8 days from Casablanca to desert
This 8 days from Casablanca to desert takes you on an unforgettable private journey through Morocco’s imperial cities, mountain landscapes, palm-filled valleys, and the Sahara Desert. Start in Casablanca and travel to Marrakech, where you discover the historic medina, Bahia Palace, Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, and Majorelle Garden. Continue across the High Atlas Mountains to Ait Ben Haddou, Ouarzazate, the Draa Valley, and the Zagora palm grove. Then travel toward Merzouga for a camel trek across the golden Erg Chebbi dunes and a magical night in a Sahara desert camp. Continue to Fes, Chefchaouen, and Tangier before returning to Casablanca through Rabat. This private Morocco tour combines culture, history, nature, and authentic desert experiences.
8 days from Casablanca to desert – Morocco Private Tour
Day 1 – Casablanca – Marrakech
Your Casablanca desert tour begins with a private pick-up in Casablanca. If you arrive early, start your journey with a visit to the magnificent Hassan II Mosque, one of Morocco’s most impressive landmarks. Located beside the Atlantic Ocean, the mosque is famous for its detailed Moroccan craftsmanship, beautiful mosaics, and spectacular setting. Take some time to admire the architecture and enjoy views over the Atlantic coast.
After the visit, leave Casablanca and travel toward Marrakech, the famous Red City. The journey takes you through changing landscapes as you move from the Atlantic coast toward the interior of Morocco. Upon arrival in Marrakech, check into your riad or hotel and enjoy some free time to relax. In the evening, you can explore the surrounding streets or enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner. Overnight in Marrakech.
Day 2 – Full-Day Marrakech Sightseeing
After breakfast, enjoy a full-day guided tour of Marrakech and discover the history, architecture, and culture of the Red City. Begin with the elegant Bahia Palace, known for its decorated rooms, beautiful courtyards, and traditional Moroccan architecture. Continue toward the Koutoubia Mosque and explore the historic medina surrounding this famous landmark.
Visit the lively Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, the heart of Marrakech, where storytellers, musicians, food stalls, and local performers create a unique atmosphere. Continue through the colorful souks and discover traditional Moroccan handicrafts, spices, leather goods, carpets, ceramics, and textiles. Later, visit the peaceful Majorelle Garden and enjoy a relaxing contrast to the busy medina. You can also enjoy some free time for shopping, photography, or a traditional Moroccan hammam. Overnight in Marrakech.
Day 3 – Marrakech – Ait Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate – Zagora
After breakfast, leave Marrakech and begin your journey toward the Sahara region. Cross the spectacular High Atlas Mountains through the Tizi n’Tichka Pass and enjoy breathtaking views of mountain valleys, traditional Berber villages, and dramatic landscapes. Continue toward Ait Ben Haddou, one of Morocco’s most famous historic sites and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Explore the ancient ksar and its traditional earthen buildings before continuing to Ouarzazate, known as the Gateway to the Sahara. Stop to admire the historic Taourirt Kasbah and, depending on your schedule, visit the local cinema studios. Continue south through the beautiful Draa Valley and its extensive palm groves. Stop at Agdz and admire the historic Tamnougalt Kasbah before continuing toward Zagora. Arrive in Zagora and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of its palm oasis. Overnight in Zagora.
Day 4 – Zagora – Tazarine – Rissani – Merzouga Desert
After breakfast, leave Zagora and continue east through the dramatic desert landscapes of southern Morocco. Travel through the Tazarine region and enjoy views of palm groves, rocky plateaus, and traditional villages. Continue toward Rissani, an important historic town in the Tafilalt region and an ancient gateway to the Sahara.
Explore the traditional souk and discover local products, spices, dates, crafts, and the authentic atmosphere of southern Morocco. Continue toward Merzouga and the spectacular Erg Chebbi dunes. In the afternoon, meet your camel guide and begin your camel trek across the golden Sahara sands. Ride through the dunes while enjoying the changing colors of the desert as the sun sets.
Arrive at your desert camp and settle into your traditional Berber-style tent. Enjoy a Moroccan dinner around the campfire accompanied by traditional music. Later, take some time to admire the stars and experience the peaceful atmosphere of the Sahara. Overnight in a desert camp in Merzouga.
Day 5 – Merzouga – Errachidia – Midelt – Fes
Wake up early to enjoy the spectacular sunrise over the Erg Chebbi dunes. After breakfast, leave the Sahara and begin your journey toward Fes. Travel through the desert landscapes around Erfoud and continue toward Errachidia. Enjoy the changing scenery as the rocky desert gradually gives way to mountain landscapes.
Continue through the Middle Atlas Mountains and stop in Midelt, a mountain town known for its surrounding orchards and scenic setting. After lunch, continue through the Middle Atlas toward Ifrane and Azrou. Depending on the season and conditions, you may stop in the cedar forests around Azrou to see the local Barbary macaques.
Continue toward Fes, one of Morocco’s most historic and culturally important cities. Upon arrival, check into your riad or hotel and enjoy some free time to relax. Overnight in Fes.
Day 6 – Fes – Chefchaouen
After breakfast, enjoy a morning exploration of Fes, the spiritual and cultural capital of Morocco. Discover the historic medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and explore its narrow streets, colorful souks, traditional tanneries, artisan workshops, and historic monuments. Visit important landmarks such as the Bou Inania Madrasa and the area surrounding Al Quaraouiyine.
After your visit, leave Fes and travel north toward Chefchaouen through the scenic Rif Mountains. Enjoy beautiful countryside landscapes and traditional villages along the route. Upon arrival, discover Chefchaouen, famous for its blue-painted buildings and peaceful mountain atmosphere.
Spend the afternoon exploring the charming medina, walking through its narrow blue streets, visiting local artisan shops, and enjoying Moroccan mint tea in one of the traditional squares. Later, enjoy beautiful views of the town and surrounding mountains. Overnight in Chefchaouen.
Day 7 – Chefchaouen – Tangier
After breakfast, leave Chefchaouen and continue toward Tangier, one of Morocco’s most fascinating coastal cities. Travel through the Rif Mountain landscapes before reaching the northern coast. Tangier has a unique character influenced by Moroccan, African, Arab, and European cultures.
Explore the historic medina and visit the Kasbah with its traditional architecture and panoramic views. Continue toward the coastal areas and enjoy views over the Mediterranean and Atlantic waters. Depending on your schedule, visit Cap Spartel, where the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea meet, and explore the nearby Hercules Caves.
Spend some free time walking through the old streets, visiting local cafés, or enjoying the atmosphere of the Corniche. Tangier offers a fascinating contrast to the desert landscapes experienced earlier in the journey. Overnight in Tangier.
Day 8 – Tangier – Rabat – Casablanca
After breakfast, begin your final journey from Tangier toward Casablanca. Travel south along the Atlantic coast and enjoy views of beaches, countryside, and traditional Moroccan villages. Continue to Rabat, the capital of Morocco, and stop to discover some of its most important landmarks.
Visit the Hassan Tower and the historic Kasbah of the Udayas, located beside the Bou Regreg River. Enjoy some time to explore the area and take photographs before continuing toward Casablanca.
Arrive in Casablanca in the afternoon or evening, depending on your departure arrangements. Your 8-day Casablanca desert tour comes to an end with a private transfer to your accommodation, Casablanca airport, or another preferred location. This journey combines Morocco’s imperial cities, mountain landscapes, palm-filled valleys, the golden dunes of Merzouga, and the fascinating northern coast into one unforgettable private adventure.
Included
Transportation between cities
Private driver or tour vehicle with fuel
Accommodation in hotels, riads, and desert camp
Breakfast at all accommodations
2 Dinners in desert Zagora and Merzouga
Camel ride in Merzouga desert
Sunset and sunrise in the desert
Desert camp experience with Berber music
Not Included
Flights to/from Morocco
Personal expenses (shopping, souvenirs, extra meals)
Optional activities not listed (quad biking, hot air balloon, spa treatments)
Dinners and lunches
Tips for guides/drivers
