12 days Morocco tour from Casablanca

Touching down in Casablanca, Morocco’s largest city and economic heart, you’ll immediately sense the blend of modernity and tradition that defines this metropolis. After settling into your hotel, head straight to the majestic Hassan II Mosque, perched on a promontory overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Its towering 210-meter minaret—the tallest in the world—casts a commanding presence, while the intricate zellige tilework and cedarwood ceilings inside reflect centuries of craftsmanship. If time allows, stroll along the Corniche, where locals promenade beside the sea, stopping at a café for fresh mint tea and ocean views. In the evening, consider dining at Rick’s Café, an homage to the classic film, where live piano music and Moorish décor set the tone for your Moroccan journey.

Depart early for Rabat, Morocco’s political capital, where the Oudayas Kasbah stands sentinel at the mouth of the Bou Regreg River. Wander through its narrow, white-washed alleys accented by sapphire doors, then visit the serene Andalusian Gardens and the imposing Hassan Tower, an unfinished 12th-century minaret. From there, continue north into the Rif Mountains toward Chefchaouen, the famed “Blue Pearl.” As you enter the town, the vibrant cerulean walls of the medina will transport you into a dreamlike world. Spend your evening exploring hidden plazas, sampling goat cheese from local herders, and watching the sun dip behind the surrounding peaks, casting a warm glow on the town’s cobalt façade.

Devote a full day to savoring Chefchaouen’s relaxed pace and photogenic scenery. Start with a leisurely breakfast of msemen (flaky Moroccan flatbread) drizzled with honey, then lose yourself in the labyrinthine medina. Browse shops selling handwoven blankets, pottery, and leather goods dyed in shades of blue. Midday, take a guided hike up to the Spanish Mosque ruins perched above town; the panoramic vista of tiled rooftops against the mountain backdrop is breathtaking. Return for lunch in a rooftop café overlooking Plaza Uta el-Hammam, followed by a visit to the quaint Kasbah Museum, where exhibits explore local history and art. As dusk falls, wander back to your riad and savor a home-cooked tagine under a starlit sky.

Leave the Rif behind and head south toward Fes, stopping en route at Volubilis, the most extensive Roman ruins in Morocco. Walk among the well-preserved mosaics, basilica, and triumphal arch, imagining the ancient city at its peak. Next, continue to Meknes, one of Morocco’s “Imperial Cities,” where you’ll admire the grandeur of Bab Mansour, the palace gates decorated with zellij and calligraphy. A brief stroll through the Sahrij Swani reservoir and a peek at Moulay Ismail’s mausoleum complete your imperial tour. Late afternoon, arrive in Fes—Morocco’s spiritual heart—where the scent of spices and the sounds of chanting spill out of the medieval city walls.

Embark on a full-day guided exploration of Fes el-Bali, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the world’s largest car-free urban areas. Enter through the cobalt-blue Bab Boujloud gate and follow your local guide into a maze of narrow alleyways. You’ll visit the Al Quaraouiyine University, founded in 859 AD and still functioning as a center of learning, then peer down into the colorful Chouara Tanneries where hides are dyed in giant stone vats. Stop at the ornate Bou Inania Madrasa, whose intricate woodcarvings and marble columns epitomize Marinid architecture. Spend your afternoon weaving through souks dedicated to spices, metalwork, and ceramics, and pause at hidden riad courtyards for sweet mint tea. Return to your riad as the call to prayer echoes across the city.

Depart Fes before dawn, ascending into the Middle Atlas Mountains. In Ifrane—nicknamed “Little Switzerland” you’ll be surprised by red-tile roofs and alpine chalets draped in pine forests. Continue to Azrou, where Barbary macaques play among cedar trees, before descending through the dramatic gorges of Ziz Valley, lined with hundreds of palm groves and ancient kasbahs. By late afternoon, reach Merzouga on the edge of the Sahara. Mount your camel at sunset and trek into the towering dunes of Erg Chebbi, arriving at a desert camp where Berber hosts greet you with sweet mint tea and a communal dinner. At night, lie back on the sand and gaze at the Milky Way undimmed by city lights.

Awaken early for a sunrise camel ride back to camp, savoring the shifting colors of the dunes. After breakfast, drive to Rissani, a lively market town steeped in caravan-route history. Continue west to the Todra Gorges, where sheer limestone walls rise over 300 meters above the riverbed—an epic playground for climbers. Stroll through oasis palm groves before winding your way to the dramatic Dades Valley. Known as the “Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs,” this corridor offers photo-worthy views of earthen fortresses perched on rocky outcrops. Check into your hotel perched atop red-cliff overlooks and enjoy dinner as you watch the valley lights come alive.

Trace the legendary Route of a Thousand Kasbahs, passing through the fragrant Rose Valley (if visiting in May, you may catch the annual rose harvest) and the lush Skoura palm oases. Arrive at Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage ksar dramatically set on a hill above the river. Wander through its mud-brick alleyways and imagine scenes from Gladiator or Game of Thrones, both filmed here. Afterward, continue to Ouarzazate, known as the “Gateway to the Desert” and home to the Atlas Film Studios. Optional visits include the ornate Taourirt Kasbah or a stroll through the modern city center before settling in for the night.

Leave Ouarzazate in the morning and climb into the High Atlas Mountains via the winding Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260 meters). The panoramic vistas of snow-capped peaks and terraced valleys are unforgettable, with Berber villages clinging to rocky slopes. Descend into the red-earth plains leading to Marrakech, arriving by midday. After checking into your riad near the medina, spend the afternoon strolling through the famous Jemaa el-Fnaa square—where snake charmers, storytellers, and food stalls create a carnival atmosphere. As evening falls, dine on harira soup and grilled skewers while watching the square’s transformation under lantern light.

Dedicate today to a guided immersion in Marrakech’s historic monuments and vibrant souks. Begin at the pink sandstone Koutoubia Mosque, then visit the ornate Bahia Palace with its gilded interiors and lush gardens. Explore the Saadian Tombs—rediscovered in 1917 after being sealed for centuries—and admire Moulay Ismail’s funerary artistry. Wander through the winding lanes of the souk, where artisans craft leather poufs, brass lanterns, and colorful spices. In the afternoon, escape to the peaceful Yves Saint Laurent–designed Majorelle Garden and adjacent Berber Museum, soaking in the cobalt blues and exotic plantings. Return as dusk falls for a rooftop dinner overlooking the medina.

After breakfast, drive west to the Atlantic port city of Essaouira. En route, the landscape shifts to argan-covered plains, where you may spot local women collecting argan fruit. Upon arrival, explore the UNESCO-listed medina—surrounded by 18th-century Portuguese ramparts—and wander the atmospheric Skala de la Kasbah seawall, where cannons gaze out over crashing waves. Visit the bustling fish market and select your dinner fresh off the grill at a beachfront stall. In the evening, inhale the salty sea air as you stroll the sandy beach or watch windsurfers dance on the horizon. Overnight in a charming riad near the ramparts.

On your final morning, enjoy a relaxed stroll along Essaouira’s sandy shore or pick up last-minute argan oil products and handicrafts in the medina’s narrow lanes. After lunch by the sea, begin the drive back to Casablanca—a journey of approximately 4½ hours. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for a final stroll along the Corniche or a café stop for one last Moroccan pastry. Arrive at Mohammed V International Airport with memories of kaleidoscopic cities, sweeping deserts, and Atlantic breezes—each chapter of your Moroccan adventure complete.