6-Day Morocco Desert Tour from Casablanca

Upon arrival at Casablanca airport, your private driver will greet you and transfer you in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle. Your first stop is the majestic Hassan II Mosque, the second largest mosque in the world, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Admire the intricate marble, mosaics, and woodwork, and capture photos of this architectural masterpiece.

Afterwards, continue your journey to the Blue City of Chefchaouen in the Rif Mountains, enjoying scenic landscapes along the way. Upon arrival, explore the charming streets of the medina, with its blue-painted walls and traditional Moroccan markets. The evening is at leisure to enjoy a relaxed dinner in your riad and soak in the magical ambiance of Chefchaouen.

Overnight: Riad in Chefchaouen

Start your morning wandering through Chefchaouen’s winding streets, photographing the iconic blue and white houses and visiting the central Plaza Uta el-Hammam. Explore local artisan shops, Kasbah gardens, and quaint cafés for breakfast or a mid-morning mint tea.

In the afternoon, travel south to the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis. Discover the well-preserved mosaics, arches, and columns, learning about Morocco’s Roman past. Next, visit the nearby holy town of Moulay Idriss (non-Muslims cannot enter the mausoleum) before continuing to Fes. Arrive at your riad in the evening and enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner.

Overnight: Riad in Fes

After breakfast, meet your licensed local guide for a comprehensive exploration of Fes, Morocco’s oldest imperial city. Begin at the University of Al-Qarawiyyin, the world’s oldest operating university, and admire its historical architecture. Continue to Bou Inania Medersa to marvel at its intricate tilework, carved cedar, and stucco designs.

Visit the exterior of the Royal Palace and then dive into the UNESCO-listed Fes Medina, wandering through its labyrinthine streets, vibrant souks, and traditional workshops. See the famous leather tanneries, explore colorful markets, and learn about traditional crafts at the Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts and Crafts. Return to your riad for dinner at leisure.

Overnight: Riad in Fes

Depart Fes in the morning, driving through the Middle Atlas Mountains. Stop in Ifrane, known as “Little Switzerland” for its Alpine-style architecture, and continue to Azrou to see the cedar forests and Barbary apes. Lunch is in Midelt, Morocco’s apple capital, surrounded by orchards and rural landscapes.

Drive through the scenic Ziz Valley and Erfoud, the gateway to the Sahara. Continue to Merzouga, where the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi await. Enjoy a camel trek at sunset over the majestic dunes before arriving at your luxury desert camp. Relish dinner in the camp, and spend a magical night under the stars with Berber music around the campfire.

Overnight: Luxury Sahara Camp

Wake early to watch the sunrise over Erg Chebbi, witnessing the dramatic play of light and shadow on the dunes. After breakfast, depart for Tinghir and explore the Todra Gorge, with its towering cliffs and lush palm groves. Along the way, learn about traditional irrigation systems, including the ancient qanats that provided water to desert oases.

Continue along the Road of 1,000 Kasbahs through scenic desert landscapes to the Dades Valley. Admire the rock formations and sandstone cliffs that form Morocco’s “Grand Canyon.” Arrive at your hotel in the evening, where dinner awaits.

Overnight: Hotel in Dades Valley

After breakfast, explore the Dades Valley briefly before continuing along the Valley of Roses to Skoura, visiting the impressive Kasbah Amridil, a traditional mud-brick fortress showcasing Berber architecture.

Next, travel to Ouarzazate, the “Hollywood of Morocco,” and explore the Atlas Film Studios briefly. Then visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Kasbah Aït Ben Haddou, famous for its striking earthen architecture and use in major films. Cross the Tizi n’Tichka Pass in the High Atlas Mountains, enjoying panoramic views, before descending into Marrakech. Your tour concludes with a drop-off at your hotel or riad.

Overnight: End of Tour in Marrakech