Morocco 12-Day Tour from Casablanca. In these 12 days and 11 nights, you will visit the four imperial cities and the Sahara Desert. Start the tour in northern Morocco by visiting the city of Casablanca, then explore Rabat, the capital of Morocco, and Chefchaouen, the blue city. Continue to the Roman ruins of Volubilis, Meknes, the Ismaili capital, and Fes, the cultural city. Head south to visit Ifrane, the Switzerland of Morocco, and the Cedar Forest. Explore Midelt, the Ziz Valley, Rissani traditional market, and Erfoud, the fossils town.

Furthermore, you will visit the Sahara Desert of Merzouga, where you can ride camels and spend the night in a camp in the middle of the desert. Enjoy magical sunsets and sunrises in the Sahara. Also visit the Todra Gorges and Dades Gorges, and the Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou. Moreover, cross the High Atlas Mountains and the Tizi-n-Tichka pass. Finally, enjoy guided tours in the cities of Marrakech and Essaouira. The tour concludes in Casablanca.

ITINERARY : Discover Morocco: 12-Day Itinerary Beginning in Casablanca

Day 1: Arrival in Casablanca

On the first day of your 12-day Morocco tour, we pick you up from the airport, port, or your accommodation in Casablanca. As the economic center and largest city in Morocco, Casablanca offers a wealth of experiences. Start by visiting the Hassan II Mosque, the largest mosque in the country, located on the city’s west coast overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Enjoy free time for lunch, then explore the city and visit the stunning Corniche of Casablanca. Overnight stay in a hotel.

Day 2: Casablanca – Rabat – Chefchaouen

After breakfast, drive along the coastline to Rabat, one of Morocco’s imperial cities and the current capital, located in the northwest. Explore the highlights of Rabat, including the Hassan Tower, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, and the Kasbah of Oudaya. After lunch, head north through Ouazzane to reach the Blue City of Chefchaouen in the Rif Mountains. Overnight stay in a hotel.

Day 3: Sightseeing in Chefchaouen

After breakfast, explore Chefchaouen, also known as Achaoun, meaning “horns” in Berber. Located in the Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen is famous for its white and blue-painted buildings and alleyways. Stroll through the charming old Medina, filled with beautiful blue doors and whitewashed walls. After lunch, hike to the Spanish Mosque, located on high ground, for a spectacular view of the entire city. Return to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 4: Chefchaouen – Volubilis – Meknes – Fes

After breakfast, enjoy wandering the beautiful alleyways of Chefchaouen. Then, drive to the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis, known for its well-preserved mosaics, pillars, and archways. After exploring the ruins, drive 30 km to Meknes, the Ismaili capital and an imperial city. Visit Bab Al-Mansour, Sahrij Souani Basin, the Royal Stables, the Granary, and the Moulay Ismail Mausoleum. Continue to Fes for an overnight stay in a Riad.

Day 5: Guided Tour of Fes

Dedicate the day to exploring the highlights of Fes with a local guide. Fes is one of Morocco’s imperial cities and a cultural and religious center. Start at the Royal Palace gate, then explore the medieval Medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit Bab Boujloud, the entrance to the Medina, and explore the Bouanania Madrasa, the Najjarine Fountain, the Tanneries, and the Quaraouin Mosque and University, the world’s oldest university. Visit the Jewish quarter, known as “the Mellah.” Enjoy panoramic views of Fes from an ancient fortress before returning to your Riad.

Day 6: Fes – Ifrane – Cedar Forest – Midelt – Ziz Valley – Merzouga Sahara

After breakfast, drive south through Imouzzer to visit Ifrane, known for its alpine-style architecture and often called the “Switzerland of Morocco.” Continue to the Cedar Forest, home to the Barbary macaques, and enjoy feeding them as you explore. Proceed to Midelt for lunch, then drive through the Tizi-n-Tilghmt pass and along the Ziz Valley, stopping for panoramic views. In the afternoon, arrive in the Sahara Desert of Merzouga. Ride camels across the sandy desert, stopping atop a high dune to enjoy the sunset. Arrive at a desert camp to enjoy Berber drum music and dance under the stars. Dinner and overnight in the camp.

Day 7: Explore Merzouga Region – Nomads – Khamlia – Erg Chebbi – Palm Grove

Wake up early to witness the beautiful sunrise in the desert. After breakfast, return by camel to Merzouga, where your driver awaits. Spend the day exploring the Merzouga region, known for its sand dunes, wild lake, mines, fossils, and oases. Begin by visiting an ancient eyeliner mine, then visit nomadic families in their handmade tents and enjoy Berber tea. Head to Khamlia village to experience traditional Gnawa music and dance, performed by residents originating from sub-Saharan countries like Mali, Sudan, and Niger. After lunch, stroll through palm groves and drive to the wild lake of Merzouga, also known as Flamingo Lake. Return to Merzouga for dinner and an overnight stay in a hotel.

Day 8: Merzouga Sahara – Rissani – Erfoud – Todra Gorges – Dades Valley

After breakfast, leave the desert to visit Rissani, the ancient capital of Tafilalet, with its lively souk open on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. After exploring Rissani Souk, continue to Erfoud to visit a fossilized marble workshop. Drive through the Touroug and Tinjdad palm groves to reach the Todra Gorges, where the Todra River has carved a stunning red cliff-sided canyon, perfect for rock climbers. Wander in the gorges and enjoy the landscape. After lunch in a restaurant, continue to the Dades Valley via Boumalne Dades, stopping to see the “monkey fingers” rock formations and enjoy views of the valley. Dinner and overnight in a hotel.

Day 9: Dades Valley – Rose Valley – Skoura Palm Groves – Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – High Atlas Mountains – Marrakech

After breakfast, continue to Kalaa Magouna to explore the Rose Valley, known for its annual Rose Festival in May. Discover local rose products, including perfumes, rose water, and oils. Drive through the Skoura palm groves to Ouarzazate, the “Gateway to the Desert,” and visit famous film studios. Head to the iconic Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featured in many movies and TV shows. Drive through the Tizi-n-Tichka pass and the High Atlas Mountains, stopping for lunch and photos. Arrive in Marrakech for an overnight stay in a Riad.

Day 10: Guided Tour of Marrakech

After breakfast, explore the highlights of Marrakech with a local guide. Marrakech is one of Morocco’s four imperial cities. Visit the Bahia Palace, Saadian Tombs, the Ben Youssef Quranic Mosque, and stroll through the largest traditional souk in Morocco. Enjoy free time for lunch near Jemaa El-Fna square. Later, visit the Koutoubia Mosque, the largest in Marrakech, and the Majorelle Garden. Transfer to your accommodation and feel free to wander Jemaa El-Fna on your own.

Day 11: Marrakech – Essaouira

After breakfast, drive west to Essaouira, stopping to see the famous tree-climbing goats and enjoy panoramic views. Arrive in Essaouira, formerly known as Mogador, an important coastal city famous for its diverse seafood, beautiful beaches, and surfing. Visit the fishing port, ancient ramparts, and the old Medina. Transfer to your hotel for an overnight stay in Essaouira.

Day 12: Essaouira – Casablanca

On the last day of your 12-day Morocco tour, depending on your flight time, depart from Essaouira and drive along the coastline, stopping for panoramic views. Finally, reach Casablanca Airport, marking the end of the tour.