Day 1: Arrive Casablanca, Morocco
Welcome to Casablanca! Upon your arrival, our friendly driver will be there to greet you and provide a smooth transfer to your accommodation. Once you have checked in, the remainder of the day is yours to relax, unwind and settle in after your journey. You may wish to enjoy the hotel facilities or head out and experience some of Casablanca’s lively atmosphere at your own pace.
MEALS: Nil
OVERNIGHT: Oum Palace Hotel
Day 2: Casablanca ~ Marrakech City Tour
After breakfast at your accommodation in Casablanca, depart for Marrakech, taking in the changing scenery along the way. On arrival, you will drop your luggage at your accommodation before setting out on a full-day guided tour of this fascinating city.
Begin your sightseeing with visits to some of Marrakech’s most important historic landmarks, including the Saadian Tombs and the beautiful Bahia Palace. Continue through the city as you soak up its vibrant atmosphere before visiting the colourful Majorelle Gardens, a peaceful oasis known for its striking design, exotic plants and fascinating history.
Your tour continues with a visit to the impressive Badi Palace and the traditional tanneries, where leather is still produced using time-honoured techniques. Afterwards, make your way to the Menara Gardens before admiring the iconic Koutoubia Mosque, one of Marrakech’s most recognisable landmarks.
Later, arrive at the lively Djemaa el Fna square, where street performers, storytellers, musicians and food stalls create an unforgettable atmosphere. You will also have time to explore the bustling souks and winding lanes of the historic medina before taking in a beautiful Marrakech sunset from a scenic viewpoint.
After a full day of sightseeing and discovery, return to your riad and enjoy the evening at leisure.
MEALS: Breakfast
OVERNIGHT: Riad Merzouga Marrakech or Riad Bahia Salam
Day 3: Marrakech ~ High Atlas Mountains ~ Ait Ben Haddou ~ Dades Valley
Depart Marrakech this morning and begin your journey towards the Dades Valley, travelling through the breathtaking High Atlas Mountains. As you ascend the famous Tizi N’Tichka Pass at 2,260 metres, take in sweeping views of rugged peaks and traditional Berber villages scattered along the mountainsides. Along the way, stop at a local Argan Oil cooperative to see how this famous Moroccan product is made.
Continue through dramatic landscapes towards Ouarzazate, often referred to as the gateway to the desert. Here, visit the iconic Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage listed fortified village that has featured in films such as Gladiator and Game of Thrones. Afterwards, explore Taourirt Kasbah and the nearby film studios before continuing your journey deeper into southern Morocco.
In the afternoon, travel along the scenic Road of a Thousand Kasbahs through the Dades Valley. Pass through Skoura and the rose producing region of Kelaat M’Gouna, known for its fragrant landscapes. By late afternoon, arrive in Boumalne Dades, where you can relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings after a full day of travel.
APPROXIMATE DRIVING DISTANCE: 320km
APPROXIMATE DRIVING TIME: 6hr 30min
MEALS: Breakfast, Dinner
OVERNIGHT: Kasbah Didis or Panorama Dades
Day 4: Dades Valley ~ Todra Gorge ~ Merzouga Desert
After breakfast, continue your journey towards the Sahara Desert as the scenery begins to change once again. Travel through the oasis town of Tinghir and arrive at the spectacular Todra Gorge, where towering limestone cliffs rise dramatically on either side. Take some time to walk through the gorge and admire the natural beauty of this unique landscape.
Afterwards, continue through palm groves and desert landscapes towards Merzouga. Along the way, pass through small towns such as Tinjdad and Erfoud, known for fossils and date production. As you approach the desert, the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi begin to appear on the horizon, creating an unforgettable first impression.
In the late afternoon, swap your vehicle for a camel and set off across the dunes. Pause to watch the sunset over the Sahara before continuing to your luxury desert camp. As night falls, enjoy a traditional dinner, local music, and a peaceful evening under a sky filled with stars.
APPROXIMATE DRIVING DISTANCE: 270km
APPROXIMATE DRIVING TIME: 5hr
MEALS: Breakfast, Dinner
OVERNIGHT: Amskou Luxury Camp or Jannat Luxury Camp
Day 5: Merzouga Desert Experience
Wake early to experience a magical sunrise over the Sahara Desert, as the colours of the dunes shift with the morning light. Afterwards, enjoy breakfast at camp before riding your camel back to the edge of the desert, where your driver will be waiting. The journey then continues with a deeper exploration of the Merzouga region.
Today, visit the village of Khamlia, known for its traditional Gnawa music, where you can experience local rhythms and culture. Then, travel across desert tracks to meet nomadic families and gain insight into their way of life. Along the way, enjoy views of wide open landscapes and learn more about life in this remote part of Morocco.
Later, enjoy a local Berber style lunch (at own cost) before visiting the nearby oasis of Hassi Lbeid. By the afternoon, return to your riad near the dunes where you can relax and unwind after a memorable day in the desert.
APPROXIMATE DRIVING DISTANCE: 80km
APPROXIMATE DRIVING TIME: 2hr
MEALS: Breakfast
OVERNIGHT: Riad Dar Hassan or Riad Café Du Sud
Day 6: Merzouga ~ Ziz Valley ~ Midelt ~ Fez
After breakfast, depart Merzouga and begin your journey towards Fez, travelling through diverse and ever changing landscapes. Pass through Erfoud, known for its fossil workshops, before continuing along the scenic Ziz Valley. Here, enjoy panoramic views over lush palm groves set against dramatic desert surroundings.
Continue towards Midelt, a town famous for its apple orchards, where you can take a break and enjoy the cooler mountain air. Then, travel through the Middle Atlas Mountains, passing through cedar forests where you may spot wild Barbary macaques. As the scenery shifts once again, arrive in Ifrane, often referred to as Morocco’s little Switzerland, known for its alpine style architecture and clean streets.
By late afternoon, arrive in the cultural city of Fez. After a full day on the road, check in to your riad and enjoy a relaxing evening at leisure.
APPROXIMATE DRIVING DISTANCE: 460km
APPROXIMATE DRIVING TIME: 7hr 30min
MEALS: Breakfast
OVERNIGHT: Riad Tahra or La Cle Du Fes
Day 7: Fez ~ Volubilis ~ Meknes ~ Chefchaouen
After breakfast, depart Fez and begin your journey towards the blue city of Chefchaouen. Along the way, stop at the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis, where you can explore well preserved mosaics and historic structures. Then, continue to the sacred town of Moulay Idriss before heading to the imperial city of Meknes. Here, visit key landmarks including Bab Mansour Gate and the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail.
After some time to explore, continue your journey through the scenic Rif Mountains. As the landscape becomes more mountainous, arrive in Chefchaouen, known for its striking blue washed streets. Spend time wandering through the charming alleys, browsing local handicrafts, and taking in the relaxed atmosphere of this unique town.
By late afternoon, check in to your riad and enjoy the peaceful surroundings of Chefchaouen at your own pace.
APPROXIMATE DRIVING DISTANCE: 200km
APPROXIMATE DRIVING TIME: 4hr 30min
MEALS: Breakfast
OVERNIGHT: Riad Hicham
Day 8: Chefchaouen ~ Rabat ~ Casablanca
After breakfast, depart Chefchaouen and begin your journey towards Rabat, travelling through the scenic landscapes of the Rif Mountains. Along the way, enjoy the changing countryside as you make your way south to Morocco’s capital city.
Upon arrival in Rabat, explore some of the city’s key landmarks, including the impressive Hassan Tower, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V and the historic Kasbah of the Udayas. These important sites offer a fascinating insight into Morocco’s royal and cultural heritage.
After your sightseeing in Rabat, continue along the Atlantic coast towards Casablanca, enjoying the coastal scenery along the way. On arrival, visit the magnificent Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest mosques in Africa and one of Casablanca’s most iconic landmarks. You will then continue to the historic Habous Quarter, known for its traditional architecture, markets and relaxed atmosphere.
Following your sightseeing, transfer to your accommodation in Casablanca and enjoy the remainder of the evening at leisure.
APPROXIMATE DRIVING DISTANCE: 341km
APPROXIMATE DRIVING TIME: 4hr 55min
MEALS: Breakfast
OVERNIGHT: Oum Palace Hotel
Day 9: Depart Casablanca
Enjoy breakfast at your accommodation before checking out. Depending on your scheduled flight departure time, our driver will meet you at the hotel and transfer you to Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport for your onward journey.
We hope you leave Morocco with wonderful memories of your journey and wish you a safe and pleasant flight home.
MEALS: Breakfast
