Five days from Casablanca to Marrakech — a journey that combines the blue city of Chefchaouen, the medieval medina of Fes, the Sahara dunes of Merzouga, the Todra Canyon, the Dades Gorges, and the impressive Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou. Each day of this itinerary reveals a different face of Morocco, from the blue-painted streets in the north of the country to the endless golden sands of the south.
The adventure begins with pickup from Mohammed V International Airport in Casablanca or your hotel. From there, we travel directly north to Chefchaouen, a mountain town nestled in the Rif Mountains, famous for its white and blue-painted houses and alleys in different shades of blue. Upon arrival, you check into your riad and the rest of the afternoon is yours: stroll through the historic quarter, explore the craft souk, enjoy a mint tea on a terrace, or simply get lost in its narrow streets capturing every corner.
Overnight in a riad in Chefchaouen.
Breakfast at the riad, then journey southeast to Fes, the spiritual capital of Morocco and one of the best-preserved medieval medinas in the world. A local guide will meet you at your accommodation to take you through the heart of the city: the University of Al Quaraouiyine — founded in 859 and considered the oldest continuously operating university in the world — the Chouara tanneries with their colorful dyeing vats visible from leather workshops, the spice souks, and the Bou Inania Madrasa. Optional lunch in the medina.
Overnight in a riad in the medina of Fes.
Early breakfast and departure south. First stop in Ifrane, known as the “Switzerland of Morocco” for its alpine-style architecture and cool mountain climate. We cross the Middle Atlas and stop in a cedar forest to see Barbary macaques — one of North Africa’s rarest primates — in their natural habitat. Lunch on the way, then continue through the Ziz Valley, one of the most beautiful landscapes in southern Morocco, with endless rows of palm groves.
We arrive in Merzouga by late afternoon. Camels are waiting to take you across the Erg Chebbi dunes as the sun sets and the light turns golden. Arrival at the luxury desert camp, welcome tea, private tent to relax and refresh, traditional Moroccan dinner, and an evening around the fire with the Berbers: drum music, dancing, and a sky full of stars with no light pollution.
Overnight in a luxury desert camp in Merzouga.
Early wake-up to watch the sunrise from a nearby dune — the colors over the sand are worth every effort. Breakfast and return to Merzouga by camel or 4×4. If the day falls on Tuesday, Thursday, or Sunday, we visit the traditional Rissani souk, one of the most authentic markets in southern Morocco. Then panoramic views over the palm oasis and Berber villages around Tinghir, followed by the Todra Canyon: an impressive limestone corridor where cliffs rise up to 300 meters high with a narrow river flowing between them. Short walk in this unique place.
In the afternoon, we reach the Dades Gorges, a landscape shaped over millions of years, featuring extraordinary rock formations known as the “Monkey Fingers.” A winding zigzag road offers panoramic views before reaching the hotel.
Overnight in a hotel in the Dades Gorges.
Final day of the journey. After breakfast, departure to Ouarzazate, known as the “Hollywood of Africa” and gateway to the desert. Optional visit to Atlas Studios, the world’s largest film studio, used in movies such as Lawrence of Arabia, The Mummy, and Gladiator. Then visit the Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou — a UNESCO World Heritage ksar whose earthen towers have served as a filming location for Gladiator and Game of Thrones among many others. Lunch nearby.
In the afternoon, we cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka pass, with panoramic views of valleys and mountain landscapes, before arriving in Marrakech by late afternoon.
End of the 5-day itinerary from Casablanca.
IMPORTANT NOTES
– Please inform us of any dietary restrictions when booking. Vegetarian and vegan options are available.
– Camels can be replaced by a 4×4 transfer at no extra cost.
– The itinerary is fully customizable.
– Quad or buggy activities can be added upon request.
– Vehicles: Toyota Prado Land Cruiser TX, Ford Tourneo Custom, or Mercedes Sprinter minibus.
– Best seasons: spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November).
