10-Day Journey from Casablanca to Marrakech

Upon arrival at the airport, you’ll be greeted and transferred to the city center of Casablanca. Your first stop will be the iconic Mosque Hassan II, one of the most popular attractions in Morocco. After exploring this magnificent landmark, you’ll head to the historic Medina of Casablanca and its charming alleys, followed by a visit to one of the city’s large modern shopping malls for a leisurely experience.

After a hearty breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Rabat, the capital of Morocco. Explore the city’s key historical landmarks, including Chella, the Royal Palace, and the Mosque Hassan. From Rabat, continue your journey toward Chefchaouen, the famous “Blue Pearl.” Arrive at Chefchaouen by 6:00 PM to check into your accommodation. Spend the evening at your leisure as you explore this magical city under the soft glow of twilight.

After breakfast, embark on a guided exploration of Chefchaouen, a stunning town with iconic blue walls, doors, and quaint streets. The city exudes a serene charm, reflecting Moroccan life at its most authentic. Discover the old town, admire its Andalusian architecture, and unwind at a local park located at the end of Avenida Mohammed V. Spend the night at your Riad in Chefchaouen.

Following breakfast at your Riad, set off on a scenic journey through the agricultural Rif Mountains to visit Volubilis, a captivating Roman ruin and open-air museum. While not as grand as other Mediterranean ruins, Volubilis offers a tranquil glimpse into Morocco’s history. Continue to Meknes, Morocco’s fourth imperial city and a cultural gem from the 17th century. Visit its historic medina, Bab el Mansour, and Moulay Ismail’s shrine before enjoying lunch. Afterward, proceed to Fes, where you’ll spend the night.

After breakfast at your Riad, dedicate the entire day to exploring Fes, an ancient imperial city home to the world’s oldest university, Quaraouine University, dating back to the 9th century. Known as “The Soul of Morocco,” Fes offers a captivating mix of history, culture, and traditional sounds. Highlights include a visit to the historic Medina, Medersa Attarine, the Chouara Tannery, and the bustling souks. After lunch, enjoy a panoramic view of the entire Medina of Fes before returning to your Riad for the night.

Depart your Riad in Fes in the morning and travel through the Middle Atlas Mountains toward Ifrane and Azrou. Stop to observe Barbary macaques in their natural environment. Cross the Tizi Ntalghamt pass to Midelt and continue through the Ziz Gorges, marveling at the volcanic landscapes as you approach the desert. After lunch, drive through the Ziz Valley, Erfoud, Rissani, and Merzouga.

Upon arrival, enjoy a refreshing cup of mint tea and prepare for a camel ride into the Erg Chebbi Sand Dunes. These massive dunes span 20 kilometers and are the tallest sand dunes in North Africa. After a 90-minute camel trek, arrive at your luxury desert camp for an unforgettable overnight stay. The camp features well-equipped Berber tents with showers, toilets, blankets, and cushions. Enjoy a traditional dinner under the stars and experience the nomadic lifestyle with breathtaking desert views.

Following breakfast, board your air-conditioned minivan to journey toward Tinghir in the foothills of the High Atlas Mountains. Explore the beautiful Todgha River and take a 30-minute walk surrounded by palm groves and olive trees. Visit traditional Berber communities and stop for lunch at Todgha Gorge.

Later, drive through the Dades Valley along the famed Road of 1,000 Kasbahs, stopping at ancient Kasbahs and continuing to Roses Valley, where you’ll visit a rose-growing cooperative. Drive through the Skoura Oasis to reach Ouarzazate, known as “The Gateway to the Sahara.” Enjoy lunch at the UNESCO-listed Ait Benhaddou Kasbah, famous for its appearances in numerous films. Explore the kasbah and its unique architecture before returning to your accommodation.

After breakfast, set out on a drive toward Marrakech while stopping at the Tizi-n-Tichka mountain pass, reaching an altitude of 2,165 meters. Upon arrival in Marrakech, meet your local guide for a fascinating city tour. Visit landmarks such as the Koutoubia Mosque (constructed in the 11th century) and the Majorelle Garden, a lush oasis designed by Jacques Majorelle. Explore additional monuments like the Saadian Tombs, a 16th-century cemetery covered with intricate mosaic tiles.

Following lunch, delve into the vibrant souks (markets), including Babouche Souk (shoes), Chouari Souk (carpentry), El-Attarine Souk (perfumes and spices), and the Cherratine Souk (leather goods). Wander through the maze-like alleys surrounding Djemâa El-Fna Square, where you’ll encounter snake charmers, musicians, acrobats, and street performers.

Set out at 9:00 AM for a full-day excursion to Ourika Valley. Journey across the Houz Plains and make a stop at a pottery workshop and a local women’s Argan oil cooperative. Learn about the extraction process and explore the local wares. Continue to Tnin Ourika, a bustling Berber market, and then drive alongside the Ourika River to Setti Fatma, a charming Berber settlement surrounded by walnut trees. Relax in this picturesque setting or hire a local guide to discover the nearby waterfalls. Return to Marrakech in the late afternoon and unwind after a memorable day.