8 Days Tour from Casablanca to Marrakech via Sahara Desert and Essaouira
Discover the best of Morocco on this 8-day journey from Casablanca to Marrakech via the Sahara Desert. This itinerary combines imperial cities, breathtaking landscapes, and authentic cultural experiences. Travel through Rabat, Meknes, and Fes, explore the Middle Atlas Mountains, and experience the magic of the Sahara Desert in Merzouga. Continue through the Dades Valley and Ouarzazate before reaching Marrakech and the coastal town of Essaouira.
This tour offers a perfect mix of history, adventure, and relaxation, including camel trekking, desert camping, and guided city tours.
Day 1: Casablanca – Rabat – Meknes – Fes
After meeting in Casablanca, begin your journey to Rabat, Morocco’s capital. Visit the Hassan Tower and the Kasbah of the Oudayas. Continue to Meknes, one of the imperial cities, where you will explore Bab El Mansour, the Moulay Ismail Mausoleum, and the Sahrij Souani basin. In the afternoon, drive to Fes. Overnight in a hotel or riad.
Day 2: Guided Tour of Fes
Explore Fes with a local guide. Visit the UNESCO-listed Medina of Fes El Bali, including the tanneries, traditional souks, and historic sites such as Al Quaraouiyine University. Discover both the old and modern parts of the city. Overnight in Fes.
Day 3: Fes – Ifrane – Azrou – Merzouga Desert
After breakfast, travel through the Middle Atlas Mountains. Stop in Ifrane, known as the “Switzerland of Morocco,” and visit the cedar forest near Azrou, home to Barbary macaques. Continue عبر the Ziz Valley and Erfoud to reach Merzouga. Enjoy a camel trek into the Erg Chebbi dunes and watch the sunset. Dinner and overnight in a desert camp with traditional music under the stars.
Day 4: Merzouga Desert Experience
Wake early to enjoy sunrise over the dunes. After breakfast, explore the Merzouga region, including a visit to Khamlia village to experience Gnawa music. Meet local nomadic families and discover their lifestyle. Spend the night in a hotel near the dunes.
Day 5: Merzouga – Rissani – Todra Gorges – Dades Valley
After breakfast, visit Rissani and its traditional market. Continue to the Todra Gorges, known for their dramatic canyon walls. After lunch, drive through the Dades Valley, famous for its unique rock formations. Overnight in a hotel.
Day 6: Dades Valley – Ouarzazate – Ait Benhaddou – Marrakech
After breakfast, travel through the Valley of Roses and Skoura to Ouarzazate, known as the “Hollywood of Africa.” Visit the Atlas Film Studios (optional) and continue to Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site. After lunch, cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass and arrive in Marrakech. Overnight in a riad or hotel.
Day 7: Marrakech – Essaouira – Marrakech
After breakfast, take a day trip to Essaouira, a charming coastal town and UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore the Medina, fishing port, and historic ramparts. Enjoy fresh seafood by the ocean before returning to Marrakech in the evening.
Day 8: Guided Tour of Marrakech
Discover Marrakech with a local guide. Visit the Koutoubia Mosque, Bahia Palace, and Saadian Tombs. Explore the vibrant souks and Jemaa el-Fna Square. Free time in the afternoon to explore at your own pace. End of the tour.
Included
- Private air-conditioned transport
- Driver/guide
- Fuel
- 6 nights in hotel or riad (breakfast included)
- 1 night in desert camp (dinner & breakfast included)
- Dinner in the desert camp and Dades Valley
- Camel trekking experience
- Sandboarding in the dunes
Not Included
- Drinks and lunches
- Flight tickets
- Entrance fees
- Additional dinners (except those mentioned)
- Hotel in Casablanca
Customize Your Trip
This itinerary can be fully customized according to your preferences, travel style, and schedule.
We offer a wide range of Morocco tours with different durations—from short 4 day desert trips to extended 5 Days Tour, 9 Days tour, or 10-days journeys. You can combine destinations such as Marrakech, Fes, Chefchaouen, the Sahara Desert, and the Atlantic coast.
Contact us to design your perfect itinerary or explore our other tours for more travel inspiration.