12-Day Morocco Itinerary from Casablanca

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

Travel info: Airport transfer approx. 30–45 minutes.
Highlight: Casablanca is Morocco’s bustling economic hub and home to the Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world, beautifully perched above the Atlantic Ocean.

Tip: Take a short stroll along the Corniche if time permits to enjoy the sea breeze and local cafes.

After breakfast, depart Casablanca and drive toward Rabat, the administrative capital of Morocco. Explore:

• Royal Palace grounds
• Hassan Tower
• Mausoleum of Mohammed V
• Kasbah of the Oudayas

Driving distance: Approx. 340 km | 6–7 hours.
Highlight: Rabat is one of Morocco’s four imperial cities and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its whitewashed architecture and coastal views make it a photographer’s dream.

Continue north to Chefchaouen, the famous Blue Pearl of Morocco, where you’ll check into your hotel. Wander the iconic blue streets and alleys before dinner.

Tip: Evening light makes the city’s blue streets especially photogenic.

After breakfast, depart Chefchaouen and head toward Fes, stopping at:

• Volubilis, Morocco’s best-preserved Roman ruins (UNESCO-listed)

• Moulay Idriss Zerhoun, a holy village sacred to Moroccan pilgrims

Continue to Meknes, the imperial city, and explore:

• Bab el-Mansour, monumental gate

• The medina, with local markets and historic sights

Driving distance: Approx. 320 km | 5–6 hours
Highlight: Explore Fes in the evening or relax at your hotel in preparation for tomorrow’s full-day exploration.

Today is dedicated to Fes, one of the world’s oldest medieval cities. Walk with an expert local guide through Fes el-Bali, the historic medina, covering:

• Andalusian Mosque

• Open-air tanneries

• Historic medersas (Koranic schools)

• Bustling souks and artisan workshops

Walking level: Moderate (cobblestone streets and narrow alleys)
Highlight: Fes is Morocco’s spiritual and cultural capital, home to Al Quaraouiyine University, the oldest continuously operating university in the world.

Leave Fes for the Sahara Desert, passing through:

• Ifrane, “Switzerland of Morocco” for its alpine-style architecture

• Cedar Forests of Azrou, home to wild Barbary macaques

• Lunch stop in Midelt

• Scenic Ziz Valley, famous for palm groves and desert panoramas

Arrive in Merzouga, gateway to the Erg Chebbi dunes, and enjoy a camel trek across golden sands to your luxury desert camp. Dinner is served under the stars with traditional Berber music.

Driving distance: Approx. 470 km | 7–8 hours
Highlight: Sunset over the Sahara dunes is one of the most memorable experiences on any Morocco desert tour. This 12-day itinerary is fully customizable to fit your travel preferences. You can extend your desert stay, spend extra time in imperial cities, or adjust the route, also see our 15-Day Morocco Tour for a longer experience.”

Wake early to witness a Sahara sunrise before riding camels back to Merzouga village. After breakfast, explore the local Rissani market.

Continue through the Todra Gorges, canyon walls rising up to 300 meters, ideal for photos and light hiking. Drive along the famous Road of a Thousand Kasbahs, passing the Skoura palm oasis. Arrive in Ouarzazate, Morocco’s “Hollywood of the Desert,” for overnight.

Driving distance: Approx. 360 km | 5–6 hours
Highlight: The Dades Valley and Skoura are famous for their dramatic landscapes and historic kasbahs.

Visit Ouarzazate highlights:

• Taourirt Kasbah

• Atlas Film Studios

Drive to Aït Ben Haddou, a UNESCO-listed ksar and iconic film location featured in Gladiator and Lawrence of Arabia. Continue over the Tizi n’Tichka Pass in the High Atlas Mountains, descending to vibrant Marrakech.

Driving distance: Approx. 200 km | 4–5 hours
Highlight: Stunning mountain panoramas make this one of Morocco’s most scenic drives.

Explore the “Red City” of Marrakech:

• Koutoubia Mosque

• Jardin Majorelle

• Saadian Tombs

• Bahia Palace

• Bustling Djemaa el-Fna square and souks

Tour type: Private guided walking tour
Highlight: Marrakech’s mix of history, architecture, and lively street culture makes it one of Morocco’s most iconic cities. 

Take a day trip to the lush Ourika Valley in the High Atlas Mountains. Visit:

• Berber villages

• Local homes to learn about traditional life and mint tea preparation

• Waterfalls, rivers, and scenic hills

Total excursion time: Approx. 5 hours round trip
Highlight: Experience authentic Berber culture and stunning landscapes just outside Marrakech.

Drive to the coastal city of Essaouira, famous for:

• Portuguese heritage architecture

• Wind-swept beaches

• Bustling fishing port and tranquil medina

Stop at a women’s Argan oil cooperative along the way. Enjoy fresh seafood and explore at leisure.

Driving distance: Approx. 190 km | 3 hours
Highlight: Essaouira is a UNESCO-listed town with a relaxed, artistic vibe.

Travel along Morocco’s Atlantic coast, stopping at:

• Safi, famous for pottery and ceramics

• Oualidia, renowned for oysters and a serene lagoon

• El Jadida, explore its Portuguese fortress and medina

Driving distance: Approx. 240 km | 4–5 hours
Highlight: This coastal route offers spectacular sea views and cultural diversity.