16-Day Tour from Casablanca to Explore Morocco

Overview

This 16-day Morocco tour starts with your arrival in Casablanca, where you can explore the Hassan II Mosque and nearby attractions. On Day 2, visit Rabat’s Royal Palace, Hassan Tower, and medina, then head to Meknes. Day 3 includes a visit to the Roman ruins of Volubilis and arrival in Fes, where you’ll explore the city on Day 4. Travel through the Atlas Mountains to Erfoud on Day 5, and enjoy a desert experience in Merzouga on Days 6 and 7, including a camel ride and night in Berber tents.

Day 8 takes you to Todra Gorge and Dades Valley, while Day 9 includes visits to the Valley of Roses and Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, ending in Ouarzazate. Explore Taroudant on Day 10, Tafraoute and Agadir on Day 11, and Essaouira on Days 12 and 13. Depart for Marrakesh on Day 14 and enjoy a guided tour of its main attractions on Day 15. The tour concludes on Day 16 with a morning of relaxation before returning to Casablanca or Marrakech.

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Highlights

  • Casablanca: Hassan II Mosque
  • Rabat: Royal Palace, Chellah ruins, Mohammed V Mausoleum, Hassan Tower
  • Meknes: Bab el Mansour gate
  • Volubilis: Ancient Roman ruins
  • Fes: Royal Palace gate, Jewish quarter, Al Qaraouine University, Tanneries, Attarine Museum
  • Atlas Mountains: Scenic drive, cedar forests
  • Merzouga: Erg Chebbi dunes, Berber tents, camel ride, sunset in the desert
  • Todra Gorge: Stunning canyon
  • Dades Valley: “Monkey Toes” rock formations
  • Ait Ben Haddou: Historic Kasbah
  • Taroudant: Traditional crafts and markets
  • Tafraoute: Scenic granite rocks
  • Agadir: Coastal views
  • Essaouira: Atlantic coast, blue and white port, seafood dining
  • Marrakesh: Jamma el Fna Square, Koutoubia Mosque, souks, palaces, museums, Menara Gardens, Majorelle Garden

Day 1: Arrival in Casablanca

Begin your 16-day tour with a transfer from the airport to your hotel in Casablanca, where a complimentary meal awaits. Depending on your arrival time, explore Casablanca’s key attractions such as the Hassan II Mosque, Moroccan Mall, and nearby beach area.

Day 2: Casablanca – Rabat – Meknes

Visit the Hassan II Mosque in the morning, then depart for Rabat, the capital. In Rabat, explore the Royal Palace, the ruins of Chellah, the Mohammed V Mausoleum, the Hassan Tower, and the souks and medina. Continue to Meknes for dinner at a local restaurant overlooking the Bab el Mansour gate.

Day 3: Meknes – Volubilis – Fes

Depart from Meknes to visit the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis, then proceed to Fes for an overnight stay at a local Riad or hotel.

Day 4: Exploring Fes

Spend the day exploring Fes, starting with the Royal Palace gate and the Jewish quarter. Visit significant sites like Al Qaraouine University, the Tanneries, the Attarine Museum, and the Moulay Idriss Mausoleum. Enjoy a panoramic view of the Medina before ending the night at your Riad.

Day 5: Fes – Midelt – Er-Rachidia – Erfoud

Travel towards the Atlas Mountains, stopping in Ifrane and the cedar forests. Continue through the Tiz Ntalghamt Pass and the Ziz Gorge to Midelt, then proceed through the Ziz Valley to Er-Rachidia and finally to Erfoud for the night.

Day 6: Erfoud – Rissani – Merzouga

After breakfast, head to Rissani for lunch, then continue to Merzouga. Enjoy a walk around the Erg Chebbi dunes and watch the sunset. Spend the night in Berber tents in the desert.

Day 7: Merzouga Desert Tour

After breakfast, explore nearby caves with natural fossils and visit the ancient village of Tissrdmin. Pass through the Black Desert and share tea with a local Tuareg family. Visit the black village of Khamlia and enjoy Gnawa music. Have a traditional Berber pizza lunch in Rissani. In the late afternoon, ride camels to watch the sunset and spend the night in the desert camp.

Day 8: Merzouga – Todra Gorge – Dades Gorge

Start your day early with a breathtaking sunrise over the Erg Chebbi dunes. After breakfast, depart from Merzouga towards Todra Gorge, an impressive canyon in the eastern part of the High Atlas Mountains. The gorge’s towering limestone cliffs make it a popular destination for rock climbers. After a leisurely hike through the gorge and lunch at a local spot, continue driving through the picturesque Dades Valley. This valley, often referred to as the “Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs,” is renowned for its dramatic landscapes and traditional Berber villages. Along the way, marvel at the unique “Monkey Toes” rock formations, a natural wonder that adds to the area’s charm. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay in a charming hotel or riad nestled in the Dades Valley.

Day 9: Dades Gorges – Ouarzazate

After breakfast, continue your journey through the Dades Valley and into the Valley of Roses, famous for its annual rose festival and the production of rose water and other cosmetic products. Explore the local markets where you can purchase rose-scented souvenirs. Proceed to the Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Morocco’s most iconic landmarks, known for its appearances in numerous films such as Gladiator and Lawrence of Arabia. After exploring the Kasbah, drive through the Tizi-n-Tichka Pass, offering stunning panoramic views of the High Atlas Mountains. Arrive in Ouarzazate, often referred to as the “Gateway to the Sahara,” where you’ll visit the Atlas Film Studios, one of the largest movie studios in the world, and the historic Taourirt Kasbah. Spend the night in a local riad or hotel.

Day 10: Ouarzazate – Taroudant

Depart Ouarzazate after breakfast and drive towards Taroudant, a traditional Berber town that’s often called “Little Marrakech” due to its similar red-walled medina. En route, you’ll pass through the fertile Souss Valley, known for its argan trees and olive groves. Upon arrival in Taroudant, explore the town’s lively souks, where you can find handcrafted goods such as jewelry, pottery, and textiles. Visit the city’s historic ramparts and learn about its significance as a former capital of the Saadian dynasty. Enjoy an overnight stay at a local riad or hotel.

Day 11: Taroudant – Tafraoute – Agadir

Leave Taroudant and head towards Tafraoute, a small town in the Anti-Atlas Mountains, renowned for its striking granite rock formations that change color throughout the day. The journey offers scenic views of the Ameln Valley, with its lush palm groves and traditional Berber villages. Explore the unique landscapes of Tafraoute, including the famous “Painted Rocks,” a series of boulders painted by Belgian artist Jean Vérame. After exploring Tafraoute, continue your journey to Agadir, a popular coastal city known for its sandy beaches and modern amenities. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay in Agadir.

Day 12: Agadir – Essaouira

Depart Agadir after breakfast and drive along the scenic Atlantic coastline to Essaouira, a charming port city with a rich history and vibrant arts scene. Upon arrival, check into a local riad and take some time to relax. In the evening, watch the sunset from the Murallas, the city’s historic ramparts that offer stunning views of the ocean. Explore the bustling medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its whitewashed houses with blue shutters, narrow streets, and bustling markets. End your day with a fresh seafood dinner at a local restaurant, savoring the flavors of the Atlantic.

Day 13: Free Day in Essaouira

Spend a leisurely day exploring Essaouira at your own pace. You might visit the Skala de la Ville, a historic fortress with impressive cannons and panoramic views of the Atlantic. Wander through the medina’s artisan workshops, where local craftsmen produce unique goods such as thuya wood carvings, textiles, and jewelry. If you’re a music lover, explore the city’s connection to the Gnaoua music tradition, which is celebrated annually during the Gnaoua World Music Festival. Relax on the city’s sandy beaches, known for their excellent conditions for surfing and windsurfing. In the evening, enjoy a leisurely dinner at one of the many seaside restaurants.

Day 14: Essaouira – Marrakech

After breakfast, take some last moments to soak in Essaouira’s serene atmosphere before departing for Marrakech. The drive will take you through the argan tree-studded countryside, where you might spot local goats climbing the trees. Upon arrival in Marrakech, check into your riad or hotel and take the rest of the day to relax or explore the city’s vibrant souks and streets.

Day 15: Guided Tour of Marrakech

Spend the day discovering Marrakech’s most iconic attractions with a guided tour. Start at the bustling Jamma el Fna Square, a UNESCO-listed site that comes alive with storytellers, musicians, and food stalls. Visit the Koutoubia Mosque, the largest mosque in Marrakech, known for its striking minaret. Explore the intricate Saadian Tombs and the opulent Bahia Palace, showcasing Moroccan architecture at its finest. Wander through the city’s vibrant souks, where you can find everything from spices to carpets. Take a peaceful stroll through the Menara Gardens, and later, visit the Majorelle Garden, an oasis of exotic plants and bright colors. End your day exploring the modern district of Gueliz, where you can find contemporary art galleries, cafes, and boutiques.

Day 16: Marrakech – Casablanca

On your final day, take the morning to relax or do some last-minute shopping in Marrakech. In the afternoon, depart for Casablanca, arriving by evening. If time permits, visit any remaining attractions in Casablanca such as the Art Deco architecture of the city center or the Corniche. Your tour concludes with your arrival in Casablanca or Marrakech, marking the end of an unforgettable journey through Morocco.

Contact us to customize your tour.

what's included

  • Riding a camel
  • Spanish speaking driver
  • Transportation
  • Breakfast and dinner

what's excluded

  • Drinks
  • Optional activities
  • Personal expenses

CUSTOMIZED ITINERARY

 

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