Morocco’s Highlights: 13 Days Tour from Casablanca to the Blue City, Desert & Ancient Wonders

Duration

13 DAYS

Start in

Casablanca

End in

Casablanca

Pickup

Airport/Accommodation

OVERVIEW OF 13 DAYS HIGHLIGHTS OF MOROCCO

Embark on a 13-day journey through Morocco’s most iconic imperial cities, ancient medinas, dramatic mountain ranges, and the vast golden sands of the Sahara. Beginning in Casablanca and ending again in the country’s economic capital, this immersive adventure leads you through Morocco’s rich tapestry of history, culture, and landscapes.

Explore Roman ruins, majestic Islamic architecture, blue-washed mountain towns, deep gorges, palm-filled valleys, and desert oases. Wander through lively souks, meet local communities, and unwind in traditional riads.

From camel treks at sunset to the bohemian charm of Essaouira, this tour captures the very best of Morocco’s heritage, traditions, and natural beauty.

Tour Highlights

  •  Start your journey at Morocco’s grand Hassan II Mosque.
  •  Stroll through Chefchaouen’s peaceful blue alleys framed by the Rif Mountains .
  •  Ride camels at sunset across Erg Chebbi’s dunes and spend a star-filled night in a traditional Berber camp.
  •  Discover Morocco’s imperial history by exploring Fes’s medieval medina and Meknes’s grand gates and historic sites.
  •  Journey through valleys and gorges to reach UNESCO-listed Ait Benhaddou

Detailed Itinerary

Day 01 Arrive in Casablanca, Transfer to Rabat

Welcome to Morocco! Start your tour by exploring the main attraction of Casablanca, the Hassan II Mosque.

The Hassan II Mosque is a breathtaking landmark. Its grand façade and towering 210-meter (690-foot) minaret make it one of the most iconic monuments in Morocco. Located in the heart of Casablanca, the mosque opened its doors in 1993 and showcases an exquisite blend of traditional Islamic architecture and modern Moroccan design.

Inside, the mosque is remarkably beautiful. The walls are adorned with intricate mosaics, and the floor is covered with a magnificent Persian carpet. With a capacity of 25,000 worshippers, it is also one of the few mosques in the world that allows non-Muslim visitors to enter.

After your visit, travel to Rabat, the capital of Morocco, located on the Atlantic coast. In the afternoon, explore the Kasbah of the Oudayas, built in the 12th century to overlook the Bou Regreg River. It once served as a military base for the Almohad dynasty under Sultan Abdelmoumen and Yaakoub al-Mansour.

Continue with a visit to the Andalusian Gardens, created in the 20th century during the French protectorate, offering a peaceful escape from the crowds. Finally, visit the Hassan Tower, an unfinished mosque dating back to the 12th century. Today, only the red sandstone tower, standing 44 meters (145 feet) high, and around 200 columns remain.

End your day in Rabat.

Day 02 Arrive in Rabat, Transfer to Tangier

Travel north to Asilah, on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. The town has a long and rich history, having been occupied by the Phoenicians, Romans, Portuguese, and Spanish.

The Phoenicians first settled in Asilah in the 10th century BC, establishing it as a major trading port. During the Roman period, the city served as a base for the Mare Nostrum, the Roman naval fleet. From the 16th century onward, Asilah was occupied by the Portuguese, who used it as a center for regional trade. In 1549, they built a citadel to defend the city against attacks from local Berber tribes. In 1692, the Spanish took control of Asilah and ruled it until 1790.

Today, Asilah is known for its whitewashed buildings, cobbled streets, and vibrant art galleries. The town is a popular tourist destination, offering a charming medina, old fortifications, and beautiful beaches.

Continue with a tour of Tangier, which takes you through its bustling markets, ancient medina, and impressive architecture. Visit the Caves of Hercules, a natural cave located near Tangier and named after the mythical hero Hercules, who is said to have rested here during his legendary labors. Inside the cave, you can explore winding passageways, admire stalactites and stalagmites, and observe unique rock formations.

Later, stop at Cape Spartel, the point where the Mediterranean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean. Tangier, a major port and trading center, has long been an important cultural and economic crossroads for centuries.

Day 03 Tangier to The Blue City of Chefchaouen Over the Rif Mounatin

Travel north to the blue city of Chefchaouen over the Rif Mountains. Upon arrival in the afternoon, begin discovering Chefchaouen at a relaxed pace.

The historic medina of Chefchaouen, largely untouched since the 15th century, is famous for its blue-washed buildings and calm, laid-back atmosphere. Stroll through the old quarter and meet some of the local residents as you explore the winding, narrow streets and alleyways that cling to the northern hillside of the mountains.

Visit Plaza Uta el-Hammam, the main square of Chefchaouen, named after the old hammam (public baths) that once surrounded it. Take a leisurely walk around the plaza and admire the city’s charming architecture. Just beside the square, visit the Grand Mosque and the Kasbah. Built in the 15th century, the kasbah features a peaceful garden, a small museum, and former prison cells.

Continue exploring the streets of Chefchaouen’s medina, filled with vibrant shades of blue, accented by touches of red and white. Wander through the narrow alleys, admire local artwork and handmade souvenirs, and enjoy a meal at one of the many local restaurants.

Later, walk up the path leading to the abandoned White Spanish Mosque (about 20 to 30 minutes) to enjoy one last panoramic view over Chefchaouen as the sun sets behind the mountains.

Day 04 Volubilis (Roman Ruins), Meknes, and the Spiritual and Cultural City of Fes

Early morning is the best time to wander through the quiet streets and capture beautiful photos of the blue-washed alleys before breakfast.

Say goodbye to Chefchaouen and head south toward the UNESCO World Heritage Roman ruins of Volubilis. Volubilis is one of Morocco’s best-preserved Roman archaeological sites, located on a fertile plain surrounded by wheat fields. It was established before the Christian era, when the region was part of the Berber Kingdom of Mauretania. It is believed that around 20,000 people once lived within its 42-hectare walled city, with wealth largely derived from olive oil production.

On the way to Fes, stop in Meknes to visit Bab Mansour Gate. Completed in 1732, the gate is remarkable for its impressive size, green and white zellij tiles, marble columns, and Quranic inscriptions decorating the upper façade. Continue to the Royal Granaries, also known as Heri es-Souani, which once served as stables for up to 12,000 horses and as storage for vast quantities of grain. Although the roof collapsed following the Lisbon earthquake in the 18th century, the site remains an impressive example of Moroccan engineering.

In the afternoon, continue to the city of Fes, where you will spend the night in a charming riad located in the heart of the old medina.

Day 05 Explore Fes and its medieval Medina

Meet your guide and enjoy a half-day tour discovering the history and culture of Fes. It is considered the oldest imperial city in Morocco, and its medina is one of the largest car-free urban areas in the world. In addition, the Medina of Fes is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Fes is composed of two historic medina quarters: Fes el Bali and Fes el Jdid. The Nouvelle Ville was later developed during the French colonial era.

Wander through Fes el Bali, founded in the 8th century, and visit the Chouara Tannery, dating back to the 11th century. It is the largest and busiest medieval tannery and the oldest continually operating tannery in the world, where leather from sheep, cows, goats, and other animals is traditionally processed.

Next, visit Al Quaraouiyine University and Mosque, founded in 859 AD by the Tunisian-born Fatima al-Fihri. It is not only the oldest existing university in the world but also the first to be founded by a woman. Continue to the Al Attarine Madrasa and admire its finely crafted woodwork and intricate tile decoration.

Then visit the Mellah, the Jewish quarter of Fes el Jdid, which dates back to the 13th century. In the afternoon, return to your riad to relax.

Day 06 Fes to the Sahara Desert Erg Chebbi - Azrou Forest - Ziz Valley - Sunset Camel Ride

You'll depart from Fes and Travel south toward Merzouga, where your final Destination will be the Saharan dunes of Erg Chebbi to Ride the camel before sunset. You'll travel through The town of Ifran a small town in the Middle Atlas mountains of Morocco. It is known for its Alpine climate, its striking mountain scenery, and its luxurious hotels and resorts. The area is popular with tourists and is known for its ski resorts,Continue to drive through the Cedar forest of Azrou ,Here you can stop to take snashot  the local Barbary apes in the trees and alongside the road. before to sto the city of Midle Know as the Apple city , you will climb an elevation (2,178 meters -7,146 feet)  over the Col Zad where You'll be surrounded by breathtaking views of the majestic mountains and lush vegetation.

After the lunch , you will continue Your journey over the High Atlas Mountains and over the pass of Tizi N'Talghemt at an altitude of 1,660m (5,450 ft).Along the way you can admire many   large oasisand fortified villages knows as Ksar that was constraucted by the  Berbers to protect their precious products. You'll see the first signs of the ever-shifting Saharan sand dunes just before Erfoud. You'll also see an ancient method of water mining, an ingenious method of transferring water to farmland prior to the invention of the modern pump, and nomadic shepherds and their settlements. Later, travel south to Erfoud known for its Saharan culture and architecture, as well as its proximity to the Erg Chebbi sand dunes. The city is known for its palm groves, ksours (fortified villages), and its nearby oases. Erfoud has also known for its date festival as well as its fossil mining and artisan factories (you may have already seen some fossils in the markets). Along the way, you can see Fossil mines where rocks are extracted from the earth. You'll soon cross the huge sea of sand dunes known as Erg Chebbi, which is 13.5 square miles in size (35 square km). The enormous dunes are never still; they move and shift in response to the shifting wind. They also seem to change color with the time of day, and the colors are particularly beatiful  right before sunset. You can take a quick stop close to Merzouga and change your car to ride a camel over the sand to your Berber Desert  Camp, arriving after the sunset  After watching it from the top of a sand dune,   You will spend the night at the camp and you will a nice meal and some time by the campfire. After an evening of Berber music, you can anticipate spending the night in a Berber Tent under a vast night sky with the Milky Way shining above.

Day 07 The Sahara Desert- Khamlia Village – Rissani

Try to wake up early to catch the sunrise over the dunes, then return to the Berber camp for breakfast. Afterward, continue exploring the desert by 4x4 vehicle.

Head to the traditional Saharan village of Khamlia, where you can enjoy authentic Gnawa music and dance performed by the local community. Continue toward Rissani, which served as an important caravan trading center until about a century ago. As late as the early 1900s, gold and silver were traded in the Tafilalt region. Before the rise of the caravan routes and the modern cities of Morocco, Sijilmassa was the most important city in the area; its ruins are still visible just outside the present-day town.

Stop in Rissani to visit the local market. The market takes place three times a week—on Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday—when locals gather to buy and sell a wide variety of products, including dates, fruits, and everyday goods. It is also a social meeting point where people exchange news and connect with one another.

In the afternoon, there is an optional opportunity to rent quad ATVs or buggies to test your skills on the sand dunes, or you may choose to relax by the pool at your hotel.

Day 08 The Sahara Desert Erg Chebbi To Toudra Valley and Toudra Gorge - Drive to Dades Valley

To be ready for a breathtaking sunrise over the sand dunes, we advise you to get up early before dawn. Then, get out of your tent. After breakfast, spend the morning learning more about the Sahara. You may hire a sandboard and try out your talents on the dunes, or sign up for an ATV excursion, which will be just an option.

Start your morning off with a visit to the Town of Rissani, known for being the ancestral home of the Alaouite dynasty, the current ruling family of Morocco. It is also the home of the mausoleum of Moulay Ali Cherif, the ancestor of the Alaouite dynasty. Rissani is popular for its local markets, where local people buy and sell everything from dates and spices, and more. Back in time, the market is an opportunity for the local communities to gather at this Souk on a social level as well, to meet one another and exchange updates from their relatives and the surrounding area.

Continue to the desert town of Tinghir, known for its spectacular canyon with towering red rock cliffs reaching up to 160 meters (520 feet) high and a narrow gorge carved through the limestone rocks. The walls of the gorge are dotted with numerous caves and offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The Todra River flows through the gorge where you can enjoy an easy walk through the canyon, or you can relax in the cool water to enjoy these stunning natural gorges, which is a popular destination for hikers and sightseers, offering stunning views of the valley below.

Afterwards, travel to the Dades Valley, known for its stunning valley surrounded by mountains and fig trees, oases, and mud-brick villages. It is home to the Berber people and is renowned for its stunning landscapes and ancient kasbahs. The Dades Valley is a great destination for adventure, culture, and nature lovers alike. Popular activities include exploring the local villages and trekking in the surrounding mountains. Overnight in Dades Valley.

Day 09 Dades Valley and Rose Valley - Ait Benhaddou Kasbah via Ouarzazate - Drive to Marrakech

Start your journey in the morning from Dades Valley toward Marrakech. You'll travel through the Rose Valley, famous for the production of roses and its annual Festival of Roses. Held in El Kelaa M'Gouna each May, this event celebrates the rose’s many uses, from traditional perfumes to modern products. During the festival, visitors can enjoy traditional music, dance performances, and the crowning of the Rose Queen, chosen for her beauty and knowledge of traditional culture. The town itself is located in the fertile valley of the M'Goun River, surrounded by mountains and known for its Berber culture and architecture.

Continue along the Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs through Skoura, known for its beautiful palm grove oasis which is home to a number of small villages. The area is renowned for its lush greenery, and popular attractions include the ruins of the 17th-century Kasbah Amerhidil.

Next, you will stop at the city of Ouarzazate, the "Hollywood of Morocco." The city is known for its ancient fortresses and its role as a gateway to the Draa Valley, the Anti-Atlas Mountains, and the desert. As a popular filming destination, it has hosted famous productions like Lawrence of Arabia and Gladiator. You can take a tour of Atlas Studio to learn about the movies featured in Hollywood productions over the last century and explore the diverse shooting locations, including deserts and mountains.

Half an hour later, you will arrive at Ait Benhaddou Kasbah, a fortified city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Once an important stop along the trans-Saharan trading route, the kasbah is made up of traditional adobe buildings that are still inhabited today. You can wander the winding streets, discover the old buildings, and marvel at the ancient architecture.

From Ait Benhaddou, the journey continues to Marrakech through the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi N'tichka pass, which stands at 2,260 meters (7,414 feet). The road winds through stunning landscapes, passing Berber villages and offering incredible views of the valleys. Your journey ends in Marrakech, the bustling city famous for its ancient souks and historic monuments.

Day 10 Marrakech: Explore Marrakech Sights and Historical landmarks and Majorelle Garden

ar from the old Medina of Fes, Marrakech has more Amazigh (Berber) than Arab historical roots. Nicknamed the "Red City," it has always been a major economic center for the Berber Atlas Mountain tribes. You will start your day by visiting Morocco's top tourist attractions in this vibrant metropolis.

The journey begins at Jemaa el Fna, Marrakech's main square and marketplace in the Medina (old city). A hub for both locals and tourists, the square truly comes to life in the afternoon with musicians and storytellers. Next, you will visit the Bahia Palace, a 19th-century structure featuring rooms beautifully decorated with stuccos, paintings, and mosaics, complemented by several serene gardens. You will also explore the Saadian Tombs, an ancient royal necropolis located inside the royal Kasbah on the southern side of the Kasbah Mosque.

Orienting yourself to the west, you will find the Koutoubia Mosque and its beautiful garden. Built in the 12th century, its minaret remains the tallest building in Marrakech, standing at 70 meters. The cultural tour continues with the Madrasa Ben Youssef, an Islamic school from the 16th century, where you can admire exquisite tile work and carved cedar ceilings.

Finally, end your visit in the new city to discover the Majorelle Garden. This one-hectare botanical garden and artist landmark was created by the French Orientalist artist Jacques Majorelle starting in 1923. He worked on it for nearly forty years, and the site includes a stunning villa designed by the artist himself.

Day 11 Marrakech to Essaouira

Morning departure as you travel toward the West Coast from the Red City of Marrakech. Your journey will take you across massive rolling plains, following the road through a unique Argan tree forest. In this region, goats are known for their remarkable ability to climb trees and their love of the Argan fruit. It is quite possible to see goats perched among the tree branches, enjoying the fruit high above the ground.

Essaouira is a captivating coastal town famous for its historic Medina and bustling souks. The city is renowned for its strong blend of African, Jewish, and European cultures, making it a truly unique destination. The Medina is home to numerous art galleries, restaurants, and shops, while the city's traditional harbor acts as a gateway to the Atlantic Ocean.

Beyond its history, Essaouira offers numerous outdoor activities such as windsurfing and kiteboarding, as well as plenty of beautiful beaches for relaxation.

Day 12 Essaouira - El Jadida - Casablanca

Your driver will take you to Casablanca this morning by taking the seaside road. You'll stop in a few of Morocco's seaside cities along the way so you can stretch your legs and explore the city.

At El Jadida, a UNESCO World Heritage site that was constructed in the 16th century, you may tour the Portuguese Cistern. Have lunch here in the city after spending some time walking the ramparts and exploring the Church of the Assumption.

Your final destination is the town of Casablanca. It is a major economic hub of Morocco, and the city is known for its French-style architecture, vibrant nightlife, and picturesque beaches. It is home to many historical sites and monuments, including the Hassan II Mosque and Rick's Café.

Day 13 Flight Home from Casablanca

Relax and take advantage of your last few hours in Casablanca City before your trip to the airport. Please keep in mind that the Casablanca Airport is a 50-minute drive from your hotel, so plan your departure accordingly.

Have a pleasant and secure trip home or to your next destination!

Included/Excluded

  • Transportation according to the planned itinerary.
  • Private 4×4 jeep with air conditioning (mini-bus with air conditioning for groups larger than six).
  • English-speaking driver/guide.
  • Fuel and all transportation-related expenses.
  • 9 nights in a hotel or riad on a BB (breakfast ), in rooms with private bathrooms.
  • 1 night in a desert tented camp, including Beakfast & dinner and accommodation.
  • 1 night in a desert Hotel , including Beakfast & dinner and accommodation.
  • One night in a Dades Valley Hotel , on a half-board basis (breakfast and dinner )
  • Guided tours of the Medinas of Marrakech and Fes with a certified English-speaking local guide.
  • Camel (dromedary) excursion in the desert.
  • Exclusive, private services (no other guests will be added to the group).
  • International and domestic flights.
  • Lunches.
  • Dinner.
  • Beverages.
  • Entrance fees to monuments and attractions.
  • Tips and personal expenses.
  • Any services not explicitly listed under "Included in the Price".

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