OVERVIEW OF 11 DAY TOUR FROM CASABLANCA TO MARRAKECH

This eleven-day expedition from Casablanca to Marrakech offers a comprehensive and profoundly immersive journey through Morocco’s imperial heritage, cultural complexity, and Saharan grandeur. Designed for travelers who seek depth rather than haste, this itinerary unfolds at a measured rhythm, allowing for meaningful encounters, architectural appreciation, and contemplative desert experiences.

From the Atlantic elegance of Casablanca and Rabat to the scholarly prestige of Fes, from the cedar forests of the Middle Atlas to the vast golden dunes of Erg Chebbi, and from the fortified kasbahs of the south to the vibrant theatricality of Marrakech, each stage reveals a distinct facet of Morocco’s identity.

This extended version enriches the experience with additional cultural discoveries, deeper desert exploration, and greater time devoted to the imperial cities. It offers a harmonious balance between historical insight, natural magnificence, and authentic human connection—culminating in a journey that is both intellectually rewarding and emotionally resonant.

HIGHLIGHTS OF 11 DAY TOUR FROM CASABLANCA TO MARRAKECH

• Discover Casablanca and visit the majestic Hassan II Mosque
• Explore Rabat’s royal monuments and coastal fortifications
• Visit the Roman ruins of Volubilis (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
• Explore Meknes and its monumental imperial architecture
• Enjoy an in-depth guided exploration of Fes
• Cross the Middle Atlas Mountains and cedar forests
• Experience camel trekking in the dunes of Erg Chebbi
• Spend two nights in the Sahara region for deeper desert immersion
• Follow portions of the historic Paris–Dakar off-road route
• Discover Todra Gorges and Dades Valley
• Visit Ouarzazate and the UNESCO-listed Ait Ben Haddou
• Cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass
• Enjoy a guided cultural exploration of Marrakech

ITINERARY FOR: 11 DAY TOUR FROM CASABLANCA TO MARRAKECH

DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN CASABLANCA

Upon arrival at Mohammed V International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your professional driver-guide and transferred to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you may enjoy an introductory orientation of Casablanca, Morocco’s economic capital.

The remainder of the day is reserved for rest and acclimatization.

DAY 2: CASABLANCA – RABAT

After breakfast, visit the extraordinary Hassan II Mosque, dramatically positioned over the Atlantic Ocean. Its intricate mosaics, carved cedarwood, and monumental minaret reflect exceptional Moroccan craftsmanship.

Continue to Rabat, the Kingdom’s political capital. Visit the Hassan Tower, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, and the Kasbah of the Udayas, whose whitewashed facades overlook the Bouregreg River.

Overnight stay in Rabat, allowing time to appreciate the city’s refined atmosphere.

DAY 3: RABAT – VOLUBILIS – MEKNES – FES

Depart Rabat and travel inland to the Roman archaeological site of Volubilis. This UNESCO-listed complex preserves remarkable mosaics, triumphal arches, and classical columns that evoke the southernmost frontier of the Roman Empire.

Continue to Meknes, one of Morocco’s imperial capitals. Explore Bab el-Mansour, the Royal Stables of Moulay Ismail, and the Sahrij Souani basin.

In the late afternoon, proceed to Fes for overnight accommodation in a traditional riad.

DAY 4: GUIDED TOUR OF FES

Today is devoted to an in-depth cultural exploration of Fes, Morocco’s spiritual and intellectual nucleus. Accompanied by a certified local guide, explore Fes el-Bali, one of the world’s oldest functioning medieval cities.

Visit Al-Qarawiyyin University, the Bou Inania and Al-Attarine Madrasas, the Nejjarine Fountain, and the historic tanneries. Wander through artisan quarters where traditional crafts—leatherwork, metal engraving, ceramics—continue to flourish.

Overnight in Fes.

DAY 5: FES – IFRANE – AZROU – MIDELT

After breakfast, depart southward into the Middle Atlas Mountains. Stop in Ifrane, often called the “Switzerland of Morocco” for its alpine-style architecture.

Continue to the cedar forests of Azrou, home to the Barbary macaques, before reaching Midelt. This transitional mountain town provides a peaceful setting for overnight accommodation, breaking the long journey toward the desert.

DAY 6: MIDELT – ZIZ VALLEY – MERZOUGA DESERT

Travel through the dramatic landscapes of the Ziz Valley, characterized by expansive palm groves and fortified ksour.

By late afternoon, arrive in Merzouga. Mount your camel and trek across the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi at sunset. Upon reaching your desert camp, enjoy dinner accompanied by traditional Berber music.

Overnight in a desert tent beneath an extraordinary canopy of stars.

DAY 7: FULL DESERT EXPERIENCE – NOMADS & KHAMLIA

Rise early to witness sunrise over the dunes. After breakfast, enjoy a deeper exploration of the desert region by 4×4 vehicle.

Visit Khamlia village, known for its distinctive Gnawa musical heritage. Continue to meet local nomadic families and observe their resilient desert lifestyle. Explore fossil plains and desert oases before returning to camp or a desert lodge for a second overnight stay in the Sahara region.

This additional day allows for meaningful immersion in desert culture and landscape.

DAY 8: MERZOUGA – RISSANI – TODRA GORGES – DADES VALLEY

After breakfast, depart toward Rissani, an important trading town with a traditional market atmosphere.

Continue to the Todra Gorges, where towering limestone cliffs form a spectacular canyon. After time for exploration, proceed through the Dades Valley, known for its sculpted rock formations and historic kasbahs.

Dinner and overnight in the valley.

DAY 9: DADES VALLEY – OUARZAZATE – AIT BEN HADDOU

Travel along the famed Road of a Thousand Kasbahs, passing through the Rose Valley and Skoura palm groves.

Arrive in Ouarzazate, often referred to as the “Gateway to the Sahara.” Continue to the UNESCO-listed Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, a striking fortified ksar constructed from earthen architecture.

Overnight near Ouarzazate or Ait Ben Haddou.

DAY 10: AIT BEN HADDOU – HIGH ATLAS – MARRAKECH

Cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass at 2,260 meters. The scenic mountain road offers panoramic views of rugged peaks and Berber villages.

Arrive in Marrakech in the afternoon. Enjoy free time to experience the lively atmosphere of Jemaa el-Fna Square. Overnight in Marrakech.

DAY 11: GUIDED TOUR OF MARRAKECH – DEPARTURE

Your final day is devoted to exploring Marrakech with a local guide. Visit the Koutoubia Mosque, Bahia Palace, Saadian Tombs, and Ben Youssef Madrasa. Wander through the vibrant medina and artisan souks.

Depending on your departure schedule, transfer to Marrakech or Casablanca airport.

This concludes your eleven-day Moroccan journey—an experience defined by imperial refinement, cultural continuity, and the timeless silence of the Sahara.