GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Twelve days from Casablanca — the most complete Morocco circuit at a relaxed pace. The journey takes you from the Hassan II Mosque to the dunes of Erg Chebbi, from the blue medina of Chefchaouen to the tanneries of Fes, from the Todra Canyon to the Atlantic coast of Essaouira, and back to Casablanca. Every major region of Morocco is covered with enough time for real immersion, without any day feeling rushed.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Twelve days from Casablanca — a complete Morocco circuit at a relaxed pace. The journey takes you from the Hassan II Mosque to the Atlantic coast of Essaouira, from the blue medina of Chefchaouen to the Roman ruins of Volubilis, from the imperial cities of Meknes and Fes to the dunes of Erg Chebbi in the Sahara, and through the Todra and Dades Gorges, Ait Ben Haddou, and the High Atlas Mountains before returning to Casablanca. Each major region of Morocco is explored in depth without rushing.
Pick-up from the airport or hotel in Casablanca. Visit the Hassan II Mosque — Morocco’s largest mosque, with its 210-meter minaret overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and interiors of mosaic, marble, and carved cedar wood. Then continue to Rabat to visit the Hassan Tower and Mohammed V Mausoleum, two monuments facing the same esplanade and representing modern Moroccan history. The Kasbah of the Udayas completes the day with its white walls and gardens overlooking the estuary. Arrival at the hotel in Rabat.
Note: If you arrive at night, direct transfer to your hotel in Casablanca.
Overnight in a hotel or riad in Rabat.
Breakfast and departure north to Chefchaouen, the Rif mountain town known for its blue-painted medina. Upon arrival, check-in at the riad and free afternoon to explore its alleyways, artisan shops, and photogenic streets.
Overnight in a riad in Chefchaouen.
Breakfast and journey through the Rif countryside. Visit Volubilis, the best-preserved Roman ruins in Morocco with 3rd-century mosaics and the Arch of Caracalla. Continue to Meknes, the 17th-century imperial city featuring Bab el Mansour and the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail. Lunch in Meknes. Arrival in Fes in the evening.
Overnight in a riad in Fes.
Full day with a local expert guide in Fes. Visit the Royal Palace gate, Fes el-Bali medina (UNESCO), Al Quaraouiyine University, Al Attarine Madrasa, Nejjarine Fountain, Chouara Tanneries, the Mellah (Jewish quarter), and Borj Nord fortress with panoramic views over the city.
Overnight in a riad in Fes.
Early departure south. Stop in Ifrane, the “Switzerland of Morocco,” then the cedar forest with Barbary macaques. Lunch en route. Continue through the Ziz Valley to Merzouga. Camel ride at sunset over the Erg Chebbi dunes. Arrival at a luxury desert camp with private tent, bathroom, dinner, and Berber music under the stars.
Overnight in a luxury desert camp in Merzouga.
Sunrise over the dunes. Full-day 4×4 desert excursion: Khamlia village and Gnawa music, abandoned M’Fis mines, visit to a nomadic family with tea in their tent, and the Flamingo Lake if conditions allow. Lunch in Merzouga. Afternoon at the riad or dunes.
Overnight in a riad in Merzouga.
Breakfast. Visit Rissani market (if market day). View of Tinghir oasis. Walk through Todra Gorge with 300-meter canyon walls. Continue to Dades Gorges with its “monkey fingers” rock formations.
Overnight in a hotel in Dades Gorges.
Departure after breakfast. Optional visit to Atlas Studios in Ouarzazate. Visit Ait Ben Haddou, UNESCO World Heritage site and filming location for major Hollywood productions. Lunch nearby. Cross the High Atlas via Tizi n’Tichka pass to Marrakech. First evening walk in Jemaa el-Fna.
Overnight in a riad in Marrakech.
Full guided tour including Bahia Palace, Saadian Tombs, Ben Youssef Madrasa, Medina souks, Koutoubia Mosque, and Majorelle Garden. Free afternoon.
Overnight in a riad in Marrakech.
Breakfast and transfer to Essaouira, the Atlantic coastal city known for its UNESCO-listed medina, fishing port, blue-and-white streets, and strong ocean winds. Free afternoon to explore the medina and ramparts.
Overnight in a riad in Essaouira.
Free morning in Essaouira. After lunch, drive back to Casablanca.
Overnight in a hotel in Casablanca.
Breakfast and transfer to Mohammed V International Airport or next destination.
End of the 12-day Morocco itinerary from Casablanca.
IMPORTANT NOTES
