Our 7-Day Casablanca Desert Tour via Imperial Cities is the perfect way to experience Morocco’s cultural treasures, natural wonders, and historic landmarks in just one week. Starting and ending in Casablanca, this private tour takes you through Rabat, Chefchaouen, Fes, the Sahara Desert, Ouarzazate, Ait Benhaddou, and Marrakech. You’ll explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites, travel through the stunning landscapes of the Atlas Mountains and valleys, and enjoy authentic Moroccan experiences like camel trekking and camping in the desert.
Your adventure begins in Casablanca, where you will visit the world-famous Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world. Afterward, the journey continues north to Rabat, Morocco’s capital city, where you will discover the Hassan Tower and the Kasbah of the Udayas, both UNESCO World Heritage sites. From here, the road leads to the enchanting blue city of Chefchaouen, nestled in the Rif Mountains, where you will spend the night.
After breakfast, you leave Chefchaouen and travel toward the impressive Roman ruins of Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its well-preserved mosaics. The next stop is Meknes, an Imperial City where you will admire the Bab Mansour Gate, Lahdim Square, and other historic landmarks. By evening, you will reach Fes, where you will stay overnight in a traditional riad.
This day is dedicated entirely to exploring Fes, the oldest of Morocco’s Imperial Cities. A guided tour will take you through the winding alleys of the UNESCO-listed Medina of Fes, visiting highlights such as the Bou Inania Madrasa, the Al-Qarawiyyin University, the tanneries, the Royal Palace gates, and the Jewish quarter. The night will be spent again in Fes.
Leaving Fes behind, you’ll journey through the Middle Atlas Mountains, stopping in Ifrane, often called “the Switzerland of Morocco,” and the cedar forests of Azrou, home to Barbary macaques. The road continues via Midelt and the lush palm groves of the Ziz Valley before reaching the desert town of Merzouga. Here, a camel trek into the dunes of Erg Chebbi awaits you at sunset, followed by dinner and an overnight stay in a luxury desert camp.
After an early sunrise over the Sahara, you ride camels back to Merzouga and continue your journey westward. The route passes through the spectacular Todra Gorge, a canyon carved by the Todra River, before heading into the scenic Dades Valley, dotted with fortified Kasbahs. By evening, you’ll reach Ouarzazate, known as the “Hollywood of Africa” for its movie studios, where you will spend the night.
In the morning, you will explore the famous Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site and filming location for movies like Gladiator and shows like Game of Thrones. Afterward, you cross the High Atlas Mountains through the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, enjoying breathtaking landscapes, before descending into Marrakech. In the afternoon, a guided half-day tour introduces you to the highlights of the city, including the Koutoubia Mosque, the vibrant Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, and the colorful souks.
After breakfast, enjoy some free time in Marrakech, depending on your departure schedule. Later, you will be transferred back to Casablanca, where the tour ends with a drop-off at the airport or your hotel.
