This 12 days tour from Casablanca to Casablanca is designed for travelers who want to experience the full spectrum of Morocco’s landscapes, history, and culture. From the bustling Atlantic coast of Casablanca to the serene blue streets of Chefchaouen, from the ancient medina of Fes to the golden dunes of the Sahara, and from the dramatic peaks of the High Atlas to the vibrant coastal city of Essaouira, every day offers a new adventure. You’ll meet artisans, nomads, and locals who share their traditions and stories, ride camels across the dunes, wander through historic medinas with expert guides, and marvel at panoramic mountain views. This tour is a balance of exploration, adventure, and reflection, designed to give a true sense of Morocco’s soul.
Tour Highlights: 12 days tour from Casablanca to Casablanca
- Explore Casablanca and Hassan II Mosque
- Discover Rabat’s royal landmarks and calm streets
- Stroll through the blue city of Chefchaouen
- Guided tour of Fes’s medina, tanneries, and historic monuments
- Ride camels and spend a night under the stars in Merzouga Desert
- Todra Gorges and Dades Valley with dramatic landscapes and kasbahs
- Scenic High Atlas Mountains via Tizi n’Tichka Pass
- Guided tour of Marrakech’s palaces, gardens, and souks
- Coastal Essaouira, medina, ramparts, and fishing port
- Meknes imperial city and Roman ruins of Volubilis
Itinerary: 12 days tour from Casablanca to Casablanca
Day 1: Casablanca
Arrive in Casablanca, Morocco’s largest city, where modernity and tradition meet along the Atlantic coastline. Begin your journey with a visit to the Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest in the world, perched partly on the ocean. Its towering minaret, intricate mosaics, and hand-carved cedar wood leave a lasting impression. After exploring the mosque, take a leisurely walk along the Corniche, feeling the ocean breeze while observing locals fishing, jogging, or enjoying the cafes. Casablanca is a city of contrasts, blending contemporary architecture with rich Moroccan culture, providing a dynamic introduction to the country. Overnight in Casablanca.
Day 2: Casablanca – Rabat – Chefchaouen
Depart early from Casablanca and drive to Rabat, Morocco’s capital, a city known for its calm streets and historical significance. Visit the Hassan Tower, an unfinished minaret that has stood for centuries, and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, an architectural marvel with white marble and detailed mosaic work. Explore the Kasbah of the Oudayas, a peaceful citadel with winding alleys and views over the Bouregreg River. In the afternoon, continue north toward the Rif Mountains, where small villages and green valleys create a picture of rural Morocco. Arrive in Chefchaouen in the late afternoon, and spend the evening wandering its famous blue-painted streets, discovering artisan shops, sampling local sweets, and soaking in the serene mountain atmosphere. Overnight in Chefchaouen.
Day 3: Chefchaouen – Fes
Enjoy a relaxed morning in Chefchaouen, wandering the quiet streets, photographing the vivid blue walls, and perhaps visiting a local market or small café for mint tea. After breakfast, drive south toward Fes, passing through fertile valleys, rolling hills, and traditional Berber villages, giving insight into daily life in northern Morocco. Arrive in Fes in the late afternoon and check into your riad, a traditional Moroccan house with a courtyard and intricate decor. Take a short evening walk around the medina to absorb the atmosphere and prepare for tomorrow’s guided tour, where the city’s rich history and culture will unfold. Overnight in Fes.
Day 4: Fes – Guided Medina Tour
Spend a full day exploring Fes with a professional local guide who brings the city to life. Begin in the labyrinthine medina, one of the largest in the world, where narrow alleys open onto bustling squares filled with artisans, spice markets, and centuries-old shops. Visit Al Quaraouiyine University, a historical center of learning, and Bou Inania Madrasa, a stunning example of Moroccan architecture. See the famous leather tanneries, where hides are still processed using traditional methods, and witness craftsmen at work producing pottery, metalwork, and textiles. Your guide explains the city’s history, culture, and traditions, offering insights that make the medina feel like a living museum. Overnight in Fes.
Day 5: Fes – Meknes – Volubilis – Merzouga
Leave Fes early and travel to Meknes, an imperial city with grand gates, historic mosques, and palaces. Explore the medina, visit Bab Mansour, one of Morocco’s most impressive city gates, and enjoy the atmosphere of this vibrant city. Continue to Volubilis, the ancient Roman ruins with well-preserved mosaics, temples, and houses, offering a fascinating glimpse into Morocco’s distant past. In the afternoon, drive southeast toward Merzouga, crossing the arid landscapes of the pre-Sahara region and small desert villages. Arrive in Merzouga in the late afternoon, ready for the desert experience. Overnight in Merzouga.
Day 6: Merzouga – Camel Trek – Desert Camp
Wake early to witness the sunrise over the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi, a moment of tranquil beauty as the desert comes alive with color. After breakfast, embark on a camel trek deeper into the dunes, exploring the vast landscape and experiencing the quiet solitude of the desert. Arrive at your desert camp in the late afternoon, where traditional Berber hospitality awaits. Enjoy dinner under the stars, accompanied by live music and the stories of nomadic life, feeling the peaceful vastness of the Sahara. Overnight in Merzouga Desert Camp.
Day 7: Merzouga – Todra Gorges – Dades Valley
After sunrise and breakfast in the desert, leave Merzouga and drive west toward the Atlas Mountains. Stop at Todra Gorges, a breathtaking canyon with towering cliffs and a river cutting through its base. Take a walk along the gorge, admire the dramatic scenery, and capture photographs of this natural wonder. Continue to the Dades Valley, a striking region of winding roads, red rock formations, and ancient kasbahs nestled among the cliffs. This valley offers both natural beauty and insight into traditional Berber life. Overnight in Dades Valley.
Day 8: Dades Valley – Ouarzazate – Marrakech
Travel through the Valley of Roses and the Skoura Oasis, stopping at historical kasbahs that showcase Morocco’s architectural heritage. Reach Ouarzazate, the “Gateway to the Sahara,” known for its film studios and dramatic landscapes. Continue across the High Atlas Mountains via Tizi n’Tichka Pass, pausing to admire sweeping views of valleys, peaks, and remote Berber villages. Descend toward Marrakech in the afternoon and enjoy a guided tour of the city, including Jemaa el-Fnaa square, Koutoubia Mosque, and the vibrant souks that bustle with life and color. Overnight in Marrakech.
Day 9: Marrakech – Guided Tour
Spend a full day exploring Marrakech with your local guide. Discover the ornate Bahia Palace, the Saadian Tombs, and the lush Majorelle Garden. Wander the labyrinthine souks, learning the stories behind spices, textiles, and traditional crafts. Your guide helps you navigate the bustling medina while explaining the history, architecture, and cultural significance of each site. The evening is free for shopping or relaxing at your riad, soaking in the vibrant energy of the Red City. Overnight in Marrakech.
Day 10: Marrakech – Essaouira
Depart Marrakech and drive west to the Atlantic coast, reaching Essaouira, a charming city known for its historic medina, ramparts, and lively fishing port. Explore the UNESCO-listed medina, stroll along the waterfront, and watch the fishermen bring in their catch of the day. Visit artisan workshops producing thuya wood crafts, browse local galleries, and sample fresh seafood at a local restaurant. Essaouira’s relaxed coastal vibe offers a contrast to the bustle of the inland cities, creating a perfect balance to your journey. Overnight in Essaouira.
Day 11: Essaouira – Casablanca
After breakfast, leave Essaouira and drive along the scenic Atlantic coast back to Casablanca. Pass through small towns, olive groves, and coastal plains while reflecting on the landscapes, cultures, and experiences of your journey. This drive gives you time to absorb Morocco’s diversity before reaching Casablanca in the late afternoon. Overnight in Casablanca.
Day 12: Casablanca – Departure
Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy a final stroll or quick shopping trip in Casablanca. Visit local markets, sip Moroccan mint tea, or relax at your hotel before your departure. Your 12 days tour from Casablanca to Casablanca concludes, leaving memories of Morocco’s imperial cities, deserts, mountains, and coasts.
Tour Includes
- Private air-conditioned vehicle with driver/guide
- Accommodation in hotels and traditional riads
- One night in a Sahara desert camp
- Camel trek in Merzouga
- Guided city tours in Fes and Marrakech
- Daily breakfast and selected dinners
Tour Excludes
- International flights
- Lunches and drinks
- Entrance fees to monuments (unless stated)
- Personal expenses and tips