7 Days Casablanca To Merzouga Desert Tour

Overview

Journey from Casablanca through Morocco's imperial cities, cross the Atlas Mountains, and reach the golden Sahara dunes. Seven unforgettable days of culture, adventure, and desert magic combining coastal cities, ancient medinas, and pristine desert.

Highlights

• Hassan II Mosque - Iconic spiritual landmark overlooking the Atlantic Ocean with stunning Islamic architecture
• Imperial Cities - Explore Fes, Marrakech, and Meknes - three UNESCO World Heritage medinas with ancient history
• Ait Ben Haddou - UNESCO World Heritage kasbah and famous Hollywood filming location from Gladiator
• Mountain Passes - Cross the High Atlas and Middle Atlas with panoramic views of snow-capped peaks
• Gorges & Valleys - Trek through Todra Gorges and explore the scenic Dades Valley with rose gardens
• Two Nights in Desert - Sleep under endless stars in authentic Berber camps with sunrise and sunset camel treks

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Casablanca Arrival

• Morning: Arrival at Mohammed V International Airport
• Afternoon: Transfer to hotel in Casablanca city center
• Late Afternoon: Tour Hassan II Mosque - iconic spiritual landmark
• Evening: Explore Casablanca's corniche and modern landmarks
• Overnight: Casablanca

Day 2: Casablanca to Fes

• Morning: Breakfast and depart for Fes
• Mid-Morning: Drive through Moroccan countryside
• Lunch: Stop in Meknes - explore former imperial capital
• Afternoon: Arrival in Fes
• Evening: Guided walk through enchanting Fes medina
• Distance: 300 km | Drive time: 4-5 hours
• Overnight: Fes

Day 3: Full Day Fes Exploration

• Morning: Full day guided UNESCO World Heritage medina tour
• Mid-Morning: Visit famous Chouwara leather tanneries (500-year-old process)
• Late Morning: Explore Karaouine Mosque & University (oldest in world)
• Afternoon: Wander through ancient souks with local guide
• Late Afternoon: Visit ceramic, metalwork, and weaving workshops
• Evening: Optional: Royal Palace exterior and Jewish Quarter
• Overnight: Fes

Day 4: Fes to Marrakech via Ifrane

• Morning: Early breakfast and depart Fes
• Mid-Morning: Drive through Middle Atlas Mountains
• Late Morning: Visit Ifrane "Moroccan Switzerland" with cedar forests
• Lunch: Explore Azrou Berber village
• Afternoon: Cross High Atlas Mountains with panoramic views
• Evening: Explore Jemaa El-Fnaa Square - vibrant heart of Marrakech
• Distance: 530 km | Drive time: 7-8 hours
• Overnight: Marrakech

Day 5: Marrakech to Dades Valley

• Morning: Breakfast at riad in Marrakech medina
• Mid-Morning: Cross High Atlas Mountains via Tizi n'Tichka Pass (2,260m)
• Lunch: Stop in Ouarzazate for lunch and optional film studio visit
• Afternoon: Explore UNESCO Ait Ben Haddou kasbah with guide
• Evening: Continue to Boumalne Dades
• Distance: 350 km | Drive time: 6-7 hours
• Overnight: Dades Valley

Day 6: Dades Valley to Merzouga

• Morning: Breakfast at hotel
• Mid-Morning: Optional morning hike in Dades Gorges
• Late Morning: Drive through scenic valley with Berber village stops
• Afternoon: Explore dramatic Todra Gorges with 300-meter walls
• Late Afternoon: Visit Erfoud fossil workshops
• Evening: Late afternoon arrival in Merzouga, sunset camel trek into Erg Chebbi golden dunes
• Night: Berber camp dinner with traditional music
• Distance: 280 km | Drive time: 5-6 hours
• Overnight: Desert camp

Day 7: Full Day Desert Experience & Return

• Early Morning: Sunrise camel trek (5:30 AM) with golden-hour photos
• Morning: Traditional Berber breakfast at camp
• Mid-Morning: Rest and relax: optional dune climbing, sandboarding
• Afternoon: Explore desert villages or additional activities
• Evening: Sunset camel ride (4:00-5:00 PM) through golden dunes
• Night: Traditional tagine dinner with Berber music and storytelling
• Overnight: Desert camp

Day 8: Merzouga to Casablanca

• Morning: Breakfast at desert camp
• Early Morning: Depart Merzouga early (6:30-7:00 AM)
• Mid-Morning: Drive through scenic Ziz Valley with palm groves
• Lunch: Stop in Midelt or Azrou with optional cedar forest walk
• Afternoon: Cross High Atlas Mountains with scenic viewpoints
• Evening: Late afternoon/evening arrival in Casablanca
• Distance: 580 km | Drive time: 8-9 hours with stops

What's Included

• Transportation: All airport transfers in Casablanca
• Vehicle: Transportation via air-conditioned 4×4 vehicle
• Guide: Professional English/French-speaking guide/driver
• Accommodation: Hotel accommodations (5 nights) in riads or comfortable hotels, Berber camp accommodation (2 nights)
• Activities: Camel trekking (sunrise and sunset)
• Meals: All meals (18 meals total)
• Tours: Guided site visits and hiking
• Entrance: Hassan II Mosque entrance
• Workshops: Tannery visit and craft workshops
• Sites: Ait Ben Haddou kasbah tour
• Entertainment: Traditional Berber entertainment and music

What's Not Included

• Flights: International flights to Morocco
• Insurance: Personal travel insurance
• Gratuities: Tips and gratuities
• Personal: Items of personal nature
• Beverages: Alcoholic beverages
• Optional: Activities not mentioned

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is seven days the right length? A: Absolutely! Seven days is perfect for a comprehensive Morocco experience. You'll have time to truly appreciate each destination without feeling rushed. Most travelers wish they had more time!

Q: What's the best time to visit? A: Spring (Mar-May) and Fall (Sep-Nov) offer ideal temperatures 20-30°C. Winter (Nov-Mar) is cooler but pleasant. Avoid July-August when desert temperatures exceed 45°C.

Q: How difficult is the camel trekking? A: Very easy! No experience needed. Our camels are well-trained and calm. Professional handlers ensure safety and comfort. Suitable for all ages 5+.

Q: What about bathrooms in the desert camp? A: Yes! The camp has clean bathrooms with shower facilities. Standard camps have shared facilities; luxury options have private bathrooms and better amenities.

Q: Can families with children join? A: Absolutely! Children 5+ can do camel treks. Younger children ride in vehicles with special seating. All ages welcome with appropriate arrangements.

Q: Do you accommodate dietary requirements? A: Yes! We accommodate vegetarian, vegan, and other dietary needs. Please inform us at least one week before departure for special meal arrangements.