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10 Day itinerary in Morocco, Africa

10-Day Morocco Tour From Casablanca to Marrakech via Saha...

This 10-day Morocco tour offers the perfect blend of culture, history, and natural beauty. Your journey begins in Casablanca, Morocco's largest city, where you'll visit the impressive Hassan II Mosque before heading to Rabat, the country's capital, with its mix of Islamic and French-colonial heritag... Read More

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Youssef

By Youssef

Overview

Physical Difficulty

Easy
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Recommended Age

Everyone

Operated in

English, Spanish

GUIDANCE

Tour Leader, Tour Guide, Driver as a Guide, Driver

starting point

Casablanca

trip type

Private

trip attributes

Sustainable Travel

Classes

Cultural

Adventure

Backpacking

Romantic

Deals

Transportation

Landscapes & Sceneries

Photography

City Life

Culture & History

Visit markets

Luxury

Outdoor Activities and Sports

Food & Culinary

Start

Night

End

Highlights

1

Casablanca - Visit the impressive Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest in the world

2

Rabat - Explore Morocco's capital with its historic Kasbah and Hassan Tower

3

Chefchaouen - Wander through the famous blue streets of this mountain town

4

Volubilis - Discover ancient Roman ruins with well-preserved mosaics

Itinerary

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Day 1

place Day 1: Arrival in Casablanca

Welcome to Morocco! Upon your arrival at Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport, our friendly representative will be waiting to greet you and transfer you to your hotel in the city. The drive from the airport to your accommodation takes approximately 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic.

After checking in, you'll have time to relax and freshen up after your journey. Depending on your arrival time, you might want to take a short stroll around the neighborhood to get your first taste of Casablanca. Your guide will meet you at your accommodation to discuss the plan for the next day and answer any questions you might have about your upcoming adventure through Morocco.

If you arrive early in the day, we can begin with a brief orientation walk around the area near your accommodation. Casablanca is Morocco's largest city and economic capital, with a fascinating mix of modern urban development and traditional Moroccan culture.

For dinner, you can either dine at your hotel (many offer excellent restaurants) or venture out to one of the local restaurants. Your guide can provide recommendations based on your preferences, whether you're looking for traditional Moroccan cuisine or international options.

Rest well tonight, as tomorrow will be the start of your exciting journey through Morocco!

  • Driving Time: Airport transfer only (30-45 minutes)
  • Where You'll Stay: Hotel in Casablanca
  • Meals: None included (but we can recommend great restaurants nearby)
  • Highlights: First impressions of Casablanca

Meals: Breakfast

Day 2

place Day 2: Casablanca to Chefchaouen via Rabat

After breakfast at your hotel, we begin our Moroccan adventure with a visit to the magnificent Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, one of the largest mosques in the world and one of the few in Morocco that non-Muslims can enter (on guided tours). Built partly on land and partly over the Atlantic Ocean, this architectural masterpiece can accommodate 25,000 worshippers inside and another 80,000 in the courtyard. The mosque features stunning craftsmanship, including hand-carved stone and wood, intricate mosaics, and a glass floor overlooking the sea below.

After exploring the mosque, we drive to Rabat, Morocco's capital city. Upon arrival, we'll meet a local guide who will take us on a tour of the city's highlights. We'll start at the Kasbah of the Udayas, a picturesque fortress built during the Almohad dynasty. Inside the kasbah, you'll find narrow streets with blue and white houses and the Andalusian Gardens, a peaceful oasis of trees, flowers, and fountains. From the platform at the kasbah, you can enjoy beautiful views of the Bou Regreg River and the Atlantic Ocean.

Next, we'll visit the impressive Hassan Tower, the minaret of an incomplete mosque begun in the 12th century. Next to it is the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, a masterpiece of modern Moroccan architecture where the late king and his two sons are buried. The mausoleum showcases the finest Moroccan craftsmanship, with its white silhouette, green-tiled roof, and stunning interior with intricate mosaics.

In the afternoon, we continue our journey to Chefchaouen, known as the "Blue City" for its striking blue-painted buildings nestled in the Rif Mountains. The drive takes us through beautiful countryside and small towns, offering glimpses of rural Moroccan life.

We arrive in Chefchaouen in the early evening. After checking into your hotel or riad, you'll have time to take a first stroll through the charming blue streets of the medina and visit the main square, Plaza Uta el-Hammam. This is a perfect opportunity to soak in the unique atmosphere of this picturesque town and perhaps enjoy dinner at one of the restaurants overlooking the square.

  • Driving Time: About 5-6 hours with stops, 340 km
  • Where You'll Stay: Hotel or Riad in Chefchaouen
  • Meals: Breakfast included
  • Highlights: Hassan II Mosque, Rabat's Kasbah of the Udayas, Hassan Tower, arrival in the Blue City

Meals: Breakfast

Day 3

place Day 3: Chefchaouen to Fes via Volubilis and Meknes

After breakfast, we'll have some time to further explore the enchanting blue streets of Chefchaouen. In the morning light, the blue buildings create a magical atmosphere that's perfect for photography. You can visit the Kasbah Museum in the main square, which contains a small collection of antiques and has a garden with great views of the city. You might also want to hike up to the Spanish Mosque on a hill above the town for panoramic views.

By mid-morning, we depart for Volubilis via Wazzan and other Rif villages. The drive takes us through beautiful countryside with olive groves, wheat fields, and vineyards.

Upon arrival at Volubilis, we'll explore the best-preserved Roman ruins in Morocco, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Volubilis was once the capital of the Roman province of Mauritania and an important outpost of the Roman Empire. The site features impressive structures including a triumphal arch, a basilica, a capitol, and several houses with well-preserved mosaic floors depicting Roman mythology. Your guide will explain the history and significance of this important archaeological site, which dates back to the 3rd century BC.

After exploring Volubilis, we continue to the imperial city of Meknes, founded in the 11th century and made the capital of Morocco by Sultan Moulay Ismail in the 17th century. Here, we'll have lunch at a local restaurant before visiting some of the city's highlights.

In Meknes, we'll see the impressive Bab El Mansour, considered one of the most beautiful gates in Morocco with its intricate tilework and imposing size. We'll also visit the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, one of the few sacred sites in Morocco that non-Muslims can enter. Inside, you'll see beautiful examples of Moroccan craftsmanship with its fountains, intricate plasterwork, and carved cedar ceilings.

In the late afternoon, we continue our journey to Fes, Morocco's cultural and spiritual capital. After checking into your hotel or riad, you might want to take a short walk to get your first impressions of this fascinating city. Your guide can recommend restaurants for dinner, whether you prefer to dine at your riad or venture out to try local cuisine.

  • Driving Time: About 5-6 hours with stops, 250 km
  • Where You'll Stay: Hotel or Riad in Fes
  • Meals: Breakfast included
  • Highlights: Morning in Chefchaouen, Volubilis Roman ruins, Meknes imperial city

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Day 4

place Day 4: Guided Tour of Fes

After breakfast at your riad, meet your local guide for a full-day exploration of Fes, Morocco's oldest imperial city and a center of education and culture for over 1,200 years. Fes is often considered the cultural and spiritual heart of Morocco, and today you'll discover why.

Your tour focuses on the medieval city of Fes el Bali (Old Fes), a UNESCO World Heritage site and the largest car-free urban area in the world. Begin at the impressive Bab Boujloud (Blue Gate), the main entrance to the old medina, with its distinctive blue tilework.

Inside the medina, visit the historic Al Quaraouiyine University, founded in 859 CE and considered the oldest continuously operating university in the world. While non-Muslims cannot enter the mosque itself, you can glimpse its impressive courtyard from certain vantage points.

One of the highlights of your tour will be a visit to the famous tanneries, where leather has been processed using the same traditional methods for centuries. From a terrace overlooking the colorful dye pits, you'll witness this fascinating process while learning about this ancient craft.

After lunch at a traditional restaurant in the medina, continue exploring the various specialized souks (markets) where artisans continue to practice traditional crafts – from coppersmiths and weavers to potters and woodcarvers. Your guide will help you navigate the maze-like alleys and explain the various crafts you'll see along the way.

Visit the exterior of the Royal Palace (Dar el Makhzen) with its impressive brass doors and explore the historic Jewish Quarter (Mellah) with its distinctive architecture.

Return to your riad in the early evening with time to relax before dinner. Tonight, you might enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner at your riad or at one of the fine restaurants in the city.

  • Walking Time: Full-day tour with breaks
  • Where You'll Stay: Hotel or Riad in Fes
  • Meals: Breakfast included
  • Highlights: Fes el Bali medina, Al Quaraouiyine University, tanneries, souks, Royal Palace

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Day 5

place Day 5: Fes to Merzouga Desert via Ifrane and Middle Atlas Mountains

After an early breakfast, we begin our journey southward, leaving the city behind for the natural beauty of rural Morocco. Our route takes us through the Middle Atlas Mountains, offering beautiful landscapes and changing scenery throughout the day.

Our first major stop is Ifrane, a charming town often called the "Switzerland of Morocco" because of its Alpine-style architecture, clean streets, and cool climate. Built by the French in the 1930s as a mountain retreat, Ifrane looks surprisingly European with its pitched roofs (designed for snow) and parks. Take some time to walk around this unique town and see the famous stone lion statue in the center.

We continue to the cedar forests of Azrou, home to the Barbary macaques (wild monkeys). We'll stop here for you to see and photograph these playful animals in their natural habitat – a fun experience that both kids and adults enjoy. You can even feed them if you wish, as they're quite accustomed to visitors.

Our journey continues through the mountains, crossing the Tizi-n-Tilghmt pass and following the Ziz Valley with its impressive palm groves stretching as far as the eye can see. We'll make photo stops at panoramic viewpoints to capture the stunning scenery.

As we continue toward Erfoud, the landscape becomes more desert-like, with impressive rock formations and vast open spaces. By late afternoon, we arrive in Merzouga, the gateway to the Sahara Desert.

Here comes one of the highlights of your tour – a camel trek into the Sahara Desert. Mount your camel and follow your camel guide across the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi as the sun begins to set, painting the desert in spectacular colors. The camel ride takes about an hour, giving you plenty of time to take photos and enjoy the peaceful desert atmosphere.

We arrive at our desert camp nestled among the dunes just in time to watch the sunset from the top of a high dune near the camp. After settling into your comfortable tent, enjoy a delicious Moroccan dinner followed by an evening of Berber music around the campfire under a star-filled Saharan sky. The desert camp features comfortable beds, proper toilets, and basic washing facilities to ensure a pleasant stay in this unique environment.

  • Driving Time: About 7-8 hours with stops, 460 km
  • Where You'll Stay: Desert camp in Merzouga
  • Meals: Breakfast and dinner included
  • Highlights: Ifrane, Azrou Forest with monkeys, Ziz Valley, camel trek, Sahara sunset

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6

place Day 6: Exploring the Merzouga Desert Region

Wake up early to witness the magical sunrise over the Sahara dunes—a truly unforgettable experience as the desert landscape transforms with the changing light. After enjoying this natural spectacle, return to camp for a hearty breakfast.

Today is dedicated to exploring the desert region around Merzouga in a more adventurous way – by 4x4 vehicle. This allows us to reach areas that would be difficult to access otherwise. Your 4x4 driver will pick you up from the camp after breakfast to begin this exciting desert excursion.

We'll visit Berber nomad families living in the desert. These desert nomads maintain a lifestyle that has changed little over centuries, moving with their livestock in search of water and grazing land. You'll be welcomed with traditional mint tea in their handmade woven tent as you learn about their daily challenges, traditions, and remarkable adaptation to the harsh desert environment.

Next, we'll drive to the ancient mines of Memphis, where you can enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of the Erg Chebbi dunes. Your guide will explain the historical significance of these mines and their role in the region's economy.

We continue to the village of Khamlia, home to people originally from Mali, Sudan, and Niger, known for their distinctive Gnaoua music. You'll enjoy a special performance of this hypnotic spiritual music with its African roots, played on instruments like the krakebs (metal castanets) and gimbri (a three-stringed lute).

In the afternoon, you'll have free time to relax at your hotel or camp. If you're staying at a hotel with a pool, you might want to enjoy a refreshing swim – a unique experience in the desert! Alternatively, you can choose from various optional activities (at additional cost) such as quad biking, buggy riding, or sandboarding on the dunes.

In the evening, enjoy dinner at your accommodation and another night under the stars, reflecting on the day's unique experiences.

  • Driving Time: About 4 hours of 4x4 excursion
  • Where You'll Stay: Hotel or camp in Merzouga
  • Meals: Breakfast and dinner included
  • Highlights: Desert sunrise, nomadic families, ancient mines, Khamlia village
  • Optional Activities: Quad biking, buggy riding, sandboarding

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 7

place Day 7: Merzouga to Ouarzazate via Todra Gorges

After breakfast, we say goodbye to the Sahara and begin our journey westward. Our first stop is the town of Rissani, once an important caravan stop and the ancient capital of Tafilalet. This historic town was the origin of the Alaouite dynasty, Morocco's current ruling family.

In Rissani, we'll visit the traditional souk (market), especially lively on market days (Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays). Wander through the market stalls selling everything from spices and household goods to livestock, and experience the authentic atmosphere of a traditional Moroccan market away from tourist areas. This is a great place to purchase spices or many types of dates, for which the region is famous.

Our journey continues through increasingly dramatic landscapes to one of Morocco's most spectacular natural sights – the Todra Gorges. These impressive canyons feature towering walls of reddish-orange limestone rising up to 300 meters (984 feet) on either side, with the gorge narrowing to just 10 meters wide in some places. We'll take time to walk through the gorge, enjoying the cool shade and impressive scenery. This area is popular with rock climbers, and you might see some scaling the sheer cliff faces.

After lunch at a local restaurant in the gorges, we continue our drive through what's known as "the way of the thousand kasbahs" – a route lined with ancient fortified villages and palm groves, providing numerous opportunities for beautiful photos. The changing landscape offers a fascinating glimpse into the diverse geography of southern Morocco.

By late afternoon, we arrive in Ouarzazate, known as the "Hollywood of Africa" because of its film studios where many international movies and TV shows have been filmed. After checking into your hotel, you can relax or take a short walk in the area to stretch your legs after the day's drive. Enjoy dinner at your hotel and an evening at leisure.

  • Driving Time: About 5-6 hours with stops, 370 km
  • Where You'll Stay: Hotel in Ouarzazate
  • Meals: Breakfast included
  • Highlights: Rissani souk, Todra Gorges, route of the thousand kasbahs

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 8

place Day 8: Ouarzazate to Marrakech via Ait Ben Haddou

After breakfast, we begin our day with a tour of Ouarzazate, exploring its beautiful kasbahs and film studios. We'll visit the Kasbah Taourirt, one of the most impressive of Morocco's kasbahs, once the residence of the powerful Glaoui family. The kasbah features a maze of narrow passageways, rooms with painted cedar ceilings, and stunning views from its towers.

If you're interested in film, we can also visit the Atlas Film Studios (entrance fee not included), where many international movies and TV shows have been filmed, including parts of Game of Thrones, Gladiator, and The Mummy. You can see sets from various productions and learn about Ouarzazate's important role in the international film industry.

Next, we drive to one of Morocco's most famous landmarks – the Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah. This UNESCO World Heritage site is an impressive example of southern Moroccan architecture, a fortified village (ksar) consisting of a group of earthen buildings surrounded by high walls. The site has been used as a backdrop for numerous films and TV shows.

We'll take time to explore this historic site, walking through its narrow streets and climbing to the top for panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Your guide will explain the history and significance of this ancient trading post on the former caravan route between Marrakech and the Sahara.

After lunch near Ait Ben Haddou, we begin the most scenic part of our journey – crossing the High Atlas Mountains via the famous Tizi n'Tichka Pass. This winding mountain road reaches an altitude of 2,260 meters (7,415 feet) and offers spectacular views of the mountains and valleys. We'll make several stops at panoramic viewpoints for photos and to appreciate the breathtaking scenery.

As we descend from the mountains, the landscape gradually changes as we approach Marrakech. We arrive in the "Red City" in the late afternoon. After checking into your hotel or riad, you might want to take a short walk to get your first impressions of this vibrant city, perhaps visiting the famous Jemaa el-Fnaa square which comes alive in the evening with food stalls, storytellers, and street performers.

  • Driving Time: About 4-5 hours with stops, 200 km
  • Where You'll Stay: Hotel or Riad in Marrakech
  • Meals: Breakfast included
  • Highlights: Ouarzazate kasbahs and film studios, Ait Ben Haddou UNESCO site, High Atlas Mountains, arrival in Marrakech

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Day 9

place Day 9: Guided Tour of Marrakech

After breakfast at your riad, meet your local guide for a full-day exploration of Marrakech, one of Morocco's four imperial cities and a place where traditional and modern Morocco blend seamlessly.

Your tour will include visits to the most important attractions of Marrakech, starting with the vibrant Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, the beating heart of the city and a UNESCO-recognized cultural space. Even during the day, this square is filled with activity – from snake charmers and street performers to vendors selling fresh orange juice and traditional foods.

Continue to the stunning Bahia Palace, built in the late 19th century for a grand vizier. This palace showcases the finest Moroccan craftsmanship with its intricate woodwork, painted ceilings, and peaceful courtyards.

Visit the historic Saadian Tombs, a royal burial ground from the time of the Saadian dynasty that was rediscovered in 1917 after being sealed for centuries. The tombs are beautifully decorated with colorful tiles, intricate carvings, and Arabic calligraphy.

You'll also see the impressive ruins of El Badi Palace ("The Incomparable Palace"), once one of the most beautiful palaces in the world before it was stripped of its treasures.

Take time to explore the colorful souks (markets) of the medina, where you'll find everything from spices and leather goods to textiles and metalwork. This is a fascinating place to see artisans at work and perhaps purchase some souvenirs.

Visit the iconic Koutoubia Mosque, whose 77-meter minaret has dominated the city's skyline since the 12th century. While non-Muslims cannot enter the mosque itself, you can admire its impressive exterior and the surrounding gardens.

End your guided tour with a visit to the beautiful Majorelle Garden, a peaceful oasis of exotic plants and vibrant blue buildings once owned by Yves Saint Laurent. The garden also houses the interesting Berber Museum, showcasing the rich culture of Morocco's indigenous people.

You might also visit the tranquil Menara Gardens, with its large reflecting pool and pavilion set against the backdrop of the Atlas Mountains.

After your guided tour, you'll have some free time to explore on your own or relax at your riad. In the evening, you might want to return to Jemaa el-Fnaa to experience its transformation as night falls, when it becomes even more lively with food stalls, storytellers, and musicians.

  • Walking Time: Full-day tour with breaks
  • Where You'll Stay: Hotel or Riad in Marrakech
  • Meals: Breakfast included
  • Highlights: Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, Bahia Palace, Saadian Tombs, El Badi Palace, souks, Koutoubia Mosque, Majorelle Garden, Menara Gardens

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Day 10

place Day 10: Departure from Marrakech

After breakfast at your hotel, you'll have some free time to enjoy Marrakech at your own pace, depending on your departure time. This could be a good opportunity for last-minute shopping in the souks, revisiting favorite spots, or simply relaxing at your riad.

Perhaps you'd like to purchase some souvenirs to take home – Morocco is famous for its handicrafts, including leather goods, ceramics, textiles, spices, and argan oil products. Your guide can recommend reputable shops where you can find quality items at fair prices.

At the appropriate time, your driver will transfer you to Marrakech Menara Airport for your departure flight. The airport is located about 15 minutes from the city center.

As you bid farewell to Morocco, you'll take with you unforgettable memories of ancient cities, majestic mountains, golden desert dunes, and the warm hospitality of the Moroccan people that makes this country so special.

Note: If your return flight departs from Casablanca instead of Marrakech, we can arrange a transfer to Casablanca (about 2.5-3 hours by car) or to the Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport directly (additional cost applies). Please let us know your preference when booking.

  • Driving Time: Airport transfer only (15-20 minutes)
  • Meals: Breakfast included
  • Optional Activities: Last-minute shopping, relaxation

What’s Included

Meals expand_less

  • Breakfast (9)
  • Dinner (3)

Transport expand_less

  • Private Transportation: Comfortable air-conditioned vehicle (4×4, mini-van, or bus
  • Airport/Hotel Pickup: We'll collect you from your hotel or the airport in Casablanca
  • Airport/Hotel Transfer: Drop-off at your hotel or the airport in Marrakech
  • Fuel and Transportation Costs: All expenses related to the vehicle and driver

Activities expand_less

  • Camel Trek: Sunset camel ride in the Sahara Desert (one camel per person)
  • Local Guides: Expert local guides for your tours of Fes, Rabat, and Marrakech

Extras expand_less

  • Accommodation: 9 nights in carefully selected riads, hotels, and a desert camp
  • Professional Guide: Multilingual driver/guide (English, Spanish, etc.) throughout your journey

Not Included expand_less

  • International Flights: Airfare to and from Morocco
  • Lunches and Dinners: Meals not specified in the itinerary (can be included upon request)
  • Beverages: Drinks during meals
  • Entrance Fees: Tickets to monuments and attractions (can be included upon request)
  • Personal Expenses: Shopping, additional activities, and personal purchases

About Youssef

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Expertise: 

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Adventure

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Jeep & 4WD

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18 to 30 somethings

Day Trips & Excursions

Deals

Transportation

Landscapes & Sceneries

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City Life

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Meet local people

Visit markets

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Outdoor Activities and Sports

VIP & Exclusive

Christmas & New Year

Food & Culinary

My name is Youssef and I’m from Morocco Travel 4x4. I was born and raised in Morocco and I’ve spent years showing travelers the true beauty of my country. From Marrakech to the quiet dunes of the Sahara I know every corner of Morocco

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