8 Days Morocco Tour from Casablanca

Morning – Arrival and Exploration of Casablanca

Your journey begins in Casablanca, the largest city in Morocco and its economic capital. Depending on your arrival time, you will have the opportunity to explore the modernity of Casablanca.

The highlight of Casablanca is the Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world. Its minaret stands 210 meters tall, making it the tallest religious structure in the world. The mosque is built partly over the Atlantic Ocean, fulfilling the Quranic verse that God's throne is built on water. Non-Muslims can enter on guided tours.

After exploring Casablanca, we drive north to Rabat, the capital of Morocco.

Afternoon – Exploration of Rabat

In Rabat, you will visit the Kasbah of the Oudaias, a picturesque fortress overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The kasbah's narrow streets are painted in white and blue, reminiscent of Andalusian style.

You will also visit the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, a masterpiece of modern Alaouite architecture. The mausoleum houses the tombs of King Mohammed V and his sons, King Hassan II and Prince Abdallah. The white marble building with its green tiled roof is guarded by ceremonial soldiers on horseback.

Next to the mausoleum stands the Hassan Tower, the unfinished minaret of a massive mosque begun in the 12th century. The tower and the surrounding Roman columns are all that remain of the original project.

Evening – Overnight in Rabat

You will spend the night in comfortable accommodation in Rabat.

Morning – Departure to Meknes

After breakfast, we depart for Meknes, an imperial city full of history. Meknes was the capital of Morocco during the reign of Sultan Moulay Ismail in the 17th century.

You will visit the monumental gates of Bab Mansour, considered the most beautiful gate in Morocco. The gate is decorated with intricate zellij tilework and marble columns taken from the Roman ruins of Volubilis.

You will also visit the Heri es-Souani, the royal granaries and stables built by Moulay Ismail to feed his 12,000 horses. The building's massive walls and arches are an impressive example of Moroccan engineering.

Afternoon – Roman Ruins of Volubilis

From Meknes, we drive to the Roman ruins of Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Volubilis was the southernmost outpost of the Roman Empire, founded in the 3rd century BC.

You will walk through the ruins, seeing:

• Triumphal arches
• Basilica and capitol
• Beautiful mosaic floors depicting Roman myths
• Remains of houses, baths, and olive presses
• Views over the surrounding wheat fields

Unlike many Roman sites, Volubilis is not crowded, allowing you to imagine life here two thousand years ago.

Late Afternoon – Arrival in Fes

After exploring Volubilis, we continue to Fes, the oldest imperial city of Morocco and its cultural and spiritual heart. You will arrive in the evening and check into your accommodation.

Morning – Exploration of the Medina

In Fes, you will immerse yourself in Moroccan culture with a guided tour of its labyrinthine medina. The medina of Fes, known as Fes el-Bali, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the largest car free urban areas in the world.

Your local guide will lead you through the narrow streets, helping you discover:

• The Bou Inania Madrasa, a masterpiece of Marinid architecture with intricate carved wood and zellij tilework
• The University of Al Quaraouiyine, founded in 859 AD and recognized as the oldest continuously operating university in the world
• The Chouara Tannery, where leather has been dyed in the same stone vats for over a thousand years
• The Nejjarine Museum of Wood Arts, housed in a beautifully restored caravanserai
• The Moulay Idriss Mausoleum, honoring the founder of Fes

Afternoon – Souks and Artisans

In the afternoon, you will explore the souks of Fes. Unlike the souks of Marrakech, the Fes souks are less tourist oriented and more authentic. You will find:

• The brass and copper souk, where artisans hammer intricate designs
• The carpet souk, with handmade Berber and Moroccan rugs
• The dye souk, with colorful powders and natural pigments
• The clothing souk, with traditional djellabas and caftans

You will have free time to shop and explore on your own if you wish.

Evening – Overnight in Fes

Morning – Departure to Erfoud

We leave Fes behind and drive south toward Erfoud, the gateway to the Sahara Desert. The route takes us through the Middle Atlas mountains.

First Stop – Ifrane, the Switzerland of Morocco

We stop in Ifrane, known as the Switzerland of Morocco. This alpine style town was built by the French in the 1930s. Unlike anywhere else in Morocco, Ifrane has red tiled roofs, flower filled roundabouts, and a stone lion carved into the rock.

Continuing through the Middle Atlas

From Ifrane, we continue through the stunning Middle Atlas. The landscape includes:

• The Cedar Forest, one of the largest remaining cedar forests in Africa
• Wild Barbary macaques, which you can observe from a safe distance
• The Ziz Valley, a dramatic oasis of thousands of palm trees

We make several stops for panoramic views and photographs. The Ziz Gorges offer breathtaking views of the valley below.

Afternoon – Arrival in Erfoud

We arrive in Erfoud in the late afternoon. Erfoud is known for its fossil industry. The desert around Erfoud is rich in marine fossils, dating back to when the Sahara was under water. You may have the opportunity to visit a fossil workshop.

Evening – Overnight in Erfoud

You will spend the night in a hotel or riad in Erfoud.

Morning – Short Drive to Merzouga

After breakfast, we drive a short distance to Merzouga, the gateway to the Erg Chebbi dunes. These are some of the highest sand dunes in Morocco, reaching up to 150 meters.

Late Afternoon – Camel Ride into the Dunes

In the late afternoon, you will experience an exciting camel ride through the golden dunes. Each person receives their own camel. Your experienced guide will lead you into the Sahara.

The camel trek is timed to arrive at a high dune just as the sun begins to set. Watch as the sun paints the dunes in shades of orange, purple, and gold.

Night in a Berber Camp

After sunset, you continue to the Berber camp. You will be welcomed with mint tea. The camp consists of comfortable tents with mattresses, blankets, and pillows. Shared bathroom facilities are available.

You will enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner. After dinner, your hosts will play live Berber music around the campfire under the starry Sahara sky.

Early Morning – Sunrise in the Desert

Wake up early to witness the sunrise over the golden dunes. After sunrise, you will enjoy breakfast at the camp. Then you will ride your camel back to Merzouga village (or take a 4x4 transfer if you prefer).

Morning – Departure to Todra Gorges

After leaving the dunes behind, we drive toward the Todra Gorges. The drive takes approximately 3 to 4 hours.

Afternoon – Exploration of Todra Gorges

We arrive at the Todra Gorges in the early afternoon. The Todra Gorges are a stunning canyon of red rock, carved by the Todra River over thousands of years. The canyon walls rise up to 300 meters high, in some places only 10 meters apart.

You will have time to:

• Walk through the canyon and marvel at the towering cliffs
• Watch rock climbers scaling the vertical walls (the gorges are a world famous climbing destination)
• Take spectacular photographs of the light and shadows on the red rock
• Enjoy a picnic or lunch at a local restaurant overlooking the river

The Todra Gorges are also home to several Berber villages. You will see locals tending their fields, herding goats, and going about daily life in this dramatic setting.

Evening – Overnight near the Todra Gorges

You will spend the night in a hotel or riad near the Todra Gorges.

Morning – Departure to Marrakech

After breakfast, we drive toward Marrakech. The route takes us through the dramatic landscapes of the High Atlas mountains.

Midday – Stop in Ouarzazate

We make a stop in Ouarzazate, known as the Hollywood of Africa or the Door of the Desert. Ouarzazate is famous for its film industry, with movies such as Gladiator, Lawrence of Arabia, and Game of Thrones filmed here.

You will visit the Atlas Film Studios, one of the largest film studios in the world. The studio tour takes you through sets representing ancient Egypt, Jerusalem, and other historical locations.

You will also explore the Taourirt Kasbah, a stunning example of traditional Moroccan architecture. The kasbah was once the residence of the Glaoui family, who controlled much of southern Morocco. Its maze of rooms, towers, and passageways is fascinating to explore.

Afternoon – Crossing the High Atlas Mountains

After Ouarzazate, we continue through the High Atlas mountains, crossing the Tizi n'Tichka pass at 2,260 meters. The winding road offers spectacular views of mountains, valleys, and Berber villages.

We make several stops for photographs and rest breaks.

Late Afternoon – Arrival in Marrakech

We arrive in Marrakech in the late afternoon or early evening. You will check into your accommodation.

Morning – Free Time in Marrakech

Today marks the end of our adventure. Enjoy your final hours in Marrakech. You may choose to:

• Visit the souks for last minute souvenir shopping
• Return to a favorite spot in the medina
• Relax in a traditional hammam
• Enjoy a final Moroccan meal

Your driver will transfer you to Marrakech Menara Airport for your departure flight according to your flight schedule.