10-Day Imperial Cities, Desert & Kasbahs Tour from Casablanca

Overview

Embark on the ultimate 10-day Moroccan odyssey that takes you through the very heart of this captivating country. This carefully curated journey combines the best of Morocco's imperial heritage, ancient medinas, dramatic landscapes, and the golden Sahara. From the modern metropolis of Casablanca to the timeless beauty of Chefchaouen, the scholarly splendor of Fes, and the breathtaking desert landscapes, this tour offers an immersive experience of Morocco's rich cultural tapestry and natural wonders.

Why Choose This Tour

• Complete Moroccan Experience: All imperial cities, desert, mountains, and cultural highlights in one journey
• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Visit multiple UNESCO sites including Fes medina, Volubilis, and Ait Ben Haddou
• Authentic Desert Adventure: Overnight in a luxury Berber desert camp with camel trekking
• Expert Local Guides: Knowledgeable guides provide deep insights at each destination
• Small Group Experience: Maximum group size of 12 ensures personalized attention
• Comfort & Convenience: Premium transportation and carefully selected accommodations
• Cultural Immersion: Authentic experiences with local communities and artisans
• All-Inclusive: Most meals, activities, and entrance fees included for a hassle-free experience

Highlights

• Hassan II Mosque - Casablanca's iconic architectural masterpiece
• Rabat Royal Capital - Kasbah, Royal Palace, and Hassan Tower
• Volubilis Roman Ruins - UNESCO archaeological site with preserved mosaics
• Meknes Imperial City - Historic Bab Mansour gate and royal palaces
• Fes Medina - UNESCO ancient scholarly center and leather crafts
• Chefchaouen Blue City - Famous blue-washed streets in Rif Mountains
• Rif Mountains - Scenic Berber villages and mountain landscapes
• Todra Gorges - Dramatic 300-meter high red rock canyon
• Dades Gorges - Scenic rose valley and dramatic rock formations
• Erg Chebbi Dunes - Golden sand Sahara desert experience
• Skoura Oasis - Ancient palm groves and traditional kasbahs
• Berber Desert Camps - Authentic nomadic hospitality under stars

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Casablanca Exploration & Departure to Rabat

• Morning (9:00 AM): Explore Hassan II Mosque with guided tour
• Mid-Morning: Visit Casablanca's old medina and Corniche
• Lunch: Traditional Moroccan meal in Casablanca
• Afternoon: Depart for Rabat along coastal highway
• Late Afternoon (4:00 PM): Arrive in Rabat, check into accommodation
• Evening: Explore Kasbah of the Udayas and Andalusian Gardens
• Distance: 90 km | Drive time: 1.5 hours | Overnight: Rabat

Day 2: Rabat to Fes via Volubilis & Meknes

• Morning (9:00 AM): Visit Hassan Tower and Mohammed V Mausoleum
• Mid-Morning: Explore Rabat's old medina and Royal Palace exterior
• Late Morning: Depart for Volubilis
• Lunch: Restaurant near Volubilis archaeological site
• Afternoon: Comprehensive tour of UNESCO Roman ruins
• Late Afternoon: Brief stop in Meknes to see Bab Mansour gate
• Evening: Arrive Fes, check into traditional riad
• Distance: 350 km | Drive time: 5 hours with stops | Overnight: Fes

Day 3: Fes Full Day Exploration

• Morning (9:00 AM): Comprehensive guided tour of Fes medina
• Mid-Morning: Visit famous Chouara leather tanneries
• Late Morning: Explore Al-Quaraouiyine University and Bou Inania Madrasa
• Lunch: Traditional Moroccan meal in medina restaurant
• Afternoon: Visit artisan districts - pottery, metalwork, textiles
• Late Afternoon: Explore Mellah (Jewish Quarter) and Royal Palace
• Evening: Optional traditional hammam or free time
• Overnight: Fes

Day 4: Fes to Chefchaouen

• Morning (9:00 AM): Final Fes medina exploration and shopping
• Mid-Morning: Depart for Chefchaouen through Rif Mountains
• Late Morning: Stop in Ouazzane for coffee and mountain views
• Lunch: Berber village restaurant en route
• Afternoon (3:00 PM): Arrive in Chefchaouen, check into riad
• Late Afternoon: First exploration of blue streets
• Evening: Photography session and sunset viewing
• Distance: 200 km | Drive time: 4 hours | Overnight: Chefchaouen

Day 5: Chefchaouen Full Day Exploration

• Morning: Guided walking tour of blue medina with local guide
• Mid-Morning: Visit Plaza Uta el-Hammam and Kasbah Museum
• Late Morning: Explore local souks and artisan workshops
• Lunch: Traditional Berber meal at local restaurant
• Afternoon: Hike to Spanish Mosque viewpoint for panoramic views
• Late Afternoon: Free time for photography and souvenir shopping
• Evening: Sunset viewing from Ras el-Maa waterfall area
• Overnight: Chefchaouen

Day 6: Chefchaouen to Merzouga Desert via Fes

• Morning (8:00 AM): Final blue city exploration and departure
• Mid-Morning: Return through Fes briefly for supplies
• Late Morning: Continue south through Middle Atlas Mountains
• Lunch: Mountain restaurant in Midelt with Atlas views
• Afternoon: Drive through Ziz Valley palm groves
• Late Afternoon (5:00 PM): Arrive Merzouga, meet camel caravan
• Sunset: Camel trek into Erg Chebbi dunes (1.5 hours)
• Evening: Berber camp with traditional dinner and music
• Distance: 500 km | Drive time: 8 hours with stops | Overnight: Desert camp

Day 7: Merzouga Desert Experience

• Early Morning: Sunrise camel trek back to village
• Morning: Breakfast and rest at desert hotel
• Mid-Morning: Visit nomadic Berber family and learn desert life
• Lunch: Traditional meal with local family
• Afternoon: Optional sandboarding or 4WD desert exploration
• Late Afternoon: Relaxation time or village exploration
• Sunset: Second camel trek for sunset viewing and photography
• Evening: Second night in camp with stargazing
• Overnight: Desert camp

Day 8: Merzouga to Skoura Oasis via Todra & Dades Gorges

• Morning (8:00 AM): Final desert exploration and departure
• Mid-Morning: Drive to Todra Gorges
• Late Morning: Hike through dramatic canyon (300m walls)
• Lunch: Restaurant at Todra Gorges
• Afternoon: Continue to Dades Gorges via scenic route
• Late Afternoon: Explore Dades Valley and rock formations
• Evening: Arrive Skoura Oasis, check into kasbah hotel
• Distance: 350 km | Drive time: 6 hours with stops | Overnight: Skoura

Day 9: Skoura Oasis Exploration

• Morning: Walk through ancient palm groves and irrigation channels
• Mid-Morning: Visit traditional kasbahs and learn about oasis life
• Late Morning: Explore Amridil Kasbah (UNESCO site)
• Lunch: Traditional meal in oasis setting
• Afternoon: Visit pottery workshops and local artisans
• Late Afternoon: Relaxation in peaceful oasis environment
• Evening: Traditional dinner with local family
• Overnight: Skoura

Day 10: Return to Casablanca

• Morning (8:00 AM): Final oasis exploration and photography
• Mid-Morning: Begin return journey to Casablanca
• Lunch: Stop in Beni Mellal for meal and rest
• Afternoon: Continue through Middle Atlas landscapes
• Evening (7:00 PM): Arrive in Casablanca
• Distance: 550 km | Drive time: 8 hours with stops

What's Included

• Accommodation: 9 nights (8 nights in 4-star hotels/riads, 1 night in luxury desert camp)
• Meals: Daily breakfast, and 9 dinners (including special dinner at desert camp)
• Transportation: Premium, air-conditioned vehicles with professional drivers
• Desert Experience: Camel trek in Erg Chebbi (one camel per person)
• Guided Tours: Expert English-speaking local guides in each destination
• Entrance Fees: All admission fees to mentioned attractions and historical sites
• Cultural Experiences: Special access to local communities and traditional workshops
• Bottled Water: Provided throughout the journey
• All Taxes: All local taxes and service charges included

What's Not Included

• International Flights: Airfare to and from Morocco
• Travel Insurance: Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory
• Personal Expenses: Souvenirs, additional snacks, and personal purchases
• Gratuities: Tips for guides, drivers, and camp staff
• Optional Activities: Any activities or experiences not mentioned in the itinerary
• Beverages: Alcoholic drinks and additional beverages beyond water with meals
• Visa Fees: If applicable to your nationality

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of year to take this tour?

The ideal times are spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) when temperatures are most comfortable throughout the journey. These seasons offer pleasant weather for both city exploration and desert travel, with blooming landscapes in spring and golden hues in fall.

How physically demanding is this tour?

This is a moderate tour involving walking on uneven terrain, including medina streets, archaeological sites, and sand dunes. The camel ride is about 1.5 hours each way to the desert camp. The tour is suitable for most fitness levels, but please inform us of any mobility concerns.

What should I pack for this diverse itinerary?

• Comfortable walking shoes with good grip for medinas and desert
• Light, breathable clothing for daytime
• Warm layers for cool desert and mountain nights
• Scarf or shawl for sun and sand protection
• Swimsuit (some hotels have pools)
• Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, high SPF sunscreen)
• Camera with extra batteries and memory cards
• Personal medications and basic first aid
• Small backpack for day trips
• Electrical adapters (Type C and E)

What type of accommodation can I expect?

You'll stay in carefully selected 4-star hotels and traditional riads that combine modern comforts with authentic Moroccan architecture. The desert camp features comfortable tents with proper bedding and shared bathroom facilities.

Is there Wi-Fi and charging facilities?

Hotels and riads offer Wi-Fi, though speeds may vary. The desert camp has limited electricity, primarily in common areas. We recommend bringing a power bank for your devices.

What is the food like on the tour?

You'll enjoy a variety of traditional Moroccan cuisine, including tagines, couscous, and fresh salads. Meals are prepared with fresh, local ingredients. We can accommodate dietary restrictions with advance notice.

How much free time is there during the tour?

The itinerary balances guided activities with free time to explore at your leisure, shop, or relax. You'll have free time in Chefchaouen, Fes medina, and Marrakech to explore independently.

What is the cancellation policy?

Please refer to our booking terms and conditions for detailed cancellation policies. We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance that covers trip cancellation.

Good to Know

• Physical Level: Moderate - involves walking on uneven terrain and sand dunes
• Group Size: Maximum 12 travelers for personalized experience
• Best Time to Visit: March-May & September-November for pleasant temperatures
• Accommodation: Mix of 4-star hotels, traditional riads, and luxury desert camp
• Packing Tips: Layers for varying temperatures, comfortable walking shoes, scarf for sand
• Currency: Moroccan Dirham (MAD)
• Language: Arabic, Berber, French widely spoken, English in tourist areas
• Time Zone: GMT/UTC +1

Booking Information

Contact our travel specialists for availability, pricing, and personalized itinerary adjustments.