10-Day Morocco Tour: Coastal Cities & Sahara Desert

ARRIVAL AT CASABLANCA AIRPORT (CMN)

Welcome to Morocco! Your driver will pick you up from the airport (CMN) and transfer you to your hotel in Casablanca.

CASABLANCA ⤍ EL JADIDA ⤍ OUALIDIA

Start your discovery of Casablanca by finding the real heart and soul of the city! Pick-up service will be at your hotel in Casablanca after breakfast, and then we’ll head to our first destination, the splendid Hassan II Mosque – one of the major sites in Casablanca with amazing architecture that made it one of the largest mosques in the world, having a unique minaret that is 210 meters high.

Then we’ll leave to El Jadida, 1.5 hour drive to the southwest, having a lunch break before exploring the city. This ancient Portuguese city known as Mazagan in Berber is situated on Morocco’s Atlantic coast.

We’ll visit the Medina of El Jadida and the Portuguese walled city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, then see the restored consulate, church and the Jewish Mausoleum. Restored consulate gives an idea about the colonial history of the city, church – a mix of local and European architecture. Jewish Mausoleum – a great example of multiculturalism of the area.

And finally, we’ll explore the Palais Andalous, a restored building of the 19th century and a good example of Moroccan architecture with its beautiful decorations.

Overnight in your riad/hotel in Oualidia.

OUALIDIA ⤍ SAFI ⤍ ESSAOUIRA

Today, take a stroll along the picturesque beach. On this relaxing day, enjoy a boat trip to explore the lagoon. You’ll have time to unwind on the dune-swept beach and, for a touch of history, explore the remains of an old Portuguese fort overlooking the lagoon.

Next, we’ll drive towards Safi. Once we arrive, we’ll begin with a visit to the ancient Portuguese fortress, offering panoramic views of the coastline, before exploring the bustling Medina. Browse the pottery and ceramics quarter on Rue du Souk. Colline des Potiers is Safi’s renowned pottery district. This hillside area offers visitors a chance to explore local artisans’ studios and observe the traditional pottery-making process.

Enjoy a leisurely walk along the beach, and don’t miss the opportunity to sample fresh seafood at a local restaurant.

Overnight in your riad/hotel in Essaouira.

ESSAOUIRA ⤍ MARRAKECH

Essaouira is a coastal town in Morocco that lies on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean and has gained fame through the Portuguese architectural elements present in it. On the last day of the tour, there will be ample time left for sightseeing at Essaouira before proceeding to Marrakech. Start the day by exploring the Medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Enjoy the traditional markets of Essaouira known as the souks and visit the Medina Gates and Sqala du Port. Appreciate the ancient ramparts of the town that provide an attractive platform with cannons facing the ocean. Enjoy the scenic coastal beauty and relish the delicacies of the local seafood. End the trip with a leisurely stroll on the ramparts or beach promenade.

Stay overnight in your riad/hotel in Marrakech.

MARRAKECH GUIDED TOUR WITH A LICENSED LOCAL GUIDE

On this day trip, you will be able to visit the Medina and other historical sites in Marrakech with a guide who is licensed locally. First, you will get to tour the Bahia Palace, an excellent architectural masterpiece from the 19th century. Secondly, visit the Saadian Tombs that date back to the late 16th century.

Tour the Ben Youssef Madrasa, which was formerly an Islamic school dating back to the 14th century during Sultan Ali ibn Yusuf's rule. After that, visit the El Badi Palace, a palace that was constructed in the late 16th century by Sultan Ahmad al-Mansur. The palace used to be a luxurious place that was famous for its amazing architecture and beautiful gardens.

Take a walk through the twisting paths of the Medina to reach Jemaa El-Fna Square to see the traditional stalls selling various types of handmade products and jewelry. Jemaa El-Fna is the center of the city and a busy gateway into the souks.

Conclude your trip by visiting the Majorelle Garden, an exotic botanical garden designed in the early 20th century by the French painter Jacques Majorelle.

MARRAKECH ⤍ HIGH ATLAS MOUNTAINS ⤍ AÏT BENHADDOU KASBAH ⤍ ROSES VALLEY ⤍ DADES VALLEY

Today, we’ll pick you up from your riad/hotel in Marrakech and head to Dades Gorges through the High Atlas Mountains. Our first stop of the day will be the panoramic viewpoint of the Tizi n’Tichka Mountain Pass, which reaches an elevation of 2,260 meters. Next, we’ll continue along this scenic route for about two hours to Aït Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its fortified kasbah and its use as a filming location for many movies. Lunch will be at a local restaurant in Aït Benhaddou before embarking on a visit to the kasbah.

Next, we’ll drive towards Kalaat M’Gouna, also known as the Valley of Roses, where you can experience Berber culture and discover the town’s rose cultivation. Every May, Kalaat M’Gouna celebrates the Rose Festival, a lively event honoring the local rose harvest. Afterward, we’ll continue to the volcanic rock formations known locally as “Monkey Fingers.” We’ll then conclude our day by visiting the stunning winding road through the Dades Gorge.

Overnight in your riad/hotel at Dades Valley.

DADES VALLEY ⤍ DADES GORGES ⤍ ERFOUD ⤍ MERZOUGA DESERT

Today’s adventure starts in the Anti-Atlas Mountains. Early in the morning, right after breakfast, we are going to head towards the Todra River, which is known for its impressive vertical rocks that are up to 160 meters high on both sides of the river. Walk along the river and enjoy the magnificent scenery until our destination point – the city of Tinejdad. Our lunch will be in one of the local restaurants in Tinejdad.

After lunch, we are going to continue our way to Merzouga, our destination point of the day, where you will get the chance to enjoy a beautiful panorama of the sand dunes of Erg Chebbi. When we arrive in Merzouga, you will meet your camel guide and head to the camp of the desert, where you are going to spend the night in the traditional Berber camp in Erg Chebbi.

You are going to enjoy an impressive view of the sunset on the sand dunes, then enjoy your traditional dinner with local folk music and dancing around the campfire.

MERZOGA DESERT ⤍ RISSANI ⤍ ZIZ VALLEY ⤍ CEDAR FOREST ⤍ IFRANE ⤍ FEZ

In the morning with an unforgettable experience as you climb the dunes to watch the sunrise over the Sahara (optional). Afterward, return to the camp for a traditional breakfast before setting off towards Fez.

Our first stop will be Rissani, a historic desert town known for its lively traditional souk. Take some time to explore the Souk, discover local products, and experience the authentic atmosphere of this southern Moroccan town. We’ll then continue through the beautiful Ziz Valley, with a short stop at a panoramic viewpoint where you can enjoy a coffee while taking in the spectacular views of the valley and surrounding mountains.

Our journey continues to Midelt, known as Morocco’s apple capital, where we’ll stop for lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, we’ll drive through the Cedar Forest near Ifrane, a peaceful woodland home to impressive cedar trees and Barbary macaques. Take some time to enjoy the fresh mountain air and beautiful scenery. We’ll then arrive in Ifrane, often known as the “Switzerland of Morocco.” Enjoy some free time to explore this charming mountain town before continuing to Fez.

Overnight at your riad/hotel in Fez.

FEZ GUIDED TOUR WITH A LICENSED LOCAL GUIDE

Begin your day trip with a local licensed guide and delve into the rich history of one of Morocco’s most renowned imperial cities. In the morning, you will visit the Royal Palace, which was built in 1276 by Abu Yusuf Yaqub. Afterward, enjoy the wonderful panoramic view of the Medina from the Panorama of Fez.

Continue your exploration with visits to the Pottery, Bab Boujeloud, and the Chouara Tannery. Your guide will then lead you on a walking tour through the Medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981, known for its historical monuments and the world’s oldest university, Al-Qarawiyyin, founded in the 9th century. Discover the beauty and stories of its ancient buildings as you explore the Medina.

Finally, visit Dar Batha and Bou Inania Madrasa, an exquisite 14th-century theological school in Fez that showcases stunning Marinid architecture, with intricate tilework, beautifully carved woodwork, and serene courtyards.

Overnight in your riad/hotel in Fez.

FEZ ⤍ AIRPORT

Today, however, you will be free to do whatever you wish before the transfer to Fez airport, where you leave for the next destination.