If you’re planning to discover Morocco beyond the usual highlights, this 6-day tour from Casablanca to Marrakech is your perfect gateway to the country’s rich soul. It’s not just a road trip; it’s a seamless journey through coastal cities, imperial medinas, cedar forests, deep valleys, and the endless dunes of the Sahara. From the Atlantic charm of Casablanca to the colorful chaos of Marrakech, this six-day adventure brings together Morocco’s contrasts in the best possible way.
Start with a Warm Welcome in Casablanca: Your 6-day journey begins with a morning pickup from your hotel or riad in Casablanca. First off, we will visit the magnificent Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest and most beautiful mosques in the world, set dramatically along the Atlantic shoreline. Explore Morocco’s Capital – Rabat: From Casablanca, we head to Rabat, the official capital of Morocco. Here, we’ll walk through the quiet lanes of the Oudaya Kasbah, a peaceful walled district with white-and-blue houses. Then, we’ll stop at the Hassan Tower, the unfinished minaret of a 12th-century mosque, and visit the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, a sacred resting place for the Moroccan royal family. Evening Arrival in Fes: After soaking in Rabat’s history, we’ll continue our drive to Fes, one of Morocco’s most culturally rich cities. On arrival, you’ll check into a charming traditional riad tucked inside the old medina.
A Flavorful Start to the Day: We’ll begin the morning with a traditional Moroccan breakfast at your riad, filled with freshly baked bread, olives, honey, mint tea, and more. Step Back in Time in Fes el-Bali: Next, dive into the historic heart of Fes with a visit to Fes el-Bali, the old medina. This UNESCO-listed site is one of the world’s oldest walled cities, filled with narrow alleys, vibrant markets, and centuries-old mosques and madrasas. Your guide will help you navigate its maze-like layout, pointing out iconic spots like the Al-Qarawiyyin University, the oldest university in the world. Modern Touches in Fes el-Jdid & French Quarter: After the old medina, we head to Fes el-Jdid, a district developed during the Marinid dynasty. Then, we move on to the French Quarter, where you’ll see the city’s more modern, colonial-influenced side, characterized by wide boulevards and elegant buildings. Cultural Crossroads at Mellah and Andalusian Mosque: In the afternoon, we explore Mellah, the historic Jewish Quarter of Fes. We’ll also visit the Andalusian Mosque, one of Fes’s oldest and most architecturally impressive mosques. Evening Wind-Down: We return to your riad in the evening, where you can enjoy a warm Moroccan dinner and relax in the peaceful courtyard or rooftop terrace.
A Scenic Drive Through Morocco’s Changing Landscapes: Day three kicks off with a long but beautiful journey south. After breakfast, we leave the medieval lanes of Fes behind and head toward the desert. Ifrane & Azrou: We pass through Ifrane, often called 'Little Switzerland' for its alpine architecture. Then, we stop in the Cedar Forest of Azrou to see the Barbary macaques in their natural habitat. Midelt & Ziz Valley: We stop for lunch in Midelt, known for its apple orchards. Continuing south, we drive through the spectacular Ziz Valley, with its panoramic views of palm groves and gorges. Arrival in Merzouga: By late afternoon, we reach the golden dunes of Merzouga. We check into our hotel near the dunes, where you can relax and enjoy dinner.
4x4 Desert Tour: After breakfast, we start our exploration of the desert area in a 4x4 vehicle. We'll visit the village of Khamlia to listen to traditional Gnawa music. Nomad Visit: We'll visit nomadic families living in tents on the edge of the dunes, learning about their lifestyle and sharing a cup of tea. We may also visit the Miffis mines or a desert oasis. Camel Trek & Camp: In the late afternoon, we meet our camels for a trek across the Erg Chebbi dunes. We'll stop to watch the sunset before arriving at our luxury desert camp. Enjoy a traditional dinner, Berber music, and a night under the stars.
Sunrise & Rissani: Wake up early to watch the sunrise over the dunes. After breakfast, we trek back to Merzouga and drive to Rissani to visit its bustling market. Todra Gorges: We continue to the Todra Gorges, a spectacular canyon with high red cliffs. It's a popular spot for rock climbers and a beautiful place for a walk along the river. Dades Valley: We drive to the Dades Valley, known for its stunning rock formations and kasbahs. We'll stop for photos at the 'Monkey Fingers' rocks before checking into our hotel for dinner and overnight.
Valley of Roses & Ouarzazate: After breakfast, we travel through the Valley of Roses to Ouarzazate. We can visit the Atlas Film Studios and the Taourirt Kasbah. Ait Ben Haddou: We visit the famous Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a backdrop for many movies. High Atlas Mountains: We cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n'Tichka pass, enjoying the breathtaking scenery. Arrival in Marrakech: We arrive in Marrakech in the late afternoon/evening, where we drop you off at your accommodation, ending your 6-day tour.