13-Day Morocco Imperial Cities & Sahara Desert Tour from Casablanca
The ultimate 13-day Morocco loop from Casablanca — imperial Rabat, the blue city of Chefchaouen, Roman Volubilis, the Fes medina, two nights glamping in the Erg Chebbi dunes, Todra and Dades Gorges, Marrakech, and two full days on the Essaouira coast.
Duration
13 Days
Group Size
6 – 16 people
Languages
English
Activity Level
Easy to Moderate
Availability
Year-round
Tour Overview
The ultimate 13-day Morocco loop from Casablanca — imperial Rabat, the blue city of Chefchaouen, Roman Volubilis, the Fes medina, two nights glamping in the Erg Chebbi dunes, Todra and Dades Gorges, Marrakech, and two full days on the Essaouira coast.
From towering sand dunes and ancient kasbahs to starlit nights in a traditional desert camp, every moment of this tour is designed to connect you with the raw beauty and rich culture of the Sahara. Whether you ride a camel at sunset, share mint tea with a Berber family, or wake up to the silence of the desert at dawn — this is an experience that stays with you for life.
Highlights
- Imperial capital Rabat — the Kasbah of the Oudayas and Hassan Tower
- The Blue City of Chefchaouen in the Rif Mountains
- UNESCO Roman ruins of Volubilis and the imperial city of Meknes
- Full-day guided tour of the UNESCO-listed Fes El Bali medina and the Chouara Tannery
- Sunset camel trek and two nights of luxury glamping in the Erg Chebbi dunes
- Full-day 4x4 Sahara excursion with nomads, Gnaoua music, and the flamingo lake
- Todra and Dades Gorges — towering limestone canyons and "monkey finger" rock formations
- Crossing the High Atlas via the Tizi n'Tichka pass to Marrakech
- Two full days on the Atlantic coast in Essaouira
Itinerary
Day 1: Casablanca Airport Pick-up to Imperial Rabat
Private transfer from Casablanca to Rabat — Kasbah of the Oudayas and Hassan Tower.
Overnight: Ryad Zyo or Riad Kalaa
Day 2: Rabat to the Blue City of Chefchaouen
Drive into the Rif Mountains to Chefchaouen.
Overnight: Riad Dar Echchaouen or Riad Cherifa
Day 3: Chefchaouen to Volubilis, Imperial Meknes, and Fes
UNESCO Roman ruins of Volubilis, imperial Meknes, arrive in Fes.
Overnight: Riad Fes Mahal or La Perle de La Medina
Day 4: Guided Fes Medina Sightseeing Tour
Chouara Tanneries, Bou Inania Madrasa, Al-Qarawiyyin University.
Overnight: Riad Fes Mahal or La Perle de La Medina
Day 5: Fes to Azrou Barbary Apes and Merzouga Sahara Desert
Azrou cedar forest, then a sunset camel trek into Erg Chebbi.
Overnight: Tiziri Camp or Sahara Eden Camp
Day 6: Sahara Desert Excursion and Nomadic Culture
Full-day 4x4 excursion — nomads, Khamlia Gnawa music, flamingo lake.
Overnight: Tiziri Camp or Sahara Eden Camp
Day 7: Merzouga Sunrise to Todra Gorges and Dades Valley
Todra Gorges and the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs into Dades Valley.
Overnight: Dades Paradise or Dar Blues
Day 8: Dades Valley to High Atlas Mountains and Marrakech
Cross the Tizi n'Tichka pass to Marrakech.
Overnight: Riad Nessma and Spa or Riad Touda
Day 9: Marrakech Sightseeing Tour
Bahia Palace, Saadian Tombs, Koutoubia Mosque, artisan souks.
Overnight: Riad Nessma and Spa or Riad Touda
Day 10: Marrakech to the Atlantic Coast of Essaouira
Drive west to the fortified beach town of Essaouira.
Overnight: Riad Mimouna or Riad Malaika
Day 11: Free Day Exploring Essaouira
Medina souks, art galleries, windsurfing, sea ramparts.
Overnight: Riad Mimouna or Riad Malaika
Day 12: Essaouira to Casablanca via the Coastal Route
Scenic coastal drive back to Casablanca.
Overnight: Hotel Club Val d'Anfa or Casa Diamond
Day 13: Departure Transfer to Casablanca Airport (CMN)
Private transfer to Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport.
Practical Information
Meeting Point
Your hotel lobby in Casablanca, typically at 7:00 – 8:00 AM. Exact time confirmed upon booking.
Cancellation Policy
Free cancellation up to 14 days before departure. 50% refund between 7–14 days. No refund within 7 days of departure.
What to Bring
- • Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing
- • High-SPF sunscreen & sunglasses
- • Warm layer for cool desert nights
- • Water bottle (1.5L minimum per day)
- • Headscarf or hat for sun protection
Physical Requirements
Suitable for most fitness levels. Light walking and camel riding involved. No prior experience needed. Not recommended for serious mobility difficulties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this tour suitable for first-time desert travelers?
What type of accommodation is used?
Are meals included in the tour?
How do I get to the departure city?
What is the best time of year to visit the Sahara?
From
€2080
per person · double room
Price Per Person (EUR)
All prices per person in euros · includes taxes
What's Included
- Private air-conditioned vehicle with English-speaking driver/guide for all 13 days
- All private airport, hotel, and intercity transfers
- Bed & Breakfast accommodation throughout, with Half Board in the Sahara desert camp (2 nights) and Dades Valley (1 night)
- Licensed local guide for the Fes Medina and Marrakech sightseeing tours
- Full 4x4 Merzouga desert excursion (nomad visit, Khamlia Gnawa music, flamingo lake)
- Sunset camel trek in the Erg Chebbi dunes
- Traditional Berber music around the campfire
Not Included
- Lunches and beverages
- Entrance fees to monuments and archaeological sites
- Tips and personal expenses
Free cancellation · 14 days notice
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