Discover the extraordinary diversity of Morocco on a 12-day private tour from Casablanca, traveling from the northern Mediterranean coast to the blue streets of Chefchaouen, the ancient medina of Fez and the golden dunes of the Sahara at Merzouga and Erg Chebbi.

Continue through the spectacular Dades Valley and High Atlas Mountains before reaching Marrakech and the relaxed Atlantic atmosphere of Essaouira.

This itinerary combines Morocco’s imperial cities, northern landscapes, Amazigh culture, Sahara Desert, mountain valleys and Atlantic coast into one carefully designed journey.

Highlights

• Explore Casablanca and the Hassan II Mosque
• Discover Tangier, where the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean
• Wander through the blue streets of Chefchaouen
• Explore the ancient medina of Fez
• Travel through the Middle Atlas Mountains
• Stop in Midelt, surrounded by dramatic mountain landscapes
• Experience the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi
• Enjoy a camel trek in the Merzouga Sahara
• Spend a night in a desert camp
• Watch the Sahara sunrise
• Travel through the spectacular Dades Valley
• Visit the dramatic Dades Gorge
• Cross the High Atlas Mountains
• Discover the vibrant medina of Marrakech
• Relax on the Atlantic coast in Essaouira
• Choose to finish in Marrakech or return to Casablanca

12 days desert tour From Casablanca itinerary

Day 1: Casablanca – Arrival & Hassan II Mosque

Welcome to Morocco.

Meet your private driver at Casablanca Airport and transfer to your hotel.

Depending on your arrival time, discover the city’s highlights, including the spectacular Hassan II Mosque, the Corniche and the Atlantic waterfront.

Overnight: Casablanca

Day 2: Casablanca to Tangier – From the Atlantic to the Mediterranean

After breakfast, travel north toward Tangier, Morocco’s historic gateway between Africa and Europe.

Tangier has a unique atmosphere shaped by its position between the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea.

Explore the old medina, Kasbah, Grand Socco and the coastal viewpoints.

Depending on your interests and arrival time, you can also visit Cap Spartel, where the Atlantic and Mediterranean meet.

Overnight: Tangier

Day 3: Tangier to Chefchaouen – The Blue City

Leave Tangier and travel through the Rif Mountains toward Chefchaouen.

The journey itself is scenic, with green mountain landscapes and traditional villages.

Arrive in Chefchaouen and explore its famous blue-painted medina.

Wander through narrow streets, discover artisan shops and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere around Outa el Hammam Square.

Overnight: Chefchaouen

Day 4: Chefchaouen to Fez – From the Rif to Morocco’s Cultural Capital

After breakfast, continue toward Fez.

Along the way, you can stop at Volubilis, Morocco’s best-preserved Roman archaeological site, if the timing works with your itinerary.

Continue to Fez and settle into your traditional riad.

Enjoy a free evening in the ancient city.

Overnight: Fez

Day 5: Fez – Full-Day Guided Medina Experience

Spend the day exploring Fez, one of Morocco’s most important cultural and historical cities.

With a private local guide, discover the ancient medina, souks, artisan workshops and historic monuments.

Depending on opening hours, highlights may include:

• Al-Qarawiyyin
• Bou Inania Madrasa
• Nejjarine
• Traditional souks
• Tanneries
• Mellah
• Royal Palace area

This day gives you time to understand the history and living traditions behind the city’s famous architecture.

Overnight: Fez

Day 6: Fez to Midelt – Middle Atlas Mountains

Leave Fez and travel south toward the Middle Atlas Mountains.

Pass through Ifrane and continue toward the cedar forests near Azrou, where Barbary macaques may sometimes be seen.

Continue through mountain landscapes and high plateaus toward Midelt, known for its surrounding mountains and mineral-rich region.

Overnight: Midelt

Day 7: Midelt to Merzouga – Entering the Sahara

Today you travel toward the Sahara.

Cross the dramatic landscapes of the Middle Atlas before descending toward the Ziz Valley.

Continue through Erfoud and Rissani before reaching Merzouga, the gateway to the famous Erg Chebbi dunes.

In the afternoon, begin your camel trek into the Sahara.

Ride through the golden dunes as the sun begins to set, then arrive at your desert camp.

Enjoy a traditional dinner, Amazigh music and a night beneath the stars.

Overnight: Erg Chebbi desert camp

Day 8: Merzouga to Dades Valley – Sahara to the Gorges

Wake early to watch sunrise over Erg Chebbi.

After breakfast, leave Merzouga and travel west through the desert landscapes.

Continue toward the dramatic Dades Valley, passing through the Todra region and palm-filled oases.

Depending on the route and timing, you can visit Todra Gorge, where enormous limestone cliffs rise above the narrow canyon.

Continue to Dades and explore the spectacular rock formations and winding mountain roads.

Overnight: Dades Valley

Day 9: Dades Valley to Marrakech – Roses, Kasbahs & High Atlas

After breakfast, continue toward Marrakech.

Travel through the Valley of Roses and the Skoura palm oasis before reaching Ouarzazate.

Depending on your preferences, stop at Ait Ben Haddou, the famous UNESCO-listed ksar.

Continue across the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass.

Arrive in Marrakech in the late afternoon.

Overnight: Marrakech

Day 10: Marrakech – Full-Day Guided Tour

Today discover the Red City with your private local guide.

Explore:

• Koutoubia Mosque
• Bahia Palace
• Saadian Tombs
• Marrakech Medina
• Traditional souks
• Artisan workshops
• Jemaa el-Fna

In the evening, enjoy free time to experience Marrakech at your own pace.

Overnight: Marrakech

Day 11: Marrakech to Essaouira – Atlantic Coast Escape

Leave Marrakech and travel west toward Essaouira.

The landscape changes as you approach the Atlantic coast, with argan trees and open countryside along the way.

Explore Essaouira’s historic medina, fishing port, Skala ramparts and artisan shops.

Enjoy the relaxed coastal atmosphere and fresh seafood.

Overnight: Essaouira

Day 12: Essaouira → Marrakech or Casablanca

This is where I would give the traveler two options.

Option A – Finish in Marrakech

After breakfast, enjoy some free time in Essaouira before your private transfer back to Marrakech.

This is the best option for travelers flying from Marrakech.

Option B – Return to Casablanca

After breakfast, travel directly from Essaouira to Casablanca for your final departure or overnight stay, depending on your flight schedule.

This option is ideal for travelers who booked a round-trip flight through Casablanca.

What’s Included

• Private air-conditioned vehicle for the entire 12-day journey
• Professional private driver throughout the tour
• Airport pickup in Casablanca
• Private transportation between all destinations on the itinerary
• 11 nights’ accommodation in carefully selected hotels, riads and a Sahara desert camp
• Daily breakfast
• 1 dinner at the Merzouga desert camp
• Camel trek in the Erg Chebbi dunes
• Sunset camel ride and Sahara experience
• Sunrise experience in the Merzouga desert
• Full-day guided tour of Fez
• Full-day guided tour of Marrakech
• Local assistance throughout the journey
• Fuel, tolls, parking and vehicle-related expenses
• Drop-off in Marrakech or Casablanca, depending on your departure plans

What’s Not Included

• International flights
• Lunches and drinks
• Entrance fees to monuments, museums and historical sites
• Optional activities such as quad biking or cooking experiences
• Travel insurance
• Tips for drivers and local guides
• Personal expenses and souvenirs
• Anything not specifically mentioned under What’s Included