12-Day Casablanca to Essaouira Tour

Discover Morocco on this 12-day Casablanca to Essaouira tour, a private journey combining historic cities, mountain scenery, Amazigh culture, Sahara dunes and the Atlantic coast. The itinerary includes Rabat, Chefchaouen, Fes, Merzouga, the Dades Valley, Ouarzazate, Marrakech and Essaouira. This 12-day Casablanca to Essaouira tour gives you more time to explore each region and enjoy the journey at a comfortable pace. Browse our Morocco tours and contact us to tailor the trip to your interests.

12-day Casablanca to Essaouira tour itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Casablanca and Rabat

Meet your driver at Casablanca airport and begin your Moroccan journey. Depending on your arrival time, you may explore selected highlights of Casablanca before travelling to Rabat, the capital. Visit the Kasbah of the Udayas, Hassan Tower and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V. Rabat combines historic architecture, lively avenues and a pleasant coastal atmosphere. After sightseeing, transfer to your accommodation and relax. This first day introduces you to Moroccan heritage before the journey continues north through the country.

Day 2: Rabat to Chefchaouen

After breakfast, travel north through the landscapes of northern Morocco towards Chefchaouen. On arrival, explore the famous blue medina, narrow lanes, small squares and artisan shops. Surrounded by the Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen offers a relaxed atmosphere and plenty of opportunities for photography. You may visit local cafés and viewpoints overlooking the town, depending on the time available. Enjoy the afternoon at your own pace before spending the night in Chefchaouen.

Day 3: Chefchaouen to Fes

Enjoy a final morning in Chefchaouen, walking through traditional streets and discovering quieter corners of the medina. Later, continue to Fes, one of Morocco most important historic cities. The drive passes through rural landscapes and changing scenery. On arrival, transfer to your riad or hotel and take time to settle in. If your arrival time allows, enjoy a first walk near the old medina and experience the atmosphere of the city before the guided visit scheduled for the following day.

Day 4: Guided visit of Fes

Discover Fes with a local guide. Explore the old medina, traditional souks, historic madrasas, fountains and artisan quarters. Learn about Moroccan craftsmanship, pottery and leatherwork, with techniques preserved across generations. You may also admire the gates of the Royal Palace from the outside and visit other important sites according to the agreed route. The guided visit provides insight into the city history, architecture and daily life. Enjoy free time in the afternoon for shopping, independent exploration or relaxation at your riad.

Day 5: Fes, Ifrane, Ziz Valley and Merzouga

Leave Fes early and travel south through the Middle Atlas Mountains. Stop in Ifrane, known for its gardens and distinctive architecture, before continuing through cedar forests and mountain scenery. After passing Midelt, follow the route towards the Ziz Valley, where palm groves stand out against the arid landscape. As you approach Merzouga, the Sahara dunes gradually appear. Arrive at your accommodation and enjoy the peaceful desert surroundings. Overnight in Merzouga.

Day 6: Full day in the Merzouga desert

Spend the day exploring the surroundings of Merzouga at a relaxed pace. Depending on your selected package, visit nearby villages and learn about regional music, local traditions and everyday life in the Sahara. There will be time to appreciate the Erg Chebbi dunes and observe how the sand changes colour throughout the day. At sunset, a camel excursion to a desert camp may be arranged if included in your booking. Enjoy the evening atmosphere under the Saharan sky.

Day 7: Merzouga, Rissani, Todra Gorges and Dades

After breakfast, travel to Rissani, a town known for its traditional market and regional heritage. Continue through oasis landscapes and southern villages towards the Todra Gorges. Towering rock walls rise beside the river, creating one of the region most striking natural settings. Enjoy time for a walk and photographs before continuing to the Dades Valley. Along the route, you will see traditional settlements and unusual rock formations. Arrive at your accommodation and relax after a scenic day.

Day 8: Dades Valley to Ouarzazate

After breakfast, explore part of the Dades Valley, known for its rock formations, traditional villages and cultivated fields. Continue towards Ouarzazate through characteristic landscapes of southern Morocco. Depending on the schedule, you may visit selected sights and learn about the city connection with film production. This stage offers a slightly slower pace and time to appreciate the scenery along the road. Arrive at your accommodation in Ouarzazate and spend the night in the city.

Day 9: Ouarzazate, Ait Ben Haddou and Marrakech

Travel to Ait Ben Haddou, a historic earthen ksar recognised by UNESCO. Walk through its old lanes and learn about its role along historic trade routes. Read more on the official UNESCO Ait Ben Haddou page. Continue across the High Atlas Mountains along the Tizi nTichka road, stopping at viewpoints when conditions allow. Arrive in Marrakech in the afternoon, transfer to your accommodation and enjoy the evening at leisure.

Day 10: Explore Marrakech

Spend the day discovering Marrakech, a city famous for historic monuments, gardens, markets and lively streets. Explore the medina and traditional souks, where artisans sell textiles, spices, decorative objects and local crafts. Depending on opening times and your interests, you may visit selected historic sites. Jemaa el-Fna square is an excellent place to observe everyday life and enjoy the city atmosphere. The afternoon is free for independent exploration, a café stop or relaxation at your accommodation. Second overnight in Marrakech.

Day 11: Marrakech to Essaouira

After breakfast, travel west towards Essaouira through rural scenery and areas known for argan trees. On arrival, explore the historic medina, fortified walls and fishing harbour. Essaouira has a different character from the inland cities, with Atlantic breezes, whitewashed buildings and a strong artisan tradition. Enjoy time to walk around the old town, browse local craft shops and sample regional food at your own expense. Overnight in Essaouira.

Day 12: Essaouira to Casablanca

Enjoy some free time in Essaouira for a beach walk, a visit to the medina or coffee near the harbour, depending on your departure schedule. Then begin the road transfer back to Casablanca. As the drive is long, coordinate the departure time with your flight and allow enough time to reach the airport. Your 12-day Casablanca to Essaouira tour ends with a transfer to Casablanca airport or your chosen accommodation. For adjustments, use our contact page.

Included

• Private transport for the agreed itinerary.
• Driver and fuel during the tour.
• Eleven nights of accommodation, according to the selected category and availability.
• Airport pick-up and drop-off as confirmed in the booking.
• Scenic stops and exterior visits described in the itinerary.
• Merzouga desert experience according to the confirmed package.
• Assistance with organising travel stages and schedules.

Excluded

• International and domestic flights.
• Meals and drinks not specified in the booking.
• Monument and museum entrance fees unless confirmed.
• Local city guides unless booked in advance.
• Camel rides and activities not included in the package.
• Personal expenses, shopping and tips.
• Travel insurance and services not listed under inclusions.

Frequently asked questions