15 Day Morocco Sahara Desert Tour from Casablanca

Arrive at Mohammed V International Airport (CMN) in Casablanca. Your dedicated private driver will be waiting to welcome you and will provide private transportation throughout your entire journey. Transfer to your included accommodation in Casablanca. Begin exploring the city’s key sights. Visit the exterior of the impressive Hassan II Mosque, a striking architectural landmark (interior visit available upon request – entrance fee applies). Explore the charming Habous Quarter, a blend of French and traditional Moroccan styles, with its arched walkways and craft shops. Discover the lively atmosphere of the Central Market.

Enjoy breakfast at your included accommodation in Casablanca. If time allows and you have an interest, you might visit Rick’s Café. Depart for Marrakech, a significant city known for its vibrant culture and history. Travel inland towards the foothills of the Atlas Mountains. Arrive in Marrakech, often called the “Red City” due to the color of its buildings. Transfer to your included accommodation, likely a Riad or hotel located within or near the historic Medina. As evening approaches, experience the vibrant spectacle of Djemaa el-Fna square, the pulsing heart of Marrakech, famous for its street performers, storytellers, musicians, and food stalls that come alive at sunset.

Embark on a guided walking tour to explore the historical and cultural treasures of Marrakech’s Medina. Navigate the intricate maze of souks, where you can find traditional crafts, spices, and local goods. Visit the exquisite Bahia Palace, a 19th-century palace showcasing stunning Moroccan architecture and design. Explore the historical Saadian Tombs, a royal burial site rediscovered in 1917. See the exterior of the iconic Koutoubia Mosque, a major landmark. This day also includes your chosen full-day excursion:

• Option A: High Atlas Mountains Day Trip: A scenic journey into the stunning High Atlas Mountains, visiting Berber villages and enjoying opportunities for hiking or simply taking in the dramatic mountain landscapes.

• Option B: Coastal Excursion to Essaouira: A trip to the charming coastal town of Essaouira, known for its historic ramparts, vibrant port, and UNESCO-listed Medina with its unique blue fishing boats.
  Return to your included accommodation in Marrakech in the evening.

Depart from Marrakech, traversing the majestic High Atlas Mountains via the dramatic Tizi n’Tichka pass, offering spectacular panoramic views and opportunities for photos. Visit the world-famous Ait Benhaddou Kasbah, a fortified village and UNESCO World Heritage site that has served as a backdrop for many films. Continue your journey to Ouarzazate, often referred to as the “Hollywood of Africa.” Check into your included accommodation in Ouarzazate. Dinner is included this evening.

Explore more of Ouarzazate if desired, perhaps visiting the Taourirt Kasbah. Travel along the scenic “Road of a Thousand Kasbahs,” passing through the Skoura Oasis with its vast palm groves. Continue to the Dades Valley, renowned for its dramatic rock formations, including the “monkey fingers.” Enjoy the picturesque drive through the Dades Gorge. Proceed to the magnificent Todra Gorges, a deep canyon with towering cliffs perfect for a walk or short hike along the riverbed. Check into your included accommodation in the Todra Gorges or nearby Boumalne Dades area. Dinner is included this evening.

Enjoy the morning light in the Todra Gorges. Depart for Merzouga, the threshold of the vast Erg Chebbi sand dunes – the highlight of many Morocco Sahara Desert tours. The landscape transitions to become increasingly arid as you approach the desert. Arrive in Merzouga and prepare for your desert immersion. Embark on a captivating camel trek into the Erg Chebbi dunes, timed to witness the magical sunset painting the dunes in stunning colors. Arrive at your traditional Berber desert camp, nestled amongst the golden sands. Dinner is included this evening at the camp. Experience the tranquility and vastness of the desert night under a sky filled with stars.

Wake up early for the option to see the incredible sunrise over the Sahara dunes. Return to Merzouga from the camp (by camel or vehicle). Enjoy breakfast at your included accommodation near the dunes or back in Merzouga. Today is dedicated to exploring the diverse desert landscapes around Merzouga using an included 4×4 vehicle. This allows you to venture into parts of the desert landscape not accessible by camel or standard cars. Visit a village inhabited by the Gnawa people to experience their unique music and culture. Explore nomadic living by visiting temporary settlements. You will have the opportunity to try sandboarding down the dunes, a fun desert activity. Dinner is included this evening in the Merzouga region.

Begin a long but rewarding journey north from the desert towards the imperial city of Fes. This day involves extensive driving, taking you through varied Moroccan landscapes, including the fertile Ziz Valley with its palm groves, the Middle Atlas Mountains, and cedar forests near towns like Azrou and Ifrane. Stops will be made for comfort breaks and lunch (lunch is excluded). This journey provides a broad perspective of Morocco’s diverse geography and rural life. Arrive at your included accommodation in Fes.

Arrive in Fes, a city considered the cultural and spiritual heart of Morocco. Transfer to your included accommodation, likely a Riad located within or near the ancient Fes el Bali (old city). Begin your initial exploration of Fes, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with a guided walking tour. Start to navigate the immense and complex labyrinth of its car-free Medina, getting a sense of its history and vibrant daily life.

Continue your guided exploration of Fes el Bali. Visit the famous Chouara Tannery, where leather is traditionally processed and dyed (viewing from surrounding terraces). Explore the specialized souks dedicated to various crafts like pottery, metalwork, weaving, and spices. Visit significant historical madrasas (Islamic schools), such as the exquisite Al-Attarine Medersa and the Bou Inania Medersa, showcasing intricate tilework and architecture. Discover the Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts and Crafts, housed in a beautifully restored former caravanserai. Explore other hidden gems within the Medina. Return to your included accommodation in Fes.

Depart from Fes for a scenic journey north. Your route includes historical stops before reaching the mountains. Visit Meknes, another of Morocco’s imperial cities. See the impressive Bab Mansour gate, a monumental gateway, and explore the Heri Souani, the vast historical granaries and stables built by Moulay Ismail. Continue to the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore the well-preserved archaeological site, including its impressive mosaics, basilica, and Capitol, offering insights into Roman civilization in North Africa. Resume your journey towards the Rif Mountains and the uniquely blue-painted town of Chefchaouen. Arrive and check into your included accommodation in Chefchaouen.

Spend time exploring the captivating “Blue Pearl,” Chefchaouen. Wander freely through its iconic blue-washed streets, staircases, and alleyways. Visit the main square, Outa el Hammam, and see the Kasbah (fortress) and the Grand Mosque. Enjoy the relaxed and artistic atmosphere of this mountain town. Capture stunning photographs of the blue architecture against the backdrop of the Rif Mountains. Later in the afternoon, depart from Chefchaouen and drive to the nearby city of Tetouan, known as “The White Dove” for its whitewashed buildings and its strong historical ties to Andalusia. Arrive in Tetouan and check into your included accommodation.

Explore the city of Tetouan. Visit its historic Medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site celebrated for its distinct Andalusian architecture and preservation. Wander through its various quarters, including artisan areas and the former Jewish Quarter (Mellah). See the Royal Palace (exterior view). Experience the blend of cultures that characterizes Tetouan. Later in the day, take a short drive further north to Tangier, a bustling port city with a rich history, located at the strategic meeting point of the Atlantic and the Mediterranean. Arrive in Tangier and check into your included accommodation.

Explore Tangier. Visit the Kasbah district, with its museum and stunning views over the Strait of Gibraltar. Wander through the Mendoubia Gardens and visit the American Legation Museum, the first American public property outside the United States. Explore the lively Medina and the Grand Socco square. Depending on your interests, you could visit Cape Spartel, where the Mediterranean meets the Atlantic, and the Hercules Caves. Return to your included accommodation in Tangier.

Enjoy your final breakfast at your included accommodation.

• If your departure flight is from Tangier Ibn Battouta Airport (TNG), your driver will provide a transfer to the airport based on your flight schedule.

• If your departure flight is from Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport (CMN), embark on the drive back to Casablanca (approximately 4-5 hours depending on traffic). Your driver will transfer you to Mohammed V International Airport for your departure.