This 11-day tour offers an extensive exploration of Morocco, starting and ending in Casablanca while covering imperial cities, the Sahara desert, and the Atlantic coast. The journey begins with visits to the iconic Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca and the historical sites of Rabat. The next two days are dedicated to exploring Fes, including its ancient medina, souks, and monuments, followed by a full-day city tour. The tour then transitions to the desert, with a scenic drive through the Middle Atlas Mountains to Merzouga, where you’ll experience a two-day camel trek, including a night in a nomad tent and sand-boarding. The return journey west takes you through the spectacular Toudgha and Dades gorges, with an off-road excursion to visit Berber nomads and the Valley of Roses, before arriving in Ouarzazate. The tour continues with visits to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Ben Haddou and the historic Kasbah Telouet before crossing the High Atlas Mountains to reach Marrakesh. You’ll spend two days exploring Marrakesh’s famous Djemaa El Fna square, gardens, and palaces, with an optional cooking class. The final leg of the tour takes you to the coastal town of Essaouira, known for its charming medina and fresh seafood, before the journey concludes with a drive along the coast to the Casablanca airport, with an optional stop in El Jadida.
Arrival: Arrive at the Casablanca airport and travel into the city.
Hassan II Mosque: Visit the impressive Hassan II Mosque, the largest mosque in Africa, known for its exquisite craftsmanship and beautiful tiling.
Travel to Rabat: Continue to the capital city of Rabat for the evening.
Accommodation: Spend the night in a riad in Rabat.
Rabat Sites: After breakfast, visit the Hassan Tower and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V in Rabat.
Volubilis: Stop north of Meknes to explore the extensive ruins of Volubilis, offering beautiful views over the surrounding valley.
Accommodation: Continue to Fes for dinner and an overnight stay in a riad.
Fes El Bali (Old Fes): Enjoy a full-day tour of Fes El Bali, the city’s medieval quarter, visiting the Bou Inania Medersa, the ancient Medina, and the famous souks.
Kairaouine Mosque: See the Kairaouine Mosque and take photos of its beautiful courtyard from the main gate.
Fes El Jdid (New Fes): In the afternoon, visit Fes El Jdid and the Museum of Moroccan Arts.
Accommodation: Spend a second night in your riad in Fes.
Middle Atlas: Depart from Fes and travel via Azrou to see Barbary apes in the cedar forest.
Lunch in Midelt: Stop for lunch in Midelt, “the apple capital.”
Ziz Valley: Continue through the scenic Ziz Valley, known for its extensive palm trees and traditional ksars.
Erfoud: Pass through Erfoud, famous for its fossils and date festival.
Desert Experience: Arrive at the Erg Chebbi bivouac, enjoy a welcome glass of tea, wander the dunes before sunset, and have dinner accompanied by music.
Accommodation: Spend the night in a nomad tent.
Full Day of Trekking: After breakfast, embark on a full-day camel trek into the desert, walking or riding for approximately six hours as the camels carry your provisions.
Lunch in the Dunes: Enjoy a fresh lunch prepared by your camel-man right in the middle of the dunes.
Return to Bivouac: The trek concludes with a return to the bivouac for dinner.
Accommodation: Spend a second night in the nomad tent.
Sunrise and Morning Ride: An option to wake up early to watch the sunrise over the dunes, followed by a camel ride after breakfast.
Toudgha Gorges: Travel to Tinghir and the Toudgha Gorges for lunch, with plenty of opportunities for walking along the river or through the gardens.
Dades Valley: The journey continues to the Dades Valley and the Dades Gorges.
Accommodation: Spend the night in a hotel in the Dades Gorges.
Morning Walk: Begin the day with a scheduled walk in the Dades Gorges.
Berber Encounter: Take an off-road route along the Boutarar piste to visit Berber nomads in their caves and share a glass of tea.
Valley of the Roses: Continue through the Valley of the Roses, renowned for its Rose Festival and local cosmetic products.
Skoura Oasis: Pass the kasbahs of the Skoura Oasis and stop to visit the famous Kasbah Amredil.
Accommodation: The day concludes with an overnight stay in a riad or guesthouse in Ouarzazate.
Ait Ben Haddou: After breakfast, visit the famous Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a well-known filming location for movies such as Gladiator and The Kingdom of Heaven.
Kasbah Telouet: Continue to the Kasbah of Telouet, the former mountain stronghold of the last Pasha of Marrakesh, El Glaoui.
Tizi-n-Tichka Pass: The final part of the journey crosses the Tizi-n-Tichka pass, the highest mountain pass in North Africa.
Arrival: Arrive in Marrakesh by the end of the afternoon.
Djemaa El Fna: Explore the famous Djemaa El Fna square with its diverse stalls and street performers.
City Tour: Visit a variety of key sites, including the tranquil Majorelle Gardens, the Koutoubia Mosque, the beautiful El Bahia Palace, the historic Ben Youssef Medersa, and the Saadian Tombs.
Optional Cooking Class: As an alternative to the walking tour, you can choose to take a cooking class to learn how to prepare authentic Moroccan cuisine (for an extra fee).
Accommodation: Spend a second night in your riad in Marrakesh.
Essaouira Arrival: Travel to the charming coastal town of Essaouira, previously known as Mogador.
City Exploration: Explore the town’s windy streets, known for local handicrafts, especially thuja wood products, and its famous Portuguese ramparts, featured in the film “Othello”.
Argan Oil Cooperative: Visit a local women’s cooperative to see how argan oil is produced by hand.
Fresh Seafood: Enjoy the opportunity to choose and have a selection of freshly caught fish prepared on the spot at the seafront.
Accommodation: Spend the night in a riad in Essaouira.
Scenic Coastal Drive: After breakfast, begin the journey back to the Casablanca airport, driving north along the coast.
El Jadida: You have the option to stop in El Jadida to visit the historic Portuguese cistern and the old town.
Final Destination: The tour concludes upon arrival at the Casablanca airport.
Q1: Is this tour suitable for families?
Yes, it is family-friendly and can be customized to accommodate children.
Q2: When is the best time for this tour?
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are ideal for pleasant weather.
Q3: What should I bring for the desert experience?
Comfortable clothing, sturdy shoes, sunscreen, a scarf, and warm layers for the evenings.
Q4: Are meals included during the tour?
Breakfasts are included daily, with selected dinners provided. Lunches are not included.
Q5: Can the itinerary be customized?
Yes, the tour can be tailored to your preferences and schedule.
At Sahara Soul Tours, we are passionate about sharing the heart and soul of Morocco with travelers from around the world.
