8 Days Desert Tour from Casablanca
Overview:
An Immersive Journey Through Imperial Cities, Atlas Mountains, and the Sahara Desert
We present an unforgettable 8 Days Desert Tour from Casablanca, designed for travelers who want to explore Morocco’s most iconic destinations in depth. This itinerary combines imperial cities, ancient medinas, dramatic mountain passes, lush valleys, and the breathtaking Sahara Desert, offering a complete and well-balanced Moroccan experience from the Atlantic coast to the golden dunes.
Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Casablanca – City Tour
We welcome our guests in Casablanca, Morocco’s economic capital. Upon arrival, we begin with a guided city tour highlighting the city’s most important landmarks.
We visit the impressive Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world, beautifully positioned over the Atlantic Ocean. We then enjoy a drive along the Corniche seaside promenade, taking in ocean views and modern neighborhoods.
Overnight: Hotel in Casablanca
Highlights: Hassan II Mosque, Atlantic coast, modern city atmosphere
Day 2: Casablanca – Rabat – Meknes – Fes
After breakfast, we travel to Rabat, the political capital of Morocco. We explore the Hassan Tower, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, and the Kasbah of the Udayas, offering scenic views over the river and ocean.
Continuing inland, we reach Meknes, one of Morocco’s imperial cities, where we admire monumental gates and historic sites. By evening, we arrive in Fes, the spiritual and cultural heart of the country.
Overnight: Riad in Fes
Highlights: Imperial cities, historical landmarks, cultural transition
Day 3: Guided Tour of Fes
We dedicate a full day to exploring Fes el-Bali, one of the world’s oldest medieval cities, accompanied by a licensed local guide. The tour includes:
Al Quaraouiyine University, the oldest university in the world
Chouara Tannery, famous for traditional leather dyeing
Medersa Bou Inania
Royal Palace gates and the Jewish Quarter
Overnight: Riad in Fes
Highlights: Ancient medina, craftsmanship, spiritual heritage
Day 4: Fes – Middle Atlas Mountains – Ifrane – Ziz Valley – Merzouga Desert
Leaving Fes, we travel through the Middle Atlas Mountains, stopping in Ifrane, known for its alpine-style architecture. We continue to the Azrou Cedar Forest to see Barbary macaques in their natural habitat.
As we drive through the scenic Ziz Valley, palm groves and oasis towns stretch along the river. In the afternoon, we arrive in Merzouga, where camels take us across the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi at sunset.
Overnight: Luxury desert camp in Merzouga
Highlights: Middle Atlas scenery, Ziz Valley, camel trekking, Sahara sunset
Day 5: Merzouga Desert Exploration
We wake early to watch the sunrise over the dunes. After breakfast, we explore the Merzouga region by 4×4 vehicle:
Visit nomadic Berber families
Experience Gnawa music in Khamlia village
Discover desert landscapes and fossil areas
Optional quad biking or buggy adventure
The afternoon is free to relax and enjoy the tranquility of the Sahara.
Overnight: Hotel near the dunes or desert camp
Highlights: Cultural immersion, desert adventure, Sahara lifestyle
Day 6: Merzouga – Todra Gorges – Dades Valley
After breakfast, we leave the desert and travel toward the impressive Todra Gorges, where towering canyon walls frame a clear river. We enjoy a short walk through the gorge before continuing to the scenic Dades Valley, famous for its dramatic rock formations.
Overnight: Hotel in Dades Valley
Highlights: Canyon landscapes, scenic valleys
Day 7: Dades Valley – Valley of Roses – Ait Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate
We drive through the Valley of Roses, known for its rose-based products and traditional villages. We then visit Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Morocco’s most iconic fortified villages.
Continuing to Ouarzazate, often called the gateway to the Sahara, we explore its kasbahs and film locations.
Overnight: Hotel in Ouarzazate
Highlights: UNESCO kasbah, valley landscapes, cinematic history
Day 8: Ouarzazate – High Atlas Mountains – Marrakech
On the final day, we cross the High Atlas Mountains via the scenic Tizi n’Tichka Pass, stopping at panoramic viewpoints along the way. In the afternoon, we arrive in Marrakech, where the tour concludes with a drop-off at your riad or hotel or the airport.
Highlights: High Atlas scenery, mountain passes, tour conclusion
What Is Included in the 8 Days Desert Tour from Casablanca
Private air-conditioned transportation
Professional English-speaking driver
Licensed local guides in Fes
Camel trek in the Erg Chebbi dunes
Luxury desert camp accommodation
Desert 4×4 excursion
Carefully selected hotels and riads
Daily breakfasts and selected dinners
Why Choose This 8-Day Desert Tour
Covers Morocco’s top destinations in one journey
Complete Sahara Desert experience
Combines culture, nature, and adventure
Comfortable pacing with expert guidance
Our 8 Days Desert Tour from Casablanca delivers a truly immersive Moroccan experience. From Atlantic coastal cities and ancient imperial capitals to golden Sahara dunes and High Atlas passes, this journey captures the diversity, beauty, and cultural richness of Morocco in one unforgettable adventure.