Fez, Desert & Marrakech10 days from Casablanca
This circular route will allow you to explore every corner of Morocco. During 10 days, you will have more than enough time to enjoy the culture and essence of each place. Experience unique activities such as camel rides through the desert dunes and visits to historic kasbahs. This journey will take you through stunning mountains and let you dive into the vibrant Moroccan life. An unforgettable adventure awaits you!
- Duration
- 10 days
- Starts in
- Marrakech
- Ends in
- Casablanca
Day by day
- Day 01
Arrival in Casablanca – Rabat
At the estimated time, our guide will pick you up at Casablanca airport.
After getting acquainted with Morocco’s economic capital, we will visit its famous Hassan II Mosque and other exciting places like La Corniche and La Plaza de las Palomas.
(If the flight arrives at night, this visit will be done the next day.)
Continue the journey to Rabat.
Overnight stay and accommodation.
- Day 02
Rabat – Meknes
After breakfast at the riad, we will cross the river in Rabat again, where we will visit the Hassan Tower and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, built in honor of the king who passed away in 1961. Here also rest the remains of his son and successor, Hassan II, who passed away in 1999.
Next, we will explore the Andalusian-style gardens of the Kasbah of the Udayas. Inside the Kasbah, we will admire the blue and white painted houses, a style of decoration found throughout many villages along the Moroccan Atlantic coast.
The journey will continue to Meknes, where we will visit the famous Bab Mansour, the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, and the historic granaries.
Overnight stay and accommodation.
- Day 03
Meknes – Volubilis – Fez
After breakfast at the riad, we will depart for Volubilis to explore the Roman ruins, which cover a vast area and offer stunning views of the valley and surrounding hills.
Next, we will visit the holy city of Moulay Idriss, where, although non-Muslims cannot enter the mausoleum in the main square, charming views and quaint little shops can be enjoyed.
We will then continue our journey to Fez.
Overnight stay and accommodation.
Accommodation will be in a hotel with breakfast included.
- Day 04
Fez (City Tour)
After a delicious breakfast at the hotel, we will begin our guided tour of the medina and monuments of Fez.
We will start by exploring the modern part of the city, visiting the Royal Palace and the Jewish Quarter (Mellah).
Next, we will head to a viewpoint where we can admire the entire medina from the South Tower and see the numerous mosques that adorn the skyline.
We will then embark on a walking tour of the medina, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its labyrinthine alleyways are organized by guilds of potters, dyers, and other craftsmen. The hustle and vibrant energy will transport us back in time as we experience the city’s medieval atmosphere.
We will observe that time seems to have stood still at the “Magana Bounania,” a clock that has been marking time for more than 1200 years since its construction. It is truly a marvel worth contemplating!
Accommodation will be in a hotel/riad with breakfast included.
- Day 05
Fez – Midelt – Er Rachidia – Erfoud
After breakfast, we will head south, crossing the Middle Atlas Mountains, until we reach Ifrane, also known as “The Little Switzerland of Morocco” due to its resemblance to that country. One notable animal that used to inhabit this area was the Atlas lion, which has become the symbol of the city, celebrated with a stone statue in its center.
We will stop for a moment to greet the magnificent lion.
Continuing our journey, we will pass through the famous cedar forests, where we can admire the majestic Grand Cedar of Gouraud, the giant millennial cedar of the region, and we will have the opportunity to feed the hundreds of Barbary macaques that inhabit the area.
We will enjoy our lunch in Midelt, and from here, the landscape will gradually become more arid, revealing spectacular geological formations and deep green valleys like the Ziz Valley.
We will begin to notice the typical adobe architecture, palm trees, and distant kasbahs, indicating that we are approaching the gateway to the desert.
We arrive in Erfoud, where we will spend the night.
Accommodation will be in a hotel / riad including breakfast.
- Day 06
Erfoud – Merzouga (desert)
In the morning, after breakfast, we will continue to Rissani to visit its souks. From there, we will take a 4×4 to the lake and visit the Berber nomads, enjoying some of their traditional music.
Lunch will be at a lodge with a pool near the dunes of Erg Chebbi in Merzouga.
Upon arriving at the camp, we will ride camels to watch the sunset from the top of the dunes. Back at the camp, dinner will be served, followed by a night of music and accommodation in a nomad tent.
Dinner and accommodation.
- Day 07
Merzouga (Desert) – Rissani Market – Todra Gorges – Dades Valley
We wake up early for our “Date with the Sunrise,” as it’s highly recommended to rise early in the desert.
We will walk to the highest dune in the area to witness the sunrise and enjoy the calm beauty of nature before returning to our hotel on camelback.
After a delicious breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to the desert and head towards Rissani. If we are fortunate to be there on market days (Tuesday, Thursday, or Sunday), we will explore the bustling Rissani Market.
Next, we continue our journey towards Erfoud, passing through the palm groves of Touroug and Tinjdad. An hour later, we will reach one of the highlights of the High Atlas Mountains: The Todra Gorges.
The Todra River has carved a canyon with enormous vertical walls of stunning beauty. This place is a paradise for climbers and offers a unique view.
We will have lunch at this exceptional location and take a half-hour hike to fully appreciate the magnificence of the gorges.
In the afternoon, we continue our journey to the Dades Valley, also known as the Valley of the Fig Trees. Along the way, we will stop at Boumalne Dades to observe the famous rock formations called the “Monkey Fingers.”
Finally, we arrive at the Dades Gorges.
Accommodation will be in a hotel/riad with dinner and breakfast included, surrounded by the stunning landscapes of the Dades Valley.
- Day 08
Dades Valleys – Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – High Atlas – Marrakech
After breakfast, before continuing towards Marrakech, we will visit the Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a backdrop for numerous films such as “Lawrence of Arabia,” “Babel,” and “Gladiator.”
Next, we will proceed on our journey to Marrakech, crossing the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi N’tichka pass. Along the way, we will pass through Berber villages and farms nestled in the mountainside.
By the end of the day, we will arrive in Marrakech.
Accommodation will be in a riad/hotel with breakfast included, allowing us to rest and enjoy the vibrant city of Marrakech the following day.
- Day 09
Marrakech (City Tour)
After breakfast, our local guide will pick you up from the hotel to begin the grand tour of Marrakech’s medina.
You will explore the most exciting and important sights of Marrakech, including the Koutoubia Mosque, the Ben Youssef Madrasa, and the Majorelle Gardens.
In the afternoon, you will have free time to relax before heading to Jamaa el Fna Square to stroll and soak in the magical atmosphere of the night in this iconic place.
Accommodation will be in a hotel/riad with breakfast included, allowing you to rest and be ready for another exciting day in Marrakech.
- Day 10
Marrakech – Airport
Breakfast and free time until the agreed time for transfer to the airport, where we will accompany you to check in your luggage and show you the boarding gate.
This concludes our services.
Highlights
- Visit to the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, one of the largest and most spectacular mosques in the world.
- Exploration of the Roman ruins of Volubilis, an impressive archaeological site with panoramic views.
- Camel ride and sunset on the dunes of Erg Chebbi in the Merzouga desert, followed by a night in a nomadic camp.
- Discover the Todra Gorges, an impressive canyon with vertical walls that attracts climbers and nature lovers.
- Visit to the Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, the setting for numerous films and a gem of traditional architecture.
- Tour of the Majorelle Gardens in Marrakech, an oasis of tranquility and color within the bustling city.
Included
- Airport transfers
- Accommodations throughout the tour with breakfast
- Private vehicle with an English-speaking driver throughout the entire journey
- English-speaking driver/guide companion at your disposal throughout the entire itinerary.
- Camel ride to reach the heart of the desert (one per person)
- One night in tents (Berber camp) in the desert, on a half-board basis
- Fuel, tolls, and all associated expenses
- Dinner in Merzouga, Dades Valley
- Local guide in Marrakech, Fez
- Sandboarding in the desert
- Administrative fees
Not included
- Flights
- Lunch
- Entrance fees to monuments or museums
- Dinner in Marrakech, Meknes, Fez, Rabat