8-Day Marrakech to Casablanca via Imperial Cities Tour

Overview

Experience Morocco's most iconic landscapes and cultural treasures on our comprehensive 8-Day Marrakech to Casablanca tour. This extended journey combines the dramatic beauty of High Atlas gorges, the golden dunes of the Sahara, historic imperial cities, and the stunning blue architecture of Chefchaouen. With an extra day compared to our 7-day tour, you'll enjoy a more relaxed pace, more desert time, and opportunities to truly connect with the diverse regions of Morocco.

Highlights

• High Atlas Mountains - Dramatic scenery with views of Morocco's tallest peaks
• Dades Valley - The "Valley of Roses" with stunning red-clay cliffs
• Todra Gorges - Breathtaking canyon walls rising 300 meters high
• Erg Chebbi Dunes - Golden sand dunes of the Sahara with sunset and sunrise views
• Extended Desert Time - Multiple camel treks and overnight in authentic Berber camps
• Erfoud Fossils - Ancient sea creature fossils from when oceans covered the Sahara
• Fes Medina - Ancient winding streets, leather tanneries, and souks
• Chefchaouen - Blue-washed mountain city with picturesque architecture
• Imperial Cities - Meknes, Rabat, and Casablanca - historical centers of power
• Hassan II Mosque - Iconic oceanside mosque in Casablanca

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Marrakech to Dades Valley

• Morning: Depart Marrakech and head toward the High Atlas Mountains
• Cross the scenic Tizi n'Tichka Pass (2,260m) with spectacular panoramic views
• Stop in a Berber village for authentic lunch and cultural interaction
• Afternoon: Arrive in the beautiful Dades Valley
• Explore the dramatic red-clay cliffs and local Berber architecture
• Visit traditional pottery workshops and local markets
• Overnight in a comfortable riad in Dades Valley
• Distance: 300 km | Drive time: 7-8 hours

Day 2: Dades Valley to Merzouga

• Early morning: Journey to the dramatic Todra Gorges
• Explore the narrow canyon with walls rising 300 meters
• Continue through Tinghir and Erfoud
• Visit the Erfoud fossil museums to see ancient sea creature remains
• Afternoon: Arrive in Merzouga
• Check into the desert camp
• Late afternoon: Sunset camel trek into Erg Chebbi dunes
• Overnight under the stars in a traditional Berber camp
• Distance: 280 km | Drive time: 7 hours

Day 3: Merzouga Full Desert Day

• Early morning: Sunrise camel trek across the golden dunes
• Return to camp for breakfast and rest
• Mid-morning: Optional visit to a Berber nomadic family
• Afternoon: Explore the Ziz Oasis - a lush palm-fringed valley
• Late afternoon: 4x4 dune exploration or second camel trek
• Sunset activities and stargazing
• Overnight in the desert camp
• Distance: Local exploration

Day 4: Merzouga to Fes

• Early morning: Final sunrise camel trek and desert farewell
• Breakfast at the camp
• Begin journey northward toward Fes
• Stop in Ifrane (known as "Morocco's Switzerland") for a break
• Afternoon: Arrive in Fes
• Evening: Orientation walk and dinner in the new city
• Overnight in a comfortable hotel in Fes
• Distance: 470 km | Drive time: 9-10 hours

Day 5: Fes Medina & Volubilis Ruins

• Morning: Guided walking tour of the historic Fes medina
• Visit the famous leather tanneries with traditional dying methods
• Explore the ancient souks and intricate alleyways
• Visit the University of Al Quaraouiyine - world's oldest university
• Afternoon: Day trip to Volubilis Roman ruins (UNESCO World Heritage)
• Explore preserved mosaics, columns, and ancient structures
• Visit Moulay Idris - a holy pilgrimage town with whitewashed buildings
• Evening: Return to Fes for traditional dinner
• Overnight in Fes
• Distance: 60 km to Volubilis and back

Day 6: Fes to Chefchaouen

• Morning: Additional exploration of Fes medina highlights you may have missed
• Late morning: Depart for the blue city of Chefchaouen
• Drive through the scenic Rif Mountains
• Afternoon: Arrive in Chefchaouen
• Explore the distinctive blue-washed medina and narrow streets
• Visit local markets and interact with artists and craftspeople
• Evening: Sunset from a viewpoint overlooking the town
• Overnight in a traditional riad in Chefchaouen
• Distance: 210 km | Drive time: 5-6 hours

Day 7: Chefchaouen to Meknes to Rabat

• Morning: Further exploration of Chefchaouen's atmospheric medina
• Visit the Spanish Mosque for panoramic town views
• Mid-morning: Depart for Meknes
• Afternoon: Arrive in Meknes - the "City of Ismaili"
• Visit the grand Bab Mansour gate and royal palace grounds
• Explore the historic medina and local markets
• Late afternoon: Continue to Rabat (capital of Morocco)
• Explore the Kasbah of the Udayas with coastal views
• Evening: Dinner at a traditional restaurant
• Overnight in a comfortable hotel in Rabat
• Distance: 380 km | Drive time: 7-8 hours

Day 8: Rabat to Casablanca

• Morning: Final exploration of Rabat's highlights
• Visit the Hassan I Mausoleum or explore museums
• Midday: Drive to nearby Casablanca (90 km, 2 hours)
• Afternoon: Arrive in Casablanca
• Visit the iconic Hassan II Mosque - one of the world's largest, built partially over the ocean
• Explore the medina with its blend of traditional and modern elements
• Walk along the Corniche (oceanfront promenade) with Atlantic views
• Visit the Royal Palace area and local markets
• Evening: Dinner with ocean views or relax at a beachfront café
• Overnight in Casablanca or prepare for departure based on flight schedule
• Distance: 90 km | Drive time: 2 hours

What's Included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in Marrakech
• All transportation in comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles
• Professional English/French-speaking driver/guide
• 1 night in Dades Valley
• 2 nights in a Berber desert camp in Merzouga
• 2 nights in Fes
• 1 night in Chefchaouen
• 1 night in Rabat
• Meals as specified in the itinerary (7 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 7 dinners)
• Guided tours in each city with local experts
• Multiple sunset and sunrise camel treks in the desert
• All camping equipment (tents, mattresses, blankets)
• Bottled water during the tour
• All applicable taxes and service charges

What's Not Included

• International flights
• Travel insurance
• Personal expenses and tips
• Drinks and additional meals not mentioned
• Optional activities and experiences
• Any items not specifically mentioned as included

Why Choose This Tour?

• Comprehensive Itinerary - Experience the best of Morocco in eight days
• UNESCO World Heritage - Visit Fes Medina and Volubilis ruins
• Diverse Landscapes - From the High Atlas to the Sahara Desert and Atlantic coast
• Cultural Immersion - Explore imperial cities and blue-washed villages
• Expert Guidance - Knowledgeable local guides in each location
• Comfortable Travel - Quality accommodations and transportation
• Flexible Experience - Options to customize activities based on your interests

FAQ

Q: What meals are included? A: The tour includes 7 breakfasts, 7 lunches, and 7 dinners featuring traditional Moroccan cuisine. Please inform us of any dietary restrictions when booking.

Q: What type of accommodation is provided? A: You'll stay in a mix of comfortable hotels, traditional riads, and a Berber desert camp. All accommodations are carefully selected for comfort and authenticity.

Q: What should I pack for the tour? A: Pack light, breathable clothing, comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, hat, sunscreen, warm layers for cool desert nights, camera, and personal toiletries. A small backpack is recommended for daily excursions.

Q: Is this tour suitable for children? A: Yes, children aged 6 and above can participate. The itinerary can be adjusted for families with children. Please inform us in advance if you're traveling with children.

Q: How physically demanding is this tour? A: This tour requires moderate fitness. Activities include walking in medinas (3-4 hours daily) and light camel riding. Most participants of all fitness levels find it manageable with breaks as needed.

Q: What's the best time to visit? A: The best time is from October to April when temperatures are pleasant. Summer months (June-August) can be extremely hot, especially in the desert.

Q: Are the city tours guided? A: Yes, professional local guides lead all city tours, providing valuable insights and ensuring you don't get lost in the maze-like medinas.

Q: What if I have mobility limitations? A: Please inform us of any mobility concerns in advance. While some areas in the medinas may be challenging, we can arrange alternative experiences and focus on accessible highlights.

Q: Can I customize the itinerary? A: Yes, we can adjust the itinerary based on your interests and preferences. Contact us to discuss customization options before your tour.

Q: Is there free time for independent exploration? A: Yes, there is free time in each location for you to explore at your own pace or relax at your accommodation.

Q: What's the difference between this 8-day and the 7-day tour? A: The 8-day tour includes an extra full day in the Merzouga desert for nomadic family visits and oasis exploration, plus more relaxed pacing throughout the journey.

Q: Is the Fes tannery visit included? A: Yes, a visit to the famous leather tanneries is included in the Fes medina tour. The tanneries have traditional smells from natural dying processes, but it's a fascinating cultural experience.