8-Day Casablanca, Chefchaouen, Fes & Sahara Desert Tour

Overview

Embark on an unforgettable 8-day journey through Morocco's most captivating destinations, from the Atlantic coast to the golden dunes of the Sahara. This carefully crafted itinerary combines the best of northern Morocco's cultural heritage with the raw beauty of the southern desert. Experience the perfect blend of imperial cities, blue-washed streets, and vast golden landscapes, all while enjoying the warm hospitality that defines Moroccan travel. From the modern metropolis of Casablanca to the timeless beauty of Chefchaouen, the ancient medina of Fes, and the breathtaking Sahara, this tour offers a comprehensive Moroccan experience.

Why Choose This Tour

• Complete Moroccan Experience: From blue cities to golden deserts in one seamless journey
• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Explore multiple UNESCO sites including Fes medina and Chefchaouen
• 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 - Morocco's most iconic architectural masterpiece
• Tangier Gateway - Historic port city where Europe meets Africa
• Chefchaouen Blue City - Famous blue-washed streets in Rif Mountains
• Rif Mountains - Scenic Berber villages and mountain landscapes
• Fes Medina - UNESCO ancient winding streets and scholarly heritage
• Leather Tanneries - Traditional craftsmanship demonstrations
• Todra Gorges - Dramatic 300-meter high red rock canyons
• Erg Chebbi Dunes - Golden sand desert and camel trekking
• Berber Desert Camp - Authentic Sahara hospitality under stars

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Casablanca to Tangier

• Morning (9:00 AM): Visit Hassan II Mosque with guided tour
• Late Morning: Depart for Tangier via coastal highway
• Afternoon (2:30 PM): Arrive in Tangier, check into accommodation
• Late Afternoon: Explore Tangier medina and Kasbah Museum
• Evening: Visit Cape Spartel lighthouse and Hercules Caves
• Dinner: Traditional meal with Mediterranean views
• Distance: 320 km | Drive time: 3.5 hours | Overnight: Tangier

Day 2: Tangier to Chefchaouen via Tetouan

• Morning (9:00 AM): Final Tangier exploration - Grand Socco market
• Mid-Morning: Depart for Tetouan
• Late Morning: Explore Tetouan's UNESCO Spanish medina
• Lunch: Local restaurant in Tetouan
• Afternoon (2:00 PM): Continue to Chefchaouen through Rif Mountains
• Late Afternoon (4:00 PM): Arrive in Chefchaouen, check into riad
• Evening: First exploration of blue streets and photography
• Distance: 115 km | Drive time: 2.5 hours | Overnight: Chefchaouen

Day 3: 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 shopping
• Evening: Sunset viewing from Ras el-Maa waterfall area
• Overnight: Chefchaouen

Day 4: Chefchaouen to Fes

• Morning (9:00 AM): Final blue city exploration and photography
• Mid-Morning: Depart through scenic Rif Mountains
• Late Morning: Stop in Ouazzane for coffee and mountain views
• Lunch: Berber village restaurant en route
• Afternoon (3:00 PM): Arrive in Fes, check into traditional riad
• Late Afternoon: Rest and orientation walk
• Evening: Guided introduction to Fes medina with dinner
• Distance: 200 km | Drive time: 4 hours | Overnight: Fes

Day 5: 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 6: Fes to Merzouga Desert

• Morning (8:00 AM): Depart Fes through Middle Atlas Mountains
• Mid-Morning: Stop in Ifrane, "Switzerland of Morocco"
• Late Morning: Continue through cedar forests of Azrou
• 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: 460 km | Drive time: 7 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: Return to Casablanca via Todra Gorges

• Morning (8:00 AM): Final desert exploration
• Mid-Morning: Drive to Todra Gorges
• Lunch: Restaurant at Todra Gorges
• Afternoon: Hike through dramatic canyon (300m walls)
• Late Afternoon: Begin return journey to Casablanca
• Evening (8:00 PM): Arrive in Casablanca
• Distance: 580 km | Drive time: 8 hours with stops

What's Included

• Accommodation: 7 nights (6 nights in 4-star hotels/riads, 1 night in luxury desert camp)
• Meals: Daily breakfast, and 7 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 for both city exploration and desert travel. Summer can be extremely hot in the desert, while winter nights can be quite cold, especially in the mountains.

How physically demanding is this tour?

This is a moderate tour involving walking on uneven terrain, including medina streets and sand dunes. The camel ride is about 1-1.5 hours each way to the desert camp. The tour is suitable for most fitness levels, but there are some stairs and inclines in Chefchaouen and the medinas.

What should I pack for this diverse itinerary?

• Comfortable walking shoes with good grip
• 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 (Chefchaouen is very photogenic!)
• Personal medications and basic first aid
• Small backpack for day trips

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 includes a good balance of guided activities and free time to explore at your leisure, shop, or relax at your accommodation. You'll have free time in Chefchaouen to wander the blue streets and in Fes to explore the medina.

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

Important Information

• Best Time to Visit: April to May, September to October for ideal weather
• Physical Level: Easy to moderate with optional challenging activities
• Group Size: Maximum 8 people for personalized experience
• What to Bring: Comfortable shoes, layers, camera, sun protection
• Photography: Multiple highly photogenic destinations
• Cultural Respect: Modest dress recommended, especially in religious sites
• Desert Nights: Can be cold - warm clothes essential

Booking & Pricing

Starting from €1,799 per person (based on double occupancy)

Single Supplement: €300 Private Tour Upgrade: Available on request Luxury Desert Camp: €150 per person upgrade

Price includes all accommodation, transportation, camel trekking, guided tours, entrance fees, and specified meals. Contact us for seasonal rates, group discounts, and customization options.

Book Now: Contact our travel specialists for availability and personalized itinerary adjustments.