12 Day Morocco Tour from Casablanca: Blue City, Fes & Sahara
Why Choose This 12 Day Morocco Tour
This 12 day Morocco tour from Casablanca adds the blue city of Chefchaouen to the classic loop of imperial cities and Sahara dunes. Throughout the trip, you travel with your own English-speaking driver, so the pace is always yours. First, you see the Hassan II Mosque and Rabat. Then you spend two relaxed nights in the Rif Mountains.
Afterwards, you visit Roman Volubilis and the medina of Fes with a local guide. Next, you cross the Middle Atlas and sleep two nights in a desert camp at Erg Chebbi. Finally, the gorges, the kasbahs and a guided day in Marrakech complete the journey.
Because the tour is private, you can ask us to add a night or change a stop. Before you decide, compare all our private tours from Casablanca.
| Duration | 12 days / 11 nights |
|---|---|
| Start | Casablanca (hotel or Mohammed V Airport) |
| End | Marrakech or Casablanca airport |
| Route | Casablanca – Rabat – Chefchaouen – Volubilis – Fes – Merzouga – Todra – Dades – Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – Marrakech |
| Nights | 2 in Chefchaouen, 2 in Fes, 2 in a desert camp, 2 in Marrakech, plus Rabat, Dades and Ouarzazate |
| Group | Private tour, priced for 2 to 6 travellers |
| Price | From 1,295 € to 1,945 € per person, depending on group size |
Highlights of the 12 Day Morocco Tour
- First of all, see the Hassan II Mosque on the Atlantic and the Hassan Tower in Rabat.
- Then spend two nights in Chefchaouen and wander its blue-washed lanes.
- Afterwards, walk among the Roman mosaics of Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Later, explore the Fes medina with a local guide, from the tanneries to Bou Inania Madrasa.
- Then ride a camel into the Erg Chebbi dunes and sleep two nights in a desert camp.
- Also hear Gnawa music in Khamlia and browse the market town of Rissani.
- Later, walk in the Todra Gorge and follow the winding road of the Dades Valley.
- Also visit Kasbah Amridil, the Ksar of Ait Ben Haddou and Telouet.
- Then cross the High Atlas by the Tizi n’Tichka pass to Marrakech.
- Finally, enjoy a guided tour of Marrakech, from Bahia Palace to Jemaa el-Fna.
12 Day Morocco Tour from Casablanca: Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Casablanca, the Hassan II Mosque and Rabat
Your driver meets you at Mohammed V Airport or at your hotel in Casablanca. Depending on your arrival time, you first visit the Hassan II Mosque on the ocean front. Its minaret rises 210 metres, while guided visits show the carved cedar and zellige inside.
Then you drive about one hour north to Rabat, the capital. Here you especially see the Hassan Tower and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V. Later, you stroll through the old medina before dinner at your riad.
Day 2: Rabat to Chefchaouen, the Blue City
After breakfast, you drive north through farmland and the green foothills of the Rif. On the way, you also pass the market town of Ouazzane. Eventually, you reach Chefchaouen and its blue medina by early afternoon.
After lunch, you then have free time to explore the lanes at your own pace. Meanwhile, the cafés around the main square are ideal for mint tea and mountain views. In the evening, you check in to your riad inside the medina.
Day 3: Guided Walk and Free Time in Chefchaouen
This morning, a local guide shows you the quiet corners of the blue city. Then you visit the Kasbah, its small museum and its garden on Outa el-Hammam Square. Along the way, you see the Ras el-Maa spring and old washing basins.
In the afternoon, you can hike up to the Spanish Mosque for a wide view over the town. Otherwise, you can shop for woven blankets and goat cheese or simply rest. Above all, sunset from the hill is the best moment for photos.
Day 4: Chefchaouen to Volubilis, Moulay Idriss and Fes
After breakfast, you head south to Volubilis, a Roman city on the UNESCO list. Here you also walk among columns, a triumphal arch and colourful floor mosaics. A local site guide is optional, but it still brings the ruins to life.
Next, you stop at the hilltop town of Moulay Idriss Zerhoun. Although only Muslims can enter the shrine, the viewpoints over the town are open to everyone. Finally, you reach Fes, the oldest imperial city of Morocco, in the late afternoon.
Day 5: Guided Tour of the Fes Medina
Today, a local guide leads you through Fes el-Bali, a car-free maze of more than 9,000 lanes. In fact, the Medina of Fez has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981. On the way, you also pass spice stalls, brass workshops and weavers.
Then you see the golden gates of the Royal Palace and later the Chouara tannery from a terrace. You also visit Bou Inania Madrasa and look into Al Quaraouiyine, founded in 859. However, non-Muslim visitors can only view this mosque from its doorway.
After lunch in the medina, the afternoon is free. Our list of things to do in the Fez medina gives you more ideas.
Day 6: Fes to Merzouga across the Middle Atlas
Early in the morning, you leave Fes and climb to Ifrane, the alpine-style town of the Middle Atlas. Then you drive through the cedar forest near Azrou, where Barbary macaques often wait by the road. Later, you stop for lunch in Midelt below Jbel Ayachi.
After lunch, you cross the Tizi n’Talghemt pass and follow the palm groves of the Ziz Valley. Near Erfoud, you can visit a workshop that polishes fossils into tables and bowls. Finally, a camel ride takes you into the Merzouga desert for sunset.
The dunes of Erg Chebbi rise up to about 150 metres. Then, tonight, you share dinner at camp and sleep in your private tent.
Day 7: Merzouga, Khamlia and Rissani
After breakfast, you first visit Khamlia, a village known for its Gnawa musicians. They usually play a short live set and also explain the history of their music. Then you continue to Rissani, the birthplace of the Alaouite dynasty.
Moreover, Rissani has a lively souk three days a week, full of dates, spices and crafts. Nearby, you can also see the ruins of Sijilmassa, a former caravan city. In the late afternoon, you ride a camel again to watch the sunset over the dunes.
Later, you enjoy dinner and Berber drumming around the campfire.
Day 8: Merzouga to the Todra Gorge and the Dades Valley
If you wake early, you can watch the sunrise from the top of a dune. After breakfast, you ride back to Merzouga and start the drive west. On the way, you also stop at the khettaras, old underground water channels of the oasis.
Around midday, you reach the Todra Gorge, where rock walls rise up to about 300 metres. Here you have lunch and then a short walk by the river. Afterwards, you continue to the Dades Valley and its famous winding road.
Day 9: Valley of Roses, Skoura and Ouarzazate
After breakfast, you drive through the Valley of Roses. In Kalaat M’Gouna, you can visit a cooperative that makes rose water and creams. Then you follow the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs to the Skoura oasis.
Here you also visit Kasbah Amridil, a restored family kasbah with a small museum. Interestingly, it once appeared on the old 50-dirham banknote. Before Ouarzazate, you also stop at Atlas Studios to walk through real film sets.
Day 10: Ait Ben Haddou, Telouet and the Tizi n’Tichka Pass
After breakfast, a short drive brings you to Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou. This fortified village is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a famous film location. Then you climb its earthen lanes to the old granary for wide views.
Afterwards, you follow the Ounila Valley to Telouet. There, you especially visit the painted halls of the Glaoui kasbah, home of the former “Lords of the Atlas”. After lunch, you cross the Tizi n’Tichka pass at 2,260 metres and reach Marrakech in the late afternoon.
Day 11: Guided Tour of Marrakech
After breakfast, you meet your local guide for a full day in Marrakech. The Medina of Marrakesh has been on the UNESCO list since 1985.
Koutoubia Mosque: Its Almohad minaret, about 77 metres tall, is the landmark of the city. However, non-Muslims can only admire it from outside.
Bahia Palace: Built in the late 19th century, it is especially famous for painted cedar ceilings and calm courtyards. Indeed, its name means “brilliance”.
Saadian Tombs: These royal tombs date from the reign of Ahmad al-Mansur. Still, they stayed hidden behind high walls until 1917.
Majorelle Garden: Jacques Majorelle created this garden from 1923. Later, Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé saved it in 1980.
Jemaa el-Fna Square: Finally, you reach the main square as it fills with musicians, storytellers and food stalls.
Day 12: Departure from Marrakech or Casablanca
After breakfast, your driver takes you to Marrakech Menara Airport. Alternatively, you can fly home from Casablanca after a private drive of about three hours. This marks the end of your 12 day Morocco tour from Casablanca.
Expert tip from our driver-guides
Chefchaouen is busiest at midday, so explore the blue lanes early in the morning for empty streets and soft light. In addition, pack a warm layer for the Sahara, because desert nights can drop close to freezing from December to February. Finally, keep small change in dirhams for tips, toilets and mint tea on the road.
Photo Gallery of the Chefchaouen, Fes and Sahara Tour
What Is Included in Your 12 Day Tour from Casablanca
- Included
- Private transport in an air-conditioned van or 4x4 for the whole tour
- Experienced English-speaking driver from Day 1 to Day 12
- 9 nights in comfortable hotels, riads and a guesthouse with private bathrooms
- 2 nights in a luxury desert camp in Erg Chebbi, in private tents with bathroom and shower
- Breakfast every day, plus dinner at the desert camp
- Camel ride with a camel guide in Erg Chebbi, plus free sandboarding if you wish
- Berber drumming and music at the desert camp
- Local guides for Chefchaouen, Fes and Marrakech
- Tea and coffee at the desert camp
- Not included
- Lunches and other dinners
- Drinks
- Entrance fees to monuments
- Tips
- International flights and travel insurance
Good to Know Before Your 12 Day Morocco Tour
- Start and end: pickup in Casablanca; departure from Marrakech or Casablanca airport.
- Private tour: only your group travels in the vehicle, so the price per person falls as the group grows.
- Longest drive: Day 6 from Fes to Merzouga takes about 8 hours, although your driver plans regular stops.
- Meals: breakfast is included every day; dinner is included at the desert camp.
- Hassan II Mosque: non-Muslim visitors enter on guided visits only, while the ticket is not included.
- Dress code: cover shoulders and knees, especially in mosques and rural villages.
- Best time: spring and autumn bring mild weather. See our Merzouga weather guide for each month.
- Booking terms: please read our terms and conditions before you confirm.
Price of the 12 Day Morocco Tour from Casablanca
| Group size | Price per person | Total price |
|---|---|---|
| 2 travellers | 1,945 € | 3,890 € |
| 3 travellers | 1,695 € | 5,085 € |
| 4 travellers | 1,575 € | 6,300 € |
| 5 travellers | 1,395 € | 6,975 € |
| 6 travellers | 1,295 € | 7,770 € |
Prices are per person in euros for a private tour. For 7 or more travellers, ask us for a group quote.
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Casablanca → Rabat → Chefchaouen → Fes → Merzouga → Dades → Ouarzazate → Marrakech
FAQ About the 12 Day Morocco Tour from Casablanca
Why does this tour include Chefchaouen?
Chefchaouen is one of the most photogenic towns in Morocco. Because you stay two nights, you see it early in the morning and at sunset, when it is calm. In contrast, most shorter tours only allow a quick stop.
Is the 12 day Morocco tour private?
Yes. On this 12 day Morocco tour from Casablanca, only your group travels with your driver, so you can adjust the pace each day. The prices on this page are per person for groups of 2 to 6 travellers. For larger groups, please contact us.
How long are the drives on the 12 day Morocco tour?
Most travel days include 3 to 5 hours on the road. However, Day 6 from Fes to Merzouga takes about 8 hours with stops. So your driver plans regular breaks for photos, coffee and lunch.
What kind of accommodation is included?
You stay in charming riads, comfortable hotels, a guesthouse in the Dades Valley and a luxury desert camp. In the desert, tents have a real bed and a private bathroom. Read more about luxury and standard Merzouga camps.
Which meals are included on the 12 day Morocco tour?
Breakfast is included every morning. Dinner is included at the desert camp. For other meals, your driver also suggests good local restaurants with tagines, couscous and grilled dishes.
Can I charge my phone in the desert camp?
Yes, you can charge your devices at the camp. In some camps, power is only available in shared areas and may be switched off late at night. So a small power bank is useful.
What should I pack for the desert?
Pack light, breathable clothes for the day and warm layers for the night. Also bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat and a small backpack for the camel ride. Our guide to what to wear in the Sahara covers every season.
Do I need a visa to travel to Morocco?
It depends on your nationality. Many travellers from the EU, the UK, the US, Canada and Australia can stay up to 90 days without a visa. Always check the latest rules, or read our Morocco visa guide.
Can we shorten or extend the 12 day Morocco tour?
Yes. Because the tour is private, we can add nights or adjust stops. You can also compare our 10 day tour from Casablanca or the 15 day tour with Essaouira.
How do I book the 12 day Morocco tour?
Fill in the booking form on this page or message us on WhatsApp to reserve your 12 day Morocco tour from Casablanca. Then we confirm your dates, hotels and final price by email.