Morocco Desert Tour

7 Days Casablanca to Marrakech Tour via Fes and Merzouga

Casablanca Marrakech
Duration 7 Days 6 Nights
Departure Casablanca
Transport Private
Travel Style Private Tour

Discover Morocco on this 7 days Casablanca Marrakech tour. The route combines imperial cities, Atlas Mountain scenery, traditional villages and an unforgettable experience in the Sahara Desert. Enjoy private transport, scenic stops and opportunities to learn about local culture along the way.

7 days Morocco itinerary

Day 1: Casablanca, Rabat and Fes

Begin in Casablanca, where you can admire the exterior of Hassan II Mosque and, if time allows, take a short walk along the Corniche. Continue to Rabat, the capital of Morocco. Discover the Kasbah of the Udayas, Hassan Tower and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, landmarks that reflect different periods of the country’s history.

In the afternoon, drive towards Fes. The journey passes through changing landscapes and towns in the interior. On arrival, check in to your accommodation and enjoy your first evening in one of Morocco’s most important historic cities. Your driver can coordinate stops according to traffic, weather and the time available.

Day 2: Guided visit of Fes

Spend the day exploring Fes, renowned for its traditional medina and long-standing craft heritage. With a local guide, walk through historic lanes, see monumental gates and visit notable sites such as Bou Inania Madrasa when open. The souks bring together workshops producing ceramics, textiles, copperware and other goods using skills passed down through generations.

Explore the Nejjarine area and viewpoints overlooking the medina. Your guide can explain local customs, architecture and everyday life in the city. The visit can be paced to allow time for lunch and short breaks. Return to your accommodation in the late afternoon and relax before the journey south towards the Sahara the following morning.

Day 3: Fes, Ifrane, Midelt and Merzouga

Leave Fes after breakfast and travel through the Middle Atlas. Stop in Ifrane, known for its gardens and distinctive architecture. Continue through the cedar forests of the region, where scenery changes with the seasons. The route then reaches Midelt, a town surrounded by mountains and orchards, where you can pause for lunch and a break.

In the afternoon, cross valleys and dry landscapes on the way south. As you approach Merzouga, the dunes of Erg Chebbi come into view. Check in to a local accommodation or desert camp, depending on the option you have booked. If time and conditions permit, enjoy sunset over the sand. Experience local hospitality and spend the night close to the Sahara.

Day 4: Merzouga Desert experience

Use this day to discover the surroundings of Erg Chebbi. After sunrise, enjoy breakfast and views of the dunes as their colours and shapes change with the light. Depending on the selected package, you may take a 4×4 excursion, visit nearby settlements and learn about nomadic and Amazigh culture with a local companion.

A sunset camel ride or an alternative activity may also be available, depending on the booking and conditions. Follow your guide’s advice and respect local customs during visits. The afternoon gives you time to rest, photograph the landscape and enjoy the quiet atmosphere of the Sahara. In the evening, share a traditional dinner and experience regional music if your accommodation offers it. The day is designed to explore the desert at a relaxed pace.

Day 5: Merzouga, Rissani, Todra Gorges and Dades Valley

After breakfast, leave Merzouga for Rissani, known for its traditional market and historical links with ancient trade routes. If the market is open, explore its stalls and local products. Continue to the Todra Gorges, where towering rock walls rise above the valley and the river has shaped a dramatic landscape.

Take a short walk in accessible areas and enjoy photo stops while respecting the environment and local guidance. Continue towards Dades Valley, famous for unusual rock formations, oases and villages built with traditional materials. Along the road, look for fields and palm groves beside watercourses. Arrive at your accommodation in the valley in the evening, enjoy dinner if included and rest for the next stage of the journey.

Day 6: Dades Valley, Ouarzazate, Ait Ben Haddou and Marrakech

Leave Dades Valley and travel through southern Morocco towards Ouarzazate. Depending on the schedule, stop at scenic viewpoints to appreciate the contrast between mountains, oases and red earth. Continue to Ait Ben Haddou, a historic earthen ksar recognised for its traditional architecture and cultural significance. Walk through its accessible lanes and enjoy views of the surrounding landscape.

After the visit and lunch, drive towards Marrakech across the High Atlas via the Tizi n Tichka pass when road conditions allow. The route offers mountain views and villages on the hillsides. Arrival in Marrakech is usually in the afternoon or evening, depending on traffic and stops. Check in to your accommodation and enjoy free time after the journey.

Day 7: Discover Marrakech

Spend your final day discovering Marrakech, a city known for its gardens, palaces, historic landmarks and lively medina. Walk around Jemaa el-Fnaa square, explore the souks and admire the city’s historic architecture. Subject to opening times and ticket availability, arrange visits to monuments or gardens that interest you. A local guide can help explain the history and traditions of Marrakech.

Leave time for lunch at a local restaurant and shopping for handicrafts if you wish. The schedule can be adapted to your departure time or onward plans. The tour ends in Marrakech after a journey through historic cities, mountain scenery and the Sahara. A final transfer to your accommodation or an agreed location can be arranged if included in your booking.

Included

  • Private transport throughout the itinerary.
  • Driver and fuel.
  • Six nights of accommodation according to the selected package.
  • Breakfasts and dinners where included by the booked accommodation.
  • Guided visit of Fes if confirmed in the booking.
  • Transfer to the desert camp or accommodation according to the selected programme.

Excluded

  • International flights and personal expenses.
  • Lunches and drinks not specified.
  • Monument and garden entrance fees.
  • Camel rides and optional activities not confirmed in the booking.
  • Tips and services not explicitly listed as included.

Frequently asked questions

Is this a private tour?

The itinerary is designed for private travel; confirm the vehicle and exact services when requesting a quote.

How many nights are included?

The route is planned for seven days and six nights. The exact distribution depends on the accommodation booked.

Can I customise the itinerary?

Yes. You can request changes to stops, accommodation and activities before confirming your booking.