this 10 Day Imperial Cities & Sahara Desert Trip is private tour from Casablanca to Marrakech is Morocco at its most complete: Atlantic cities, imperial medinas, cedar forests, high mountain passes, the golden Sahara dunes of Merzouga, dramatic desert valleys, ancient kasbahs, and finally the legendary red city of Marrakech. This is the classic Moroccan circuit, done privately and at your own pace.
From the modern grandeur of the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca to a sunset camel ride over the Erg Chebbi dunes, to the UNESCO kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou — this tour covers the full breadth of Morocco’s geography and history in ten thoughtfully paced days. Recommended for couples, families, and first-time visitors who want the definitive Morocco experience without compromise.
Route of this 10 Days: Casablanca → Rabat → Meknes → Volubilis → Fes → Ifrane → Midelt → Merzouga Sahara → Dades Valley → Ouarzazate → Ait Ben Haddou → Marrakech
Tour Duration: 10 Days / 9 Nights | Starts: Casablanca | Ends: Marrakech | Type: Private Guided Tour
Arrive in Casablanca. Your private driver guide meets you at Mohammed V International Airport and transfers you to your hotel. Afternoon if time visit to the ricks cafe and Hassan II Mosque on the Atlantic waterfront — a towering masterpiece of modern Moroccan architecture open to non-Muslim visitors. Evening walk along the Casablanca Corniche.
Overnight: Casablanca city hotel
Morning drive to Rabat, Morocco’s capital. Visit the Hassan Tower, the Mohammed V Mausoleum, the Kasbah of the Udayas, and the ancient Chellah ruins. Lunch in Rabat. Afternoon drive to Meknes — visit the monumental Bab Mansour gate, the Heri es-Souani granaries, and the old medina.
Overnight: Meknes hotel
Morning visit to Volubilis — walk the ancient forum, triumphal arch, and extraordinary Roman mosaic floors. Stop in Moulay Idriss Zerhoun, Morocco’s holiest pilgrimage town. Afternoon arrival in Fes. Check in to your medina riad. Evening guided walk in Fes el-Bali.
Overnight: Fes medina riad
Full day guided tour of Fes el-Bali. Visit the Chouara Tanneries, Bou Inania Madrasa, Al-Attarine Madrasa, Kairaouine Mosque and university (oldest in the world), the brass souks, spice market, and the Mellah. Lunch at a Fassi riad restaurant. Afternoon free.
Overnight: Fes medina riad
Early departure south from Fes. Drive through Ifrane — Morocco’s alpine town known as “Little Switzerland.” Continue through the cedar forests of Azrou where Barbary macaques roam freely. Lunch stop in Midelt. Cross the Ziz Valley and its breathtaking gorge. Arrive in Merzouga at the edge of the Sahara as the sun descends.
Overnight: Merzouga hotel or desert camp
This is the heart of the journey. Late afternoon, mount camels for a guided sunset trek into the Erg Chebbi dunes — some of the highest in Morocco, rising to 150 meters. Arrive at your luxury desert camp as the sky fills with stars. Traditional Moroccan dinner around a fire with live Gnawa music. Wake before dawn for the sunrise from the top of the dunes.
Overnight: Luxury desert camp in Erg Chebbi
Morning free in the desert. Return to Merzouga village. Drive west along the Desert Road (N10) passing through the dramatic Draa Valley and the Valley of Roses — famed for its rose harvest every spring. Visit the jaw-dropping Todra Gorge, a 300-meter natural canyon carved by river through red limestone cliffs. Afternoon arrival in the Dades Valley.
Overnight: Dades Valley kasbah hotel
Morning drive west through the Dades Gorge — extraordinary red rock formations rising above the road. Continue to Ouarzazate, Morocco’s cinematic desert capital where Lawrence of Arabia, Gladiator, and Game of Thrones were filmed. Visit Atlas Film Studios and the Kasbah Taourirt Photo — one of the finest kasbahs in the south. Ait Ben Haddou — a UNESCO World Heritage ksar (fortified village) that is one of the most photographed sites in all of Morocco. Cross the Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260m) of the High Atlas Mountains — Morocco’s highest paved road — with panoramic mountain views throughout. Descend into the Marrakech plain and arrive at your riad.
Overnight: Marrakech hotel- Riad
Morning visit Discover the highlights of Marrakech with an expert local guide. Explore the vibrant Medina, wander through the colorful souks, visit historic landmarks such as the Koutoubia Mosque and Bahia Palace, and experience the lively atmosphere of Jemaa el–Fnaa Square. This guided city tour offers fascinating insights into Marrakech’s history, culture, architecture, and daily life, providing an authentic introduction to Morocco’s most iconic city.
Overnight: in Marrakech
Morning Relaxing and Afternoon at leisure. Transfer to Marrakech Menara Airport for your flight home. depending on time
Tour ends in Marrakech or Casablanca Airport
Is the desert camp comfortable for non-campers?
Yes. Our luxury desert camp at Erg Chebbi includes private ensuite tents with real beds, hot showers, electricity, and traditional Moroccan dining. It is a full hotel experience in the dunes — not a basic camping trip.
How long is the camel ride?
The sunset camel trek from Merzouga village to the camp takes approximately 45–60 minutes. The return at sunrise is similar. For those who prefer not to ride, a 4×4 transfer to and from the camp is available.
Is the Tizi n’Tichka mountain pass safe?
Yes. The N9 road over the Tizi n’Tichka pass is a well-maintained paved highway. Our driver guides are experienced on this route year-round. It is not recommended in heavy snowfall (January–February) but is accessible for most of the year.
Can this tour be customized?
Absolutely. We can add extra nights in Fes, the Sahara, or Marrakech; include Essaouira on the coast; extend to Agadir; or add a Chefchaouen detour from Fes. Contact us for a custom itinerary.
What is the best season for this tour?
Do I need a 4×4 for this tour?
No. The entire route is on paved roads. We use a comfortable air-conditioned Minivan or Land Cruiser. A 4×4 is only needed for off-road desert exploration, which can be arranged as an optional add-on.
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