9 days Morocco tour from Casablanca to the Sahara Desert

This 9 days Morocco tour from Casablanca to the Sahara Desert and back is designed for travelers who want to experience the country’s most iconic landscapes, historic cities, and rich cultural heritage in depth. From the modern streets of Casablanca to the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi, and from lush valleys and ancient kasbahs to the imperial cities of Fes and Marrakech, this journey offers a perfect blend of adventure, culture, and nature. Travelers will ride camels across desert sands, explore traditional Berber villages, wander through vibrant medinas, and relax in scenic mountain towns, all while enjoying the comfort of private transportation and carefully selected accommodations. This tour provides an immersive Moroccan experience, combining history, landscapes, and authentic local life in one unforgettable journey.

Highlights 9 days Morocco tour from Casablanca to the Sahara Desert

Visit Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca
Explore Rabat: Hassan Tower & Kasbah of the Udayas
Imperial cities: Fes, Meknes, Marrakech
Camel trekking in Erg Chebbi Desert
Overnight in a traditional Sahara desert camp
Explore Draa Valley palm groves and ancient kasbahs
Visit Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah (UNESCO site)
High Atlas Mountains and Tizi n’Tichka Pass
Traditional Gnawa music in Khamlia Village

9-day Morocco tour from Casablanca to the Sahara Desert Itinerary

Day 1: Casablanca – Rabat – Meknes – Fes

Your tour begins in Casablanca, Morocco’s largest city and economic hub, where you will visit the magnificent Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world, built partly over the Atlantic Ocean. After exploring Casablanca, you will depart for Rabat, the capital of Morocco. In Rabat, you will visit the impressive Hassan Tower, the Kasbah of the Udayas overlooking the river, and the Royal Palace area. Continue to Meknes, an imperial city founded in the 17th century by Sultan Moulay Ismail, known for its grand Bab Mansour gate and historical medina. In the evening, you will arrive in Fes, the spiritual heart of Morocco, and check into your riad for dinner and overnight.

Day 2: Fes Guided City Tour

Spend the entire day exploring Fes, one of Morocco’s most fascinating cities. With a licensed guide, you will visit the Royal Palace gates, the Jewish Quarter (Mellah), and the ancient Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque and University, the oldest continuously operating university in the world. Explore the Bou Inania Madrasa, famous for its intricate architecture, and visit the vibrant Chouara Tannery to see traditional leather-making methods that have remained unchanged for centuries. The narrow alleyways of the medina are filled with artisan workshops, markets, and historic landmarks, providing a unique cultural experience. Return to your riad in the evening for a comfortable overnight stay.

Day 3: Fes – Midelt – Ziz Valley – Erfoud

After breakfast, leave Fes and travel south through the Middle Atlas Mountains, stopping at Ifrane, often called “Little Switzerland” for its alpine architecture and clean streets. Continue through Azrou, famous for its cedar forests and Barbary monkeys. The road then leads to Midelt, a charming mountain town surrounded by apple orchards. As you descend toward the Ziz Valley, the scenery transforms into lush palm groves, traditional kasbahs, and desert oases. Arrive in Erfoud, a desert town known for its fossils and proximity to the Sahara, for dinner and overnight in a comfortable hotel.

Day 4: Erfoud – Merzouga Desert

Travel from Erfoud to Merzouga, the gateway to the Sahara Desert and the towering Erg Chebbi dunes. Upon arrival, you can rest briefly before embarking on a camel trek across the sand dunes. Enjoy the stunning desert sunset as the dunes glow in golden and pink hues. Arrive at your desert camp for dinner, traditional Berber music, and an overnight stay under the stars, experiencing the true magic of the Sahara.

Day 5: Merzouga Desert Exploration – Khamlia Village

Wake up early to witness a breathtaking sunrise over the dunes. After breakfast, explore the Sahara Desert in a 4×4 vehicle, visiting remote nomadic families who live in traditional tents and learning about their daily lives. Discover fossil beds and enjoy the vast, otherworldly desert landscapes. Stop in Khamlia Village to enjoy a traditional Gnawa music performance, an authentic cultural experience unique to the region. Return to your desert lodge or hotel near the dunes for dinner and overnight.

Day 6: Merzouga – Rissani – Draa Valley – Ouarzazate

Leave the desert behind and travel through Rissani, the historic center of trade in the Sahara, before continuing through Alnif and Tazarine. The route then enters the lush Draa Valley, Morocco’s longest valley, lined with palm groves, kasbahs, and small villages. Stop along the way for photos and to enjoy the scenic landscapes. In the evening, arrive in Ouarzazate, the “Hollywood of Africa,” for dinner and overnight at a comfortable hotel.

Day 7: Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – High Atlas – Marrakech

After breakfast, visit the famous Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Morocco’s most photographed landmarks. Explore its ancient alleys and fortified towers before crossing the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass. Stop at viewpoints to take in panoramic views of mountain villages and valleys. Arrive in Marrakech in the evening for dinner and overnight in a riad.

Day 8: Marrakech Guided City Tour

Spend the day exploring Marrakech, the vibrant imperial city at the foot of the Atlas Mountains. Visit the Koutoubia Mosque, Bahia Palace, Saadian Tombs, and the colorful souks. Experience the lively atmosphere of Jemaa el-Fnaa square, with street performers, food stalls, and traditional storytellers. Return to your riad for overnight.

Day 9: Marrakech – Casablanca Departure

After breakfast, drive back to Casablanca for your departure. Reflect on your journey through Morocco’s deserts, mountains, imperial cities, and cultural treasures, leaving with unforgettable memories of an incredible adventure.