8-Day Morocco Imperial Cities & Sahara Desert Tour from Casablanca
The journey
Tour overview
Experience the definitive Morocco desert road trip with this masterfully designed 8-day Morocco imperial cities itinerary. Journey from the coastal highlights of Casablanca and Rabat to the blue-hued streets of Chefchaouen, down through ancient Roman ruins, into the Erg Chebbi sand dunes of the Merzouga Sahara Desert, and finally over the Atlas Mountains to Marrakech. Daily breakfast is provided at all boutique accommodations, while authentic Moroccan dinners are included exclusively during your stays in the Sahara Desert (1 night) and the Dades Valley (1 night).
Day 1: Casablanca Airport Pick-up to Imperial Rabat and Chefchaouen Your private driver meets you directly at Mohammed V International Airport (CMN) or your hotel in Casablanca to begin your premium Morocco private tour. You will drive along the Atlantic coast to the imperial capital of Rabat to explore the coastal Kasbah of the Udayas (Oudayas), famous for its blue-and-white alleys, and marvel at the historic Hassan Tower. Following lunch, leave the coast behind and head deep into the Rif Mountains to arrive at the world-famous blue city of Chefchaouen, where you can stroll through the magical, color-washed lanes before settling into your boutique lodging for the evening. Overnight: Riad Dar Echchaouen or Riad Cherifa (Breakfast Included)
Day 2: Chefchaouen to Volubilis, Imperial Meknes, and Fes Depart the blue city after breakfast and travel south toward the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage site where you can walk through remarkably preserved mosaics and grand arches. Afterward, continue to the neighboring imperial city of Meknes to marvel at the monumental Bab Mansour gate and the historic Lahdim Square. In the late afternoon, make the short drive to the spiritual capital of Morocco, Fes, to check into your luxury Moroccan riad for a relaxing evening. Overnight: Riad Fes Mahal or La Perle de La Medina (Breakfast Included)
Day 3: Guided Fes Medina Sightseeing Tour Meet your local expert guide for an immersive dive into Fes el-Bali, the largest living medieval medina in the world. You will wander the labyrinthine souks, witness the ancient art of leather making at the historic Chouara Tanneries, and visit the architectural marvels of the Bou Inania Madrasa and Al-Qarawiyyin University. Afterward, you can relax and enjoy a free evening in the same boutique accommodation, spending your second night in the cultural heart of Morocco before your upcoming trip to the great desert. Overnight: Riad Fes Mahal or La Perle de La Medina (Breakfast Included)
Day 4: Fes to Azrou Barbary Apes and Merzouga Sahara Desert Depart Fes and travel south through the Middle Atlas Mountains, stopping first in the scenic alpine cedar forests of Azrou to see the wild Barbary apes in their natural habitat. Your scenic drive continues through the High Atlas foothills and along the dramatic Ziz Valley oasis as the landscape transitions into the rolling, golden Erg Chebbi dunes. Upon arriving at the gateway of the African Sahara in Merzouga, you will start your bucket-list Sahara desert camel trek across the high sand waves to reach your luxury desert glamping site just in time for a traditional dinner, followed by an authentic Berber music show around the campfire under a canopy of brilliant desert stars. Overnight: Tiziri Camp or Sahara Eden Camp (Breakfast & Dinner Included)
Day 5: Merzouga Desert Sunrise to Todra Gorges and Dades Valley Wake up early for a spectacular, panoramic Sahara desert sunrise over the high dunes before enjoying breakfast at the camp. Leave the vast desert dunes behind and drive toward the jaw-dropping Todra Gorges where you can walk through the massive 300-meter-high limestone canyon walls, a hotspot for rock climbers and nature lovers. Afterward, continue along the iconic "Road of a Thousand Kasbahs" into the dramatic, winding landscapes of the Dades Gorge, where you will unwind and enjoy a tranquil dinner tucked away in the valley. Overnight: Dades Paradise or Dar Blues (Breakfast & Dinner Included)
Day 6: Dades Valley to High Atlas Mountains and Marrakech Depart the valley and cross the rugged High Atlas Mountains via the famous Tizi n'Tichka mountain pass at an altitude of 2,260m, offering panoramic views of traditional Berber villages and ancient kasbahs. You will then descend into the vibrant "Red City" of Marrakech to check into your boutique riad and spend your evening exploring the electric energy of Jemaa el-Fnaa square. Dinner is at your leisure tonight, perfect for experiencing Marrakech's world-class culinary and night-market scene. Overnight: Riad Nessma and Spa or Riad Touda BB (Breakfast Included)
Day 7: Marrakech Sightseeing Tour Enjoy a guided Marrakech city tour after breakfast to discover architectural marvels such as the Bahia Palace, the Saadian Tombs, the Koutoubia Mosque, and the vibrant, colorful artisan souks. After the tour, enjoy a free afternoon to explore the modern Gueliz district, visit the Majorelle Garden, or relax at your boutique riad spa before your final night in Morocco. Overnight: Riad Nessma and Spa or Riad Touda BB (Breakfast Included)
Day 8: Departure Transfer to Marrakech or Casablanca Airport (CMN) Savor your final breakfast at the riad before completing your journey. Depending on your flight schedule, your driver will provide a private, seamless transfer directly to either Marrakech Airport (RAK) or Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport (CMN) for your departure home, bringing your unforgettable 8-day Morocco imperial cities and Sahara desert tour to an official conclusion.
- Duration
- 8 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
Day by day
Itinerary
- 1
Day 1Casablanca Airport Pick-up to Imperial Rabat and Chefchaouen
Your private driver meets you directly at Mohammed V International Airport (CMN) or your hotel in Casablanca to begin your premium Morocco private tour. You will drive along the Atlantic coast to the imperial capital of Rabat to explore the coastal Kasbah of the Udayas (Oudayas), famous for its blue-and-white alleys, and marvel at the historic Hassan Tower. Following lunch, leave the coast behind and head deep into the Rif Mountains to arrive at the world-famous blue city of Chefchaouen, where you can stroll through the magical, color-washed lanes before settling into your boutique lodging for the evening.
Overnight: Riad Dar Echchaouen or Riad Cherifa (Breakfast Included)
- 2
Day 2Chefchaouen to Volubilis, Imperial Meknes, and Fes
Depart the blue city after breakfast and travel south toward the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage site where you can walk through remarkably preserved mosaics and grand arches. Afterward, continue to the neighboring imperial city of Meknes to marvel at the monumental Bab Mansour gate and the historic Lahdim Square. In the late afternoon, make the short drive to the spiritual capital of Morocco, Fes, to check into your luxury Moroccan riad for a relaxing evening.
Overnight: Riad Fes Mahal or La Perle de La Medina (Breakfast Included)
- 3
Day 3Guided Fes Medina Sightseeing Tour
Meet your local expert guide for an immersive dive into Fes el-Bali, the largest living medieval medina in the world. You will wander the labyrinthine souks, witness the ancient art of leather making at the historic Chouara Tanneries, and visit the architectural marvels of the Bou Inania Madrasa and Al-Qarawiyyin University. Afterward, you can relax and enjoy a free evening in the same boutique accommodation, spending your second night in the cultural heart of Morocco before your upcoming trip to the great desert.
Overnight: Riad Fes Mahal or La Perle de La Medina (Breakfast Included)
- 4
Day 4Fes to Azrou Barbary Apes and Merzouga Sahara Desert
Depart Fes and travel south through the Middle Atlas Mountains, stopping first in the scenic alpine cedar forests of Azrou to see the wild Barbary apes in their natural habitat. Your scenic drive continues through the High Atlas foothills and along the dramatic Ziz Valley oasis as the landscape transitions into the rolling, golden Erg Chebbi dunes. Upon arriving at the gateway of the African Sahara in Merzouga, you will start your bucket-list Sahara desert camel trek across the high sand waves to reach your luxury desert glamping site just in time for a traditional dinner, followed by an authentic Berber music show around the campfire under a canopy of brilliant desert stars.
Overnight: Tiziri Camp or Sahara Eden Camp (Breakfast & Dinner Included)
- 5
Day 5Merzouga Desert Sunrise to Todra Gorges and Dades Valley
Wake up early for a spectacular, panoramic Sahara desert sunrise over the high dunes before enjoying breakfast at the camp. Leave the vast desert dunes behind and drive toward the jaw-dropping Todra Gorges where you can walk through the massive 300-meter-high limestone canyon walls, a hotspot for rock climbers and nature lovers. Afterward, continue along the iconic "Road of a Thousand Kasbahs" into the dramatic, winding landscapes of the Dades Gorge, where you will unwind and enjoy a tranquil dinner tucked away in the valley.
Overnight: Dades Paradise or Dar Blues (Breakfast & Dinner Included)
- 6
Day 6Dades Valley to High Atlas Mountains and Marrakech
Depart the valley and cross the rugged High Atlas Mountains via the famous Tizi n'Tichka mountain pass at an altitude of 2,260m, offering panoramic views of traditional Berber villages and ancient kasbahs. You will then descend into the vibrant "Red City" of Marrakech to check into your boutique riad and spend your evening exploring the electric energy of Jemaa el-Fnaa square. Dinner is at your leisure tonight, perfect for experiencing Marrakech's world-class culinary and night-market scene.
Overnight: Riad Nessma and Spa or Riad Touda BB (Breakfast Included)
- 7
Day 7Marrakech Sightseeing Tour
Enjoy a guided Marrakech city tour after breakfast to discover architectural marvels such as the Bahia Palace, the Saadian Tombs, the Koutoubia Mosque, and the vibrant, colorful artisan souks. After the tour, enjoy a free afternoon to explore the modern Gueliz district, visit the Majorelle Garden, or relax at your boutique riad spa before your final night in Morocco.
Overnight: Riad Nessma and Spa or Riad Touda BB (Breakfast Included)
- 8
Day 8Departure Transfer to Marrakech or Casablanca Airport (CMN)
Savor your final breakfast at the riad before completing your journey. Depending on your flight schedule, your driver will provide a private, seamless transfer directly to either Marrakech Airport (RAK) or Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport (CMN) for your departure home, bringing your unforgettable 8-day Morocco imperial cities and Sahara desert tour to an official conclusion.
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
- English-speaking driver and guide
- Passenger driving insurance
- 7 nights accommodation in riads, hotels, and desert camp
- Daily breakfast
- 3 dinners including Sahara desert camp dinner
- Camel ride in Merzouga (one per person)
- Sandboarding in the Sahara
- Guided tours of Fez and Marrakech
- Pick-up and drop-off at accommodation or airport
Not included
- Lunches
- Beverages and drinks
- Entrance fees to monuments
- Dinners not mentioned
- Personal expenses
- Tips and gratuities
Per person, in euros
Prices
| Room type | Price per person |
|---|---|
| Single1 person per room | €2,483 |
| Double2 people per room | €1,332 |
| Triple3 people per room | €1,097 |
| Quadruple4 people per room | €937 |
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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