Customize Your Moroccan Journey: 6-Day Tour from Casablanca to Marrakech via Merzouga Desert
Tour Overview
Discover the Best of Morocco: 6-Day Desert Tour Itinerary from Casablanca to Marrakech via Merzouga
Embark on an unforgettable 6-day journey from Casablanca to Marrakech, traversing the mesmerizing Merzouga Desert. With expert guides, delve into the rich history of Fes and explore the stunning landscapes of the Ifrane, Azrou, and Ziz valleys. In Merzouga, immerse yourself in camel riding, camping, and engaging encounters with the Gnaoua people.
Continue your adventure through the breathtaking Todgha and Dades gorges, explore the famed film city of Ouarzazate, and marvel at the ancient Berber stronghold of Ait Benhaddou. Your 6-day tour from Casablanca culminates in the vibrant city of Marrakech, offering an immersive experience in Morocco’s diverse cultural tapestry.
Tour Highlights
- Awe-Inspiring Aerial Views of the Erg Chebbi Sand Dunes
- Merzouga Sahara Camel Ride
- Thrilling Sand Boarding at the Merzouga Desert Camp
- Encounter the Barbary Apes at Azrou Cedar Forest
- Bask in the breath-taking Sunset Over the Sand Dunes
- Overnight Camping at the Merzouga Desert Camp with Spectacular Views of Ziz Valley
- Enjoy the Thrills of Sandboarding
- Savor a Hearty Supper and Join a Campfire Party with Berber Drums
6-Day Desert Tour From Casablanca Itinerary, Option 1
Day 1: Casablanca to Fes-Start of Your 6-Day Morocco Excursion
Embark on our 6-day tour from Casablanca to Marrakech, commencing in Casablanca, Morocco’s largest city. Explore the magnificent Hassan II Mosque, Morocco’s largest mosque. Continue to Rabat, the capital city, to visit the impressive Hassan Tower and the historic Kasbah of Les Oudayas with its distinctive blue and white walls. Discover the Marinid necropolis of Chellah before concluding the day in Fes, where you’ll stay in one of the city’s charming riads.
Day 2: Fes Exploration: A Vital Part of Your 6-Day Morocco Itinerary
On the second day of our 6-day tour from Casablanca to Marrakech, we embark on a guided excursion to discover the wonders of Fes. Our exploration commences with a walk around the historic Medina of Fes el Bali. We’ll then visit the Royal Palace, known for its seven golden gates. Next, we head to Borj Nord, offering a breathtaking panoramic view of the city from its mountaintop location.
Our journey continues to the al Quaraouiyine Institution, officially recognized as the world’s oldest continuously functioning university by Guinness World Records and UNESCO. Lastly, we explore the Chouara tannery, the largest among the four medieval tanneries that still grace Fes’ medina. Conclude the day with an overnight stay at a charming riad in the area.
Day 3: Journey from Fes to Merzouga Desert: A Pinnacle of Your Morocco Itinerary
The third day of our 6-day Casablanca to Marrakech tour brings us to the magnificent Merzouga Desert, the crown jewel of our Moroccan excursion. En route, we make captivating stops to explore intriguing sights. Our first destination is Ifrane, renowned as the cleanest city in the nation. Here, we visit the Atlas Lion Statue, delving into its fascinating history.
Our next adventure takes us to the Cedar Forest, home to the Barbary Macaque. You’ll have the unique opportunity to feed these curious creatures and capture remarkable photos. As we continue, the Ziz Valley awaits, with the Oued Ziz meandering through a vast expanse of date palms, offering picturesque photo opportunities.
Finally, we arrive at the captivating Merzouga Sahara Desert. We’ll transport you to your hotel for a well-deserved relaxation.
Day 4: Explore Merzouga: A Sahara Discovery Journey
On the fourth day of our 6-day journey from Casablanca to Marrakech, we venture into the heart of Merzouga in the Sahara Desert. Our day commences with a visit to Morocco’s National 4×4 Auto Museum, which showcases a captivating collection of vintage vehicles.
Next, we travel to Khamlia, where we immerse ourselves in the rhythms of Gnaoua music, performed by local musicians. Continuing our exploration, we visit the Mifis mine, a site historically used for salt and mascara extraction. Here, we have the privilege of meeting a Berber family residing in a traditional tent, offering insights into their unique way of life.
Our journey proceeds to the serene Srij Lake, a habitat for migratory birds, including ducks and flamingos. It also provides splendid photographic opportunities, capturing the charm of Merzouga’s quaint settlements. Following our Srij Lake excursion, we head to the enchanting Hassi Labied Oasis.
As the day unfolds, we transport you on a camel across the mesmerizing Erg Chebbi desert to a traditional Berber tent, where you’ll spend the night. An evening by the campfire, accompanied by the rhythmic beats of Berber drums, awaits as our crew ensures a memorable experience.
Day 5: Journey from Merzouga to Dades Gorges
As we continue our 6-day itinerary from Casablanca to Marrakech, we embark on a scenic journey towards the captivating Dades Gorges. Our route takes us through the Fezna region, known for its historic irrigation system, providing insights into traditional Moroccan agriculture.
En route, we’ll make a stop at a Berber clothing cooperative, offering an opportunity to explore local craftsmanship. Continuing our adventure, we travel 15 kilometers from Tinghir to behold the breathtaking Todgha Gorges, a majestic gateway to the High Atlas Mountains, characterized by towering limestone cliffs.
Our next destination is the Dades Gorges, known for its distinctive geological formations, such as the’monkey toes,’ resembling primate digits. We’ll also marvel at the mesmerizing curves of Tisdrine. The day concludes in Dades, where we spend the night, surrounded by the beauty of Morocco’s natural wonders.
Day 6: Journey from Dades Gorges to Marrakech
As we embark on the final leg of our 6-day excursion from Casablanca to Marrakech, our itinerary is brimming with captivating destinations. Our first stop takes us to the enchanting Rose Valley in Kelaat Megouna. From there, we’ll continue our adventure to Ouarzazate, offering a glimpse into the renowned Atlas film studios, where countless movies and TV series have come to life.
Next, we’ll explore the iconic Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou, a celebrated Berber fortress famously featured in numerous cinematic masterpieces. As the day unfolds, our journey leads us through the Tichka Pass within the High Atlas Mountains, reaching an elevation of 2260 meters to capture a breathtaking panoramic view.
Should you desire any keepsakes, we can arrange a visit to a cooperative argan oil facility. Our voyage culminates in Marrakech, Morocco’s vibrant ‘red city.’ Whether your destination is the airport or your chosen accommodation, we ensure you reach your final stop with ease. Thus concludes our 6-day itinerary from Casablanca to Marrakech, via the Sahara’s Merzouga desert.
Trip includes:
Pick-up and drop-off service
-English-speaking driver.
-Accommodations.
local guide in Fes.
overnight stay in a desert camp with a private bathroom and shower.
mint tea at the camp.
Sandboarding at the camp
Berber music at the camp
Stop when and where you want; just ask your driver!
Stops for panoramic views and free time for lunch
private and comfortable vehicle with fuel and air conditioning included.
-Breakfasts.
Water for your camel ride
Turbans in the desert
-Dinners.
Camel in the desert per person, or take the 4×4.
Trip excludes
Taxes for monuments
-Lunches.
-Tips.
-Drinks.
Dinners are excluded in Fes.
6-day Casablanca tour itinerary, Option 2
DAY 1: CASABLANCA-RABAT-CHEFCHAOUEN TOUR
Our exclusive 6-day Casablanca to Chefchaouen tour commences with your transfer from your Casablanca hotel or the airport. Our first destination is Rabat, the administrative capital of Morocco, where you’ll embark on an unforgettable journey through the city’s iconic landmarks. Our exploration includes visits to the Oudaya Kasbah, Hassan Tower, and Challah, immersing you in the rich heritage of Rabat.
From Rabat, we’ll continue our adventure towards the enchanting Chefchaouen. Along the route, we’ll make occasional stops, allowing you to savor the breathtaking landscapes and refresh with a drink. As the afternoon sun begins to wane, we’ll reach the ‘Blue City,’ where you’ll find comfort and repose at a charming Medina Riad. Your first night of this captivating itinerary awaits.
DAY TWO: EXPLORATION OF CHEFCHAOUEN
Your second day in Chefchaouen offers you the freedom to immerse yourself in this captivating city. Spend your day discovering the enchanting charm of Chefchaouen as you wander through the narrow azure alleyways of the medina. Explore the quaint shops renowned for their exquisite woolen goods, which are at the heart of the Medina.
While exploring, make sure to visit Plaza Uta El Hammam, a bustling square teeming with cozy cafes and inviting restaurants, making it an ideal spot for a leisurely lunch. From the square, you can admire the Kasbah and the Great Mosque, both significant landmarks of the city.
The walled Kasbah beckons with its picturesque gardens and lies in proximity to a small museum and art gallery, offering insights into the rich culture of the Rif Mountains. You’ll conclude your day by returning to your riad for another restful night.
DAY 3: CHEFCHAOUEN TO FEZ: GUIDED CITY TOUR
On the third day of your itinerary, we’ll pick you up at your Riad in Chefchaouen and set out for Fez, a journey that takes approximately four hours. Fez, often referred to as the city of kings and one of Morocco’s former capitals, awaits your exploration.
Upon your arrival and after a brief respite, our comprehensive city tour begins with the expertise of a local guide. We initiate our exploration with a visit to the Royal Palace gate, followed by a visit to the southern Tower. Here, you’ll be captivated by a breathtaking panoramic view of the Old Medina.
Our journey then takes us through the historic labyrinthine alleyways of the Medina, where you’ll encounter some of its most renowned landmarks, including the world’s oldest university, the Mausoleum of Molay Idriss II, Nijjarine Museum, Madrasa Bounania, and the Tanneries.
You’ll spend the night in a charming traditional Riad, allowing you to immerse yourself in the rich Moroccan culture.
DAY 4: FEZ TO MERZOUGA DESERT – AN UNFORGETTABLE JOURNEY
Our fourth day of the Casablanca Chefchaouen 6 Days Tour kicks off with a hearty breakfast, marking the beginning of an incredible journey southeast towards the captivating Merzouga desert. En route, we’ll traverse through the towns of Midelt and Errachidia, with several remarkable stops along the way.
Our initial destination is the city of Ifrane, renowned for its unique architecture and captivating charm. Following this, we’ll venture into Morocco’s famous cedar forest, the largest in the country, offering a remarkable opportunity to encounter its native wild monkeys.
Continuing through Midelt and the breathtaking Ziz Valley, our journey unveils ever-changing landscapes, from the Middle Atlas to the Upper Atlas Mountains, gradually giving way to subtle desert hints as we approach Er Rachidia.
Traversing the magnificent Ziz Valley, we’ll pause at various points to admire picturesque vistas. Our path leads us through Berber villages and Erfoud until we finally arrive at the Sahara desert.
Here, a remarkable experience awaits. Our camels will be awaiting us, ready to embark on a mesmerizing trek across the mesmerizing dunes. As the sun begins its descent, you’ll have the opportunity to savor unforgettable moments amidst the enchanting desert landscape.
Ultimately, we’ll reach our delightful camp, where you’ll spend the night in the tranquil desert, beneath the vast, star-studded sky. This day promises to be a memorable highlight of your journey.
DAY 5: SAHARA DESERT TO TODRA GORGE AND DADES VALLEY
As the first light of day graces the desert dunes, and after refreshing with a shower and breakfast, our journey continues. We’ll set out on a memorable expedition to the Todra Gorge, passing through the historical town of Rissani and marveling at one of Morocco’s ancient irrigation systems.
The Todra Gorge, boasting the title of Morocco’s highest and narrowest gorges, awaits our exploration. This is a prime opportunity for an enchanting trek through the gorge’s stunning valley. Our path then leads us into the Dades Valley, where we’ll be treated to the mesmerizing sight of intricate sand castles and extraordinary rock formations.
For our overnight stay, we’ll find accommodation in a charming kasbah nestled in the heart of the gorge, ensuring a restful and memorable experience.
DAY 6: AIT BEN HADDOU KASBAH, MARRAKECH, DADES VALLEY
Our final day embarks on a scenic journey, departing from the Dades Valley and leading us to Kalaat Mgouna and Ouarzazate. Known as the ‘Way to a Thousand Kasbahs,’ the route through the Dades Valley presents numerous captivating photo opportunities. We’ll make a stop at Kalaat Mgouna, also called ‘the city of roses,’ where you can purchase fragrant rose water, a delightful memento that will keep your linens fresh long after your excursion. We’ll then proceed to Ouarzazate, where you can explore renowned sites, including the Kasbah of Taourirte and the Oscar Studio.
Lunch will be a memorable affair at the famed Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, the largest in Morocco and a renowned filming location. Our journey continues along the breathtaking Tizi ‘n’ Tichka route, situated at 2260 meters in the High Atlas mountains. Here, we may pause to witness the intricate process of argan oil production at women’s cooperatives. Finally, our voyage culminates as we reach your Marrakech accommodation.
With this, our Casablanca Chefchaouen 6-Day Tour comes to a splendid conclusion in Marrakech.
Highlights of the 6-Day Desert Tour from Casablanca to Marrakech via Merzouga
Our 6-day desert tour is a journey filled with mesmerizing destinations and memorable experiences. To give you a glimpse of what awaits you on this remarkable excursion, here is an overview of the captivating highlights you’ll encounter during your itinerary with us.
Exploring Casablanca’s History in Morocco:
Casablanca’s historical significance in Morocco is deeply rooted in its rich past. The city is home to a plethora of Paleolithic sites, each layer of its coastal history preserving archaeological and anthropological remnants that provide valuable insights into Morocco’s Paleolithic era and early regional settlements within the African context.
In the 6th century BC, the Phoenicians established a modest trading post in what is now the upscale Anfa neighborhood. Over the centuries, Anfa evolved into a provincial capital, while its harbor harbored pirates and outlaws, particularly in the early 15th century.
The threat posed by the Anfa pirates became so significant that the Portuguese ultimately expelled them, settling in the area, fortifying the city’s defenses, and renaming it Casa Branca. However, after a devastating earthquake in 1755, the Portuguese chose to abandon their colony.
Subsequently, Sultan Sidi Mohammed ben Abdullah undertook the city’s restoration and fortification. By the mid-19th century, as Europe’s demands for grain and wool grew, Morocco looked to Casablanca’s fertile plains to meet these needs. European agents and traders flocked back to the region, leading to the city’s renaming as Casablanca. Following Morocco’s independence in 1956, the city emerged as a powerful symbol of modernity, dynamism, and an open, forward-looking Morocco.
Exploring Fes
Morocco’s Historical and Cultural Hub Fes, often regarded as Morocco’s intellectual and cultural capital, holds a prestigious place in the nation’s history. As one of the four imperial cities, alongside Marrakech, Meknes, and Rabat, it has played a pivotal role in shaping Morocco’s cultural and religious identity. Fes is renowned for its institutions, which are dedicated to the study of Arabic and the Muslim faith, making it an essential rite of passage for Moroccan students.
Fes comprises three distinctive zones: Fès el-Bali, the ancient area enclosed within the city’s historic walls; Fès el-Jdid, the newer section housing the Mellah, the Jewish quarter; and Ville Nouvelle (New Town), a French-influenced district in the city’s northwest. Fes el-Bali, the larger of the two medinas, is recognized as the world’s most extensive pedestrian zone and has earned UNESCO World Heritage Site status since 1981. The city is served by Sass Airport, its primary aviation gateway.
Discover the Captivating Highlights of Chefchaouen with Our Guided Tour
Chefchaouen, also known as the “Blue Pearl” of Morocco, beckons you with its mesmerizing charm. Explore the captivating highlights of this enchanting town as part of our guided tour, ensuring an unforgettable experience.
1. The Blue-Medina Marvel: Prepare to be entranced by the legendary blue-painted buildings of Chefchaouen. Stroll through the narrow, winding streets of the Medina, where various shades of blue create a unique and photogenic atmosphere that’s sure to leave you in awe.
2. Kasbah, a Historical Gem: Situated at the heart of the town, the Kasbah of Chefchaouen stands as a testament to its rich history and unique architecture. Roam through its Andalusian gardens and gain insight into the cultural tapestry of the city.
3. Ras El Ma Oasis: A tranquil haven where the river meets the town, Ras El Ma is a place of serenity and natural beauty. Visitors can bask in the peaceful ambiance and the picturesque views. A nearby small waterfall offers a refreshing escape.
4. Hiking Adventures: For nature enthusiasts and hikers, Chefchaouen is a gateway to the stunning Rif Mountains. Immerse yourself in the lush landscapes, local wildlife, and breathtaking panoramas along the numerous hiking trails.
5. Gastronomic Delights: Indulge in the diverse flavors of Moroccan cuisine within the heart of Chefchaouen. Savor traditional dishes like tagines, freshly baked bread, and the distinct goat cheese, which is a local specialty.
6. Craftsmanship Showcase: Chefchaouen is celebrated for its exceptional craftsmanship, particularly in the realm of weaving and textiles. While here, you can explore local markets and shops to acquire handmade treasures like rugs, blankets, and clothing.
7. Cultural Immersion: The warm and welcoming locals in Chefchaouen offer a genuine opportunity for cultural exchanges. Engage with the community, learn about their customs, and even partake in local festivities and celebrations.
8. Photography Paradise: With its captivating blue buildings, majestic mountain backdrops, and lively streets, Chefchaouen is a photographer’s dream come true. At every turn, you’ll find photographic opportunities to capture the town’s beauty and character.
Unearth the allure of Chefchaouen through our guided tour, ensuring you don’t miss a single facet of this Moroccan gem. Whether you’re wandering through the mesmerizing blue medina or embarking on a mountain trek, Chefchaouen will leave you with cherished memories and a profound appreciation for its enchanting ambiance.