10 Day Morocco Tour from Casablanca: Imperial Cities & Sahara
Why Choose This 10 Day Morocco Tour
This 10 day Morocco tour from Casablanca connects the imperial cities with the golden dunes of the Sahara. Throughout the trip, you travel with your own English-speaking driver, so you never share the vehicle. First, you visit the Hassan II Mosque and Rabat, the royal capital. Then you explore Roman Volubilis and the ancient medina of Fes.
Afterwards, you cross the Middle Atlas and spend two nights in a desert camp at Erg Chebbi. Then, after the dunes, you follow the Todra and Dades Gorges along the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs. Finally, a guided day in Marrakech completes the loop before you return to Casablanca.
Because the trip is private, you set the pace each day. In addition, you can ask us to add a night or change a stop. Before you decide, you can also compare all our private tours from Casablanca.
| Duration | 10 days / 9 nights |
|---|---|
| Start and end | Casablanca (hotel or Mohammed V Airport) |
| Route | Casablanca – Rabat – Meknes – Volubilis – Fes – Merzouga – Todra – Dades – Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – Marrakech – Casablanca |
| Distance | About 1,800 km in a private vehicle |
| Nights | 6 hotels and riads, 1 guesthouse, 2 nights in a desert camp |
| Group | Private tour, priced for 2 to 6 travellers |
| Price | From 865 € to 1,115 € per person, depending on group size |
Highlights of the 10 Day Morocco Tour
- First of all, see the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca and its 210-metre minaret above the Atlantic.
- Then visit the Hassan Tower and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V in Rabat.
- 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 over the Erg Chebbi dunes and sleep two nights in a desert camp.
- Also hear live Gnawa music in Khamlia and browse the market town of Rissani.
- Later, drive through the Todra Gorge, the Dades Valley and the Valley of Roses.
- Also discover Kasbah Amridil in Skoura and the UNESCO-listed Ksar of Ait Ben Haddou.
- Finally, cross the High Atlas by the Tizi n’Tichka pass and enjoy a guided tour of Marrakech.
10 Day Morocco Tour from Casablanca: Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Casablanca and the Hassan II Mosque
Your driver meets you at Mohammed V Airport or at your hotel in Casablanca. Firstly, you check in and rest after your flight. Then, if time allows, you visit the Hassan II Mosque on the Atlantic shore.
Indeed, this mosque is one of the largest in the world, and its minaret rises 210 metres. Meanwhile, a guided visit inside shows you carved cedar, marble and fine zellige tiles. Afterwards, you can stroll along the Corniche or join a Casablanca city tour.
Day 2: Casablanca to Rabat, Meknes, Volubilis and Fes
After breakfast, you drive about one hour north to Rabat, the capital of Morocco. Here you especially see the Hassan Tower and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V. Then you take a short walk through the old medina.
After lunch, the motorway takes you east to Meknes. There, you also stop at Bab Mansour, the grand gate of Sultan Moulay Ismail, and see the long city walls. Then you head north to Volubilis, a Roman city on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
At Volubilis, you then walk among columns, a triumphal arch and colourful floor mosaics. A local site guide is optional, but it adds useful history. Finally, you reach Fes in the evening and check in to your riad.
Day 3: Guided Tour of the Fes Medina
Today, a local guide leads you through Fes el-Bali, one of the largest car-free medinas in the world. In fact, the Medina of Fez has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981. Along the way, you pass spice stalls, copper workshops and carpet sellers.
During the tour, you see the golden gates of the Royal Palace and 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 the mosque from its doorway.
Afterwards, you enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in the medina. The afternoon is free, so you can shop, rest or read our guide to things to do in the Fez medina.
Day 4: Fes to Merzouga via Ifrane, the Middle Atlas and the Ziz Valley
You leave Fes at 8:30 and drive south to Ifrane, known as the “Switzerland of Morocco”. Its houses have sloping roofs because winter often brings snow. Then you cross the cedar forest near Azrou, where Barbary macaques often come close to the road.
Later, you stop for lunch in Midelt, the “apple capital” below Jbel Ayachi. After lunch, the road climbs the Tizi n’Talghemt pass and drops into the palm groves of the Ziz Valley. Then, between Errachidia and Erfoud, you can visit a workshop that cuts and polishes fossils.
Finally, you reach the edge of the Merzouga desert in the late afternoon. Soon, a camel ride takes you into the dunes of Erg Chebbi, which rise up to about 150 metres. Then you watch the sunset, share dinner and sleep in your desert camp.
Day 5: Merzouga, Khamlia Gnawa Music and Rissani
After breakfast, you explore the villages around Merzouga. First, you visit Khamlia, home to a Gnawa community famous for its spiritual music. The musicians then usually play a short live set for guests.
Afterwards, you drive to Rissani, the cradle of the Alaouite dynasty that still rules Morocco. Its busy souk opens three days a week and sells spices, dates and crafts. Nearby, you can also see the ruins of Sijilmassa, a former stop on the caravan route to Timbuktu.
In the afternoon, you ride a camel with a camel guide to watch the sunset over the dunes. Later, you share dinner at camp and enjoy Berber drumming around the campfire.
Day 6: Merzouga to the Todra Gorge and the Dades Valley
If you wake early, you can watch the sunrise colour the dunes. After breakfast, you ride your camel back to Merzouga and begin the drive west. On the way, you also stop at the khettaras, old underground channels that carried water without losing it to the heat.
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. Then you continue to the Dades Gorges and spend the night in a guesthouse above the valley.
Day 7: Valley of Roses, Kasbah Amridil and Ouarzazate
After breakfast, you drive through the Valley of Roses. In Kalaat M’Gouna, you can also stop at a cooperative that makes rose water and cosmetics. Every May, the town holds a famous rose festival as well.
Then you follow the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs to the Skoura oasis. Here you visit Kasbah Amridil, a restored family kasbah with a small museum. Interestingly, it previously appeared on the old 50-dirham banknote.
Before Ouarzazate, you stop at Atlas Studios to walk through real film sets. Finally, you relax at your riad in the evening.
Day 8: Ait Ben Haddou, Telouet and the Tizi n’Tichka Pass to Marrakech
After breakfast, a drive of about 30 minutes 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 past green terraces and red villages. At Telouet, you visit the kasbah of the Glaoui family, once called the “Lords of the Atlas”. Although parts are in ruins, its painted ceilings and tilework remain striking.
After lunch in Telouet or on the mountain road, you cross the High Atlas by the Tizi n’Tichka pass at 2,260 metres. Eventually, you reach Marrakech in the late afternoon, and your driver takes you to your riad.
Day 9: Guided Tour of Marrakech
After a traditional breakfast, you meet your local guide for a full tour of Marrakech. The Medina of Marrakesh has been on the UNESCO list since 1985.
Majorelle Garden: Painter Jacques Majorelle created this garden from 1923. Later, in 1980, Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé bought it and saved it. Today, its cobalt-blue villa, cactus beds and pools draw visitors from around the world.
Koutoubia Mosque: This is the largest mosque in Marrakech. Its Almohad minaret, about 77 metres tall, is the main landmark of the city. However, non-Muslims can only admire it from the gardens outside.
Bahia Palace: Its name means “brilliance”. Grand vizier Si Moussa began it, and his son Ba Ahmed enlarged it between 1894 and 1900. Inside, you especially notice painted cedar ceilings, zellige tiles and quiet courtyards.
Saadian Tombs: These tombs date from the reign of Sultan Ahmad al-Mansur (1578–1603). They stayed hidden behind high walls until 1917. Today, the Hall of Twelve Columns remains the highlight.
Jemaa el-Fna Square: Finally, you reach the lively main square. Juice stalls, storytellers, musicians and henna artists fill it from late afternoon. All around it, the souks also sell spices, lamps, leather and carpets.
Day 10: Marrakech to Casablanca and Departure
After breakfast, your driver takes you back to Casablanca, a private drive of about three hours. Then you can go straight to Mohammed V Airport or to your hotel in the city. This marks the end of your 10 day Morocco tour from Casablanca.
Expert tip from our driver-guides
If you love stars, ask us for desert nights close to the new moon. In addition, pack a warm layer, because Erg Chebbi 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 Imperial Cities and Sahara Tour
What Is Included in Your 10 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 10
- 7 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
- Dinner and breakfast 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 the Fes and Marrakech city tours
- Tea and coffee at the desert camp
- Short walks and free time at the main sights
- Not included
- Lunches
- Drinks
- Entrance fees to monuments
- Tips
- International flights and travel insurance
Good to Know Before Your 10 Day Morocco Tour
- Start and end: pickup and drop-off at your Casablanca hotel or at Mohammed V Airport.
- Private tour: only your group travels in the vehicle, so the price per person falls as the group grows.
- Longest drive: Day 4 from Fes to Merzouga takes about 8 hours, although your driver plans regular stops.
- Desert camp: tents have private bathrooms, but mobile signal can be weak in the dunes.
- 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. Check our Merzouga weather guide for each month.
- Booking terms: please read our terms and conditions before you confirm.
Price of the 10 Day Morocco Tour from Casablanca
| Group size | Price per person | Total price |
|---|---|---|
| 2 travellers | 1,115 € | 2,230 € |
| 3 travellers | 1,025 € | 3,075 € |
| 4 travellers | 965 € | 3,860 € |
| 5 travellers | 895 € | 4,475 € |
| 6 travellers | 865 € | 5,190 € |
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 → Fes → Merzouga → Dades → Ouarzazate → Marrakech → Casablanca
FAQ About the 10 Day Morocco Tour from Casablanca
Which imperial cities does the 10 day Morocco tour visit?
You visit all four imperial cities of Morocco: Rabat, Meknes, Fes and Marrakech. Casablanca is the start and end point, but it is not an imperial city. In addition, you see Volubilis, the Erg Chebbi dunes, the Todra Gorge and Ait Ben Haddou.
Is the 10 day Morocco tour private?
Yes. 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 for a quote.
How long are the drives on the 10 day Morocco tour?
Most travel days include 3 to 5 hours on the road. However, Day 4 from Fes to Merzouga takes about 8 hours with stops. So your driver plans regular breaks for photos, coffee and lunch.
Is this tour physically demanding?
No, it suits most fitness levels. Still, you walk on uneven lanes in the medinas and ride a camel in the dunes. Otherwise, comfortable shoes are enough for every visit.
What is the desert camp like?
You stay in a private tent with a real bed, a bathroom and a shower. Most camps also offer charging points, but Wi-Fi and mobile signal can be weak. Learn more in our guide to luxury and standard Merzouga camps.
When is the best time for this tour?
Generally, spring and autumn are ideal for both the cities and the Sahara. In winter, days are sunny but desert nights are cold. In July and August, afternoons in Merzouga are very hot, so your driver plans early starts.
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 before you fly, or read our Morocco visa guide.
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 list of what to wear in the Sahara covers every season.
Can we change the 10 day Morocco tour?
Yes. Because the tour is private, we can add nights or adjust stops for you. You can also compare our 7 day tour from Casablanca, the 12 day tour with Chefchaouen or our 10 day Morocco itinerary ideas.
How do I book the 10 day Morocco tour?
Fill in the booking form on this page or message us on WhatsApp. Then we confirm your dates, hotels and final price by email.
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TripAdvisor Reviews
★★★★★
Amazing tour guide
I would like to share our experience and give feedback on the trip taken by us. We really enjoyed the trip with Mr. Mohammad, he really took very good care of us during the entire trip. He was very cordial, warm, and respectful during the entire journey…
— Tehseen A
★★★★★
Fantastic trip
Fantastic trip, Mohammed is an excellent guide, great person as well. He looked after our group of 5 people. He tailored the trip to our interests. We had lots of interesting stops and stayed in great places. He also made sure we were always safe and comfortable….
— Peter H
★★★★★
Private tour around Morocco
Absolutely fantastic! Great vista and wonderful people! Ate authentic Moroccan meals with local families. Experienced next level hospitality with some fantastic locals. Hit the highlights from the tree climbing and jumping goats, to shopping in the Marrakech ..
— Spring rabiea
★★★★★
Morrocos stays in the heart
Morocco leaves an indelible mark on our souls and hearts! With its captivating scents, flavors, and natural wonders, it enchants us effortlessly! And who better than Mohammed to lead and guide us through these paradisiacal destinations! Choukran..
— Quest60915749423
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