6-day desert tour from Casablanca
Duration
Tour Type
Overview
This 6-day desert tour from Casablanca offers an enriching journey through Morocco’s most captivating landscapes and cities. From the bustling metropolis of Casablanca to the historic treasures of Fes, and from the serene cedar forests of Ifrane to the majestic dunes of Merzouga, this tour provides a comprehensive Moroccan adventure. You’ll traverse the scenic Atlas Mountains, explore ancient medinas, and experience the timeless beauty of the Sahara Desert. Along the way, you’ll also visit the imperial city of Meknes, the Roman ruins of Volubilis, and the vibrant city of Marrakech, culminating in an unforgettable Moroccan experience.
Highlights :
- Explore Casablanca, including the Hassan II Mosque and the Cornish
- Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Volubilis
- Discover the imperial city of Meknes
- Enjoy a guided tour of the historic medina of Fes
- Wander through the cedar forests of Ifrane
- Experience camel trekking and an overnight stay in the Sahara Desert
- Marvel at the dramatic Todra Gorges
- Explore the stunning Dades Valley and Rose Valley
- Visit the iconic Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah
- Traverse the High Atlas Mountains and the Tizi-N-Tichka pass
Included/Exclude
- Airport, port, or accommodation pickup and drop-off in Casablanca
- Private transportation in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle
- Professional, English-speaking driver/guide
- Accommodation in hotels and Riads with breakfast and dinner
- Guided tours in Fes and other specified locations
- Camel trekking in the Merzouga desert
- Overnight stay in a traditional Berber desert camp
- International airfare to and from Morocco
- Travel insurance
- Lunches and beverages
- Personal expenses and tips
- Optional activities and tours not included in the itinerary
- Any other items not mentioned as included
Tour Plan
Your adventure begins in Casablanca, where our team will greet you at the airport, port, or your accommodation. Casablanca, the economic heart of Morocco, boasts the impressive Hassan II Mosque, the largest mosque in the country. Situated on the city's western coast, this architectural marvel overlooks the Atlantic Ocean. After visiting the mosque, enjoy some free time for lunch. The tour continues with a visit to the picturesque Cornish of Casablanca. You'll spend the night in a comfortable hotel in Casablanca.
After a hearty breakfast, you'll depart Casablanca and head towards the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is remarkably well-preserved, featuring beautiful mosaics, ancient pillars, and archways. Following your exploration of Volubilis, a short drive will take you to Meknes, one of Morocco's imperial cities. Here, you'll visit notable landmarks such as Bab Al-Mansour, the Sahrij Souani basin, the Royal Stables, the granary, and the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail. Later, the journey continues to Fes, where you'll stay overnight in a traditional Riad.
Dedicated to discovering the rich heritage of Fes, this day includes a guided tour with a local expert. As one of Morocco's imperial cities and a cultural and religious center, Fes offers a wealth of historical sites. Your day begins at the Royal Palace gate, followed by a visit to the medieval medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You'll enter through the Blue Gate (Bab Boujloud) and wander through the labyrinthine alleyways. Key sites include the Medrasa Bouanania, the Najjarine Fountain, the tannery district, and the Quaraouin Mosque and University, the oldest in the world. The tour also includes a visit to the Jewish quarter (Mellah) and a panoramic view of the city from an ancient fortress. You'll return to your Riad in Fes for the night.
Leaving Fes, you'll travel south through Imouzzer to the city of Ifrane, known for its alpine-style architecture and cool climate, earning it the nickname "Morocco's Switzerland." The journey continues to the cedar forests, home to the Barbary macaques. Feel free to feed these friendly monkeys while enjoying the serene environment. Afterward, you'll proceed to Midelt for lunch. The tour then takes you through the Tizi-n-Tilghmt pass and along the scenic Ziz Valley, with stops for breathtaking views. By late afternoon, you'll arrive in Merzouga, where you'll switch to camels and cross the sandy dunes. Enjoy the spectacular sunset from a high dune before reaching a traditional Berber camp. Here, you'll savor a delicious dinner, listen to Berber music, and sleep under a starlit sky.
An early start is recommended to witness the magical sunrise in the desert. After breakfast, you'll return to Merzouga by camel, where your driver awaits. The next stop is Rissani, once the capital of Tafilalet and still a major trading hub with a lively souk. From Rissani, the journey continues to Erfoud, where you'll visit a workshop specializing in fossilized marble. As you travel through the Touroug and Tinjdad palm groves, you'll arrive at the dramatic Todra Gorges, a favorite spot for rock climbers and hikers. After a leisurely lunch, you'll proceed through the Dades Valley, known for its "monkey fingers" rock formations, and stop at several scenic spots. You'll spend the night in a charming hotel in the Dades Valley.
