6 DAYS DESERT TOUR FROM CASABLANCA

DAY 1: CASABLNACA – RABAT – CHEFCHAOUEN:

The first day of your trip begins with a pickup at Mohammed V International Airport in Casablanca, followed by a sightseeing tour of Rabat and Chefchaouen. On our guided tour of the city, you will see the Hassan II Mosque, one of the world’s largest mosques and a world-renowned architectural marvel. The next stop is Rabat, Morocco’s capital, where we’ll get the opportunity to see famous landmarks including the Oudayas Kasbah and Hassan Tower.

Our next stop is the picturesque northern Moroccan town of Chefchaouen, which is located in the majestic Rif Mountains. We’ll be driving there on an amazing adventure soon.

The four-hour journey from Rabat to Chefchaouen passes through a breathtaking scenery of rolling hills, picturesque towns, and breathtaking vistas. You will have plenty of time to see Chefchaouen’s attractions once you have checked into your accommodation.

DAY 2: EXPLORE THE BLUE CITY OF CHEFCHAOUEN – FES:

Today, we will see the blue city of Chefchaouen before heading to Fes. The city’s historic medina has a friendly ambiance and picturesque bluewashed buildings. Explore the northern slope’s winding roads and little alleyways. Stop by the local cafes and restaurants while you stroll around Plaza Outa el-Hammam, the major plaza.

Next, make your way up the hill to reach the city walls. From there, stroll to Hotel Atlas and reach the rooftop for a bird’s-eye view. Be sure to take a detour eastward to reach the white Spanish Mosque. After a short ascent up the hill, you’ll be treated to a breathtaking view of the sunset behind the mountains (20 to 30 minutes away). Our journey to Fes will begin in the late afternoon, and we will spend the evening at a beautiful riad.

DAY 3: EXPLORE FES WITH A LOCAL GUIDE:

We will visit Chefchaouen, often known as the “blue city,” before continuing on to Fes today. The city’s historic medina has a friendly ambiance and picturesque bluewashed buildings. Explore the northern slope’s winding roads and little alleyways. Stop by the local cafes and restaurants while you stroll around Plaza Outa el-Hammam, the major plaza.

Next, make your way up the hill to reach the city walls. From there, stroll to Hotel Atlas and reach the rooftop for a bird’s-eye view. Be sure to take a detour eastward to reach the white Spanish Mosque. After a short ascent up the hill, you’ll be treated to a breathtaking view of the sunset behind the mountains (20 to 30 minutes away). Our journey to Fes will begin in the late afternoon, and we will spend the evening at a beautiful riad.

The Chouara Tannery has been in operation since the eleventh century, so you may witness the traditional methods firsthand. Stop at the Al Attarine Madrasa, a 14th-century mosque known for its elaborate zellij tile work, and then head to Fes el Jdid, a “new city” built in the 13th century.

From the Mellah, the cemetery, and the old Jewish neighborhood, you can take in breathtaking views of the city. See the incredible architectural change firsthand by seeing Ville Nouvelle if you can spare the time. Before you head to your accommodation, we’ll let you explore Fes at your own leisure at the conclusion of the day.

DAY 4: FES – IFRANE – AZROU – MIDDLE ATLAS MOUNTAINS – SAHARA DESERT:

We begin our holiday with a stop at Ifrane, commonly referred to as the Switzerland of Morocco. Marvel at the town’s splendor and take some breathtaking shots here. After that, we’ll stop at Azrou’s cedar forest, the home of some playful monkeys.

We then stopped at Midelt for lunch. As the sun sets, we make our way across the TIZI N TALGHAMT pass, a scenic overlooking the Ziz Valley and its gorges. En route to Erg Chebbi Dunes, we pass through the date-and fossil-rich towns of Aoufous and Erfoud. Visiting a fossil craft workshop might lead you to learn more about this unique art form.

Finally, we arrive to the Merzouga Dunes of Erg Chebbi. After settling into your hotel, you will have a delicious supper while listening to traditional Berber music. The hotel has unique and comfortable rooms where you can relax and take in the serene beauty of a desert night.

DAY 5: MERZOUGA – RISSANI – ARFOUD – TODGHA GORGES – DADS VALLEY:

On Day 5, you will go via Merzougha, Rissani, Arfoud, Todgha Gorges, and Dads Valley. At
Do yourself a favor and rise early today to witness the breathtaking morning, when the dunes transform into a mesmerizing spectacle of light and shadow. You will ride your camel back to Merzouga after breakfast, where you will meet your driver and continue on to Dades Gorges.

Along the route, we will stop at Rissani’s lively traditional market. Strolling through its bustling streets on a market day—Sundays, Tuesdays, or Thursdays—will greet you with a vibrant array of aromas, noises, and colors.

We continue on to Arfoud, where there is a petrified marble display in a workshop that you are welcome to see. We will stop for lunch while we go through the picturesque Touroug and Tinjdad palm plantations.

After that, we’ll head to the Todgha Gorges in a vehicle. Near a river, you’ll find beautiful canyons with sheer faces that are perfect for rock climbing. Do not rush your exploration of the gorges; instead, take your time and enjoy the stunning scenery as you go.

Before we reach the Dades Valley, we will stop in Boumalne Dades. During your travels, be sure to see the famous “monkey fingers” rock formations and a charming spot on top of a mountain that offers stunning views of the Dades Valley. The day will conclude with dinner and a stay at a hotel.

From Dades Gorge to Ouarzazate, Ait Ben Haddou, the High Atlas Mountains, and Marrakech

DAY 6: DADES GORGE – OUARZAZATE – AIT BEN HADDOU – HIGH ATLAS MOUNTAINS – MARRAKECH:

The next stop on our journey, after breakfast, will be the Rose Valley in Kalaa Magouna. Come to the May Rose Festival to see the wares of local artisans who have created items centered around roses, such as oil, perfume, and decorations. You will pass through the palm groves of Skoura on your way to Ouarzazate.

Take a tour of the Ouarzazate film studios, the locations of many famous films.The famous Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a walled village and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is our first destination on the schedule. Scenes shot in this notable Kasbah have appeared in several films and television series, such as Alexander, Combatant, The Mummy, and Diversion of Positions of Authority.

After touring this famous kasbah, we return to Marrakech via the Tizi-N-Tichka pass and the High Atlas Mountains. We will stop for lunch and photo ops at scenic overlooks along the way. Staying in a riad in Marrakech for the last night of the six-day Morocco itinerary departs from Casablanca.