9-Day Casablanca Tour in Morocco: Explore the Best of the Country

Casablanca tour Morocco, a dazzling journey to Morocco awaits with this 09-day tour across the vast expanse of the country. Follow a well-planned itinerary from Casablanca to Marrakech that will lead you across the magnificent mountain and desert landscapes of this historically and culturally exquisite African land.

During your trip to Morocco, you will have the chance to visit many of the country’s most iconic sights, such as the Hassan II Mosque, the largest mosque in Africa and Rabat the capital of Morocco. You will also discover charming cities like the imperial city of Fes, known for its ancient medina and vibrant souks.

As you journey through the country, you will explore captivating destinations like Midelt, a charming town nestled between the Middle and High Atlas Mountains, and Merzouga, where you can marvel at the breathtaking dunes of the Sahara Desert. You’ll also pass through the dramatic landscapes of the Dades Valley, renowned for its striking rock formations and lush oases.

Continuing your adventure, you will visit Ouarzazate, often referred to as the “Gateway to the Sahara” and home to the famous Atlas Film Studios. Nearby, the UNESCO-listed Ait Ben Haddou awaits, offering a glimpse into Morocco’s rich history with its well-preserved kasbahs and fortified village.

Finally, your adventure will conclude in the enchanting city of Marrakech, where you can explore the bustling Jemaa el-Fnaa square and the stunning Majorelle Garden.

Day 1: Casablanca Airport – Casablanca.

Welcome to Morocco!

Upon arrival into Casablanca’s Mohammed V Airport, look out for the friendly face of your chauffeur waiting for you in the arrivals hall. The driver will wait for you with a sign with the name of our agency Morocco Sahara Desert Travel (MSDT)

After assisting you with your luggage, your private transfer will drive you to your hotel in the heart of the city. Don’t forget to look out the window and be awed by this majestic city, one of the world’s longest continuously inhabited places.

Once you’ve checked into the hotel, feel free to enjoy the rest of the evening at your own pace and leisure.

Overnight at the Hotel in Casablanca.

Day 2: Casablanca – Rabat – Chefchaouen.

Start the sightseeing at 08:45 AM and dive into the Mosques and Mausoleums of Casablanca.

After breakfast this morning, head out to the Hassan II Mosques, the largest mosque in Africa. Marvel at a the mosque’s towering minaret, which rises up into the Casablanca sky to a height of 210 meters.

Set off for the city of Rabat, the capital of Morocco, the Atlantic coastline and the elegant city filled with impressive landmarks. It is a captivating blend of historical heritage and modern vibrancy. A city tour of Rabat is an enriching experience, offering glimpses into its rich past and contemporary life.

First, we’ll head to the Chellah, a historic necropolis surrounded by thick fortified walls. Chellah is a historical site that offers a mix of Roman ruins and medieval Islamic architecture, set within lush gardens and surrounded by ancient walls. It’s a serene place that provides insight into the layers of history that have shaped the region.

Our tour then leads us to the Hassan Tower. It is an iconic landmark, a partially completed minaret of what was intended to be the world’s largest mosque. The tower and its surrounding ruins provide insight into the grandeur of 12th-century architecture.

Besides the Hassan Tower you will have the optional visit of the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, a marble masterpiece of Moroccan architecture, which houses the tombs of Moroccan kings and princes.

We’ll also visit a fascinating area called Oudaya Kasbah. It is an  ancient fortress overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The Kasbah is known for its blue-and-white painted buildings, narrow winding streets, and stunning gardens.

Continuing on, we’ll arrive in the whitewashed city of Chefchaouen later this afternoon.

Overnight at the Hotel / Riad in Chefchaouen.

Day 3: Chefchaouen – Fes.

Start the blue city sightseeing at 09:30 AM and do self guided walking tour the whole morning in Chefchaouen.

Discover the Charming Whitewashed Streets of Chefchaouen

Spend the morning exploring the picturesque streets of Chefchaouen. This exquisite city nestled in a gentle valley in the Rif Mountains is characterized by whitewashed buildings detailed in a myriad of blue shades.

During your wanderings along cobblestone alleys and stairways painted white, you will encounter weaving studios and leather workshops where skilled artisans carry on their crafting traditions. Discover the red walls of the kasbah and a medieval fortress in the peaceful square of Outa el Hamman. Look out for the Great Mosque’s octagonal minaret that rises over the rooftops.

After lunch, the journey continues to Fes.

Overnight at the Hotel / Riad in Fes.

Day 4: Fes – Fes City Tour with local guide

Start the tour with local guide at 09:30 AM

Delve into the Rich History of Fes with local guide

Head out on an exploration of Fez, Morocco’s oldest city. You will be guided to important historical sights, such as the gate of the Royal Palace and the old Jewish Quarter, which is known as the “Mellah.” Dating from the 14th century, it is the oldest in Morocco.

The continue the visit to the UNESCO-listed Fes el-Bali (Old Fes). This ancient medina is one of the world’s largest car-free urban areas. Certainly, It is a labyrinth of narrow, winding streets filled with bustling souks, traditional workshops, and historical sites.

Our knowledgeable local guide will lead you through the medina, starting with the Bab Bou Jeloud, or the Blue Gate, a stunning example of Moroccan architecture.

Delve deeper into the medina where you’ll visit the Al Quaraouiyine University. Founded in 859 AD, it is the oldest continuously operating university in the world.

Besides, you’ll find the Al-Attarine Madrasa, a masterpiece of Marinid architecture, adorned with intricate tilework and wood carvings. The Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts and Crafts offers insights into traditional Moroccan carpentry and craftsmanship.

Moreover, your exploration continues with a visit to the Chouara Tannery, one of the oldest tanneries in the world. From a vantage point, you can observe the traditional process of leather dyeing in large stone vats. It is a practice that has remained unchanged for centuries. The vibrant colors and unique smells create an unforgettable sensory experience.

Later in the evening, you will have the chance to visit an atmospheric tile and pottery cooperative to learn how the emblematic tiles of Morocco are made.

Overnight at the same Riad.

Day 5: Fes – Ifrane – Cedert Forest – Midelt – Ziz Valley  – Erfoud – Sahara Desert of Merzouga.

Meet the driver at 08:00 AM and start the sightseeing tour to Midelt.

Begin your day early in Fes, a vibrant city brimming with history and culture. As you leave the bustling medina behind, the landscape gradually transforms into rolling hills and serene countryside. Enjoy the scenic drive, soaking in the sights of olive groves and picturesque villages.

Stop in Ifrane
Your first stop is Ifrane, often called “Little Switzerland” due to its European-style architecture and clean streets. Nestled in the Middle Atlas Mountains, this charming town offers a refreshing break with its cool climate and tranquil atmosphere. Take a leisurely stroll through the town center, visit the iconic Lion Statue, and perhaps enjoy a warm cup of Moroccan mint tea in a local café.

Explore the Cedar Forest
Continue your journey to the nearby Cedar Forest, home to ancient cedar trees and playful Barbary macaques. This enchanting forest invites you to stretch your legs and breathe in the crisp mountain air. Keep an eye out for the monkeys, which are often friendly and curious. A short walk among the towering trees provides a serene connection to nature.

Pressing onward, you’ll reach Midelt, located at the foothills of the High Atlas Mountains. This small town is known as the “Apple Capital” of Morocco. Stop for a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, where you can savor traditional Moroccan dishes like tagine or couscous. Take in the peaceful ambiance and admire the backdrop of rugged mountains.

Midelt to Ziz Valley:
Midelt is a charming town nestled between the Middle and High Atlas Mountains. As you depart, the scenery transforms into a captivating blend of rugged mountains and lush oases. The road winds through dramatic gorges and picturesque landscapes, leading you to the breathtaking Ziz Valley. Known for its vast palm groves and terraced fields, the valley offers a refreshing change of scenery. Along the way, you’ll find opportunities to capture stunning views and explore the rich history of the area, including ancient kasbahs and villages.

Ziz Valley to Erfoud:
Continuing the journey, you descend into Erfoud, often referred to as the gateway to the Sahara Desert. This bustling town is renowned for its fossil workshops and vibrant markets, where you can discover unique artifacts and learn about the region’s geology. As the landscape begins to flatten, the golden hues of the desert sands come into view, signaling your approach to the majestic dunes of Merzouga.

Erfoud to Merzouga:
Arriving in Merzouga, the vast expanse of the Erg Chebbi dunes welcomes you. This iconic desert destination is a haven for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike. After a brief stop to prepare for the next part of your journey, you mount a camel for an unforgettable trek across the dunes. The rhythmic sway of the camel and the ever-changing colors of the sand create a magical experience as you venture deeper into the desert.

Camel Ride and Desert Camp:
As the sun sets over the dunes, the desert transforms into a landscape of warm oranges and reds, offering a stunning backdrop for photographs. The camel ride concludes at a traditional desert camp, where you are greeted with Berber hospitality. Under a canopy of stars, you can enjoy a delicious dinner accompanied by traditional music and storytelling. The evening provides a perfect blend of tranquility and cultural immersion, ensuring a night to remember in the heart of the Sahara.

Overnight at the Desert Camp inside Sahara Desert Dunes.

Day 6: Sahara Desert of Merzouga – Todra gorges – Dades.

Today you will have to wake up very early in the morning to see what will may be the best sunrise of your life. You will set over the Sand Dunes of Sahara of Erg Chebbi to watch wonderful sunrise. After watching the sunrise you will go down to the Camp for breakfast. Then you’ll peacefully camel-trek back to the village of Merzouga. While enjoying morning camel ride you couldn’t fail to appreciate the unique beauty of the spectacular Erg Chebbi sand dunes – changing with the light as the day progresses.

Mee the driver at around 10:00 AM then continue the journey to Dades.

Once you arrive the village of Merzouga, you will meet the driver again to continue the tour to Dades. You will have optional stop in  Rissani to visit the Mausoleum of Moulay Ali chref, the founder of the Alaouit dynasty, and then you will continue to Erfoud to visit the fossilized marble factory before continuing to the Todra valley, where you will have lunch. Once in Todra you can highlight a half-hour walk to see the gorges calmly and you will be guided through the palm grove and the Jewish quarter. Todra gorges is the highest, narrowest gorges in Morocco. The Todra River has formed a gorge of enormous vertical walls of great beauty; it is a climber’s paradise and a unique place.

In the evening we will drive through the Dades Valley, where you’ll see the majestic sand castles and the amazing rock formations known as “monkey toes”.

Overnight at the hotel / Riad in Dades.

Day 7: Dades Valley- Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Hadou – Marrakech.

Meet the driver at 09:00 AM and start the sightseeing tour to Marrakech.

After breakfast in your accommodation, you will start travelling through the Dades Valley towards Ouarzazate and then to Marrakech. The road through Dades Valley is called the way of the thousand Kasbahs – providing numerous opportunities to take some of your best photographic shots of the trip.

You will stop at Kalaat M’Gouna -the centre of rose’s valley-, where you will have the option to visit the cooperative for the roses, to purchase the rosewater, which will make your linen smell good a long time after your trip is over.

Continue to Marrakech via the Ait Benhaddou Kasbah. It is the famous fortified village and It is one of the most well-preserved examples of traditional Moroccan earthen architecture and has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987.

Ait Ben Haddou has been a setting for numerous films and television shows, particularly in the fantasy and historical genres. Its iconic, ancient look has made it a popular location for filming, with famous appearances in movies such as Gladiator, Lawrence of Arabia, The Mummy, Babel, and the Game of Thrones series.

Your journey will continue through the majestic Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2260 m) over the High Atlas Mountains, where you will have the opportunity to explore the process of producing the Argan oil- existing only in morocco – by Berber women in their cooperative, before arriving at your overnight accommodation in Marrakech.

Overnight at the Hotel / Riad in Marrakech

Day 8: Marrakech city tour with local guide.

Start the tour with local guide at 09:30 AM

After breakfast at your hotel or riad, begin your exploration of Marrakech, the “Red City” of Morocco, with a knowledgeable local guide. Your tour will take you to some of the city’s most significant historical and cultural landmarks, including the Koutoubia Mosque, the Saadian Tombs, the Bahia Palace, and the lively Jemaa el-Fna Square. If you wish, you may also visit the Majorelle Garden, a peaceful retreat known for its striking blue architecture and lush botanical collection.

Following lunch at a restaurant near the square, stroll through the bustling souks, where you’ll encounter a vibrant array of handcrafted goods, from spices and textiles to leatherwork and jewelry. In the afternoon, enjoy some free time to explore other parts of the city at your own pace.

Marrakech, often called the “Red City” due to its red sandstone buildings and walls, has deep Berber roots and was once a major trading hub for Atlas Mountain tribes. To get your bearings:

• The souks lie north of Jemaa el-Fna Square.

• The Koutoubia Mosque and Gardens are to the west.

• The Kasbah district, home to the Saadian Tombs, Bahia Palace, and El Badi Palace, is to the south.

• The Majorelle Garden, if you choose to visit, is located in the modern part of the city.

As you navigate the intricate maze of souks, immerse yourself in the scents and colors of traditional Moroccan craftsmanship. Visit Souk el Attarin, Souk Chouari, and Souk Smata to browse spices, woodwork, and handmade Moroccan slippers (babouches). You can also explore the Tanneries and dyers’ souk, where artisans use age-old techniques to dye textiles and leather.

End your tour with a visit to the Ben Youssef Madrasa, a stunning 16th-century Koranic school and an exceptional example of Moroccan-Islamic architecture. Admire its intricate carved cedar ceilings, sculpted plasterwork, and colorful zellij tilework, which showcase the artistic mastery of the era.

Overnight at the Hotel / Riad in Marrakech

Day 9:  Marrakech – Casablanca Airport.

Goodbye, Morocco!

All good things must come to an end but we hope you have enjoyed your time at Casablanca tour Morocco exploring the very best that this region of Northern Africa has to offer. The rich and unique history, its magnificent natural beauty and the charming people that makes Morocco the country that it is.

At an arranged time you will be transferred from your hotel to Casablanca.

We hope you have had a memorable trip and wish you pleasant onward travels!