10-Day Casablanca to Essaouira Tour

Discover Morocco on this 10-day Casablanca to Essaouira tour, returning to Casablanca at the end of the journey. This private itinerary combines imperial history, the blue streets of Chefchaouen, the cultural heritage of Fes, the Sahara dunes, dramatic mountain landscapes and the Atlantic coast. The 10-day Casablanca to Essaouira tour is designed to introduce you to several regions of the country in one memorable trip. Explore our Morocco tours and contact us to discuss changes to the itinerary.

10-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 visit selected highlights of Casablanca before travelling to Rabat, the national capital. Explore the Kasbah of the Udayas, Hassan Tower and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V. Rabat combines historic monuments, modern avenues and a pleasant coastal atmosphere. Your visit offers a first introduction to Moroccan culture and architecture. After sightseeing, transfer to your accommodation and enjoy some free time to relax before the next stage of the trip. Overnight in Rabat.

Day 2: Rabat to Chefchaouen

After breakfast, travel north towards Chefchaouen through the changing landscapes of northern Morocco. On arrival, explore the famous blue streets, small squares and traditional lanes of the medina. Set against the Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen is known for its relaxed atmosphere, colourful doorways and artisan shops. Take time to discover local crafts, enjoy a drink at a café or walk to a viewpoint overlooking the town. The afternoon is flexible, allowing you to explore at your own pace and take photographs of the distinctive architecture. Overnight in Chefchaouen.

Day 3: Chefchaouen, Volubilis and Fes

Leave Chefchaouen and continue towards Fes. If time permits, stop at Volubilis, one of Morocco most important Roman archaeological sites. Its surviving columns, ancient streets and mosaics provide insight into the region during the Roman period. Continue to Fes, a historic centre of learning, craftsmanship and traditional Moroccan culture. On arrival, transfer to your riad or hotel and take time to relax. Depending on your energy and arrival time, you may enjoy a first walk in the surrounding neighbourhood. Overnight in Fes.

Day 4: Guided visit of Fes

Spend the day discovering Fes with a local guide. Walk through the old medina, traditional souks, historic madrasas and lively artisan quarters. Learn about local crafts, leather production and skills passed down through generations. You may also admire the gates of the Royal Palace and other important landmarks from the outside, depending on access and the tour schedule. The guided visit helps explain the city history, architecture and daily life. Afterwards, enjoy free time to explore independently, shop for crafts or relax at your riad. Second overnight in Fes.

Day 5: Fes, Ifrane, Ziz Valley and Merzouga

Depart 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 and traditional villages appear along the landscape. As you approach Merzouga, the scenery gradually changes into the wide desert environment of the Sahara. Arrive near the Erg Chebbi dunes and settle into your accommodation. Enjoy the evening atmosphere of the desert before resting overnight in Merzouga.

Day 6: Discover the Merzouga Sahara

Enjoy a day exploring the desert surroundings of Merzouga. Depending on the arrangements, visit nearby villages and learn about local music, traditions and everyday life in this Saharan region. There will be time to appreciate the Erg Chebbi dunes and the changing colours of the sand. At sunset, you may take part in a camel excursion to a desert camp if included in your booking. Spend the evening enjoying the peaceful desert atmosphere and looking at the night sky. Overnight in a desert camp or local accommodation, according to the selected package.

Day 7: Merzouga, Todra Gorges and Dades Valley

After breakfast, continue to Rissani, a traditional town known for its market and regional heritage. Travel through desert landscapes and oasis settlements towards the Todra Gorges. Here, towering rock walls rise above the river, creating one of the most impressive natural settings in southern Morocco. Enjoy a walk and time for photographs before continuing to the Dades Valley. The route passes mud-brick villages, cultivated fields and unusual rock formations. Arrive at your accommodation in the Dades area in the evening and relax after a day of scenic driving.

Day 8: Dades, Ouarzazate, Ait Ben Haddou and Marrakech

Leave the Dades Valley and travel towards Ouarzazate, a gateway to southern Morocco. Depending on the available time, explore selected sights before continuing to Ait Ben Haddou, a historic earthen ksar recognised by UNESCO. Read more on the official UNESCO Ait Ben Haddou page. Continue across the High Atlas Mountains along the Tizi nTichka route, stopping at viewpoints when conditions allow. The journey ends in Marrakech, where you can settle into your accommodation and enjoy the evening in the city.

Day 9: Marrakech and Essaouira

Spend the morning discovering selected highlights of Marrakech, such as the medina, traditional souks and the lively Jemaa el-Fna square. The exact visit will depend on your departure time and interests. Later, travel west towards Essaouira through changing countryside and areas known for argan trees. On arrival, explore the historic medina, fortified walls and fishing harbour. Essaouira offers a different atmosphere from the inland cities, with ocean breezes, whitewashed buildings and a relaxed coastal character. Enjoy free time and overnight in Essaouira.

Day 10: Essaouira to Casablanca

Enjoy some free time in Essaouira for a beach walk, artisan shopping or a coffee near the harbour, depending on your departure schedule. Then begin the road journey back to Casablanca. This is a long transfer, so it is important to coordinate the departure time with your flight and allow sufficient time to reach the airport. Your 10-day Casablanca to Essaouira tour ends with a transfer to Casablanca airport or your chosen accommodation. For itinerary changes or booking details, please use our contact page.

What is included

Depending on the package, services may include private transport, a driver, fuel and accommodation. Guided visits, desert activities, meals and entrance fees should be confirmed before booking. Flights, personal expenses and services not specifically listed are excluded unless agreed in advance.

Frequently asked questions