The 10-day Sahara Tour from Casablanca to Marrakech via Fes takes you on an unforgettable journey through Morocco’s diverse landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. From the lively streets of Casablanca to the peaceful oases of the Sahara Desert and the busy souks of Marrakech, this adventure offers experiences and memories that will last forever. Join us and explore the magic of Morocco’s desert and imperial cities.
Arrive at Casablanca airport, where a driver will transfer you to your hotel. After settling in, enjoy a brief sightseeing tour of Casablanca, Morocco’s economic hub and most cosmopolitan city. Visit the impressive Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world.
After breakfast, we’ll head to Rabat, Morocco’s capital and one of its imperial cities. Explore main attractions like Oudaya, the Old Medina, Shalla, and Hassan Tower. After lunch, continue to Chefchaouen, the blue city, known for its stunning beauty and photo opportunities. Walk through its charming streets, visit the Spanish mosque, and enjoy a breathtaking sunset.
Overnight in Chefchaouen.
After breakfast and check-out, we’ll drive about 3 hours to Volubilis to explore the ancient ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage site dating back to around 40 BC. These well-preserved Roman monuments include administrative buildings, palaces, and baths with stunning mosaics. Afterward, we’ll stop in Meknes, one of Morocco’s imperial cities, for a quick tour and lunch before heading to Fez for the night.
Today, we’ll explore Fez, the cultural and religious heart of Morocco. Wander through the ancient Medina’s narrow streets, discovering historical landmarks from the Merinid and Alaouite dynasties, many of which showcase stunning Moorish architecture. Visit sites like the Bu Inanya mosque, the madrassas (Muslim universities), Nejjarine Square, and its famous fountain. Explore the handicraft quarters, where artisans create leather and pottery using traditional methods. Finally, we’ll visit the Jewish quarter, a symbol of the long-standing coexistence between Muslim and Jewish communities.
After breakfast and check-out, we’ll begin our journey to Merzouga, a 7-hour drive with ever-changing landscapes. Our first stop is Ifrane, known as the “Moroccan Switzerland” for its European feel, parks, lakes, chalets, and ski resort. In Azrou, admire the majestic Atlas cedars and feed the friendly wild monkeys. We’ll have lunch in Midelt before continuing through the Ziz River gorge and valley. As we approach Er-Rashidia, the landscape begins to shift into a desert.
Overnight in Merzouga.
After breakfast, we’ll meet our guide for a 4×4 desert adventure. Visit nomads, learn about their lifestyle, and enjoy traditional tea. Next, we’ll drive to Khamilia for a Gnaoua music performance. Then take a camel ride to a comfortable desert camp with private showers and toilets. In the evening, enjoy a delicious Moroccan dinner, listen to local music, and join in the drumming around the campfire. As night falls, relax and watch the stars under the clear desert sky.
Overnight in the camp.
Wake up early to catch the unforgettable sunrise over the sand dunes, a highlight of your Moroccan adventure. After breakfast, we’ll return to Merzouga and head towards Dades. Along the way, stop in Rissani to visit “The Fossil Factory” and see the region’s impressive fossils. After about 3 hours, we’ll stop near Tinghir for a panoramic photo of the town nestled in a palm oasis. Then, we’ll visit the famous Todra Gorge for a leisurely walk and lunch at a local restaurant. Finally, we’ll pass through the scenic village of Dades.
Overnight in Dades.
Today, we’ll drive through Dades Gorges and head towards Ouarzazate, passing through Mgouna, known for its rose festival. Next, we’ll visit Skoura Oasis, a fertile palm grove with rivers, before reaching Ouarzazate, the “Hollywood of Morocco.” Here, we’ll visit the Kasbah Taourirt, the Cinema Museum, and the Atlas Film Studio. Then, we’ll continue to Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site where Game of Thrones was filmed. After a short visit, we’ll drive through the Atlas Mountains to Marrakech, stopping for photos along the way, and enjoying views of green valleys, adobe villages, and ancient Kasbahs. Finally, we’ll arrive in Marrakech for some free time at the hotel.
After breakfast, spend the day exploring Marrakech, known as the “Pearl of the South.” Once the capital of Morocco, it boasts a wealth of museums and architectural wonders. In the morning, visit landmarks like the Koutoubia Mosque, the Manara Pavilion with its olive plantations, the tombs of the Saadian sultans, the Bahia Palace, El Badii Palace, and the Majorelle Gardens. After lunch, explore Marrakech’s famous Jemaa El Fna square, one of the liveliest markets in Morocco. Experience the vibrant atmosphere with snake charmers, healers, sorcerers, and vendors selling fruit and spices.
On the final day of your Sahara tour, enjoy some free time before being transferred to the airport for your flight home.
Included:
– Pick up from the airport and lodging in Casablanca
– Transportation in a comfortable air-conditioned car, 4×4, or mini-van
– Multilingual driver/guide
– Fuel and other expenses related to the car and driver/guide
– 9 nights in reasonable accommodations, including a luxury desert camp
– All breakfasts
– 3 dinners in Dades and the desert
– 1 lunch in Khamlia (Madfouna: Berber Pizza)
– 4×4 excursion to explore the Moroccan Sahara
– Camel rides to reach the desert camp in M Merzouga Sahara Desert
– Private guided city tours in Fez and Marrakech
– Drop off at your Hotel/Riad in Marrakech
Excluded:
– Flight tickets
– Entrance fees
– Meals not mentioned
– Personal expenses
