10-Day Grand Desert & Imperial Cities from Casablanca

Day 1: Casablanca Arrival, Hassan II Mosque & the Atlantic Corniche

Your journey begins the moment your private driver greets you at the airport or your Casablanca accommodation. First, as Morocco’s economic capital, Casablanca houses striking modern architecture, headlined by a morning visit to the Hassan II Mosque. Standing on a rocky platform above the Atlantic, this is one of the largest mosques in the world, with hand-carved wood and detailed mosaic tiling.

Afterward, your private vehicle continues to the wider historic sights of the city. Depending on your schedule, you’ll see Mohammed V Square, stop for photos outside Rick’s Café, and stroll along the Casablanca Corniche. Finally, as the afternoon fades, your driver takes you to your hotel for check-in, with the evening free for a traditional coastal dinner.

Day 2: Casablanca to Rabat and the Blue Town of Chefchaouen

After breakfast, you’ll drive to Rabat, Morocco’s current capital. There, your driver guides you to the Hassan Tower, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, and the clifftop Kasbah of the Oudayas. Following lunch at a seaside café, the route turns north through Ouazzane and climbs into the Rif Mountains.

By late afternoon, you’ll arrive in Chefchaouen, celebrated for its blue-painted alleyways. Indeed, the town’s buildings and lanes create a uniquely calm, blue-washed atmosphere. After check-in, you’re free to explore at your own pace before a traditional northern Moroccan dinner.

Day 3: Chefchaouen to Volubilis, Meknes, and Fes

First, enjoy free time to wander Chefchaouen’s medina and capture a few final photos. Then, the route heads south out of the Rif, through green valleys toward the agricultural plains. Your first major stop is Volubilis, a remarkably preserved Roman city and UNESCO World Heritage Site, with triumphal arches, columns, and detailed floor mosaics.

Afterward, a short 30-kilometer drive brings you to Meknes, the historic Ismaili capital. There, you’ll see the Bab Al-Mansour gate, the Sahrij Souani basin, the royal stables, and the Moulay Ismail Mausoleum. Finally, following lunch, you’ll continue east to Fes for an overnight stay at your riad.

Day 4: Full-Day Guided Tour of the Fes Medina

After breakfast, you’ll meet your local guide for a full day exploring Fes, Morocco’s spiritual and cultural heart. First, a driving tour takes in the Royal Palace gates and the Mellah, the old Jewish quarter. Next, you’ll visit the Borj Sud fortress for a panoramic view over the old medina, followed by a stop at a traditional ceramics workshop.

Then, you’ll enter the Medina of Fes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, on foot with your guide. Highlights include the Al Attarine Madrasa, the Najjarine Fountain, and the Chouara Tanneries. Finally, you’ll see the Al Quaraouiyine Mosque and University, recognized as the oldest existing university in the world, before returning to your riad.

Day 5: Fes to Ifrane, the Cedar Forest, Midelt, and the Merzouga Desert Camp

After breakfast, the route travels south through Imouzzer to Ifrane, often called “the Switzerland of Morocco” for its alpine architecture and cool climate. Next, you’ll pass through the cedar forests of Azrou, where wild Barbary macaques live among the trees — a good spot to observe them respectfully, without feeding them. Following lunch in Midelt, the route crosses the High Atlas via a mountain pass, with stops for photos.

Afterward, you’ll follow the Ziz River canyon, with a panoramic stop over the palm oases below. By late afternoon, you’ll reach the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes near Merzouga. There, you’ll switch to a camel for a trek across the sand to watch the sunset, before checking into your luxury camp for dinner and traditional drumming around the fire.

Day 6: Sahara 4×4 Excursion, Nomad Families, and Khamlia Village

Rising early for sunrise over the dunes is a highlight many travelers mention. After breakfast at camp, you’ll return to Merzouga by camel or 4WD to begin a full day exploring the desert region. First, your driver takes you off-road to see a historic kohl mine (used traditionally for eyeliner mineral extraction), perched near the rocky hills.

From there, you’ll visit a nomad family in their woven tents, learning about their lifestyle over a cup of Berber tea. Afterward, you’ll continue to Khamlia village for a Gnaoua music performance. Finally, after lunch, a stroll through the palm grove and a look at the seasonal lake of Merzouga round out the day before your overnight stay in a hotel facing the dunes.

Day 7: Merzouga to Rissani Market, Erfoud, Todra Gorge, and Dades Valley

After breakfast, you’ll travel to Rissani, the ancient capital of Tafilalet and a major trading hub, with a lively souk on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. Next, you’ll continue to Erfoud for a visit to a fossilized marble workshop, before heading toward the Atlas range.

Then, passing through the palm oases of Touroug and Tinjdad, you’ll reach the Todra Gorge, where the river has carved a 300-meter limestone canyon. Here, you can walk along the riverbed and take photos of this popular rock-climbing spot. Finally, by late afternoon, you’ll reach the Dades Valley, with its “monkey fingers” rock formations, before an overnight stay at your riad.

Day 8: Dades Valley to Rose Valley, Skoura, Ouarzazate, and Marrakech

After breakfast, the route passes through Kalaat M’Gouna, the Rose Valley, known for rose water and cosmetic oils. Next, you’ll explore the palm groves of Skoura before reaching Ouarzazate, the gateway to the desert, with the option to tour its historic film studios.

Afterward, you’ll continue west to the Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and well-known filming location for productions including Gladiator and Game of Thrones. Finally, after lunch, the route climbs back over the Tizi n’Tichka pass before arriving in Marrakech for an overnight stay at your riad.

Day 9: Full-Day Guided Tour of Imperial Marrakech

After breakfast, you’ll meet your local guide for a day exploring Marrakech. First, you’ll visit the 19th-century Bahia Palace, with its mosaic courtyards and carved cedar ceilings. Next, your guide leads you through the Ben Youssef Madrasa, a 14th-century Islamic college known for its Moorish architecture.

Afterward, you’ll explore the medina’s souks before reaching Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, with views of the Koutoubia Mosque minaret from outside. Finally, following lunch, you’ll visit the Majorelle Garden and the modern Gueliz district before returning to your riad for the evening.

Day 10: Marrakech to Casablanca and Departure

On your final day, breakfast at the riad is followed by a scenic drive north across the Atlantic plains, typically around three hours to Casablanca. Then, your driver takes you directly to Mohammed V International Airport, or your hotel, with time to spare for check-in. If your schedule allows, a few more photo stops are possible along the way. With that, your 10-day journey across Morocco’s mountains, imperial cities, and Sahara dunes comes to a close.