12-Day Morocco Imperial Cities & Sahara Desert Tour from Casablanca

This 12-day tour starts from Casablanca and takes you on an unforgettable journey through Morocco’s imperial cities, the Sahara Desert, and the Atlantic coast.

We will begin by exploring the historical and cultural highlights of Casablanca, including the impressive Hassan II Mosque.

Our journey then continues to Rabat, the capital of Morocco, where we will visit the Hassan Tower and the historic Kasbah of the Udayas.

Next, we travel to the imperial city of Meknes, where we will visit the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, Bab Mansour, and the Sahrij Swani Basin.

We will also explore the ancient Berber-Roman ruins of Volubilis, before continuing to Fes, where you will enjoy a full day exploring the historic medina with a local guide.

The adventure continues through the Middle Atlas Mountains, stopping in Ifrane, known as the “Moroccan Switzerland,” and Azrou, where we will visit the famous Cedar Forest of Azrou.

During the trip, we will travel through Midelt, the Ziz Valley, and Erfoud, before reaching the magnificent dunes of Erg Chebbi in the Merzouga Desert.

Here you will enjoy camel trekking, watch the sunset and sunrise over the dunes, and spend a magical night in a traditional desert camp. You will also experience Gnawa music in the village of Khamlia.

Our journey continues through the spectacular Todra Gorge and the beautiful Dades Valley, before arriving in Ouarzazate and visiting the famous Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

We will then cross the Tizi n’Tichka Pass to reach Marrakech, where you will enjoy a full day exploring the city with a local guide.

From Marrakech, we will take a day trip to Essaouira, historically known as Mogador, before returning to Casablanca.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Full Day Exploring Casablanca

Begin your tour by discovering the historical heritage of Casablanca, Morocco’s largest city.

Highlights include:

  • Hassan II Mosque

  • United Nations Square

  • The Corniche seaside area

Overnight stay in Casablanca.

Day 2: Casablanca – Rabat

After breakfast, travel to Rabat, the capital city of Morocco.

Visit:

  • Kasbah of the Udayas

  • Hassan Tower

  • Mausoleum of Mohammed V

Enjoy views of the Bou Regreg River and the Atlantic Ocean.

Overnight stay in Rabat.

Day 3: Rabat – Meknes – Volubilis – Fes

Drive to Meknes, one of Morocco’s imperial cities.

Visit:

  • Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail

  • Bab Mansour Gate

  • Sahrij Swani Basin

Continue to Volubilis, the ancient Berber-Roman archaeological site.

Later drive to Fes for overnight stay.

Day 4: Full Day Exploring Fes

Explore the historic medina of Fes with a local guide.

Highlights include:

  • Al-Karaouine University

  • Moulay Idriss Mausoleum

  • Nejjarine Fountain

  • The famous tanneries

  • Jewish quarter (Mellah)

  • Royal Palace (exterior)

Overnight stay in a traditional riad.

Day 5: Fes – Ifrane – Azrou – Midelt – Ziz Valley – Merzouga

Travel through the Middle Atlas Mountains, stopping in Ifrane and the Cedar Forest of Azrou.

After lunch in Midelt, continue through the Ziz Valley and the desert landscapes toward Merzouga.

Camel trekking into the dunes of Erg Chebbi for sunset.

Dinner and overnight in a desert camp.

Day 6: Merzouga Desert Exploration

Watch the sunrise over the dunes before returning by camel.

Later visit:

  • Khamlia village (Gnawa music)

  • Nomadic families in the desert

Overnight stay in Merzouga.

Day 7: Merzouga – Rissani – Todra Gorge – Dades Valley

Visit Rissani, known for its traditional market and caravan history.

Continue to Todra Gorge, famous for its dramatic canyon cliffs.

Overnight stay in Dades Valley.

Day 8: Dades Valley – Skoura – Ouarzazate

Travel through the Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs.

Visit Amridil Kasbah in Skoura Oasis.

Overnight stay in Ouarzazate.

Day 9: Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – Tizi n’Tichka – Marrakech

Visit the UNESCO site Ait Ben Haddou.

Cross the High Atlas Mountains via Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260 m).

Arrival in Marrakech.

Overnight stay in a riad.

Day 10: Day Trip to Essaouira

Travel to the coastal city of Essaouira.

Explore:

  • The historic medina

  • The fishing port

  • Artisan workshops

Return to Marrakech in the evening.

Day 11: Full Day Exploring Marrakech

Visit the main attractions of Marrakech, including:

  • Koutoubia Mosque

  • Saadian Tombs

  • Bahia Palace

  • Ben Youssef Madrasa

  • Jemaa el-Fnaa Square

  • Majorelle Garden

Overnight stay in Marrakech.

Day 12: Marrakech – Casablanca Airport

After breakfast, transfer to Casablanca Airport for your departure.

End of the tour.

What’s Included

  • Private transport in air-conditioned vehicles (4×4, minibus, or bus depending on group size)

  • Multilingual driver/guide

  • All fuel for transportation

  • 9 nights in hotels or riads

  • 2 nights in a desert camp with dinner and breakfast

  • Camel ride in the Sahara Desert

  • Sandboarding on the dunes

What’s Not Included

  • Drinks and lunches

  • Flight tickets

  • Entrance fees to monuments and museums

  • Accommodation in Casablanca

Note:
If you would like to modify any part of this tour, please contact us in advance and we will be happy to customize the itinerary for you.