12 Days Tour from Casablanca

Welcome to Morocco!

Upon your arrival in Casablanca, a professional driver/guide from our team will greet you at the airport and take you to your accommodation. Next, you'll visit the Mosque of Hassan II, one of the largest and most beautiful mosques in the world. Situated along the Atlantic Ocean, it is known as the most beautiful mosque in Africa, featuring an interior decorated with the finest Moroccan mosaics. Later, explore the Corniche coastal of Casablanca. Overnight stay in Casablanca.

Today after breakfast, we will depart from Casablanca and transfer you to Chefchaouen. We will drive northwards to explore a distinctly different culture and lifestyle in Morocco. We well stop in Rabat, the capital of Morocco. Rabat is home to important landmarks, including the Royal Palace and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, as well as several historical tourist attractions. The major things to do while in town include exploring the Oudaias Kasbah, admiring the Hassan Tower, and visiting the Mausoleum of Mohammed V.

Our journey continues to Chefchaouen, the famed blue pearl nestled at the foot of the Rif Mountains. The town's name comes from the word "Chaouen", meaning "Horns", which refers to the shape of the mountain peaks above it. Founded in 1471 as a small fortress by Moulay Ali Ben Moussa, Chefchaouen later experienced Spanish occupation before gaining independence in 1956. Known as the Blue City for its traditional blue-painted buildings, it is a photographer's dream. Overnight accommodation will be in Chefchaouen.

Today, you'll have free time to stroll through the beautiful blue-washed alleys of Chefchaouen, explore local artisan shops, and enjoy the tranquil vibe of this unique town. Rise early to capture beautiful photos of the calm, people-less streets. After breakfast at your accommodation, you can start exploring the charming town of Chefchaouen, one of Morocco's most famous tourist destinations. The town's most striking feature is the blue paint coloring the walls of the medina in various shades.

Once inside the medina, a must-do activity is to walk up to "Ras El Maa Waterfall", a famous water source sitting on the top of the mountain. From here, you'll be amazed by the panoramic views of Chefchaouen and its mountainous terrain. Along the way, you will come across notable monuments and symbolic buildings, such as "Place of Outa El Hamam", a square surrounded by cafés and restaurants offering a peaceful setting to relax.

In this square, you will also see the Kasbah, an 18th-century fortress that has been heavily restored and now boasts a lovely garden. Additionally, your tour is incomplete without visiting the Spanish Mosque (Bouzafer Mosque), a historic site built in the 15th century. Overnight stay in Chefchaouen.

Today, after breakfast at your accommodation in Chefchaouen, we will depart for Fes. On the way, you'll visit the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997. Wander through this archaeological marvel, exploring its temples and mosaics.

Next, continue to Meknes, an imperial city built by Sultan Moulay Ismail in the 17th century. Here, you will visit the historic old Medina, surrounded by impressive walls, as well as the famous Bab El Mansour and the Moulay Ismail Tombs. In Meknes, you'll also have the chance to explore El Hedim Square.

At the end of the day, you will drive directly to your accommodation in Fes for the night.

After breakfast, you will meet our local guide in Fes for a full-day tour. Fes is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site and is one of the oldest imperial cities in Morocco, founded in 808 as the first political, religious, and cultural capital.

Our tour will start at the Golden Doors of the Royal Palace. Afterward, we will head to a viewpoint where you can admire the impressive walls that surround the Old Medina (Fes El-Bali). Then, we'll continue on foot through the Medina, allowing you to immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere and experience hundreds of feelings revolted of this historic area.

As we explore, you will visit mosques, madrassas, and various religious places before reaching the district of the Tanners. Please note that lunch during your walking tour is not included in the price (lunch will be at a typical Moroccan restaurant in the old Medina). We will then continue to the artisans' neighborhood, where skilled craftsmen preserve the knowledge and techniques they brought from Spain, and kept Andalusian art and style to this day.

In the evening, you will enjoy the rest sights on your own and spend the night at a hotel or riad.

After breakfast at your accommodation in Fes, we travel southeast, passing through the charming city of Ifrane, known as the "Switzerland of Morocco", followed by a crossing of the Cedar Forest, the largest woodland in Morocco and home to wild apes (Barbary macaque).

Next, we will travel toward the Mid-Atlas Mountains. We enjoy lunch in either Midelt or Er-Rich before continuing our route. Our itinerary takes us via the Tizi N'Taghamt pass and along the stunning Ziz Valley, where you'll have the opportunity to admire a panoramic view of this magnificent valley.

Later, we travel on to Erfoud, known for its date festival and fossil production, until we finally arrive at Erg Chebbi, an extensive sea of sand dunes. Overnight stay in Merzouga.

After breakfast, our exciting desert excursion begins as we explore the area surrounding the wonderful Erg Chebbi. We will drive off-road to visit nomadic families living near the dunes, giving you a unique opportunity to witness their way of life and see how they survive in the dry Sahara, with a warm cup of mint tea to share in their tradition. A tip is recommended (starting from 10€).

Next, we conitnue to the M'Fis mines, set on a high plateau offering a breathtaking panoramic view of Erg Chebbi and the vast desert landscape. From there, we continue to Khamlia village, also known as the Gnaoua village. The residents of this small village have deep roots in Black Africa, their ancestors having journeyed across the Sahara to southeastern Morocco. Here, you will learn more about their history and enjoy traditional Gnaoua music.

After a delightful traditional music session, we pause for a delicious lunch featuring Berber pizza. Then, you will join a camel trekking adventure over the sand dunes of Erg Chebbi. The local guides will provide helpful instructions on mounting, dismounting, and staying safe during the camel ride. As the day comes to finish, you will witnes a stunning sunset from atop a high dune before riding to your desert camp.

Spend the night under the stars, enjoying a delightful dinner and listening to Berber music performed by local nomads. If you enjoy dancing, you can even join in on the traditional tunes. Finally, do not miss the one-of-a-kind desert sunrise the next morning.

Before returning to the meeting point, you'll wake up early to witness the beautiful sunrise over the golden sand dunes of Erg Chebbi. Watch as the early light reflects the large sea of sand. After this unforgettable moment, return to your desert camp for a shower and a delicious breakfast.

Once you've had your breakfast, you'll ride back to the camel departure point and prepare for the next step of your desert trip. We'll leave the vast desert behind as we travel toward the historic city of Rissani, once a major stop on the ancient Sahara caravan routes. If your visit coincides with the local market days (Tuesdays, Thursdays, or Sundays), you'll have the opportunity to explore the largest souk in the region.

Our journey continues with a stop in Erfoud, known as the Fossil Town, before heading into the Dades Valley. As we travel, you'll pass through charming villages such as Jorf, Tinjdad, and Tinghir, eventually arriving at Todra Valley, a green oasis surrounded by mud villages and towering mountains. After a 30-minute drive, we reach Todra Gorges, a dramatic, narrow passage with vertical cliffs rising 300 meters on each side, popular with climbing lovers.

We then continue our journey into the Dades Valley, where we'll stop at majestic sand castles, unique rock formations known as "monkey fingers", and beautiful mud kasbahs. You will spend the night in the tranquil surroundings of the Dades Valley.

Today, we will depart from Dades Gorges and head toward Marrakech. As we travel along the famous Road of Thousand Kasbahs, we will stop in Kalaat M'Gouna, known as the Valley of Roses. Here, you will have the chance to explore local cooperatives and shops offering rose-based products. This beautiful valley hosts the annual Rose Festival every May, celebrating the region's famed rose cultivation.

Our journey continues to Skoura (If time allows, you will visit Amridil Kasbah) and Ouarzazate, where we will visit the famous Atlas Studios, known as the Hollywood of Africa, where many films and series have been shot.

Next, we head to the Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that once served as an important stop for caravans crossing the desert. Today, it is a popular filming location for many international movies. Lunch will be served at a restaurant in the village.

Finally, we will cross the Tizi N'Tichka Pass, which offers breathtaking views of valleys, mountains, and traditional Berber villages nestled in the hills, as we make our way to Marrakech. By evening, we will arrive in Marrakech. Overnight stay in Marrakech.

Today, after enjoying breakfast, our local guide will meet you at your accommodation in Marrakech. He will accompany you as you explore the famous city, known as the "Red City of Morocco". This city has served as an important stop for traders and travelers for many centuries and is considered the "southern pearl" of Morocco, as well as the "second oldest imperial city".

Our itinerary includes visiting the most significant historical and cultural sites, including the Saadian Tombs, the stunning Palaces of El Bahia and El Badi, the Ben Youssef Quranic School (Ben Youssef Madrasa), and the historic Koutoubia Mosque, which features a 77-meter-high minaret that dominates the center of Marrakech. As well as the Menara Gardens and Jardin Majorelle, which require a booking in advance via the official website (it's better to book the tickets one to two days before the visit date).

Next, you can head to Jamaa El-Fna, one of the city's main attractions and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This famous square is a central cultural hub in Marrakech. You can relax at various cafés surrounding the square and enjoy the lively atmosphere, which is filled with magicians, storytellers, snake charmers, and street food vendors. Then continue to discover the colorful and diverse souks. We will spend the night in Marrakech.

After breakfast at your accommodation, start your day trip from Marrakech to the coastal city of Essaouira. After a 2.5-hour drive, start exploring Essaouira, the "City of the Wind". Wander through the labyrinthine alleys of the Medina and admire the hundreds of local handicrafts on display. Although this historic town has been shaped by many civilizations, including the Portuguese, whose influence remains obvious in its architecture; it retains a charm and rich history.

Famous for its distinctive blue doors and washed walls, Essaouira is celebrated as Morocco's "Jewel of the Atlantic". Additionally, you will visit a women's cooperative where argan oil, famed for its culinary, cosmetic, and medicinal properties, is produced. Enjoy lunch either in the Medina or at the port, and in the afternoon, return to Marrakech. Overnight stay at a riad or hotel.

Today, we will transfer you to the airport for your flight back home, depending on your flight departure time. This marks the end of our services for the 12-day tour in Morocco from Casablanca.