9 Days from Casablanca to Casablanca via Rabat, Chefchaouen, Fes, Merzouga, Dades and Marrakech
Discover an unforgettable 9-day private Morocco tour starting and ending in Casablanca. This complete journey combines Morocco’s imperial cities, northern landscapes, ancient Roman ruins, the Sahara Desert, dramatic mountain valleys and the famous red city of Marrakech. Travel from Casablanca to Rabat, Chefchaouen, Fes, Merzouga, the Dades Gorges and Marrakech before returning to Casablanca. Enjoy comfortable private transportation, cultural discoveries, spectacular landscapes and an authentic overnight experience in the Sahara. This itinerary is designed for travelers who want to experience the diversity of Morocco in one carefully planned private circuit.
9 Days from Casablanca to Casablanca via Rabat, Chefchaouen, Fes, Merzouga, Dades and Marrakech
Day 1: Arrival in Casablanca and Transfer to Rabat
Your 9-day Morocco adventure begins with your arrival in Casablanca. Your private driver will meet you at the airport, train station or your accommodation and welcome you to Morocco. Depending on your arrival time, you can visit some of Casablanca’s highlights before continuing toward Rabat, the capital of Morocco. Explore the modern city and discover important landmarks such as the Hassan Tower, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V and the Kasbah of the Udayas. Walk through the historic streets and enjoy your first introduction to Moroccan culture and architecture. In the evening, check into your accommodation in Rabat and relax after your journey. Spending the first night in Rabat allows you to begin the circuit at a comfortable pace while discovering one of Morocco’s most important historic cities.
Day 2: Rabat to Chefchaouen
After breakfast, depart Rabat and travel north toward the beautiful Rif Mountains. The journey takes you through changing landscapes and small Moroccan towns before reaching Chefchaouen, famous for its blue-painted medina. After arriving, enjoy a guided walk through the charming old town and explore its narrow streets, traditional houses, small shops and peaceful squares. Chefchaouen offers excellent opportunities for photography and cultural discovery. You can also walk toward the Spanish Mosque viewpoint for panoramic views over the blue medina and surrounding mountains. Take time to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the town and discover local handicrafts. In the evening, settle into your accommodation in Chefchaouen and enjoy a peaceful night in the Rif Mountains.
Day 3: Chefchaouen to Volubilis, Meknes and Fes
Leave Chefchaouen in the morning and continue toward the historic city of Volubilis. Explore the impressive Roman ruins, including ancient columns, mosaics and remains of Roman buildings that reveal the importance of this archaeological site. Continue to Meknes, one of Morocco’s imperial cities. Discover the historic medina, Bab Mansour, the old royal quarter and the traditional markets. After the visit, continue toward Fes, one of Morocco’s most fascinating cultural destinations. Upon arrival, check into your accommodation and enjoy the evening at leisure. Fes combines centuries of history, traditional craftsmanship and a remarkable old medina filled with narrow streets and lively souks. Your overnight stay in Fes prepares you for a deeper cultural experience on the following day.
Day 4: Guided Tour of Fes
Today is dedicated to discovering Fes with a local private guide. Begin with the historic Fes el-Bali medina, one of the largest pedestrian areas in the world and a UNESCO-listed historic district. Walk through its narrow streets and discover traditional souks, artisan workshops and historic buildings. Visit important viewpoints and explore the atmosphere of the old city while learning about Moroccan history and local traditions. Continue to the famous tanneries and traditional craft areas before visiting other historic neighborhoods and monuments accessible from outside. In the afternoon, explore Fes el-Jdid and the modern part of the city before returning to your accommodation. This guided day gives you time to understand the history, architecture and culture of Fes without rushing before beginning the journey toward the Sahara Desert.
Day 5: Fes to Midelt and Merzouga Desert
After breakfast, leave Fes and begin the scenic journey toward the Sahara. Cross the Middle Atlas Mountains and stop in Ifrane, a charming mountain town surrounded by forests. Continue through the cedar forests near Azrou and enjoy the beautiful mountain landscapes. The route then leads toward Midelt, known for its mountain scenery and agricultural valleys. After lunch, continue toward the Ziz Valley and stop at a panoramic viewpoint overlooking the spectacular palm-filled valley. Travel through Erfoud before reaching Merzouga in the afternoon. Prepare for your Sahara experience and begin a camel trek across the golden Erg Chebbi dunes. Ride through the desert while watching the changing colors of the sand as the sun moves toward the horizon. Arrive at your desert camp before sunset, enjoy a traditional dinner and spend a memorable night under the Sahara sky.
Day 6: Merzouga to Dades Gorges
Wake early to enjoy the sunrise over the Erg Chebbi dunes. After breakfast, leave Merzouga and continue through the desert landscapes toward the impressive Dades Valley. Along the way, visit traditional villages and discover the changing landscapes of southeastern Morocco. Continue toward Rissani and Erfoud before reaching the Todra Valley. Depending on your schedule, you can stop at the spectacular Todra Gorge and walk between its dramatic limestone cliffs. Continue toward Boumalne Dades and the famous Dades Gorges. The road through the valley offers beautiful views of mountains, rocky formations and traditional villages. In the afternoon, arrive at your accommodation in the Dades Valley. Enjoy a relaxing evening surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery and spend the night in the Dades Gorges.
Day 7: Dades Gorges to Ouarzazate and Marrakech
After breakfast, continue your journey through the Valley of Roses and the spectacular landscapes of southern Morocco. Travel along the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs and enjoy views of traditional fortified villages and mountain valleys. Continue toward Ouarzazate, often known as the gateway to the Sahara. Depending on your interests and available time, visit the famous Kasbah of Taourirt or enjoy a short stop in the city. Continue toward Ait Ben Haddou, one of Morocco’s most famous fortified villages and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the historic ksar and its traditional earthen architecture. After the visit, cross the High Atlas Mountains through the Tizi n’Tichka pass. Enjoy spectacular mountain views before descending toward Marrakech. Arrive in Marrakech in the evening and check into your accommodation.
Day 8: Guided Tour of Marrakech
Spend the day discovering Marrakech with a local private guide. Explore the historic medina and its lively souks, where traditional crafts, textiles, spices and Moroccan products fill the narrow streets. Discover important landmarks and historic areas while learning about the city’s rich history. Continue through the old neighborhoods and enjoy the unique atmosphere of Marrakech. In the afternoon, explore the famous Jemaa el-Fna square and surrounding souks. You can also visit the beautiful gardens and traditional palaces according to your interests and opening times. The guided tour provides a relaxed way to discover the Red City while allowing time for photography, shopping and local experiences. Enjoy your final evening in Marrakech before returning to Casablanca the following day.
Day 9: Marrakech to Casablanca and Departure
After breakfast, leave Marrakech and travel toward Casablanca. The journey takes you through the Moroccan countryside and offers a final opportunity to enjoy the changing landscapes. Depending on your departure schedule, you may have free time in Casablanca for a short city visit or lunch before your transfer. Your private driver will take you to Casablanca airport, train station or your preferred accommodation. This marks the end of your 9-day Morocco journey through Rabat, Chefchaouen, Fes, the Middle Atlas, Merzouga, the Dades Gorges, Ouarzazate and Marrakech. The itinerary can be adapted according to your arrival and departure times, accommodation preferences and personal interests.
Included
- Private transportation with a professional driver
- Airport or accommodation transfers in Casablanca
- Accommodation during the tour
- Breakfasts during the circuit
- One night in a desert camp in Merzouga
- Camel trek in the Erg Chebbi dunes
- Local guided tour of Fes
- Local guided tour of Marrakech
- Visits to Chefchaouen, Volubilis and Meknes
- Visit to Ait Ben Haddou
- Scenic stops in the Middle Atlas, Ziz Valley and Dades Valley
Excluded
- Lunches and drinks
- Entrance fees to monuments and attractions
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Dinners except the desert camp dinner
- Tips and optional activities
