8-day desert tour from Casablanca to Marrakech

Your Moroccan adventure begins in the dynamic city of Casablanca, the country's economic center. The day starts with a visit to the iconic Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest in the world, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.

This architectural masterpiece is a true symbol of Moroccan Islamic art, with its 210-meter-high minaret.

After this spiritual immersion, you will drive to Rabat, Morocco's administrative capital. Upon arrival, you will explore iconic monuments such as the Kasbah of the Oudayas, a historic district overlooking the Bou Regreg estuary, and the majestic Mausoleum of Mohammed V, the resting place of the eponymous king and his sons. You will also see the Hassan Tower, the unfinished minaret of a 12th-century mosque. Check-in at the hotel and overnight stay in Rabat.

After breakfast, you will leave Rabat and head to Meknes, one of Morocco's four former imperial cities. Famous for its historical heritage, Meknes will charm you with its imposing walls and authentic atmosphere. You will visit the lively and central El Hedim Square, then the spectacular Bab El Mansour Gate, considered one of the most beautiful monumental gates in North Africa.

Your journey will then continue to Volubilis, an ancient Roman site listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you will discover intact mosaics, temples, and villas that bear witness to Roman grandeur in North Africa.

Finally, you will drive to Fez, the spiritual and cultural capital of Morocco, where you will spend the night in a traditional riad in the heart of the medina.

Today, you will immerse yourself in the thousand-year history of Fez, a true jewel of Moroccan heritage. The tour begins at the golden gates of the Royal Palace, surrounded by magnificent zellige tiles. Next, you will enter the medina of Fez el-Bali, one of the largest car-free urban areas in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

With your guide, you will discover iconic sites such as the Bou Inania Madrasa, a masterpiece of Merinid architecture, the Nejjarine fountain, the brightly colored Chouara tanneries, and the Al Quaraouiyine University, founded in 859 and considered the oldest in the world still in operation.

The tour also includes the Jewish quarter (Mellah), artisan workshops (leather, pottery, textiles, copper), and a climb to an ancient fort for a panoramic view of the entire medina. Return to the riad for dinner and overnight stay.

Early morning departure from Fez heading south. First stop in Ifrane, nicknamed the "Switzerland of Morocco" due to its European architecture and alpine forests. You will then continue to Azrou, where you will visit the cedar forest populated by Barbary macaques, a species typical of the Middle Atlas Mountains.

After lunch in Midelt, the road descends into the Ziz Valley, famous for its green landscapes and endless palm groves, before reaching Erfoud, a town renowned for its fossils.

In the late afternoon, you will arrive in Merzouga, a small town at the gateway to the Sahara Desert. Enjoy a moment of rest before your Saharan immersion the next day. Overnight stay in a hostel on the edge of the dunes.

After breakfast, your day of desert exploration begins. You will visit a Gnawa village where you will attend a traditional African music show performed by descendants of slaves from Mali and Sudan.

Then, head to the old Mifis mine, where you will learn about mineral extraction techniques in the desert. You will also meet nomadic families, discover their way of life, and enjoy Berber tea.

In the afternoon, you will set off on a camel ride through the majestic dunes of Erg Chebbi to a Berber camp. Admire the sunset over the golden dunes, followed by a traditional dinner around the fire, accompanied by local music under the stars. Overnight stay in a nomad tent.

Wake up early to watch the sunrise over the dunes, a magical and unforgettable moment. After breakfast at the camp, you will set off for Rissani, the former capital of Tafilalet, known for its lively souk.

You will then pass through Erfoud before arriving at the Todra Gorge, where the rock walls reach heights of up to 300 meters. Free time to explore this spectacular site on foot, along the riverbank.

In the afternoon, continue to the Dades Valley, known for its unique rock formations, including the famous "monkey fingers" and its many adobe kasbahs. Check into a typical inn or guesthouse for dinner and the night.

After breakfast, you will take the Route of a Thousand Kasbahs through the Dades Valley. The first stop is Kalaat M'Gouna, known for its rose cultivation and cosmetics.

You will continue to Skoura, an oasis planted with palm trees and historic kasbahs, including the famous Amridil Kasbah. At the end of the day, you will arrive in Ouarzazate, the city of filmmakers.

You will have the opportunity to visit the famous Atlas film studios or the Taourirt Kasbah, the former residence of Pasha Glaoui. Overnight stay in Ouarzazate in a hotel or traditional riad.

The last stop on your trip, but not the least. After breakfast, you will visit the Ksar of Aït Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This fortified village is one of the finest examples of earthen architecture in Morocco and has been used as a backdrop for numerous films such as Gladiator and Game of Thrones.

Next, you will cross the High Atlas Mountains via the spectacular Tizi n'Tichka Pass (2,260 m above sea level), offering exceptional panoramic views.

Arrival in Marrakech in the late afternoon. End of the tour, with the option to extend your stay in the red city if desired.