Is this tour physically demanding?

It involves some walking in the Medinas and hiking in the desert/mountains, but it is moderate. You must be comfortable walking on uneven surfaces.

Is the drive from Casablanca to Chefchaouen long?

It takes about 3.5 to 4 hours, but the scenery is beautiful as you head into the Rif Mountains.

What kind of clothes do I need for Chefchaouen vs. the Desert?

Chefchaouen: In the mountains, it can be cool/cold in winter. Desert: Very hot in the day, very cold at night. Layering is key.

12 Days From Casablanca, Grand Morocco Tour

Transportation
Bus, Car
Departure from
Casablanca
Best season
All year round
Language
All Languages
Group Size
Minim 1 person

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Map

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Map

Overview

Route: Casablanca -> Rabat -> Chefchaouen -> Volubilis -> Meknes -> Fes -> Merzouga Desert -> Dades Gorges -> Ouarzazate -> High Atlas -> Marrakech.
Duration: 12 Days / 11 Nights.
Pace: Balanced. Covers the North, Middle Atlas, and the Deep South.

Highlights

Chefchaouen: Walking through the dreamlike blue streets of the "Blue Pearl" in the Rif Mountains.
Roman History: Exploring the ancient ruins of Volubilis and the Imperial City of Meknes.
Fes Medina: Getting lost in the world's largest living medieval city and visiting the famous Tanneries.
Sahara Desert: Spending a night under the stars in Merzouga with a camel trek and sunrise.
Gorges: Walking through the dramatic Todra and Dades Canyons.
Ait Ben Haddou: Visiting the legendary Kasbah, a backdrop for Hollywood films.
Marrakech: Experiencing the vibrant culture and energy of Jemaa el-Fnaa square.

Day 01 :

Arrival in Casablanca – Rabat

Arrive at Casablanca Airport. Visit the magnificent Hassan II Mosque (one of the largest mosques in the world, located right on the ocean).
Drive to Rabat (1 hour), the administrative capital of Morocco.
Sightseeing: Visit the Hassan Tower, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, and the Kasbah of the Udayas.
Overnight: Riad in Rabat.

Day 02 :

Rabat – Chefchaouen (The Blue City)

08:30 AM: Depart Rabat towards the Rif Mountains.
11:30 AM: Stop in the city of Ouazzane for a coffee break.
02:00 PM: Arrive in Chefchaouen, famous for its blue-washed streets.
Afternoon: Free time to explore the picturesque Medina, the Ras El Maa waterfall, and the Spanish Mosque.
Overnight: Hotel/Riad in Chefchaouen.

Day 03 :

Chefchaouen – Volubilis – Meknes – Fes

09:00 AM: Enjoy a morning photography session in Chefchaouen.
11:00 AM: Drive south towards Fes.
01:00 PM: Visit the Roman Ruins of Volubilis (UNESCO World Heritage site), the best-preserved Roman ruins in Morocco.
03:00 PM: Drive to Meknes, the Ismailite capital. See the Bab Mansour gate and the granaries (Heri es-Souani).
05:00 PM: Arrive in Fes.
Overnight: Riad in Fes.

Day 04 :

Guided Tour of Fes

09:00 AM: Meet your local guide for a full-day tour of the oldest imperial city.
Highlights: Visit the famous Chouara Tannery, the Bou Inania Madrasa, the Al-Qarawiyyin University, the Mellah (Jewish Quarter), and the Nejjarine Fountain.
Afternoon: Explore the artisan souks (pottery, leather, brass).
Overnight: Riad in Fes.

Day 05 :

Fes – Ifrane – Ziz Valley – Merzouga

08:30 AM: Depart Fes towards the Middle Atlas Mountains.
10:30 AM: Visit Ifrane ("Little Switzerland") and see the wild Barbary Macaques in the Azrou Cedar Forest.
01:00 PM: Lunch in Midelt.
03:00 PM: Cross the Tizi n'Haylaj pass and enter the Ziz Valley (palm groves).
05:30 PM: Arrive in Merzouga. Meet your camel guide for a sunset camel trek into the Erg Chebbi dunes.
Evening: Traditional dinner, Berber drums, and sleeping in the desert camp.
Overnight: Luxury or Standard Desert Camp.

Day 06 :

Merzouga – Rissani – Erfoud

06:00 AM: Watch the sunrise over the dunes, then return to your hotel for a hot shower and breakfast.
10:00 AM: Free time to relax at the hotel pool.
02:00 PM: Visit Rissani (the foundation of the Alaouite dynasty) and see its traditional souk. Visit a fossil workshop in Erfoud.
04:00 PM: Visit the nomads living in tents to see their lifestyle.
Overnight: Hotel in Merzouga (facing the dunes).

Day 07 :

Merzouga – Todra Gorges – Dades Valley

09:00 AM: Depart Merzouga. Drive through the Tafilalet palm groves.
11:30 AM: Arrive at Todra Gorge. A massive canyon popular with rock climbers. You can walk along the river floor.
01:00 PM: Lunch in the Gorge.
03:00 PM: Drive to the Dades Valley. See the "Monkey Fingers" rock formations.
05:30 PM: Walk along the Dades Gorge.
Overnight: Hotel in Dades.

Day 08 :

Dades – Valley of Roses – Skoura – Ouarzazate

09:00 AM: Drive along the "Road of a Thousand Kasbahs."
10:00 AM: Visit the Valley of Roses and the town of Kalaat M'Gouna (Rose water production).
12:00 PM: Visit Skoura Oasis and the Kasbah Amridil.
02:00 PM: Lunch in Ouarzazate.
03:30 PM: Visit the Kasbah Taourirt.
Evening: Walk around the town center.
Overnight: Hotel in Ouarzazate.

Day 09 :

Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – High Atlas Mountains – Marrakech

09:00 AM: Drive 30 mins to visit the Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou (UNESCO site). Explore this fortress used in movies like Gladiator and Game of Thrones.
12:00 PM: Begin the ascent of the Tizi n'Tichka Pass (2,260m).
01:00 PM: Lunch at a panoramic viewpoint overlooking the mountains.
03:00 PM: Stop at an Argan Oil cooperative on the descent.
05:30 PM: Arrive in Marrakech.
Overnight: Riad in Marrakech.

Day 10 :

Guided Tour of Marrakech

09:30 AM: Meet your local guide for a historical tour of the "Red City."
Highlights: Visit the Koutoubia Mosque, the Bahia Palace, the Saadian Tombs, and the Ben Youssef Madrasa.
Afternoon: Visit the famous Jemaa el-Fnaa square (UNESCO Cultural Heritage).
Overnight: Riad in Marrakech.

Day 11 :

Day Trip (Option A or B)

Option A: Essaouira Coast. A relaxing day trip to the Atlantic coast to see the Portuguese ramparts, the fishing port, and enjoy fresh seafood.
Option B: Ourika Valley. A trip into the High Atlas to see waterfalls, visit a Berber village, and hike.
Overnight: Riad in Marrakech.

Day 12 :

Marrakech – Transfer to Airport

Enjoy a free morning for last-minute shopping in the souks.
Transfer to Marrakech Menara Airport for your flight home.

12 Days From Casablanca, Grand Morocco Tour

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Map

Overview

Highlights

Itinerary

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