12 days tour from Casablanca
12 days tour from Casablanca
The best 12 days tour from Casablanca via the imperial cities and the Sahara desert of Merzouga. This tour itinerary can end in Marrakech instead of Casablanca. Book now!
Main info:
Departure location:
Casablanca
Return location:
Casablanca/Marrakech
Departure time:
08:00 AM
Itinerary duration
12 days/ 11 nights
Highlights of our tour:
- Moroccan imperial cities
- Chefchaouen, Ifrane and the cedar forest
- Merzouga, camel ride and camping
- Ouarzazate and Ait Benhaddou
- Essaouira & Casablanca
Tour overview:
Welcome to Morocco! The landmarks of Morocco and its cultural diversity are waiting for you!
The best 12 days tour itinerary from Casablanca for a complete visit to the main attractions in Morocco. Join now and benefit from a visit to the Imperial cities; starting from Rabat, Meknes, Fes, then Marrakech. Also, visit the blue pearl of Chefchaouen and cross the Atlas mountains. Not to mention that you will spend two nights in the Sahara desert of Merzouga, where you will ride camels, spend a night in the camp, and do a discovery desert tour.
Again, this tour is customizable and if anything mentioned above does not fit your needs, please contact us!
Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive in Casablanca
The first day of our 12 days tour from Casablanca starts with your arrival. In general, the plan for today depends on your flight details. If you arrive early, we would first transfer you to the hotel where to leave your luggage then head to discover some attractions. However, if you arrive late, we would just take you to the hotel.
Day 2: Casablanca to Rabat
Today, after having breakfast in Casablanca, we will start the journey. Firstly, we will spend some time in Casablanca discovering its main attractions. Here, I would mention the Hassan 2 mosque, the seventh-largest in the world. What makes this minaret unique is that it is built partly on the sea and open for non-muslims that would like to discover it. Not to mention that we would go on a visit to the Corniche Ain Diab.
Further, we will travel to the capital of Morocco, Rabat. We will spend the evening exploring the city and its sites. For example, there is the minaret of the Hassan Tower that was built to be the largest and the highest in the world. After discovering the main places in Rabat, we would head to the hotel/Riad, have dinner and spend the night.
Day 3: Rabat to Chefchaouen
On the third day of our 12 days tour from Casablanca, we will head to discover a unique place. Chefchaouen or the blue pearl is located on the Rif mountains in North Morocco. It offers picturesque views and extraordinary sites. Most of the buildings there are all in blue. The inhabitants of the place follow an old tradition of building their walls, doors, and streets in blue.
The whole town in itself is an attraction to explore. So, you will need to take a walk around and discover it. For sure, there are some famous places that we will visit such as the Utath Lhmam Square and the Kasbah Mosque. Lunch, dinner, and overnight will be in Chefchaouen.
Day 4: Chefchaouen to Fes via Meknes
After having breakfast in the blue pearl, we continue our journey. Today, we will discover one of the oldest places in Morocco, it is the farthest western place that the Roman Empire could reach. Also, it was once the capital of the Mauritanian Kingdom. Volubilis is an archeological site that will take you back in history with its ruins that offer picturesque views.
Next, we will head directly to the imperial city of Meknes. Firstly, we will have lunch relax then start to explore the city. Usually, we start by visiting Lhdim square and its surroundings. Here, we should mention the Madrassas, the great gate of Bab Mansour, and the Qara prison. Thereafter, we would drive to another place where we would discover Shrij and Lhri Souani. Finally, we will drive to Fes and spend the night there.
Day 5: Full day in Fes
The fifth day of our 12 days tour from Casablanca is going to all spent in the cultural city of Fes. This city has deep roots in world history, and it was the capital of Morocco for more than 400 years. With this in mind, you can figure out what is waiting for you!
There plenty of places to visit in the in Fes. You might need to start your day by visiting the old Medina and walk around its narrow streets, traditional shops, and houses. Next, go on a visit to the Chaoura tannery, the biggest of all tanneries in the city. Here, you will see the old way of making leather products, so, expect that the place is a bit smelly.
Further, you can head to the King’s Palace, the most beautiful of all 12 ones that he got. The place is famous for its 7 gates of bronze that represent the Moroccan architecture and art of mosaic. Also, and most importantly, you will visit the oldest existing university in the world, which was built by a woman. Not to mention that you will visit the great gate of Boujloud. In the past, it was used only for people who want to leave and not for those who want to enter the city. Finally, lunch, dinner, and overnight will be in Fes.
Day 6: Fes to Merzouga desert
After having breakfast in the cultural city of Fes, we will leave to experience another atmosphere. It will be a long way to drive, but we will make many stops in many beautiful places to relax and split the distance. Firstly, we will stop by the Little Switzerland of Morocco, Ifrane. This small city has a unique touch that will make you feel like you are in Europe. Not to mention that it was listed as the first cleanest city in Africa and the 8th in the world. Here, we will walk to discover the statue of the Atlas Lion. Secondly, we will drive through the cedar forest in Azrou where we will stop at some point to relax and feed the Barbary Macaque.
We continue our way through Zaida and Midelt, where we usually stop to have lunch. Thereafter, we will arrive at the Ziz valley, Errachidia’s dam, then, Erfoud city.
Finally, we will arrive at the desert of Erg Chebbi, ride camels, and cross the golden sand dunes. When you arrive at the camp, you can leave your luggage and climb the biggest dune next to you in order to watch the sunset. At night, you will be served dinner then invited outside to listen to some Berber instruments by the campfire under the stars.
Day 7: Merzouga desert tour
On the seventh day of our 12 days tour from Casablanca, we will discover the desert surroundings. Today’s experience is unique because you will spend a day with the Berber locals, the original citizens of Morocco and North Africa in general.
There are many places to visit around the desert. Firstly, the main thing that we will visit is Berber Nomads. These people are still living the old simple life under tents with a number of cattle. Secondly, there is the village of Khamlia where you will visit the Gnaouas and listen to their music. Thirdly, you will visit picturesque panoramas such as that one in Galbnass. In addition, you will be taken to visit the mine of kohl in Mifiss, which was once a French property. When the evening comes, you will have the chance to choose whether to ride the camels and spend another night in the desert camp. Or just go to watch the sunset and spend the night in the hotel.
Day 8: Merzouga to Gorges Dades
This day starts with a camel ride from the camp across the dunes. But, before that, you can wake up early to watch the charming sunrise and then head to the camp to take a shower (in case if you book the luxury camp) and have breakfast.
Today, we will drive first to Rissani, the capital of the Tafilalt region and the starting point of the Alouette dynasty. Here, you will discover one of the biggest traditional souks in Morocco. Also, you will be visiting the donkeys’ park, one of the exceptional things in the area. Thereafter, we will hit the road again across Ljerf Tinjedad and then Tinghir. Not very far from this latter, we will go on a visit to the Todra gorges. Another picturesque place with its canyons that are about 300m separated by a small river.
Further on the tour, we will enter the town of Boumalne Dades and the palm groves until we arrive at the Gorges Dades where we will spend the night.
Day 9: Dades Gorges to Marrakech
The ninth day of our 12 days tour from Casablanca is going to be a trip to the red city. Firstly, we will take the road of the thousands of Kasbahs and pass by Rose valley, Skoura, and Amridhil Kasbah. Then, drive to the Hollywood of Africa that is famous for being a site where international famous movies and series were shot. What would this site be! Of course, it is Ouarzazate.
Further, we will leave for another famous worldwide site that is similar to the last one. Ait Benhaddou, and who does not know this phenomenal village with great walls and high towers. At first, you will need to cross a small river called “Ouad Lmaleh” and climb through the stairs so that you can get picturesque views.
After that, we will hit the road again through the High Atlas Mountains. Here we will drive on the pass called Tizi Ntichka, which is famous for its curves. Along the way, we would make many stops to relax and take pictures. Finally, we will arrive in Marrakech do the Check-in, have dinner, and spend the night.
Day 10: Full day in Marrakech
The red city or the tourism capital of Morocco has become one of the unmissed destinations in the country. Therefore, we have set a full day to discover it, though it is not enough. So, in the morning after having breakfast, you will start directly to dive into the city’s main attractions. We might start by visiting the three main gardens in the Marrakech, Majorelle, Menara, and the Secret Garden. Thereafter, we will head to the Saadian Tombs, a place where you will discover the great history of the Saadian dynasty.
Further, we will head to the Bahia Palace, another picturesque place with amazing mosaic art. Next, why not head to the Madina of Marrakech and discover its streets. When the evening comes, it is time to head to the famous square of Jamaa-El-Fna and the Koutoubia mosque.
Day 11: Marrakech to Essaouira
The eleventh day of our 12 days tour from Casablanca is going to be a trip to Essaouira. It is one of the famous coastal cities in the Kingdom, so it is a chance for you to experience another atmosphere and try delicious sea-food. However, before reaching Essaouira, we would make stops on the way in order to take pictures of the goats on the Argan trees.
Among the places that you will visit in Essaouira, there is the old Medina of Essaouira, which was built by the Portuguese. You might also want to visit the Argan oil cooperatives and see how they make Argan products. Also, you can go on a visit to the Sqala Du Port and the traditional souks.
After exploring the city, you might need to go to the beach, walk around and relax.
Day 12: Transfer to the airport
The plan for our last day of the 12 days tour from Casablanca depends on your flight details. If you will need to fly from Marrakech, we would head back and take the same way as yesterday. However, if you decide to end your tour in Casablanca then, we would hit the road to it passing by Safi, Oualidia, and El Jadida.
Tour includes:
- Pickup and drop off from accommodation.
- Camel for each in Merzouga
- Berber tent accommodation.
- Vehicle with gasoline
- Dinner and Breakfast
Tour excludes:
- Monuments fees
- Lunches
- Tips
- Soft drinks
Testimonials:
Book your 12 days desert tour from Casablanca!
To book your 12 days tour from Casablanca, please fill in the name of the tour in the subject field. Also, if you have any customizations, please let us know!
Related Morocco tours:
The 12 days tour from Casablanca is customized by our team and thus can be edited according to your needs. Down below, we have customized some other tours that you might need to take into consideration!
Highlights overview:
Travelling In Morocco agency has come up with an idea of offering you a glimpse about the main cities and attractions that you will tour with us. However, it also depends on how much time we got.
Casablanca, the starting point of our 12 days tour
The most cosmopolitan city in Morocco and famous for the movie that bears the same name. Casablanca does not have much tourist focus but it is that kind of city that will surprise you. Howsoever, its main attraction is the Hassan II Mosque, the only one that allows tourists to visit by appointment. One of the most impressive religious buildings that you will ever see. A huge tower and the best of Morocco’s architectural designs.
Not to mention that the city goes beyond that. It mixes a big metropolis agitated and modern with historical buildings, mosques, and the medina. Such a beautiful place to start your 12 days tour in Morocco.
Rabat
Capital of Morocco, not much sought after by tourists but worth being included in the itinerary for at least one day. A modern city that is in a great process of development and with great historical weight. Clean and organized. It has several monuments to visit and it is said to be the best option for shopping compared to Marrakech and Casablanca where sellers take advantage of tourism to charge very high prices.
Marrakech
Considered one of the imperial cities of Morocco. The most touristic of the country, certainly a destination that you need to know and discover. The chaos inside and outside of Medina is part of the context, they offer the best views of all times even though the city is so crowded.
The best option to explore and experience the culture up close is to do everything on foot, visit all the tourist points, go to the typical restaurants, bars, and bargain for the shops. There are many attractions that will definitely amaze you. Here we can talk about the famous square of Jamaa El Fna.
Chefchaouen
Also known as “the blue city”, Chefchaouen is like a dream becoming true, a heaven on earth. It located in the north of Morocco. With that being said, it is one of the best stops in our 12 days tour from Casablanca that is nearly to become a mandatory stop. With alleys, narrow streets and entire buildings painted in different shades of blue. I risk to say, that it is the most photogenic city in the country, has an interesting history about its color and, even being tourist, preserves a lot of the culture.
The reason why the walls are painted in blue is divided into two main stories. Firstly, the most common one, people say that the Jews in the past used to paint their walls blue because for them it represents the sky and gets them closer to god. On the other hand, some people say that it was just to get rid of mosquitoes. In general, people nowadays still paint their walls, doors, and streets in blue and they repaint them every one or two years.
Fes
If you are interested in diving into the Moroccan culture. The most incredible and somewhat chaotic city in Morocco is waiting for you! The oldest of the medieval cities in Morocco and the biggest “alive” Islamic medieval in the world, is a real maze of alleys and narrow streets. Actually, there is no GPS that can locate you in this place. So, with our 12 days tour from Casablanca, we hire a local guide for you to know every corner and not get lost. At every corner, there is a surprise, stores of all kinds of handcraft that you can imagine, open-air markets, restaurants, and bars with balconies that provide unbelievable views. A vibrant and intense city, nothing describes the experience of living in this city.
Merzouga desert
Merzouga is the city “leaning against” the dunes of Erg Chebbi. It is very sought after by tourists because it is the most practical option and easy access to the Sahara desert. With that being said, the city itself does not have much to offer besides lodging, but there are several options of tours like visiting nomadic villages, walking on dromedary or quad cycle through the dunes, etc.
The ideal is to spend at least two nights in the region, which our 12 days tour from Casablanca included. Being one of the best places in Morocco by the dunes that offer an incredible structure with great rooms, High-quality services, camps, restaurant, and swimming pools.
Ouarzazate
A city between the Desert and Marrakech nest to the village of Ait Benhaddou. One of the World Heritage sites of Morocco according to UNESCO and one of the main tourist points of the country. Besides the village, the region of Ouarzazate is known as the “Moroccan Hollywood”, you can visit one of the 6 studios spread throughout the city and walk through the scenery of several movies and international series such as Ben Hur (2010), Maria mãe de Cristo (2011), The Mummy: The Secret of the Pharaoh (2007), Gladiator (2000), among others.
It is important to plan the visitation because sometimes the access road is cut off. Therefore, those who visit the Atlas Mountains have the unique opportunity to meet the Berbers, people who constituted the original population of Africa before the arrival of the Arabs.