enjoy a beautiful Sahara Desert sunrise over the Erg Chebbi dunes. After breakfast, begin a 4x4 excursion around the Merzouga desert region. Visit Merzouga Lake, meet a nomadic family and enjoy traditional tea while learning about their lifestyle.
   
   Continue to the former Paris-Dakar route and the Mifis mines, then visit Khamlia village to experience its traditional Gnawa music and culture. Enjoy lunch with a local Berber specialty before visiting a peaceful desert oasis. Return to your hotel or traditional riad in Merzouga for the evening.

Day 9: MERZOUGA ⇨ RISSANI ⇨ ARFOUD ⇨ TODRA GORGES ⇨ DADES VALLEY

1. Rissani Market
   2h
   After breakfast, leave the Sahara Desert and continue toward Rissani, a historic trading town once an important stop along the ancient Saharan caravan routes. If your visit falls on Tuesday, Thursday, or Sunday, explore the lively Rissani Souk, one of the largest traditional markets in the region, where you can experience local culture and everyday Moroccan life.
2. Fossiles d'Erfoud
   1h
   Continue to Erfoud, a desert town renowned for its dates and fossil-rich landscapes. Visit a local artisan workshop to discover the region’s unique fossils and learn how fossil-bearing stone is carefully shaped and polished into decorative pieces and traditional crafts. Continue your journey through the dramatic desert scenery toward the Todra Gorges.
3. Tour Guide Dades Valley
   3h
   Continue through the scenic villages of Tinghir and the Todra Valley, surrounded by lush palm groves, traditional mud-brick villages, and rugged mountains. Visit the spectacular Todra Gorges, known for their towering limestone cliffs and dramatic narrow canyon. Then continue to the Dades Valley to admire the famous rock formations known as Monkey Fingers and traditional Kasbahs. Enjoy dinner and relax at your accommodation.

Day 10: DADES VALLEY ⇨ ROSE VALLEY ⇨ OUARZAZATE ⇨ AIT BENHADDOU ⇨ MARRAKECH

1. Ait Ben Haddou
   8h
   After breakfast, travel through the Rose Valley and visit Kalaat M’Gouna, famous for its roses and traditional rose products. Continue through Skoura, surrounded by palm groves and historic Kasbahs, before reaching Ouarzazate, often known as the “Hollywood of Africa.”
   
   Next, visit Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Morocco’s most iconic Kasbahs. Enjoy free time to explore and have lunch before crossing the High Atlas Mountains through scenic Berber villages. Arrive in Marrakech in the evening.

Day 11: MARRAKESH ⇨ SIGHTSEEING

1. Bahia Palace
   4h · Admission ticket not included
   After breakfast, meet your private local guide and discover the historic Marrakesh Medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander through the colorful souks and narrow streets filled with traditional Moroccan crafts, spices, clothing, and lanterns. Learn about the history and culture of the Medina, Souks, and Mellah as you explore the Red City with your guide.
2. Jardin Majorelle
   2h · Admission ticket not included
   Continue your private Marrakesh sightseeing tour in the afternoon with visits to the Bahia Palace, El Badi Palace, and Saadian Tombs. Discover the beautiful Majorelle Garden, once created by French artist Jacques Majorelle and later associated with Yves Saint Laurent.
   
   In the evening, experience the lively atmosphere of Jemaa el-Fna Square, filled with performers, musicians, storytellers, and local food stalls. Enjoy dinner at your leisure while taking in the vibrant energy of Marrakesh.

Day 12: MARRAKESH ⇨ AIRPORT TRANSFER ⇨ MARRAKESH OR CASABLANCA

1. Casablanca
   3h
   Your Morocco Tour ends today as your driver transports you from your accommodations to Marrakesh airport. or Casablanca airport, Have a safe and comfortable journey home or to your next destination!

Pickup details

Your 12 Days Private Morocco Tour from Casablanca to the Sahara Desert begins with a convenient pickup by your private driver guide. Pickup is available from Casablanca Airport, your hotel or riad, the port, or another agreed location. For airport arrivals, your driver guide will meet you in the arrivals hall with a sign showing your name.

• Wheelchair accessible
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels