10 Days Morocco Tour from Casablanca: Imperial Cities, Chefchaouen & Sahara Desert

Welcome to Morocco! Your private driver meets you directly at Mohammed V International Airport (CMN) with a personalized greeting. Depending on your arrival time, begin your discovery at the colossal Hassan II Mosque, one of the few working mosques in Morocco open to non-Muslim visitors. Rising majestically above the crashing waves of the Atlantic, its 210-meter minaret is the second tallest in the world, adorned with exquisite hand-carved marble, zellige tilework, and a retractable titanium roof.

Later in the afternoon, take a relaxed stroll along the Ain Diab Corniche boulevard, taking in the refreshing ocean breeze and oceanfront cafe life. Check into your hotel for a restful evening to recover from your flight.

Overnight: Handpicked comfortable 4-star hotel in Casablanca (Breakfast included).

After breakfast, depart Casablanca for a scenic 1-hour coastal drive north to Rabat, Morocco’s elegant capital. Explore the 12th-century Kasbah des Oudayas, entering through its monumental Almohad stone gate to stroll whitewashed alleys blooming with bougainvillea overlooking the Bou Regreg estuary. Visit the iconic Hassan Tower, an unfinished red sandstone minaret standing watch over 200 marble columns, and the adjacent Mausoleum of Mohammed V, guarded by royal horsemen.

Leaving the Atlantic coast, travel inland through the fertile agricultural plains of Gharb and into the dramatic limestone folds of the Rif Mountains. Arrive by late afternoon in Chefchaouen, the legendary “Blue Pearl” of Morocco. The sight of centuries-old houses washed in vibrant indigo, powder blue, and cobalt paints cascading down the mountain slope is unforgettable.

Overnight: Charming traditional riad inside the blue medina of Chefchaouen (Breakfast included).

Dedicate a full, leisurely day to soaking in the tranquil pace of Chefchaouen. Begin with a morning walk through the maze of cobblestone alleys where local artisans display handwoven wool blankets, brass lanterns, and goat-leather bags. Stop at Place Outa el-Hammam, the lively central plaza shaded by ancient cedar trees, and tour the restored 15th-century Kasbah fortress with its peaceful Andalusian gardens and panoramic watchtower.

In the afternoon, wander out of the eastern gate to Ras El-Maa, a fresh mountain spring where local women still wash laundry and cool fresh mint in icy mountain waters. Just before sunset, take an easy 20-minute hike up to the whitewashed Spanish Mosque perched on an opposing ridge. The panoramic view of the blue town glowing beneath golden mountain light as the evening call to prayer echoes across the valley is truly magical.

Overnight: Authentic boutique riad in Chefchaouen (Breakfast included).

Depart Chefchaouen after breakfast and drive south through rolling fields of olive groves and wheat fields toward the UNESCO World Heritage site of Volubilis (Walili). Meet your licensed archaeological guide to explore Morocco’s best-preserved Roman ruins. Walk along the Decumanus Maximus, stand beneath the soaring Arch of Caracalla, and marvel at stunning in-situ mosaics depicting Diana bathing and the labors of Hercules.

Next, continue 30 minutes to Meknes, the 17th-century imperial capital created by Sultan Moulay Ismail. Stop before the monumental Bab Mansour, celebrated as the grandest ceremonial gate in North Africa with its marble columns salvaged from Volubilis. Proceed through the vast subterranean granaries of Heri es-Souani and the Royal Stables. By late afternoon, arrive in Fes, Morocco’s spiritual and cultural capital, checking into your private riad in the heart of the ancient medina.

Overnight: Luxury heritage riad in Fes Medina (Breakfast included).

Step back into the Middle Ages with a licensed local historian for a full-day walking tour of Fes el-Bali, the world’s largest intact car-free urban area with over 9,000 winding alleyways. Enter through the iconic blue-and-green glazed ceramic Bab Boujloud gate. Visit Medersa Bou Inania, a masterpiece of Marinid architecture with carved cedar cornices and intricate zellige mosaic tilework.

Pass the sacred sanctuary of Moulay Idriss II and view the exterior of University of al-Qarawiyyin, founded in 859 AD and recognized by UNESCO as the world’s oldest continuously operating institution of higher learning. Overlook the world-famous Chouara Tannery from a leather terrace, watching craftsmen dye sheep, goat, and cow skins in stone vats using natural pigeon droppings, indigo, and saffron exactly as they did in the 11th century. Visit the copper artisans of Place Seffarine, the Jewish Mellah, and the gilded brass doors of the Royal Palace.

Overnight: Luxury heritage riad in Fes Medina (Breakfast included).

Depart Fes in the morning, climbing into the Middle Atlas Mountains. Your first stop is Ifrane (1,665m), known as the “Switzerland of Morocco” due to its clean European-style alpine architecture, pitched red roofs, flower gardens, and nearby ski resorts. Just beyond Ifrane, enter the ancient cedar forests of Azrou, where you will encounter indigenous Barbary macaques living freely among towering thousand-year-old Atlas cedars.

Continue through the scenic mountain landscapes and across the Col du Zad pass (2,178m) before descending into Midelt, nestled on a high plateau between the Middle and High Atlas mountain ranges. Midelt is famous across Morocco as the capital of apple production and mineral mining, offering breathtaking views of the snow-dusted Jbel Ayachi peak (3,747m). Enjoy a relaxing evening with a home-cooked Berber meal.

Overnight: Comfortable mountain hotel/kasbah in Midelt (Dinner & Breakfast included).

After an early mountain breakfast, begin your descent into the pre-Saharan frontier. Cross the High Atlas via the scenic Tizi N’Talghamt Pass and follow the dramatic gorges carved by the Ziz River. Stop at a panoramic viewpoint over the Ziz Valley, where an unbroken ribbon of over 200,000 date palms snakes through red canyon walls.

Pass through Errachidia and pause in Erfoud, the world capital of prehistoric marine fossils and luscious Medjool dates, visiting an artisan marble workshop. In the afternoon, the tarmac ends as the colossal golden dunes of Erg Chebbi rise 150 meters high on the horizon. Mount your camel for a peaceful 1-hour trek across the dunes as the setting sun turns the sand rich shades of apricot and amber. Arrive at your private luxury desert camp, where a hot shower, plush king bed, Moroccan feast, and acoustic Berber campfire music await under the Milky Way.

Overnight: Private luxury tent in Erg Chebbi desert camp (Dinner & Breakfast included).

Wake at dawn to witness the serene beauty of the Sahara sunrise creeping over the dunes. After breakfast at camp, ride camels or travel by 4×4 back to Merzouga. Visit Khamlia village, inhabited by descendants of former sub-Saharan slaves, to experience an authentic live performance of spiritual Gnawa drumming and iron castanets (krakebs).

Continue to Rissani, the ancient commercial crossroads of trans-Saharan gold and salt caravans. Walk through its historic souk where locals trade spices, livestock, and dates. Drive west through Tinghir to the awe-inspiring Todra Gorges, walking alongside the shallow riverbed beneath sheer 300-meter vertical limestone cliffs that attract rock climbers from around the globe. In the late afternoon, wind through the striking rock formations known as the “Monkey Fingers” into the lush Dades Valley.

Overnight: Beautiful authentic kasbah riad in Dades Valley (Dinner & Breakfast included).

Travel along the legendary “Road of a Thousand Kasbahs,” passing through the fragrant Valley of the Roses (Kelaat M’Gouna), famous for Damask rose oil distillation, and the sprawling palm groves of Skoura. Reach Ouarzazate, the “Hollywood of Africa,” stopping for photos at the 17th-century Taourirt Kasbah and Atlas Film Studios.

Just 30 km further, arrive at Morocco’s crown jewel: Ksar Ait Ben Haddou. This UNESCO World Heritage fortified earthen village on the banks of the Ounila River has starred in blockbuster films including Gladiator, Lawrence of Arabia, and Game of Thrones. After exploring its labyrinthine clay towers, begin the dramatic ascent across the High Atlas Mountains via the famous Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260m), winding past traditional adobe Berber villages. Descend into the vibrant plains of Marrakech by early evening.

Overnight: Handpicked boutique riad near Jemaa el-Fnaa in Marrakech (Breakfast included).

Begin your final day with a private guided morning tour of Marrakech’s historical treasures. Marvel at the intricate cedar carvings, marble courtyards, and stained glass of the 19th-century Bahia Palace. Admire the soaring 77-meter minaret of the 12th-century Koutoubia Mosque and discover the peaceful courtyards of Ben Youssef Medersa.

Weave through the lively spice souks and artisan quarters of the medina, ending in the energetic spectacle of Jemaa el-Fnaa square, teeming with orange juice vendors, musicians, and storytellers. Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy leisure time for last-minute souvenir shopping before your private driver transfers you directly to Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK) or coordinates your return drive/train transfer to Casablanca Mohammed V Airport (CMN), concluding your 10-day Moroccan adventure.