13-Day Morocco Imperial Cities & Sahara Desert Tour from Casablanca
The journey
Tour overview
The ultimate 13-day Morocco loop from Casablanca — imperial Rabat, the blue city of Chefchaouen, Roman Volubilis, the Fes medina, two nights glamping in the Erg Chebbi dunes, Todra and Dades Gorges, Marrakech, and two full days on the Essaouira coast.
Day 1: Casablanca Airport Pick-up to Imperial Rabat Your private driver meets you at Mohammed V International Airport or your hotel in Casablanca. Drive to imperial Rabat to explore the Kasbah of the Oudayas and the historic Hassan Tower. Overnight in Ryad Zyo or Riad Kalaa (Breakfast Included)
Day 2: Rabat to the Blue City of Chefchaouen Head into the Rif Mountains to reach the world-famous blue city of Chefchaouen — its color-washed lanes, vibrant blue doorways, and Outa el-Hammam square. Overnight in Riad Dar Echchaouen or Riad Cherifa (Breakfast Included)
Day 3: Chefchaouen to Volubilis, Imperial Meknes, and Fes Visit the UNESCO Roman ruins of Volubilis, then the imperial city of Meknes (Bab Mansour gate, Lahdim Square), before arriving in Fes. Overnight in Riad Fes Mahal or La Perle de La Medina (Breakfast Included)
Day 4: Guided Fes Medina Sightseeing Tour An immersive dive into Fes el-Bali, the largest living medieval medina in the world — the Chouara Tanneries, the Bou Inania Madrasa, and Al-Qarawiyyin University. Overnight in Riad Fes Mahal or La Perle de La Medina (Breakfast Included)
Day 5: Fes to Azrou Barbary Apes and Merzouga Sahara Desert Travel through the Middle Atlas, stopping in the cedar forests of Azrou for wild Barbary apes, then reach Erg Chebbi for a sunset camel trek to your luxury desert camp. Overnight in Tiziri Camp or Sahara Eden Camp (Breakfast & Dinner Included)
Day 6: Sahara Desert Excursion and Nomadic Culture A full-day 4x4 excursion to remote nomad settlements, Khamlia's Gnawa music, and the seasonal flamingo lake of Dayet Srji. Overnight in Tiziri Camp or Sahara Eden Camp (Breakfast & Dinner Included)
Day 7: Merzouga Desert Sunrise to Todra Gorges and Dades Valley A final desert sunrise before driving to the towering Todra Gorges, then the winding "Road of a Thousand Kasbahs" into the Dades Valley. Overnight in Dades Paradise or Dar Blues (Breakfast & Dinner Included)
Day 8: Dades Valley to High Atlas Mountains and Marrakech Cross the High Atlas via the Tizi n'Tichka pass (2,260m) and descend into the "Red City" of Marrakech. Overnight in Riad Nessma and Spa or Riad Touda (Breakfast Included)
Day 9: Marrakech Sightseeing Tour A guided city tour — the Bahia Palace, the Saadian Tombs, the Koutoubia Mosque, and the artisan souks. Free afternoon for the Majorelle Garden or a riad spa. Overnight in Riad Nessma and Spa or Riad Touda (Breakfast Included)
Day 10: Marrakech to the Atlantic Coast of Essaouira Drive west to the charming, fortified beach town of Essaouira — the white-and-blue medina and the bustling port. Overnight in Riad Mimouna or Riad Malaika (Breakfast Included)
Day 11: Free Day Exploring Essaouira A completely free day — the medina souks, art galleries, windsurfing, or the Skala de la Ville ramparts. Overnight in Riad Mimouna or Riad Malaika (Breakfast Included)
Day 12: Essaouira to Casablanca via the Coastal Route A scenic drive up the Atlantic coast, stopping at coastal villages and historic Portuguese fortifications, arriving in Casablanca. Overnight in Hotel Club Val d'Anfa or Casa Diamond (Breakfast Included)
Day 13: Departure Transfer to Casablanca Airport (CMN) A private, seamless transfer to Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport for your departure flight.
- Duration
- 13 Days
- Starts in
- Casablanca (hotel pick-up)
- Travel style
- Private or small group (max 17)
- Guides speak
- English, French, Spanish, German, Arabic
- Season
- Year-round, best Oct–Apr
- Activity level
- Easy to moderate
Highlights
- Imperial capital Rabat — the Kasbah of the Oudayas and Hassan Tower
- The Blue City of Chefchaouen in the Rif Mountains
- UNESCO Roman ruins of Volubilis and the imperial city of Meknes
- Full-day guided tour of the UNESCO-listed Fes El Bali medina and the Chouara Tannery
- Sunset camel trek and two nights of luxury glamping in the Erg Chebbi dunes
- Full-day 4x4 Sahara excursion with nomads, Gnaoua music, and the flamingo lake
- Todra and Dades Gorges — towering limestone canyons and "monkey finger" rock formations
- Crossing the High Atlas via the Tizi n'Tichka pass to Marrakech
- Two full days on the Atlantic coast in Essaouira
Day by day
Itinerary
- 1
Day 1Casablanca Airport Pick-up to Imperial Rabat
Private transfer from Casablanca to Rabat — Kasbah of the Oudayas and Hassan Tower.
Overnight: Ryad Zyo or Riad Kalaa
- 2
Day 2Rabat to the Blue City of Chefchaouen
Drive into the Rif Mountains to Chefchaouen.
Overnight: Riad Dar Echchaouen or Riad Cherifa
- 3
Day 3Chefchaouen to Volubilis, Imperial Meknes, and Fes
UNESCO Roman ruins of Volubilis, imperial Meknes, arrive in Fes.
Overnight: Riad Fes Mahal or La Perle de La Medina
- 4
Day 4Guided Fes Medina Sightseeing Tour
Chouara Tanneries, Bou Inania Madrasa, Al-Qarawiyyin University.
Overnight: Riad Fes Mahal or La Perle de La Medina
- 5
Day 5Fes to Azrou Barbary Apes and Merzouga Sahara Desert
Azrou cedar forest, then a sunset camel trek into Erg Chebbi.
Overnight: Tiziri Camp or Sahara Eden Camp
- 6
Day 6Sahara Desert Excursion and Nomadic Culture
Full-day 4x4 excursion — nomads, Khamlia Gnawa music, flamingo lake.
Overnight: Tiziri Camp or Sahara Eden Camp
- 7
Day 7Merzouga Sunrise to Todra Gorges and Dades Valley
Todra Gorges and the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs into Dades Valley.
Overnight: Dades Paradise or Dar Blues
- 8
Day 8Dades Valley to High Atlas Mountains and Marrakech
Cross the Tizi n'Tichka pass to Marrakech.
Overnight: Riad Nessma and Spa or Riad Touda
- 9
Day 9Marrakech Sightseeing Tour
Bahia Palace, Saadian Tombs, Koutoubia Mosque, artisan souks.
Overnight: Riad Nessma and Spa or Riad Touda
- 10
Day 10Marrakech to the Atlantic Coast of Essaouira
Drive west to the fortified beach town of Essaouira.
Overnight: Riad Mimouna or Riad Malaika
- 11
Day 11Free Day Exploring Essaouira
Medina souks, art galleries, windsurfing, sea ramparts.
Overnight: Riad Mimouna or Riad Malaika
- 12
Day 12Essaouira to Casablanca via the Coastal Route
Scenic coastal drive back to Casablanca.
Overnight: Hotel Club Val d'Anfa or Casa Diamond
- 13
Day 13Departure Transfer to Casablanca Airport (CMN)
Private transfer to Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport.
Want to add a night, slow the pace or end in another city? Every private itinerary can be adjusted. Ask us to customise it.
Good to know
What's included
Included
- Private air-conditioned vehicle with English-speaking driver/guide for all 13 days
- All private airport, hotel, and intercity transfers
- Bed & Breakfast accommodation throughout, with Half Board in the Sahara desert camp (2 nights) and Dades Valley (1 night)
- Licensed local guide for the Fes Medina and Marrakech sightseeing tours
- Full 4x4 Merzouga desert excursion (nomad visit, Khamlia Gnawa music, flamingo lake)
- Sunset camel trek in the Erg Chebbi dunes
- Traditional Berber music around the campfire
Not included
- Lunches and beverages
- Entrance fees to monuments and archaeological sites
- Tips and personal expenses
Per person, in euros
Prices
| Room type | Price per person |
|---|---|
| Single1 person per room | €4,043 |
| Double2 people per room | €2,080 |
| Triple3 people per room | €1,825 |
| Quadruple4 people per room | €1,517 |
Prices include taxes. Groups, children and camp upgrades priced on request.
Before you go
Practical information
Meeting point
Your hotel or riad in Casablanca, usually between 7:00 and 8:00 AM. Exact time confirmed on booking.
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 14 days before departure. 50% refund between 7 and 14 days. Free date changes whenever possible.
What to bring
Comfortable layers, a warm jacket for desert nights, sunglasses, high-SPF sunscreen and a scarf or hat.
Fitness
Suitable for most fitness levels. Light walking and an optional camel ride. Tell us about any mobility needs.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Is this tour private or shared?
You can take this tour privately, with your own driver-guide and vehicle, or join a shared small-group departure (up to 17 guests) where available. Tell us which you prefer when you enquire.
Is this tour suitable for first-time desert travelers?
Absolutely. Our guides are experienced with travelers of all backgrounds and will make sure you feel comfortable and safe throughout the journey. No prior desert experience is required.
What type of accommodation is used?
We use a mix of traditional riad hotels in cities and authentic Berber desert camps with private tents, comfortable bedding, and camp lighting. Luxury glamping options are available on request.
Are meals included in the tour?
Most meals are included as listed in the "What's Included" section. Breakfast is provided at hotels; dinners and breakfasts at the desert camp are always included. Lunches in cities may be at your own expense.
How do I get to the departure city?
We pick you up from your hotel or riad in Casablanca. We can also arrange airport transfers and recommend trusted hotels if needed, just ask when booking.
Can I change the itinerary?
Yes. Every private tour can be adjusted: add a night, swap a stop, upgrade your desert camp or finish in a different city. We will send an updated itinerary and price.
What is the best time of year to visit the Sahara?
October to April offers the most comfortable temperatures (15–25°C / 59–77°F during the day). July and August are very hot but manageable with proper preparation. The desert is beautiful year-round.
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