10 Days from Casablanca to Desert and Marrakech

Day 1: Casablanca – Rabat.

Meeting at the airport and drive to Casablanca, with the first views of the Moroccan countryside. Visit the mosque of Hassan II (not possible on Fridays or religious holidays), the largest mosque in Africa and decorated with beautiful tiles of great craftsmanship. Continue to Rabat.

Dinner and overnight.

Day 2: Rabat – Meknes.

After breakfast at the riad, we return back over the river to Rabat, where a visit to the Hassan Tower and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, built in tribute to the king, who died in 1961, is scheduled. His son and successor, Hassan II, who died in 1999, is also buried here. Follow the Kasbah Oudaya gardens, which are typical Andalusian style, and from there into the Kasbah itself, painted the traditional blue and white on the outside of the walls. This style of decoration houses can be found in many coastal villages up and down the Atlantic coast. The trip continues to Meknes, where you will visit Bab Mansour, one of the most famous places in Morocco, the mausoleum of Moulay Ismail and the granaries.

Dinner and overnight.

Day 3: Meknes – Volubilis – Fez.

After breakfast at the Riad, departure to Volubilis to visit the Roman ruins, which are spread over a large area and have magnificent views over the valley and hills. From here you can then visit the holy city of Moulay Idriss. Non-Muslims are not allowed entry into the mausoleum in the main square, but it has lovely views and small stores. Continue to Fez.

Dinner and overnight.

Day 4: Fez.

Free day in Fes. Entering the streets of its medina (old city) we will feel that time goes back: the guild structure is still present at work, the narrowness of its streets allows no other means of transport than donkeys and a constant tingling of people move through the labyrinthine streets in the middle of which we will be surprised by neighborhoods such as the Andalusian and magnificent mosques and Koranic schools. Fez has always been associated with study and religiosity, and remains the spiritual capital of Morocco. After visiting the medina another option is to walk aimlessly through the streets of Fez-Jdid, where the royal palace, the mellah (Jewish quarter) and the oldest mosque in Fez.

Dinner and overnight.

Day 5: Fez – Midelt – Er Rachidia – Erfoud.

Departure from Fez traveling through Azrou, where you can see Barbary monkeys in the Middle Atlas forest. Lunch is in Midelt, “the capital of the apple”, at the foot of the mountain Ayachi. We continue on to the last pass of Tizi-n-Talent and through the Ziz Valley, which is especially known for its palm trees and the length of the oases. Along the way there are countless “ksar”, small villages of individual houses. From here you reach Er Rachidia and Erfoud, famous for its festival and fossils.

Dinner and overnight.

Day 6: Erfoud – Merzouga.

In the morning after breakfast, continue to Rissani to visit the souks there. From here you will take the 4×4 to the lake and then visit the Berber nomads for some music. Lunch is at the dunes of Erg Chebbi in Merzouga in a lodge with a swimming pool near the dunes. Once in the camp, you take a camel ride to watch the sunset from the top of the dunes. Back at the camp, dinner is served, followed by an evening of music and night in a nomad tent.

Dinner and overnight.

Day 7: Merzouga – Rissani – Todra Gorges – Dades Gorges.

We wake up before dawn to watch the sunrise. Return by camel to the lodge. Shower and breakfast.

Departure to Rissani. Visit its market which is the most important in the south, where all the nomads of the desert go to do their shopping, then we leave for Erfoud where we will visit the factory of fossilized marble and continue to the palm groves of Touroug and Tinjdad. We will arrive at one of the highlights of the South: The Todra Gorges. The Todra River has formed a gorge of vertical walls of enormous proportions and great beauty; it is a paradise for climbers and a unique place.

Lunch and walk for half an hour to see the Gorges at leisure. In the afternoon we continue to the Dades Valley through Boumalne.

Dinner and overnight in the Dades Gorges.

Day 8: Dades – Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – High Atlas – Marrakech.

After breakfast and before continuing to Marrakech we will visit the Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou where many movies have been filmed as “Lawrence of Arabia” “Babel” and “Gladiator”. Then we will continue to Marrakech over the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi N’tichka pass. On the side of the mountains you will see Berber villages and farms.

At the end of the day arrival in Marrakech.

Day 9: Visit of Marrakech.

The Bahia Palace, commissioned by Ahmed ben Moussa, an influential vizier, is a stunning example of Moroccan architecture. Built in the late 19th century, it was dedicated to the favorite among the vizier’s wives and concubines. Visitors can explore one-third of the palace, as the rest remains private property of the royal family.

Saadian Tombs

Located near the Kasbah mosque, the Saadian Tombs date back to 1557. Initially hidden behind a wall during the Alawite Sultan Moulay Ismail’s reign, the tombs were rediscovered in 1917 and subsequently restored. Today, they represent a beautiful royal cemetery, attracting hundreds of tourists daily.

Dar si Said Palace Museum

Built by Sir Said Moussa, brother of vizier Ahmed Ben Moussa, the Dar Si Said Palace now houses a museum of Moroccan art. Constructed in the late 19th century, it was later occupied by French authorities during the Protectorate era. Since 1932, the palace has been home to a museum showcasing Moroccan art, offering visitors a glimpse into the country’s rich cultural heritage.

Afternoon Exploration of the Medina

After the morning guided tour, you’ll have the afternoon free to explore the vibrant streets and bustling souks of the Medina at your leisure. Take in the sights, sounds, and aromas of this ancient city, and immerse yourself in its rich history and culture. Enjoy shopping for traditional handicrafts, sampling local cuisine, or simply soaking up the atmosphere of this fascinating place.

Overnight Stay

After a day of exploration, return to your accommodation in Marrakech for a restful overnight stay, reflecting on the day’s discoveries and looking forward to more adventures in the days to come.

Day 10: Marrakech – Airport.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport according to flight time.