12-Day Morocco Itinerary from Casablanca

Your 12-day Moroccan adventure begins upon your arrival at Casablanca’s Mohammed V Airport, where our representative will greet you and provide a comfortable transfer to your hotel. Settle in and prepare for the incredible journey ahead.

Our journey continues to Rabat, the administrative capital of Morocco. Here, we’ll explore the grounds of the Royal Palace, the historic Hassan Tower, and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V. We’ll also visit the picturesque Kasbah of the Oudayas, a fortress of whitewashed houses with blue accents overlooking the Atlantic. From there, we travel north to the enchanting “Blue Pearl” of Chefchaouen, where we will check into our hotel for the night.

After breakfast, we depart Chefchaouen, making our way towards Fes. Our first major stop is Volubilis, the impressive and well-preserved ruins of an ancient Roman city. We’ll also visit the nearby holy village of Moulay Idriss Zerhoun, a site of great importance for Moroccan pilgrims. We then continue to the Imperial city of Meknes to admire its monumental gates, including the famous Bab el-Mansour. After exploring the medina, we complete our drive to Fez for our overnight stay.

Today is dedicated to exploring Fez, one of the world’s oldest and most fascinating medieval cities. With an expert local guide, you will navigate the labyrinthine alleys of the Fes el-Bali medina on foot. Your tour will cover key highlights, including the Andalusian Mosque, the famous open-air tanneries, historic Medersas (Koranic schools), and the bustling souks, offering a true immersion into the spiritual and cultural heart of Morocco.

A dramatic change of scenery awaits as we leave the city and journey south towards the Sahara Desert. We travel through the High Atlas Mountains, stopping in Ifrane, known as “Morocco’s Switzerland,” and the great Cedar Forests of Azrou, home to colonies of Barbary macaques. After lunch in Midelt, we continue through the stunning Ziz Valley. Upon reaching Merzouga, the day culminates in an unforgettable camel trek across the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi to our desert camp, where dinner is served under the stars.

Wake to a breathtaking desert sunrise before riding your camel back to the village. After freshening up, we’ll visit the traditional market in Rissani. Our journey then takes us to the spectacular Todra Gorges, where you can walk between towering 300-meter-high canyon walls. We continue along the famous “Road of a Thousand Kasbahs” through the beautiful Dades Valley and the Skoura palm oasis before arriving in Ouarzazate, where we will have dinner and spend the night.

This morning we explore Ouarzazate, the “Hollywood of Morocco,” with visits to the Taourirt Kasbah and the legendary Atlas Film Studios. Our next stop is the iconic Ksar of Aït Ben Haddou, a magnificent fortified village and UNESCO World Heritage site that has served as the backdrop for films like Gladiator and Lawrence of Arabia. Afterwards, we embark on a spectacular drive over the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka pass, descending into the plains to reach the vibrant city of Marrakech.

Dive into the vibrant soul of Marrakech with a full day of exploration. Your guided tour will introduce you to the city’s most famous landmarks, including the iconic Koutoubia Mosque, the serene Jardin Majorelle, the historic Saadian Tombs, and the magnificent Bahia Palace. In the afternoon, we will immerse ourselves in the electric atmosphere of Djemaa el-Fna square, exploring its surrounding souks, bustling with artisans, storytellers, and food stalls.

Today we escape the city for a refreshing day trip to the lush Ourika Valley, nestled at the foot of the High Atlas Mountains. This excursion offers a genuine glimpse into the traditional Berber way of life. You will visit a Berber home to see how local families live and learn to prepare traditional mint tea, which you’ll share with your hosts. Enjoy the stunning natural scenery of waterfalls, rivers, and verdant hills before we return to Marrakech in the evening.

We leave the vibrant energy of Marrakech behind and journey to the coast, arriving in the charming, windswept town of Essaouira. Known for its Portuguese heritage and relaxed, artistic atmosphere, Essaouira is a delight to explore. Along the way, we’ll visit a women’s Argan oil cooperative. Upon arrival, you can enjoy a fresh seafood lunch, walk along the historic ramparts, and explore the bustling fishing port and tranquil medina at your own pace.

Our tour continues up the scenic Atlantic coast towards Casablanca. We will pass through Safi, a city known for its pottery, and stop in Oualidia, a serene coastal town famous for its tranquil lagoon and delicious oysters. Our final stop before reaching Casablanca is El Jadida, where we will explore the old medina and its impressive fortress, built by the Portuguese in the 16th century.