7 Days Desert Tour from Casablanca
7 Days Desert Tour from Casablanca
Overview:
The 7 days desert tour from Casablanca through Morocco diverse landscapes. This itinerary will take you from the imperial cities to the breathtaking Sahara Desert. Start your adventure by exploring the artistic scenes of Rabat, Meknes, and Fes. Capture stunning photos in the Blue City of Chefchaouen, then venture into the Sahara on camelback. Conclude your trip amid the vibrant atmosphere of Marrakech, with ample time to explore fascinating landscapes, valleys, kasbahs, gorges, and the vast Sahara.
This private tour includes visits to the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, exploration of Rabat’s highlights, and a trip to Chefchaouen, known as the “Blue Pearl.” Travel from Chefchaouen to Fes, passing through historic sites such as Volubilis and Meknes. In Fes, discover one of the world’s largest old towns with a guided tour by a local expert. Participate in a pottery workshop and immerse yourself in the crafts found throughout the souks. Cross the Atlas Mountains to reach the dunes of Erg Chebbi in the Sahara, where you’ll ride camels to a desert camp and spend the night under the stars. Continue your journey through the Dades Valley and the impressive Todgha Gorge. Follow the Road of 1000 Kasbahs to Ouarzazate, also known as the Hollywood of Morocco, before finally reaching the vibrant city of Marrakech. Book your trip today!
Itinerary:
Day 1: Casablanca – Rabat – Chefchaouen.
Our journey on the 7 days desert tour from Casablanca begins with a personalized pick-up by our Sahara Desert Excursions driver/guide. Depending on your flight schedule, we’ll whisk you away from either the hotel or airport in Casablanca. Our first stop is the enchanting blue-hued city of Chefchaouen. But before we delve into its mesmerizing alleys, we’ll soak in the grandeur of Casablanca, including a panoramic tour spotlighting the iconic Hassan II Mosque and the city’s vibrant neighborhoods.
Next, our path leads us to the historic capital of Morocco, Rabat. Here, we’ll delve into the regal allure of the Royal Palace and pay homage to the legacies of Mohammad V and Hassan II at their majestic mausoleums, where their collaborative history with the Jewish community comes to life.
As we journey onwards to Chefchaouen, the landscape transforms into a masterpiece of rolling Rif Mountains. Upon our arrival in the afternoon, you’ll be granted the freedom to explore Chefchaouen magical realm at your leisure. Nestled in the embrace of the Rif Mountains, your overnight stay in a riad promises tranquility amidst breathtaking scenery, setting the tone for an unforgettable adventure.
Day 2 :Chefchaouen – Volubilis – Meknes – Fes
After enjoying a delicious breakfast in the riad, our 7 days desert tour from Casablanca continues towards the ancient city of Volubilis. We will journey through the picturesque landscapes of Ouazzane and other charming Rif villages. In Volubilis, we will delve into the remnants of Roman civilization and uncover fascinating aspects of Moroccan history.
Next, we travel to the historic city of Meknes, renowned for its 17th-century heritage. Here, we will pause for a delightful lunch, explore the medina’s impressive historical walls, and visit the iconic Bab El Mansour and the lush gardens of Moulay Ismail Greenery. In the late afternoon, we will make our way to Fes, where you will settle in for an overnight stay, ready to explore more of Morocco rich culture and history the next day.
Day 3: Explore Fes with a Local guide
After breakfast, you will go on a guided day tour of Fes, the cultural capital and one of the most complete medieval Islamic cities in the world. Entering through Bab Ftouh, you will explore the Andalusian district and admire the exterior of its mosque. Navigate through the vibrant tanning, dye working, and copper working neighborhoods to reach Place Seffarine. Visit the University of Al-Karaouine, home to Africa’s oldest mosque, and pause in front of the mausoleum of Idris I, the founder of Fes. Admire the famous fountain at Place Nejjarine and explore the beautiful Nejjarine Museum of Wood Arts and Crafts.
In the afternoon, continue your tour of the medina with a stop at Bab Boujloud, the “Blue Gate” of Fes. Optionally, visit the Attarine Medersa. Tour the city’s ramparts and enjoy a splendid view of the medina from Borj Nord. Discover the ancient Jewish quarter and see the exterior of the Royal Palace. Next, visit the pottery district. Finally, stop at an artisanal complex on the city’s outskirts before concluding the tour and returning to your riad.
Day 4: Fes – Ifrane – Azrou – Midelt – Ziz Valley – Erg Chebbi
Today, we will travel to the Merzouga desert from Fes via Ifrane, often referred to as the “Moroccan Switzerland.” Our journey continues to the Cedar Forest, where we will pause to watch monkeys climbing the majestic cedar trees. We will then traverse the Middle Atlas Mountains and the stunning Ziz Valley, home to one of the largest palm groves and oases in southern Morocco. Our 7 days desert tour from Casablanca proceeds to Erfoud, a city renowned for its fossil museums and factories.
Upon arriving in Merzouga, you will have free time to interact with locals in the nearby villages. You can also opt for an exciting outdoor activity, such as an ATV quad adventure, to witness the enchanting sunset atop the Erg Chebbi sand dunes. Enjoy an overnight stay in a riad near the Merzouga sand dunes, where you can fully immerse yourself in the serene desert atmosphere.
Day 5: Tour around Merzouga Desert
On day 5 of our 7 days Morocco travel, after breakfast, we’ll go on a Merzouga desert adventure, exploring the most fascinating desert surroundings. Firstly, we will have a visit to the Nomad family’s, who live a simple life in the tents, raising camels, goats, and sheep. We will spend some time with them to discover their unique lifestyle. Next, we will head to the Mifiss mine of plumb.
Continuing our 4WD desert tour, we will travel to Khamlia, a small village about 5 km from Merzouga, where you will experience the distinct culture of the Gnaouas and their preserved traditions. We will also visit the panoramic view of Galb Nass, the 4WD cars museum, and the desert oases. Lunch will be served in a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, you will experience Merzouga camel trekking across the Erg Chebbi sand dunes to reach an authentic Sahara camp. Upon arrival, you can enjoy sandboarding while watching the sunset. Spend the night in a desert camp with Nomads, where they will serve you dinner and entertain you with drum music around the campfire. Enjoy stargazing before retiring to your private desert tent for the night.
Day 6: Merzouga Desert – Rissani – Todra Valley – Dades Valley.
The following day, on our 7 days tour from Casablanca, you will wake up early to witness a breathtaking sunrise over Merzouga Erg Chebbi. After enjoying breakfast and a refreshing shower in the desert camp, we will transport you back to Merzouga Village, either by camel trekking or 4WD, according to your preference.
Next, we will journey to Rissani, where we will visit a museum of fossils and explore the traditional market. Our 7 days desert tour from Casablanca continues through several Berber and Arabic villages, including Mellab, Tinjdad, and Jourf, with the latter known for its ancient irrigation wells. We will make a stop to visit this fascinating attraction, with the option for lunch in Mellab or Tinjdad.
Our next destination is the Todra Valley and the Todra Gorges, towering at about 300 meters in height. Witness the remarkable power of water carving its way through the rocks, making the gorge a popular spot for climbing and hiking enthusiasts. Finally, we will drive to Dades Gorge, where you will spend the night in a charming riad, surrounded by the stunning landscapes of Morocco.
Day 7: Dades Valley – Roses Valley – Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – Marrakech
We will enjoy breakfast amidst the breathtaking views of Dades Valley before continuing our 7 days Casablanca trip to Marrakech, passing through the picturesque Roses Valley and Skoura Oasis palm groves.
Our next stop will be in Ouarzazate, where we will take a brief visit to Taourirt Kasbah. Just 27 kilometers down the road, we will arrive at Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site famously known for its appearances in Hollywood movies such as “Lawrence of Arabia,” “Gladiator,” “Kingdom of Heaven,” “Prince of Persia,” and more. These kasbahs, or fortresses, exemplify the exotic Moroccan architecture and rich cultural heritage.
After exploring the kasbah, we will journey a little further through the High Atlas Mountains via the “Tichka pass,” ultimately leading us to Marrakech. Here, our 7 days Morocco desert tour from Casablanca to Marrakech via Chefchaouen, Fes, and the Sahara Desert comes to a close, concluding our memorable journey through the diverse landscapes and vibrant cultures of Morocco.
Included
- Private tour & Transportation with A/C and seat-belt.
- Pick you up & drop you off at Casablanca airport.
- 6 nights hotel accommodation & breakfast.
- Experienced driver/guide English speaking.
- Local guide in Fez & Marrakech.
- Fuel, tolls and all associated expenses.
Not Included
- Airfare (Flight Ticket)
Noon meal. (Possibility of picnic or restaurants). - Dinners.
- Drinks at the meal.
- Tips and personal miscellaneous expenses.
- Entry fees to Monuments / Museums / Kasbahs
- Travel insurance
- Anything not mentioned in the program