14 Days Casablanca to Marrakech via Sahara
- Casablanca
- Marrakech
- Standards OR Luxurious
- 14 days /13 nights
- people: 8
Overview:
On this 14 days Morocco Desert Tour from Casablanca, (and back to Casablanca or Marrakech) you’ll see several fabulous places and spend a magical night in the Sahara Desert ( you can choose between a standard camp and a luxury camp).
Tour itinerary:
Day 1: CASABLANCA – RABAT – MEKNES:
After checking out of your accommodation, we begin our sightseeing in Casablanca by visiting the Hassan II Mosque, before departing for Rabat. The Mechouar of the Royal Palace, the ruins of Chellah, the Mohammed V Mausoleum, and the Hassan Tower will be visited in Rabat. After lunch, we’ll travel to Meknes, where we’ll arrive in the early evening. You can have dinner at the restaurant overlooking the square just meters from the magnificent Bab Mansour gate. You will be staying at a traditional riad in the ancient medina.
Day 2: MEKNES – VOLUBILIS – FES:
After breakfast, we will visit El Hdim Square, Bab El Mansour, the massive gate that serves as the entrance to the old city and the Jewish quarter, the Royal Granaries, and the city rampart in Meknes. Then, we will depart via Volubilis, where we will visit the Roman ruins and Moulay Idriss, the holy city where the founder of Morocco’s first dynasty is interred. We will continue to Fez, where you will spend the night in a traditional riad in the 8th- and 9th-century ancient medina.
Day 3: EXLORE FES:
You will have your morning meal in your Riad, then begin on an exploration of the Medina, where you will discover many hidden treasures known only to the locals. Fes was the capital of Morocco for more than 350 years, and the University of Al Karaouine is the world’s oldest regularly accessible university. Your excursion will take you to the Moulay Idriss mausoleum as well as… After lunch, you will view the exterior of the Royal Palace and wander through the famous Jewish quarter “Mellah,” where you will have the opportunity to visit one of the few active synagogues in Morocco. Your tour of Fes involves a brief stop at the known ceramics factory. Overnight at your Riad.
Day 4: FES – IFRANE – AZROU – MIDELT – MERZOUGA:
Following the caravan routes to Merzouga, you will depart your Riad in the southeast after breakfast and head to Merzouga. Throughout this trip, you are going to see glimpses of the Middle Atlas and Higher Atlas mountains. Over the Middle Atlas Mountains, you will stop at the largest cedar forest in Morocco, where you will spot barbarian monkeys. After lunch in Midelt or nearby, you will continue through the vast, open high desert and see how the landscape changes as you approach the city of Errachidia, revealing glimpses of the desert. Your journey proceeds through the green Ziz Valley and the Tafilalet date palm plantation, which is known for its date cultivation. This region is the origin of the Alaouite dynasty – Morocco’s current ruled royal family. You will arrive in Merzouga in the evening, where you will be greeted with mint tea before checking into your Riad. Half-Board.
Day 5: MERZOUGA – KHAMLIA – RISSANI – ERG CHEBBI:
This morning after breakfast in the hotel. You will have a Desert tour around dunes on 4×4 allowing you to visit the black volcanic rocks of fossils, visit Nomad families living in tents, then head to Khamlia village and entertainment of their spiritual music of Gnaoua, and visit the lake Dayte Sarji forms in springtime which attracts pink flamingos and wildlife you will have a break for lunch in Merzouga or around. After lunch, you will see the canal irrigation system and have a walk on the oasis located on the foot of the dunes Continue to your hotel for relaxation. Arrive at the hotel and get ready for the Camel trek for an hour and a half to enjoy the sunset. While on the back of your dromedary, you will continue to the camp for an overnight in a traditional Nomadic tent. Spend the night in a bivouac (Berber tent) in the middle of the dunes.
Day 6: MERZOUGA – TODRA GORGES – DADES GORGES:
If you rise early enough, we are able to see the magnificence of sunrise, when the color of the dunes combines with the play of shadows to create a breathtaking scene. After breakfast, we ride camels for a couple of hours (or less, depending on your preference) before heading to Tinghir and Todra Gorges for lunch. This route crosses Tinjdad and the Todra Valley. This beautiful area offers numerous opportunities for walking, including along the river through the gardens and up the road on the other side of the gorge. We will then proceed to the Dades Valley and Dades Gorges before staying the night in a Riad.
Day 7: DADES GORGES – KELAAT MAGONA – SKOURA – OUARZAZATE:
After breakfast, we will take a walk in the Gorge and then take an off-road track to see the Nomadic caves. We will continue via El Kelaat Magona, the valley of Roses, and drive throughout Skoura oasis to arrive in early time on the evening to Ouarzazate.
Day 8: OUARZAZATE:
Ouarzazate is Morocco’s Hollywood. This day is open to you for shopping or sightseeing. The Taourirt Kasbah and the Atlas film facilities can be visited.
Day 9: OUARZAZATE – TELUOET – MARRAKECH:
After breakfast, we will travel to the Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a World Heritage site. Next, we will travel to Telouet, a traditional High Atlas Berber village inhabited by the El Glaoui family. We will have lunch at a Telouet restaurant before crossing the Tizi-n-Tichka to Marrakech.
Day 10: EXPLORE MARRAKECH:
After breakfast at the Riad, you are going to go on a guided tour of Marrakech, “the Red City of Morocco,” in the morning. Your guide will ensure that you visit all historical and culturally significant sites, including the Koutoubia Minaret, the Saadian monuments, the magnificent Palace of Bahia, and the Ben Youssef Quranic School. In the evening, walk through the medina alleys, looking at the various artisans at work, before arriving at the famous Jamaa El Fna Square; have lunch at a restaurant near the square; and in the afternoon, visit the Majorelle gardens and take a short tour of Gueliz, the new city of Marrakech. You will have the option to stroll through the square after dinner while being entertained by magicians, storytellers, tooth-pullers, and food sellers. Your overnight lodging will be in your Riad.
Day 11: MARRAKECH – OUZOUD WATERFALLS:
You will have a free day to explore Marrakech on your own or go for a day tour of the Ouzoud Waterfalls.
Day 12: MARRAKECH – ESSAOUIRA:
You can spend the morning relaxing or shopping in Marrakech before we depart for Essaouira on a trip that takes almost three hours, a gorgeous Atlantic Ocean city, at the time that suits you.
Day 13: ESSAOUIRA:
Enjoy a day of exploring the old fortified fishing port of Essaouira on the Atlantic coast, taking in the incredible mix of Portuguese and Berber architecture. Explore the lively souks, art galleries, carpentry workshops dedicated to crafting cedar and Thuya wood, and the fortified harbor with its seafood sellers.
Day 14: ESSAOUIRA – MARRAKECH OR CASABLANCA:
You will have the morning free to chill out or explore Essaouira before departing in the afternoon for Marrakech or Casablanca.
Tour Includes:
- Private tour in a comfortable modern transportation a 4×4 vehicle, a van or a minibus with A/C.
- Professional driver / guide English speaking
- Fuel
- Pick up / drop off at your accommodations
- Breakfasts in all accommodations
- Dinners (Merzouga, Dades Gorges, Ouarzazate)
- Camel Trekking
- Overnight in the Desert
- Sandboarding
Tour Excludes:
- Flights
- Lunches
- Drinks
- Entrance fees to museums and attractions if needed
- Tips (optional)
Our tour gallery:
NOTE
NEED HELP PLAN YOUR TRIP
Alternative tours and itineraries are available for those who can devote more time to the 14-day excursion. We can create custom Marrakech excursions that conclude in any Moroccan city, or you can modify any of the existing Marrakech tour itineraries to meet your requirements.
