Morocco Imperial Cities & Desert Tour from Casablanca

(68 Reviews)

Overview

Embark on an extraordinary 12-day private journey across Morocco, tracing the country’s cultural and geographical diversity from the Atlantic coast to the golden dunes of the Sahara.

This immersive itinerary covers five UNESCO World Heritage cities, the serene blue streets of Chefchaouen, the cinematic kasbahs of Ait Benhaddou, and the majestic dunes of Merzouga. It’s a perfect blend of imperial heritage, desert adventure, and coastal charm, featuring guided city tours, camel trekking, and authentic Moroccan hospitality.

With luxurious handpicked accommodations, professional English-speaking guides, and seamless private transport, this is the ultimate Moroccan experience designed for culture lovers, explorers, and adventurers alike.

Trip Highlights

Visit Morocco’s Imperial Cities: Casablanca, Rabat, Fes, Meknes, and Marrakech
Stroll through the blue-washed alleys of Chefchaouen and charming Essaouira
Discover the Hassan II Mosque, Morocco’s most iconic landmark
Ride a camel across the dunes of Erg Chebbi at sunset and sunrise
Stay in a luxury desert camp under the starlit Sahara sky
Guided tours in Fes and Marrakech with licensed local experts
Explore Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO-listed Kasbah and film location
Visit Tangier and Asilah, Morocco’s northern coastal jewels
Enjoy authentic Moroccan cuisine and cultural encounters along the way

Itinerary

Day 1 – Casablanca Airport

Welcome to Morocco! Upon arrival at Casablanca Mohammed V Airport, your private driver will meet you and assist with your transfer. Depending on your arrival time, visit Hassan II Mosque, the Habous District, Royal Palace, and Mohammed V Square. Dinner and overnight at your hotel.

Day 2 – Casablanca → El Jadida → Oualidia → Essaouira

After breakfast, travel along Morocco’s scenic Atlantic coast. Stop at El Jadida, a UNESCO site with Portuguese fortifications and an underground cistern, before continuing to Oualidia, famous for oysters and its peaceful lagoon. Enjoy lunch by the sea, then head to Essaouira, a charming coastal town.

Day 3 – Free Day in Essaouira

Spend the day exploring Essaouira at your leisure. Wander through its UNESCO-listed medina, visit the Skala Fortress, and browse local workshops featuring thuya wood crafts. Try freshly grilled seafood near the harbor or relax by the beach.

Day 4 – Essaouira → Marrakech

Enjoy a leisurely drive to Marrakech, passing argan oil cooperatives and Berber villages. Check in at your hotel and relax before dinner. Evening at leisure in the “Red City.”

Day 5 – Exploring Marrakech

Discover Marrakech’s fascinating history with your official local guide. Visit Koutoubia Mosque, Bahia Palace, Ben Youssef Madrasa, and Jemaa el-Fna Square. After lunch, explore Majorelle Garden and Gueliz District, then enjoy the evening atmosphere of the medina.

Day 6 – Marrakech → Ait Benhaddou → Ouarzazate → Skoura Palm

Cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2260m). Stop at Ait Benhaddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site and film set for Gladiator and Game of Thrones. Continue to Ouarzazate, visiting Atlas Film Studios and Kasbah Taourirt before reaching Skoura Palm Grove for dinner.

Day 7 – Skoura Palm → Valley of Roses → Todra Gorges → Merzouga

Journey through the Valley of Roses and the Dades Valley, famous for its kasbahs. Stop at Todra Gorges, a dramatic canyon popular with climbers. Continue to Merzouga, gateway to the Sahara Desert. Enjoy a camel ride at sunset and dinner under the stars in your luxury desert camp.

Day 8 – Merzouga → Midelt → Azrou → Ifrane → Fes

Rise early to witness the magical Sahara sunrise. After breakfast, depart north through Ziz Valley and Tafilalet palm groves. Stop for lunch in Midelt, then continue through the Cedar Forest of Azrou (home to Barbary macaques) and the alpine town of Ifrane before arriving in Fes.

Day 9 – Exploring Fes Medina → Meknes → Chefchaouen

Guided tour of Fes el-Bali, Morocco’s spiritual capital: visit Al-Qarawiyyin University, Bou Inania Madrasa, Tanneries, and Royal Palace Gate. Continue to Meknes to see Bab Mansour, Sahrij Souani, and Moulay Ismail’s Mausoleum, then proceed to Chefchaouen, the blue-washed town in the Rif Mountains.

Day 10 – Chefchaouen → Tetouan → Tangier

Enjoy a morning stroll through Chefchaouen’s blue alleys and Ras El Maa waterfall before driving to Tetouan, known for its Andalusian charm and UNESCO-listed medina. Visit the Artisanal School, then continue along the coast to Tangier.

Day 11 – Tangier → Asilah → Casablanca

Visit Tangier Beach, the new city, and its colonial architecture. Continue to Asilah, an artistic seaside town famed for its colorful murals and whitewashed medina. Stroll its tranquil alleys before driving to Casablanca for your final overnight stay.

Day 12 – Casablanca Airport

After breakfast, transfer to Casablanca Mohammed V Airport for your return flight. End of our services, carrying unforgettable Moroccan memories.

What's included

Pick-up & drop-off from Casablanca Airport
Private luxury coach or air-conditioned minibus
Official English-speaking guides in Marrakech & Fes
Entrance fees to historical monuments
10 nights in 4★ hotels / riads
1 night in 5★ luxury desert camp (private tent & bathroom)
Breakfasts & dinners (half-board; vegetarian options available)
Camel trekking at sunset & sunrise
Folklore show & music in desert camp
Free time for photo stops & exploration
Tour leader free for groups of 30+

What’s Not Included

Know Before You Go

Tour available year-round and customizable upon request.
Can start in Casablanca or Tangier.
Recommended to pack comfortable walking shoes and layered clothing.
Optional experiences: Moroccan cooking class, Hammam & spa, or hot-air balloon flight.
Designed for groups, families, and cultural travelers seeking a complete Moroccan experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is this tour private or shared?

This is a private group tour, exclusive to your group of 28 travelers with a dedicated driver and guides.

2. Can we customize the itinerary?

Yes. We can adjust the route, duration, or hotel category to match your preferences and budget.

3. What type of desert camp is included?

You’ll stay in a luxury desert camp with private en-suite tents, hot showers, and traditional décor.

4. Are camel rides included?

Yes, camel trekking at sunset and sunrise in Merzouga is part of the experience.

5. Are vegetarian or dietary preferences accommodated?

Absolutely — please mention your dietary requirements when booking.

6. What vehicle type is used for transport?

A modern luxury tourism bus (50-seater) with air-conditioning, Wi-Fi (on request), and luggage space.

7. Can the tour start or end in a different city?

Yes, we can arrange departures from Marrakech, Tangier, or Fes upon request.

8. What is the best time to travel?

This tour operates all year, but the best months are March–June and September–November for pleasant temperatures.