12 Days Morocco Itinerary From Casablanca

Welcome to Morocco! Upon your arrival at Mohammed V International Airport in Casablanca, Proceed through customs and meet us just outside the exit gate, we will be holding a “Morocco Travel Boutique” sign for easy visibility. Our friendly local driver/guide welcomes you and drives you into the center of Casablanca to start exploring Casablanca’s sights. Commence with the stunning Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world that non Muslims can enter. Its minaret is a sight to behold.

Next, we will leave for Rabat. Rabat is the current capital of Morocco since Morocco gained its independence from France in 1956. Upon our arrival, begin your tour with a visit to the 2nd-century Chellah Necropolis, established originally as a Phoenician colony. Continue to the Yacoub al-Mansour Esplanade to see the Kings' Mausoleum which houses the remains of several kings and the unfinished 12th-century Hassan Tower. 

Head to Kasbah des Ouadayas, a 12th-century Almohad fortress. From here stroll through the winding streets or enjoy a mint tea at the Cafe Maure overlooking the Bou Regreg River. Afterwards, we will transfer you to the hotel for check-in. Relax and get some rest ahead of your next journey.

Enjoy a relaxing breakfast before we travel north along the Atlantic coast toward Tangier. Along the way, we will stop to explore the charming town of Asilah, known for its calm waters and its famous International Cultural Festival, which transforms the town into an open-air art gallery every August. You will have lunch at your leisure and time to explore the white-washed streets of the Asilah Medina.

Next, we continue our journey to visit the legendary Caves of Hercules and Cap Spartel, the dramatic point where the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea meet. Upon arriving in Tangier, you will meet your private local guide for a walking tour of the Tangier Medina. Highlights include a visit to the Kasbah and the American Legation, which holds the distinction of being the first American public property established outside of the United States.

Later, you can enjoy a spectacular sunset and ocean views overlooking the Strait of Gibraltar, either from your hotel or a nearby rooftop café. This marks the perfect conclusion to your day in Tangier. Dinner is at your leisure, followed by a restful evening at your beautiful hotel, which features a unique blend of Moroccan architecture and Spanish influence.

After a late breakfast, possibly to enjoy the Tangier more before leaving the blue city of Chefchaouen. Along the way, we will stop in a beautiful town called Tetouan known locally as the white dove of Morocco. Here you will visit Faddan Square.

Arrive Chefchaouen around midday, check into your hotel and lunch will be at your leisure then head out to explore the winding streets and blue alleys of Chefchaouen. Enjoy your walking tour of the 15th-century city, starting with the Kasbah in the center of town. Enjoy panoramic views of the area from the tower, then find your way through the cobblestone streets to the town's waterfall, a popular gathering spot. Locals meet here to chat, do laundry, and relax.

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before setting out on a three-hour drive toward the spiritual city of Fes. Along the way, we will visit the Roman ruins of Volubilis, one of the best-preserved archaeological sites in North Africa and the former administrative center of the Roman Empire in the region. The site is renowned for its grand columns, ancient roads, and stunningly preserved mosaics.

Next, we continue to the imperial city of Meknes, which served as the capital of Morocco under the rule of Sultan Moulay Ismail in the 17th century. Upon arrival, we will begin our city tour at the magnificent Bab Mansour gate. Known for its intricate tilework and impressive scale, it was once the main entrance to the city. We will also visit the historic Qara Prison (the city's underground jail) and the beautifully maintained Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail.

In the late afternoon, we will reach our accommodation in Fes. After checking into your elegantly decorated Riad, you can end your day relaxing in its gardens or enjoying the view of the UNESCO-listed Medina as it lights up, listening to the evening call to prayer from a rooftop terrace.

After a delightful breakfast, your private local guide will lead you on an immersive exploration of the city. As the oldest city in Morocco, Fes offers a deep journey into the country’s rich history, vibrant culture, and intricate craftsmanship.

Your journey begins at the Royal Palace, which dates back to the 16th century and is famous for its stunning golden gates. Here, you can admire the majestic bronze doors and intricate tilework. Next, we visit a traditional pottery and ceramics workshop, where you will see how these ancient artisanal skills have been passed down from generation to generation.

Lunch will be at your leisure, followed by a peaceful walking tour through the UNESCO World Heritage alleyways of the Medina. Your guide will take you to the famous Chouara Tannery to witness the ancient process of leather making. You will also visit historic Quranic schools, such as the Al-Attarine Madrasa and Al-Qarawiyyin University. Founded by Fatima al-Fihri, Al-Qarawiyyin is recognized as one of the oldest degree-granting universities in the world.

After visiting the city’s most iconic sites, we will escort you back to your accommodation for a relaxing evening.

After an early breakfast at your hotel, we depart for Fes for the Sahara Desert of Merzouga (Erg Chebbi). Our first stop is Ifrane, often referred to as the “Switzerland of Morocco” due to its cool climate and alpine architecture. After a leisurely drive, we continue to the ancient Cedar Forest, where we may encounter Barbary macaques in their natural habitat.

We then continue over the Middle Atlas Mountains. Throughout this journey, you will be amazed by the stunning contrasts as you traverse a landscape of incredible diversity. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant in the town of Midelt, followed by a drive across the High Atlas Mountains to reach the Ziz Valley. This lush valley, filled with palm groves, marks the beginning of the Tafilalt Oasis.

Continuing south, our path leads to Merzouga via the town of Erfoud, famous for its fossil workshops and the annual Date Festival in October. Upon arrival in Merzouga, we trade our vehicle for camels. Guided by an experienced desert scout, you will trek across the golden Erg Chebbi dunes toward your luxury camp. Your guide will stop at a high dune, allowing you to capture photos and witness a sunset that may well be the best of your life.

Later, enjoy authentic Berber hospitality as you check into your deluxe tent, complete with a private bathroom. A traditional dinner will be served under the starry sky, followed by live desert music around the campfire.

Rise early to witness a breathtaking sunrise over the dunes followed by breakfast at your leisure. Afterward, you may choose to cross the dunes back to meet your driver either by camel trek or in a 4WD vehicle. Bid farewell to the Sahara as we head toward the Dades Valley via Rissani and Tinghir.

Our first stop is Rissani, the ancestral capital of the Alaouite Dynasty (Morocco’s current royal family). This town is famous for its traditional market, which comes alive every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday. Historically, after the nearby city of Sijilmassa was destroyed in the 14th century, Rissani became a vital hub for trans-Saharan trade, particularly noted for its leather and goat-skin trading.

We continue through the Tafilalt Oasis, home to hundreds of ancient kasbahs and ksours, to reach the town of Tinghir. After lunch, enjoy a scenic drive along the Todra Valley with frequent stops at panoramic viewpoints. We will then arrive at the Todra Gorges, whose 300-meter cliffs attract climbers from around the world. If time permits, you will have the unique opportunity to visit a Berber nomadic home for a weaving demonstration to learn the history and artistry behind traditional Berber rugs.

Later this afternoon, we reach our hotel in Boumalne Dades. Perched overlooking the Dades Valley, this area is renowned for its dramatic mountain landscapes and unique rock formations. Check into your cozy room and enjoy a delicious evening meal.

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before setting off on a five-hour journey toward Ouarzazate. We will pass through Kalaat M'Gouna, known locally as the 'Rose Town' and famous for its annual Rose Festival in May. Depending on the season, we will stop at a local women’s cooperative near the Rose Valley. Here, you will learn the delicate process of transforming Damask roses into rose oil and rose water. You may also purchase rose perfumes to enjoy throughout your entire trip.

We then traverse the Skoura Oasis to reach Ouarzazate, often called the 'Hollywood of Africa.' You will have the option to visit Atlas Studios, where famous productions such as Game of Thrones and Kingdom of Heaven were filmed. Nearby, we reach the historic village of Ait Ben Haddou. This Kasbah is a UNESCO World Heritage site and was once a vital trading post for caravans traveling between Marrakech and Timbuktu. Today, it serves as a backdrop for films like Lawrence of Arabia and Indiana Jones. You will have ample time to explore both the exterior and interior of the Kasbah.

After lunch at a local restaurant overlooking the kasbah, we ascend the Atlas Mountains toward the bustling city of Marrakech. Enjoy the dramatic Tizi n'Tichka pass, with its fascinating views of Berber villages and a landscape that shifts beautifully as the day progresses. After several scenic stops along the winding mountain roads, we will arrive at your Marrakech accommodation in the late afternoon.

Today is dedicated to exploring Marrakech, known locally as the "Red City" due to its red beaten clay architecture. Your private tour with a local guide begins with a visit to the Koutoubia Mosque, built in the 12th century; its minaret remains the tallest building in the city.

Next, cross the vibrant Jemaa El Fna square, where food stalls, storytellers, and snake charmers bring the space to life. You will also pay a visit to the Ben Youssef Madrasa, Bahia Palace, and El Badi Palace.

Lunch will be at your leisure in a traditional restaurant in the heart of Medina. Afterward, continue your sightseeing tour through the souks, winding through the 11th-century alleyways of Marrakech, surrounded by artisanal workshops and local shops. This is free time with the option for shopping,or you can skip it entirely.

In the afternoon, we will take you to visit the modern part of Marrakech, often called Gueliz, home to the colorful Majorelle Garden and Menara Gardens. The Majorelle Garden houses more than 300 different species of plants from five continents and is a peaceful place to unwind after your walking tour through the busy Medina.

Afterward, we will accompany you back to your accommodation. Alternatively, you can head back to the vibrant Jemaa El Fna as it becomes more active in the late afternoon. We recommend enjoying a fresh drink on a rooftop terrace to watch the sunset overlooking the square and the Koutoubia Mosque.

After breakfast at your Riad, we depart for the charming coastal town of Essaouira. The three-hour drive brings you to this relaxed resort town, world-renowned for its powerful Atlantic swells that attract surfers and windsurfers from across the globe.

Before reaching Essaouira, optionally we will stop at an Argan Oil Women’s Cooperative in the town of Onagha. Morocco is internationally famous for its Argan oil, used both for skincare and as a nutritious culinary specialty. Upon arrival in Essaouira, you will check into your hotel and enjoy a full afternoon exploring the beautiful Essaouira Medina.

Visit Moulay Hassan Square to soak in the live Gnaoua music and vibrant atmosphere. Afterward, head to the bustling fishing port, famous for its iconic blue boats and the fresh fish market where locals gather for the catch of the day. Continue your exploration along the Skala de la Kasbah, the 18th-century seafront ramparts designed by European engineers. Here, old brass cannons still line the walls, offering spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Alternatively, you may choose to walk along the wide sandy beach, a popular spot for kitesurfing and windsurfing, before enjoying a restful night at your hotel overlooking the ocean.

After enjoying a relaxed breakfast and some final moments for leisurely shopping in the charming souks of Essaouira, we begin our journey north along the scenic Atlantic coastline toward Casablanca.

Our route takes us through several historic coastal towns, each with its own unique character. We will pass through Safi, famous for its world-class pottery, and Oualidia, a peaceful lagoon town renowned for its fresh oysters. We will also visit El Jadida, home to the famous Portuguese City (Mazagan). This fortified coastal settlement was occupied by the Portuguese in the 16th century and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its stunning Manueline-style cistern and impressive ramparts.

Upon arrival in Casablanca, you will check into your accommodation for your final evening in Morocco. If time permits, you can enjoy a farewell walk along the Corniche or visit the magnificent Hassan II Mosque as it lights up against the evening sky. Enjoy a restful last night as you reflect on the incredible memories made throughout your journey.

Today your driver/guide, who has by now become your life-long friend, transfers you to the Casablanca airport for your scheduled flight on time. Safe travels!