Overview
Experience the ultimate Moroccan journey with this epic 7-day loop starting and ending in Casablanca
. This comprehensive itinerary takes your clients from the modern Atlantic coast to the imperial capital of Rabat, through the mesmerizing blue-washed streets of Chefchaouen, and into the ancient medieval heart of Fes. From there, cross the Middle Atlas Mountains to sleep under the stars in the golden Sahara of Merzouga. Wind through the dramatic canyons of Boumalne Dades and over the High Atlas to vibrate Marrakech, before completing the grand loop back on the coast.
Highlights
- Visit the iconic Hassan II Mosque standing over the Atlantic in Casablanca.
- Stroll through the blue-painted alleyways of the Rif Mountains' jewel, Chefchaouen.
- Step back in time with a guided tour of the massive medieval labyrinth of Fes el bali.
- Trek by camel into the golden Erg Chebbi dunes of Merzouga for sunset.
- Marvel at the dramatic, winding canyon walls of Todra andBoumalne Dades.
- Discover the bustling souks and historic plazas of vibrancyMarrakech.
Itinerary
Morning: Meet your driver at your accommodation or the airport in Casablanca. Begin with a morning visit to the breathtaking Hassan II Mosque. Afterwards, take a short drive north along the coast to the political capital of Rabat.
Midday: Explore Rabat's landmark Hassan Tower and the majestic Mausoleum of Mohammed V, followed by a seaside lunch at the picturesque Kasbah of the Udayas.
Afternoon: Travel northeast away from the coast, climbing into the green peaks of the Rif Mountains until you arrive at the magical, blue-washed town of Chefchaouen late in the afternoon.
Evening: Wander through the relaxed, blue alleyways of the old medina. Enjoy dinner at a rooftop terrace overlooking Outa el-Hammam square and overnight in a cozy Moroccan riad.
Morning: Enjoy a morning walk through Chefchaouen for photos in the clear morning light. Depart the Rif Mountains and head south toward the archaeological site of Volubilis, a sprawling UNESCO World Heritage site featuring ancient Roman ruins and beautifully preserved mosaics.
Midday: Take a short drive to the imperial city of Meknes for a traditional lunch and a view of the monumental Bab Mansour gate.
Afternoon: Continue your journey eastward across the plains, arriving in the spiritual capital of Fes by late afternoon.
Evening: Settle into your beautiful, traditional medina riad. Relax with a traditional dinner and prepare for a deep dive into Moroccan history.
Morning: Meet your expert local guide after breakfast for a captivating walking tour of Fes el-Bali, the world's largest active medieval medina. Marvel at the intricate tilework of the Al-Attarine Madrasa and pass through the historic Al-Qarawiyyin University.
Midday: Stop for lunch at an authentic palace restaurant nestled deep inside the heart of the old city.
Afternoon: Visit the famous, vibrant Chouara Tannery to view traditional leather-making from above. Conclude your tour with a drive around the golden gates of the Royal Palace and enjoy sweeping panoramic views from the Marinid Tombs.
Evening: Spend your evening at leisure, relaxing at your riad or strolling the lively streets of the medina.
Morning: Depart Fes early and ascending into the Middle Atlas Mountains. Pass through Ifrane, often called the "Switzerland of Morocco" for its alpine architecture. Stop in the ancient cedar forests of Azrou to look for friendly native Barbary macaques.
Midday: Cross the scenic Ziz Gorges and descend into the vast palm oases of the Tafilalet region, pausing for lunch along the way.
Afternoon: Arrive at the edge of the Sahara in Merzouga. Meet your camel caravan, mount up, and enjoy a peaceful trek across the rolling golden waves of the Erg Chebbi dunes as the sun sinks below the horizon.
Evening: Check into your secure desert camp nestled among the dunes. Savor a magnificent Berber feast, then gather around a crackling campfire to enjoy live drumming, nomadic singing, and unforgettable stargazing.
Morning: Wake up early to catch a spectacular Saharan sunrise over the high dunes. Return to camp for breakfast and a shower before trekking back (by camel or 4x4) to Merzouga village.
Midday: Drive west toward Tinghir and take a scenic detour into the towering Todra Gorges. Take a leisurely walk along the cool riverbed beneath limestone canyon walls that rise 300 meters high. Stop for lunch nearby.
Afternoon: Continue along the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs, watching the landscape shift into rugged, red rock formations as you enter the dramatic canyon slopes of Boumalne Dades.
Evening: Check into a panoramic hotel or traditional riad directly inside the Dades Gorges. Enjoy a hearty local dinner and a peaceful night's rest.
Morning: Following breakfast, depart the gorges and head west through the Valley of Roses. Arrive at Kasbah Aït Benhaddou, Morocco's most famous clay fortress. Take a walking tour of this UNESCO World Heritage site, a regular filming location for cinematic epics like Gladiator .
Midday: Enjoy lunch with a view of the historic kasbah before climbing the high mountain roads.
Afternoon: Cross the magnificent High Atlas Mountains via the panoramic Tizi n'Tichka pass (2,260m). Descends into the warm plains of western Morocco, arriving in vibrant Marrakech by late afternoon.
Evening: Dive straight into the electric atmosphere of Jemaa el-Fnaa square, alive with musicians, snake charmers, and street food stalls. Overnight stay in a charming central riad.
Morning: Spend your morning exploring the highlights of the Red City. Visit the architectural marvels of the Bahia Palace, the iconic Koutoubia Mosque minaret, and take a stroll through the bustling, colorful souks.
Midday: Enjoy a final lunch at a rooftop cafe overlooking the old medina.
Afternoon: Say goodbye to the southern oases and head north along the multi-lane highway, making a direct, comfortable 2.5-hour drive back to Casablanca.
Evening: Arrive back in Casablanca late in the afternoon for a drop-off at your hotel or the airport, concluding your grand 7-day Moroccan circle.
Includes/Excludes
Cost Includes
- Pick-up and Drop-off service at your accommodation or airport in Casablanca
- Private transportation in a comfortable, fully air-conditioned minivan or 4x4 vehicle
- Professional local driver/guide throughout the journey
- 5 Nights accommodation in quality Riads/Hotels (with breakfast)
- 1 Night in an Erg Chebbi Desert Camp (with dinner and breakfast)
- 1 Night in Boumalne Dades Riad (with dinner and breakfast)
- Guided sunset camel trek in Merzouga
- Fuel, road tolls, and all vehicle parking fees
Cost Excludes
- Midday lunches and personal drinks
- Entry fees to monuments (such as mosques and palaces)
- Gratuities and personal shopping expenses
Frequently Asked Questions
While this itinerary covers a large distance and includes some longer driving days (specifically Days 1, 4, and 6), it is meticulously optimized to show clients the complete, diverse spectrum of Morocco—coast, mountains, blue cities, imperial history, and deep desert—in one single week.
Absolutely! Because this is a complete loop, we can seamlessly adjust the order of the stops to start from Marrakech, Fes, or Tangier based entirely on your clients' flight arrivals.
Your clients will only need a small backpack with their overnight essentials for the desert camp. Their main suitcases remain secure inside the locked tour vehicle parked at the dunes' edge.
