7 days tour from Casablanca itinerary
7 days tour from Casablanca via Merzouga desert, the suitable itinerary for an amazing week in Morocco from Casablanca.
Note: this tour can end in Marrakech instead of Casablanca. Not to mention that it can be customized under your needs, feel free to contact us!
Main info:
Departure location:
Casablanca
Return location:
Casablanca
Departure time:
08:00 AM
Itinerary duration
7days/ 6 nights
Highlights of our tour:
- Imperial cities of Morocco
- Ifrane and cedar forest
- Camel trekking and camping in Merzouga
- Ait Benhaddou & Gorges dades
- Ouarzazate, atlas studios
Tour overview:
Join the best 7 days tour from Casablanca via Merzouga Sahara desert. Before we start to talk about the overview, we must inform you that this tour is customizable. In other words, you can contact us to make any change or plan your own itinerary.
In general, the 7 days desert tour starts and ends in the economical city of Casablanca. Firstly, you will visit three Imperial cities, Rabat, Meknes then Fes. Secondly, you will travel to the desert of Merzouga do the camel ride, and experience camping under the stars. Thirdly, you hit the road towards Marrakech passing by many different places such as Ouarzazate and the Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou. Finally, you will have the chance to tour Marrakech and discover its main attractions with a Local guide before ending the tour in Casablanca.
Itinerary:
Day 1: Casablanca to Fes
The first day of our 7 days tour from Casablanca starts with picking you up from the airport or your accommodation. Firstly, you are going to stop by the current capital of Morocco. There are some beautiful spots in this city that you are going to visit such as Hassan Tower, the mosque tower that was built to be the highest in the world. Secondly, you are going to head to the imperial city of Meknes. Here, you will be visiting different spots and sites such as the second-largest square in Morocco, Lhdim square. Next to this latter lies one of the greatest doors or gates in Morocco, Bab Mansour. Besides visiting Qara prison, which is said to be in the shape of a maze that goes underground the city of Meknes. Even more, some others say that it extends to the city of Fes.
On the way to Fes, you will go on a visit to the Roman ruins, or the capital of the Mauritanian kingdom, Volubilis. Finally, in the late evening, we will take you to your accommodation in Fes to relax and get started to tour the city on the other day.
Day 2: Touring Fes
Today, the second day of our 7 days tour from Casablanca is about touring the imperial city of Fes. After having breakfast in your Hotel/Riad, a local guide from Fes will accompany you through the city. You will visit many different sites such as Chouara tannery, the old Medina, the Alqarawiyin university, and many more.
Firstly, as it is known, Fes is one of the great cities that played a big role in the history of Morocco. As a result, going to the old Medina is like going back in time to discover its phenomenal history. Next, the Chouara tannery is the largest of all tanneries in Fes and Morocco. People there make leather products and paint them in different colors, sometimes using spices. Thereafter, you will have the chance to visit the university of al-Qarawyine that was actually built by a woman, Fatima Al-Fihri. Not to mention that the university is considered the oldest in the world. For sure, there are many other places that you will visit when touring the city, taking the examples of Bab Boujloud, and the Mellah quarters(Jewish quarters).
Day 3: Fes to Merzouga Sahara desert
Today, the third day of our amazing 7 days tour from Casablanca is a trip to the sand dunes of Merzouga desert. Firstly, we will pass by the beautiful city of Ifrane in the Middle Atlas mountains. The city is also called the Switzerland of Morocco and was once nominated the cleanest city in Africa. It is almost everything in this city is different from the other cities in the kingdom. The weather and the way of constructing buildings has a unique touch and differ from other places in Morocco. We are going to stop by this city and have a walk to visit some of its interesting attractions such as the Atlas lion Statue.
Further, on the trip, we are going to travel through the cities of Midelt and Zaida where we are supposed to stop and have lunch. After a while of driving through Tizi Ntlghmt curves, we will have reached the biggest dates valley in Morocco. This place is going to be one of our main stops as it offers some of the best views. Thereafter, we are going to leave for Merzouga, our last destination.
When we arrive in the desert, you will ride the camels and cross the golden sand dunes. Definitely, this evening is the most beloved thing on the tour. You will do many activities such as watching the sunset, the starry sky and also listen to the Berber music accompanied by their dances.
Day 4: Merzouga to Boumalne Dades
After having breakfast in the camp, we are going to continue our journey. But before that, you can wake up early in the morning to watch the beautiful sunset. We will start with a morning camel ride back to the place where we started on the last day. From there, you are going to take the car and drive through many beautiful places until you reach Boumalne Dades, where you are going to spend the night. Among some of these beautiful places that you are going to pass by, there are the beautiful cities of Rissani, Erfoud, Tinghir, and Tinjedad.
The first destination is Rissani, or the capital of the Tafilalte region, the starting point of the Alaouite dynasty. The second city is Erfoud, a place for producing dates all over the country. In addition, Erfoud is home to many different small workshops that are concerned with producing fossils and exporting them inside and outside of the country. The other places are Tinjedad and Tinghir. Here, you are going to visit one of the unique places in the Southeast of Morocco, which is Todra Gorges and its canyons that are about 300 meters high.
Day 5: Boumalne Dades to Marrakech
The fifth day of our 7 days from Casablanca is going to be an excursion to the red city of Marrakech. Today’s destinations are a bit special and different from the last ones. Firstly, there is the city of Ouarzazate that in Berber means a place without noise. The city is also called the Moroccan Ouallywood, one of the major destinations for directors and movie-makers all over the world. Here, you are going to discover the Atlas studios where they make movies besides renting different materials for that. Secondly, as it is known, Morocco is famous for its unique kasbahs, today, you will have the chance to visit the most beautiful one of them. The Ait Benhaddou Kasbah is located on the tip of the High Atlas mountains and it is popular for its unique clay architecture.
Not to mention that, on the way to Marrakech from Boumalnes Dades, we are going to pass by many other beautiful places. Taking the examples of Teleouat Kasbah, Tizi Ntichka curves, Rose valley, and many more. Probably, the best thing about Tizi Ttichka is that it offers one of the best panoramic views which is about 2260m above the sea and allows you to see the Tichka curves from a different gaze.
Day 6: Touring Marrakech
The sixth day of the 7 days from Casablanca is going to be all spent discovering the beautiful city of Marrakech. Luckily, with Travelling In Morocco and for the first time, we include a local guide to well-explore the city and understand more about it.
Among the places that you will visit, there is the famous Square of Jamaa El-Fna and the Koutoubia mosque. These two places are not far from each other, so you will be visiting them in the same period of time. Besides, you will go on a visit to the beautiful gardens of Majorelle, Menara, and the Secret garden. In addition to Bahia palace, the Saadian tombs, and Mellah quarters.
Day 7: Marrakech to Casablanca
Today is the last day of our 7 days tour from Casablanca. The plan depends on your flight details, if you have the flight in the morning, we will take you directly to the airport. However, if the flight is in the evening, we would spend more time in Marrakech to discover more places.
We will take the highway directly to Mohammed V International Airport, where our service ends. Finally, we hope you enjoyed your time and had great memories with us.
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 7 days tour from Casablanca via Merzouga desert!
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Related Morocco tours:
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Highlights overview:
The 7 days tour from Casablanca to the desert of Merzouga and back is full of beautiful and stunning destinations. That is why Travelling In Morocco wants to share a glimpse about the most important ones of them.
Casablanca
Casablanca, the starting point of our 7 days tour is one one the important cities in Morocco. Firstly, its name was Anfa, which is a Berber name. Then it turned to be named Dar-al-Baida which means Casa Blanca. Casablanca has been through different influences from different civilizations. For a period of time, this city was kind of abandoned or forgotten. However, in the early nineteenth century, Casablanca again was brought to life with a set of investments. Not to mention the important geographical position where it is.
What makes Anfa an important site where to start your journey is offering one of the biggest airports in the country. In addition, when you plan your tour of this city, you will have the chance to see most of Morocco’s attractions on the way to Marrakech.
The main attraction is Casablanca that fascinates its visitors is the Grand Mosque of Hassan 2 that is partly built on the ocean. It is one of the great examples of Morocco art and architecture and it is open to everyone.
Fes
Among the imperial cities of the country, Fes is famous for its historical preservation. It is for sure one of the most important places in Morocco because it preserved ancient buildings and monuments. Prepare comfortable footwear, as there are plenty of beautiful attractions there.
For example, you will visit the Mausoleum of Moulay Idriss II, the door of Bab Bou Jeloud, and the impressive Al Karaouine Mosque. This latter is considered the oldest university in the world, which was actually built by a woman, Fatima al-Fihri. At first, it was built as a mosque and was a place where different students from different countries were gathering. In fact, it played a big role in the history of Morocco and was one of the most effective spiritual schools.
We will make sure that you visit the various tanneries of the city and see up close the places where the hides are prepared. Clearly, we will take you to the largest tannery of Choura. The place is a bit smelly because of the leather’s smell, however, it worths the visit. There, you will see how people produce leather products and paint them in different colors, where sometimes they use spices. One thing is for sure, you will take beautiful photos of the cultural city of Fes in Morocco.
Merzouga, the Sahara desert
The beautiful Merzouga and the highlight of most of our Morocco tours will for sure amaze you. Firstly, before starting to talk about the main attractions in this beautiful village and the main things to do it is better to talk about the history and where the name of the village came from. There are two different stories that tell the origin of the name. Firstly, some people say that the original name of Merzouga is from the family of Merzoug that used to settle in the desert before the tourism arrival.
Most of the citizens in the desert of Merzouga are originally Berber Nomads. In other words, the Majority of the inhabitants were at first living in tents and used to live by raising goats, sheep, and camels.
Secondly, the other story says that the origins of the name are Arabic because in this latter the word Merzouka means the wealthy land that is full of prosperity.
Merzouga desert is where you can find soul peace and calmness. All you need t do is just spend a beautiful evening in the golden silent dunes of Erg Chebbi and enjoy a camel ride then spend a night in the Berber nomads under the starry sky with the Berber instruments. In Merzouga, you can do many other activities, if you have much time, such as the desert tour and the Buggy or quad rental.
Marrakech
Marrakech is one of Morocco’s most popular cities, considered the capital of tourism in the country. Beautiful, exotic, and with red brick buildings, it is impossible not to fall in love with it.
People call it the red city because of the tone of its buildings. It is passionate and full of colors. When you arrive in Marrakech, you might begin your tour by visiting the Mosque of Koutoubia, the most important mosque in the region. Visit Bab Agnaou, built during the reign of Caliph Almohad Yacube Almanssour, which is one of the 19 doors of the city. In addition to the Saadian tombs, with graves of 60 members of the dynasty.
In one of Morocco’s most famous cities, Jemaa el-Fna Square, Unesco’s Intangible Cultural Heritage, is the kind of attraction that will enthrall you. There you will find several stalls selling the most different types of products as well as artistic performances. Lots of music and acrobatics. All of this and much more will be on your 7 days tour from Casablanca.
Rabat
Beautiful and full of attractions, Rabat is one of the most populated cities in Morocco. Known for the preservation of its cultural and architectural traditions. It also has its look to the future, being also very modern. It is no wonder one of the coolest places for tourists because it is extremely organized and has a very pleasant atmosphere.
There are several bars and restaurants serving the most delicious traditional foods in the country. It is also a cultural center full of theatres, libraries, and museums. The Mausoleum of Mohammed V is among the main attractions of the city, as well as the Hassan Tower and the Kasbah of the Oudaias. Visit the Andalusian Gardens, a beautiful garden, the Casbah Mausoleum of the Oudaias, and the Mohammed VI Museum.
Meknes
On the map of Morocco with spectacular cities, Meknes occupies the top positions. But besides all its beauty, it also attracts tourists because of its archaeological site. It is an imperial city and surrounded by 40 kilometers of walls, there is no wonder that Meknes is known as the city of hundred minarets. When visiting the region you will find buildings and monuments of millenary origin extremely preserved, such as Bab Mansour, one of the most beautiful gates in the world.
Take a walk around the immense rectangular shaped lake called Agdal. The Ethnographic Museum, located inside Dar Jamai Palace, is an interesting attraction, with collections that tell the history and customs of the country.
On the 7 days tour from Casablanca, we will be sure to visit the Roman Volubilis ruins, the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, and the Place Lahdim. Not to mention the Qara prison, one of the most interesting places in Meknes. The prison is in the shape of a maze that goes underground. It is said that it goes from Meknes to Fes and the prisoners that were thrown there never found a way to get outside of it. More surprisingly, some stories say that some scientists entered it in order to discover and they got themselves lost.
Tinghir
Beautiful views are not lacking in the charming little Tinghir! Surrounded by palm trees, the architecture of its buildings catches the tourists’ attention, but it is nature that impresses. The most important of all is Todra Gorges, a complex of red mountains that blend with huge palm trees. For those who enjoy climbing, Tinghir is a full dish. These canyons are about 300 meters and separated by a river that originally comes from a spring. Here, the atmosphere is just outstanding. In this place, you will find some small stores selling different leather products such as Djellabas and carpets.
Trekking through these regions is one of the most popular activities there. You will have the chance to take a walk along the banks of the Todgha river and go to the Gorges du Todgha Pass, a huge canyon. Also, visit the nature reserve, the valley of Tinghir, full of palm trees, and very green.
Ouarzazate
The Ouallywood of Morocco, the gate to the Sahara desert or Ouarzazate are all names that describe one of the very important cities in the Southeast of Morocco. The original name is consisted of two words. Firstly, Ouar and it means Without in Berber whereas the other word “Zazate” stands for noise. The meaning of the whole name refers to a city or a place without noise.
Affectionately called the “Moroccan Hollywood”, Ouarzazate has two major film studios (Atlas and CLA Cinema) that can be visited and increasingly attract major American productions. Ouarzazate’s great success is due to the low cost of the location, the sun that shines about 300 days a year. Not to mention, the security of the country, the goodwill and excitement of the Moroccan people. Also and clearly, the fact that it is one of the most exotic and beautiful arid scenes in the world.
In addition to the studios, the city also offers tourists the chance to visit the Cinema Museum and the Taourirt Kasbah. The museum, which opened in 2007, was an initiative to preserve the cinematographic memory of Ouarzazate and to promote tourism in the city. The museum is open every day from 08:00 to 18:00.
Skoura
Skoura is one of the important stop stations on the way to Marrakech since it is the gateway to the region of the desert of Erg Chebbi. Even though it is not one of the most famous cities in Morocco, it gathers incredible attractions. There you will find beautiful buildings, charming streets, beautiful castles, and impressive monuments. Visit the ancient castle Kasbah Amridil, built on red earth, by Thami El Glaoui.
Erfoud and Rissani
On the way to the Sahara desert of Merzouga, whether from Marrakech or Casablanca, you will pass by these two desert cities. Firstly, there is Erfoud the biggest nearest city to the Merzouga desert. The main thing about this city is that it organizes every year a festival dates that gathers people from all over the world. Not to mention that Erfoud is the main city that is in charge of the biggest source of dates in Morocco, that one in Ziz valley. Besides dates, Erfoud is an important place where many different fossil shops lay, and its area is famous for fossils work.
On the other hand, there is the city of Rissani, the capital of Tafilalte. As it is known, this place is the starting point of the Alaouite dynasty that is ruling Morocco today. This city is home to one of the oldest traditional souks in Morocco, and it is where most of the desert citizens buy and sell goods. One of the unique things in this city is that it has a place that is special only for donkeys, so every person bringing any commodity using the donkey should park them in that place.
Atlas mountains
The Atlas mountains are a range that crosses the three north African countries, Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia. We can divide these mountains into three parts, the High, Anti, and Middle Atlas mountains. It is not very appropriate to call these ranges chains as many people do, because the ranges are separated in some places by distances called plateaus.
On this 7 days tour from Casablanca, you are going to cross the Middle Atlas first, and the main station there is the city of Irfane. After that, on the way back to Marrakech, you will cross the High Atlas mountains, just after passing by the fortress of Ait Benhaddou. The amazing thing about the high Atlas mountains is the curved road of Tizi Ntichka, a piece of art and the only way to get to the Southeast of Morocco from Marrakech.
Ifrane
Ifrane or the little Switzerland of Morocco is located on the way from Fes to Merzouga desert. Exactly in the Middle Atlas mountains. Being in this location makes it the coldest city in Morocco and it receives huge amounts of tourists, Moroccans, and outsiders, that go there to practice snowboarding. Not to mention that Ifrane has a very different way of constructing its buildings. In fact, it has a European touch.
Ifrane with its unique and suitable weather is home to many major investments. Taking the example of Al Akhawain university that offers high education and open to students from all over the world. In addition, there is Lmaamoura, a residence where the national soccer team head for training very often. Also, Ifrane is home to the Atlas lion statue, one of the unique statues in Morocco that was carved by a german, prisoner. The story of this statue goes back to when Morocco was under the France administration. At that time France constructed a military base in Ifrane and they arrested many prisoners. Among these prisoners was one from Germany, the story says that France offered him freedom if he will do something unique and new. So he carved the Atlas lion statue.
Ait Benhaddou, the most unique village in the 7 days tour from Casablanca
Aït-Ben-Haddou is a fortified city considered a world heritage site by UNESCO, formed by several Kasbahs, located on top of a hill. The town is surrounded by the river Ounila and it is necessary to cross a bridge to reach the village. Aït-Ben-Haddou has been the setting of several films and series such as Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves, The Bible, Cleopatra, The Mummy, Gladiator, Alexander, and Game of Thrones.
For those who enjoy soap operas, it is worth remembering that “The Clone”, produced between 2001 and 2002 by Rede Globo, also had scenes recorded in Aït-Ben-Haddou, as well as in the Marrakech market, in the cistern of the Portuguese city of El Jadida and in the old medina of Fes.
All these attractions are now world heritage sites in Morocco and deserve a visit! It is not necessary to pay entrance fees to visit the Kasbah of Aït-Ben-Haddou since it is the village itself. Basically, you will climb the whole village through an alley and reach the top, from where you will have a 360-degree view of the region. Along the way, you will see the clay houses, shops, and several artisans.