10 days tour from Casablanca to Marrakech

Description

Embark on an unforgettable 10-day tour from Casablanca to Marrakech, a journey that showcases the stunning landscapes, diverse cultures, and historic wonders of Morocco. Travel from the Atlantic coast, through ancient cities, the vast Sahara Desert, and scenic valleys, ending in the bustling city of Marrakech. This tour provides the perfect balance of cultural experiences, natural beauty, and immersive desert adventures.

Duration: 10 days, 9 nights
Start: Casablanca
End: Marrakech
Key Destinations: Casablanca, Rabat, Meknes, Fes, Merzouga Desert, Todra Gorge, Dades Valley, Ait Benhaddou, Ouarzazate, High Atlas Mountains, Marrakech
Activities: Guided city tours, camel trekking, overnight desert camping, kasbah visits, mountain pass travel

Itinerary: 10 days tour from Casablanca

Day 1: Arrival in Casablanca

Explore Casablanca’s Main Attractions

Begin your Moroccan adventure in Casablanca, a bustling coastal city known for its unique blend of modernity and tradition. Key highlights include:

Hassan II Mosque: A masterpiece of Moroccan architecture, this mosque is one of the largest in the world and boasts breathtaking ocean views.
Corniche and Beachfront: Walk along the scenic coastline and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
Rick’s Café: This iconic café is inspired by the classic film Casablanca and offers a unique ambiance.

Overnight in Casablanca

Stay overnight in Casablanca to rest and prepare for the journey ahead.

Day 2: Casablanca to Rabat and Meknes

Discover Rabat’s Cultural Sites

Depart for Rabat, Morocco’s capital, a city known for its serene coastal vibe and rich historical sites:

Royal Palace: Home to the Moroccan royal family, surrounded by well-kept gardens.
Kasbah of the Udayas: A picturesque fortress overlooking the Atlantic, with its blue-and-white alleyways and vibrant Andalusian gardens.
Hassan Tower: An unfinished minaret that stands as a symbol of Rabat’s history.

Continue to Meknes

Travel onward to Meknes, one of Morocco’s imperial cities, famous for its grand gates and historic architecture.

Overnight in Meknes

Day 3: Meknes to Fes via Volubilis

Visit Ancient Roman Ruins at Volubilis

Explore Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage site with well-preserved Roman ruins. Wander through ancient columns, mosaics, and arches that provide insight into Morocco’s Roman history.

Continue to Fes

Arrive in Fes, Morocco’s spiritual and cultural heart, known for its rich history and unique atmosphere.

Overnight in Fes

Stay in a charming riad within the medina.

Day 4: Full Day Exploring Fes

Dive into Fes’ Medina and Landmarks

Spend a full day exploring Fes el-Bali, the old medina of Fes, filled with bustling markets, artisan workshops, and historical landmarks:

Al-Qarawiyyin University: The oldest existing university in the world, dating back to 859 AD.
Chouara Tannery: Watch the ancient leather tanning process from one of the terraces overlooking this colorful site.
Bou Inania Madrasa: A beautiful Islamic school known for its exquisite woodwork and tilework.

Discover Fes Jdid and the Royal Palace

Visit Fes Jdid, the newer part of the city, and see the Royal Palace gates.

Overnight in Fes

Day 5: Fes to Merzouga Desert via Ifrane and the Middle Atlas Mountains

Journey Through Scenic Landscapes

Travel through the Middle Atlas Mountains, stopping in:

Ifrane: Known as the “Switzerland of Morocco” due to its Alpine-style architecture and clean streets.
Azrou Cedar Forest: A large cedar forest where you may encounter friendly Barbary macaques.

Lunch in Midelt

Enjoy a lunch break in the quiet town of Midelt, a perfect halfway point on the way to the desert.

Arrive in Merzouga

Reach Merzouga by afternoon, where you’ll start your Sahara desert experience. Embark on a camel trek across the Erg Chebbi dunes, watching the sun set over the rolling sands.

Overnight in Desert Camp

Enjoy a traditional Berber dinner under the stars, and settle into a cozy desert tent for the night.

Day 6: Merzouga to Todra Gorge

Sunrise Over the Dunes

Wake up early to witness the magical sunrise over the Sahara. After breakfast, return to Merzouga by camel and prepare for the next leg of your journey.

Visit Rissani’s Market

Make a stop in Rissani, an ancient market town, to explore the souks and experience local culture.

Arrive at Todra Gorge

Head toward Todra Gorge, a stunning canyon with towering red cliffs and a clear river. Walk through this natural wonder, and take in the spectacular scenery.

Overnight in Todra Gorge

Stay overnight in a local hotel or guesthouse.

Day 7: Todra Gorge to Dades Valley

Scenic Drive Through Dades Valley

After breakfast, journey along the beautiful Dades Valley, known for its dramatic rock formations and lush palm groves.

Dades Gorges: Marvel at the unique rock formations and hike along the gorge for panoramic views.
Rose Valley: Pass through the fragrant valley, especially vibrant during the rose season in May.

Overnight in Dades Valley

Enjoy an overnight stay in a comfortable hotel or guesthouse overlooking the valley.

Day 8: Dades Valley to Ouarzazate and Ait Benhaddou

Explore Ouarzazate, the “Hollywood of Morocco”

Travel through Ouarzazate, a city famous for its film studios and impressive kasbahs:

Kasbah Taourirt: A historic kasbah with intricate architecture and scenic views.
Film Studios: See where popular films like Gladiator and The Mummy were shot.

Discover Ait Benhaddou

Next, visit Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site and ancient fortified village. Walk through this iconic kasbah, a popular filming location for movies and TV shows.

Overnight in Ait Benhaddou

Stay overnight in a traditional guesthouse near the kasbah.

Day 9: Ait Benhaddou to Marrakech via the High Atlas Mountains

Cross the High Atlas Mountains

Travel through the spectacular Tizi n’Tichka Pass in the High Atlas Mountains, enjoying stunning views and a few photo stops along the way.

Arrive in Marrakech

Arrive in Marrakech, a city full of life, colors, and historical sites. Check into your riad and relax for the evening.

Overnight in Marrakech

Stay in a traditional riad, soaking in the ambiance of Marrakech.

Day 10: Full Day in Marrakech

Explore Marrakech’s Top Attractions

Spend your final day exploring Marrakech, starting with:

Jemaa el-Fnaa Square: The vibrant main square, full of entertainers, food stalls, and market vendors.
Koutoubia Mosque: The largest mosque in Marrakech, known for its stunning minaret.
Bahia Palace: Wander through the beautiful palace, adorned with intricate mosaics and gardens.

Visit the Majorelle Garden

Enjoy a relaxing afternoon at the Majorelle Garden, a botanical garden filled with exotic plants and art by French painter Jacques Majorelle.

End of the Tour

Return to your riad or hotel to prepare for your departure from Marrakech.

Why Choose This 10-Day Tour?

This 10-day tour from Casablanca to Marrakech via the desert is designed to give you a full Moroccan experience, combining history, culture, and natural wonders. From the bustling cities to the quiet desert, this itinerary promises an unforgettable journey through Morocco’s best destinations.