10 Day Tour from Casablanca: Classic Morocco
Discover the magic of Morocco on a private 10-day journey from Casablanca. Explore imperial Rabat, blue-washed Chefchaouen and ancient Fes, ride a camel over the golden Sahara dunes of Merzouga, sleep under the stars in a luxury desert camp, and finish in the souks and palaces of Marrakech. Expert guides, hand-picked hotels and authentic cultural experiences make this the classic tour of Morocco.
- Duration: 10 days, 9 nights
- Starts: Casablanca. Ends: Marrakech or Casablanca airport
- Route: Casablanca → Rabat → Chefchaouen → Volubilis → Meknes → Fes → Merzouga → Todra → Dades → Ouarzazate → Marrakech
- Comfort level: Luxury hotels, riads and desert camp
- Price: from $1,640 per person (see Prices)
- Tour code: MC1011
Highlights
- Casablanca's Hassan II Mosque, an architectural marvel by the sea
- The blue streets of Chefchaouen, Morocco's most photogenic mountain town
- The Roman ruins of Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Fes Medina, a labyrinth of culture, crafts and tradition
- Merzouga: camel rides, a luxury camp and the Erg Chebbi dunes
- The breathtaking canyon of the Todra Gorge
- Ait Ben Haddou, Hollywood's favourite desert fortress
- The souks and landmarks of Marrakech
Day by Day
Day 1: Arrival in Casablanca
Your Moroccan adventure begins at Mohammed V International Airport in Casablanca. Depending on your arrival time, visit the Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest and most impressive mosques in the world, perched on the Atlantic coastline. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner of traditional Moroccan dishes.
Overnight in Casablanca.
Day 2: Casablanca → Rabat → Chefchaouen
Travel to Rabat, Morocco's elegant capital, to explore the Hassan Tower, the Kasbah of the Udayas and the Royal Palace grounds. Continue north into the Rif Mountains to Chefchaouen, the Blue Pearl of Morocco, with free time to stroll through its blue-painted medina.
Overnight in Chefchaouen.
Day 3: Chefchaouen → Volubilis → Meknes → Fes
Visit the Roman city of Volubilis, known for its well-preserved mosaics and columns. In Meknes, once an imperial capital, see the Bab Mansour gate, the Royal Stables and the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail. Arrive in Fes, Morocco's cultural and spiritual capital, by late afternoon.
Overnight in Fes.
Day 4: Full Day Exploring Fes
A guided walking tour of Fes el-Bali, the world's largest living medieval city, takes you through alleys buzzing with artisans and souks. Visit the University of Al Quaraouiyine (founded in 859), the Chouara Tanneries and the Bou Inania Madrasa, then explore local workshops and spice markets.
Overnight in Fes.
Day 5: Fes → Ifrane → Ziz Valley → Merzouga
Drive south through the Middle Atlas, stopping in Ifrane ("Little Switzerland") and the cedar forest of Azrou, home to Barbary macaques. Follow the palm groves and ksour of the Ziz Valley to Merzouga, then ride a camel at sunset over the Erg Chebbi dunes to your luxury desert camp for Berber music and stargazing.
Overnight in a Sahara camp.
Day 6: Full Day in Merzouga
Rise early for an optional sunrise over the dunes. Meet a nomadic Berber family, hear Gnawa music in Khamlia, or take a 4x4 adventure to fossil sites and seasonal lakes. Sandboarding is available for thrill-seekers, or simply relax at camp.
Second night in the desert camp (or a hotel if you prefer).
Day 7: Merzouga → Todra Gorge → Dades Valley → Ouarzazate
Head to the Todra Gorge, a canyon with 300-metre cliffs, perfect for a short walk. Continue through the Dades Valley and its unusual rock formations, and stop at Ait Ben Haddou, the UNESCO-listed ksar seen in Gladiator and Game of Thrones. Arrive in Ouarzazate, the "Hollywood of Africa".
Overnight in Ouarzazate, with an optional visit to the Atlas Film Studios.
Day 8: Ouarzazate → High Atlas → Marrakech
Cross the High Atlas by the Tizi n'Tichka pass (2,260 m), Morocco's highest mountain road, and arrive in Marrakech, the Red City, in the afternoon. An optional evening visit to Jemaa el-Fnaa square brings snake charmers, food stalls and storytellers.
Overnight in Marrakech.
Day 9: Full Day in Marrakech
A guided city tour takes in the Bahia Palace, the Saadian Tombs, the Koutoubia Mosque and the Majorelle Garden, once owned by Yves Saint Laurent. Wander the souks for spices, leather and crafts, then enjoy a farewell dinner in a traditional riad or restaurant.
Overnight in Marrakech.
Day 10: Departure
After breakfast, transfer to Marrakech or Casablanca airport for your flight home, with unforgettable memories of Morocco's landscapes, history and hospitality.
This itinerary can be customised to suit you. For a shorter trip, see the 8-day tour from Marrakech.
Prices
Prices are per person for a private tour and depend on group size:
- 2 to 3 people: $2,330 per person
- 4 to 5 people: $1,990 per person
- 6 to 8 people: $1,910 per person
- 9 to 12 people: $1,820 per person
- 13 to 15 people: $1,640 per person
Ask for a quote for your dates
Included
- Private transport and fuel
- Expert local driver-guide
- Hotels with dinner and breakfast
- Desert camp with dinner and breakfast
- Camel ride in the Sahara
- Local guides in the cities
Not included: flights, lunches, entrance fees and tips.
Good to Know
- When to go: spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are ideal at 20 to 30°C. Summer is extremely hot in the desert (up to 45°C) and winter nights there are near freezing.
- Dress code: modest clothing is recommended, with shoulders and knees covered at religious sites. Loose-fitting clothes are most comfortable.
- Health: drink bottled water. Routine vaccines plus hepatitis A and typhoid are commonly advised; ask your doctor.
- Drives: some days are long (Fes to Merzouga is about 7 hours). Roads are good, but mountain passes are winding.
- Food: tagine, couscous and mint tea are staples. Vegetarian and vegan options are easy to arrange if you tell your guide in advance.
- What to pack: sunglasses, scarf, sunscreen and warm layers for the desert, comfortable walking shoes and a Type C/E power adapter (220V).
- Tips: bargain in the souks and respect prayer times, when some shops close briefly.
Reviews
"This tour was perfect for our group of 10 adults and 3 kids! The hotels were clean, the food delicious, and the itinerary well-paced for all ages. Riding camels in the Sahara, wandering Chefchaouen's blue streets, and exploring Fes' ancient medina were unforgettable highlights." Mark, UK
"Our trip with Morocco Lux Tours was unforgettable! Our driver and guides were friendly, knowledgeable, and made us feel safe. The desert experience, camel rides, luxury camp and stargazing, was a dream. Hotels were excellent, blending comfort and local charm." Micheal, Canada
"This was my second trip to Morocco, and booking this 10-day organized tour was the perfect decision! The itinerary covered all the highlights, from Chefchaouen's blue streets to the Sahara's golden dunes. A fantastic trip with friends!" Philip, United States