10-Day Imperial Cities & Sahara Desert Tour from Casablanca
The ultimate Moroccan journey. Discover the Blue City of Chefchaouen, explore Roman ruins, visit Fes & Marrakech, ride camels in Merzouga, and stay in a luxury desert camp.
Tour Overview
Experience the magic of Morocco on this grand 10-day private tour starting in Casablanca. This comprehensive itinerary covers Morocco's historic Imperial Cities, the stunning Blue City of Chefchaouen, the Roman ruins of Volubilis, the cedar forests of the Middle Atlas, and the majestic Erg Chebbi dunes in Merzouga. Spend the night glamping in a luxury camp, explore vertical canyons, tour the ancient kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, and enjoy guided sightseeing in Marrakech.
Enjoy a luxury, private 10-day grand tour of Morocco, carefully curated to showcase the very best of Morocco’s history, culture, and nature.
Who this tour is for
Travellers with ten days and return flights to Casablanca who want the imperial cities, Chefchaouen and a proper stay in the Sahara in one round trip.
Good to know
- Longest day: day five, from Fes to the dunes (about 7.5 hours with stops).
- Dress code: cover shoulders and knees for the Hassan II Mosque and in the medinas.
- Want the coast too? The 12-day grand tour adds Essaouira.
Highlights
- All four imperial cities: Rabat, Meknes, Fes and Marrakech
- Chefchaouen and the Roman ruins of Volubilis
- Two nights in the Sahara with a full desert day around Erg Chebbi
- Local guides in Fes, Volubilis and Marrakech
- Round trip from Casablanca airport
Itinerary
Day 1: Casablanca Arrival - Rabat
Welcome to Morocco! Pickup from Casablanca Airport (CMN). Visit the majestic Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world. Drive to the capital city of Rabat. Dinner and overnight stay in a traditional Riad.
Day 2: Rabat Sightseeing - Chefchaouen (The Blue City)
After breakfast, explore Rabat's highlights including the Hassan Tower and the Kasbah of the Udayas. Journey north through the Rif Mountains to Chefchaouen, the famous blue-washed mountain town. Spend the evening wandering its charming cobalt-blue alleys.
Day 3: Chefchaouen - Volubilis Roman Ruins - Meknes - Fes
Travel south to Fes. Stop to visit the UNESCO-listed Roman ruins of Volubilis, featuring well-preserved mosaics. Continue to Meknes, another imperial city, to see the monumental Bab Mansour gate. Arrive in Fes in the evening.
Day 4: Fes Guided Medina Tour
Embark on a full-day guided walking tour of Fes el-Bali, the world's largest medieval medina. See the famous Chouara Tannery, Al-Attarine Madrasa, and the external gates of the Royal Palace. Rest of the evening is yours to explore.
Day 5: Fes - Midelt - Ziz Valley - Merzouga Dunes (Camel Trek & Camp)
Depart Fes, climbing the Middle Atlas Mountains. Stop in the Azrou cedar forests to see wild Barbary macaques. Stop for lunch in Midelt. Cross the High Atlas and drive through the palm-filled Ziz Valley oasis. Arrive in Merzouga. Ride camels into the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi for a sunset trek, and spend the night in a luxury desert camp.
Day 6: Merzouga Desert Discovery Tour
Spend the day exploring the desert. Visit the village of Khamlia to listen to traditional spiritual Gnawa music played by descendants of sub-Saharan slaves. Meet nomad families living in wool tents. In the afternoon, enjoy sandboarding in the dunes and watch the stars spin around the campfire.
Day 7: Merzouga Dunes - Todra Gorge - Dades Valley
Watch the sunrise over the dunes and ride camels back to Merzouga. Drive to Erfoud to visit a fossil polishing workshop. Continue to Todra Gorge, a steep limestone canyon. Walk along the riverbank. Continue to Dades Valley for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 8: Dades Valley - Ouarzazate - Ait Ben Haddou - Marrakech
Drive through the Valley of Roses to Ouarzazate, the cinema capital of Morocco. Tour the ancient, fortified village of Ait Ben Haddou. Cross the High Atlas Mountains via the panoramic Tizi n'Tichka pass and arrive in Marrakech.
Day 9: Marrakech Guided City Tour
Explore Marrakech's primary historical monuments with a local guide, including Bahia Palace, Koutoubia Mosque, and the Saadian Tombs. Explore the vibrant souks and spend the evening watching the acrobats, musicians, and food stalls at Jemaa el-Fnaa square.
Day 10: Marrakech - Casablanca Airport Transfer
Enjoy a free morning in Marrakech for shopping. At the designated time, we will transfer you back to Casablanca Airport (CMN) for your departure flight.
What's Included
- Private transportation with professional English-speaking driver/guide
- All fuel and highway tolls
- 9 Nights accommodation as listed
- Camel trekking in Erg Chebbi dunes
- Moroccan cooking demo and sandboarding in the desert
- Local guides in Fes, Volubilis, and Marrakech
- Breakfasts and dinners as specified
What's Excluded
- Lunches and drinks
- Monument entry fees
- Tips
Optional Extras (on request)
- Extra night in Chefchaouen for a hike to the Akchour waterfalls
- Sunrise hot-air balloon flight over Marrakech
- Moroccan cooking class in Fes or Marrakech
- Extend to the Atlantic coast (see the 12-day and 14-day grand tours)
Tour FAQ
Inquire About This Tour
Fill out the form below and our desert experts will craft the perfect itinerary for you.
Related Tours
12-Day Morocco Grand Tour from Casablanca: Cities, Sahara & Coast
A complete round trip from Casablanca: Rabat, Chefchaouen, Volubilis and Meknes, Fes, two nights in the Sahara, the gorges and kasbahs of the south, Marrakech and the Atlantic port of Essaouira, returning to Casablanca for your flight.
14-Day Grand Morocco Tour from Casablanca
The ultimate Moroccan immersion. Explore Casablanca, Rabat, Chefchaouen, Fes, Meknes, the Sahara Desert, the Atlas Mountains, Essaouira, and Marrakech over two unforgettable weeks.
8-Day Morocco Itinerary: Casablanca, Fes, Sahara & Marrakech
Eight days from Casablanca to Marrakech covering the whole country: Rabat, Chefchaouen, Volubilis and Meknes, a full guided day in Fes, a night in the Sahara, the southern gorges and kasbahs, and a full guided day in Marrakech.