13 Days Morocco tour from Casablanca

Day 1: Welcome to Casablanca – Discover Morocco’s Largest City

Your 13-day Morocco tour from Casablanca, Morocco’s largest city and modern economic capital. Upon arrival in Casablanca, your driver will meet you at Casablanca Mohammed V Airport or your hotel and will start the journey with a visit to the Hassan II Mosque, one of the most impressive mosques in the world. Located on the Atlantic Ocean, this architectural gem is one of Morocco’s most famous landmarks and a perfect introduction to the country’s rich craftsmanship, Islamic design, and coastal beauty.

Depending on your time of arrival, you will continue discovering some of the main highlights of Casablanca thereafter. You might also catch a glimpse of Mohammed V Square with its fine colonial architecture and lively atmosphere before a photo stop at the famous Rick’s Café, inspired by the classic movie Casablanca. You can also take a leisurely walk along the Corniche, the Atlantic breeze and ocean views making for a pleasant first evening in Morocco. You will be transferred to your hotel for your first overnight stay.

Day 2: Casablanca – Rabat – Asilah

The Morocco itinerary continues after breakfast along the Atlantic coast to Rabat, the capital city of Morocco and one of the country’s four imperial cities. Upon arrival you will visit the main historical sites of Rabat, the city that makes it a refined and fascinating destination. First you will visit the Hassan Tower, an unfinished minaret and one of the city’s most important monuments. Next, you will visit the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, a beautifully decorated royal resting place and a fine example of Moroccan architecture, and it has a tranquil ambiance.

Next, discover the Kasbah of the Oudayas, a charming historic fortress with views of the Bou Regreg River and the Atlantic Ocean. With its narrow streets, blue-and-white houses, and panoramic views, it is one of the most photogenic places in Rabat. After lunch break, drive north to Asilah, a sleepy seaside town with whitewashed walls, colorful murals, and a relaxed coastal vibe. Finally, you will check into your hotel and enjoy a quiet overnight stay on the Atlantic coast.

Day 3: Asilah – Tangier – Rif Mountains – Chefchaouen

After breakfast you will leave Asilah and travel by coach along the coast to Tangier, a historic gateway between Africa and Europe. Tangier, the “Bride of the North,” is situated where the Mediterranean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean at the Strait of Gibraltar. Your journey starts at Cape Spartel, a beautiful vantage point overlooking the ocean. Next you will see the famous Hercules Caves, a natural site linked to local legends and one of the most popular attractions in northern Morocco.

Following lunch and some free time, we continue our journey inland to Chefchaouen, passing Tetouan and the beautiful Rif Mountains. Stop for panoramic views on the way to admire the green valleys, mountain roads, and traditional villages of northern Morocco. As you approach Chefchaouen, the scenery becomes even more tranquil and scenic. At last, you will get to the Blue City, one of the most beautiful places in Morocco where you will sleep in a lovely hotel or riad.

Day 4 – Chefchaouen Sightseeing – The Blue City

After breakfast, you will begin your exploration of Chefchaouen, one of the most magical towns in Morocco. Chefchaouen is located in the Rif Mountains and is known for its blue streets, white houses, colorful doors, and relaxed mountain atmosphere. On your walking tour you’ll walk through the old medina, and each corner is a nice photo opportunity. And with its steady rhythm, the town is also perfect for slowing down and soaking up the real Moroccan charm.

As you continue along the narrow alleys, you will find small artisan shops, local markets, and traditional cafes. You will have time for lunch in the medina, where you can taste Moroccan dishes, enjoying the peaceful surroundings. You can hike to the Spanish mosque in the afternoon. It is on a hill and overlooks the entire blue city. The panoramic view is especially beautiful here at sunset. You will return to your hotel for a second overnight stay in Chefchaouen.

Day 5: Chefchaouen – Volubilis – Meknes – Fes

After breakfast, enjoy some free time to explore the quiet streets of Chefchaouen before continuing your Morocco tour to the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis. This important archaeological site is one of the best-preserved Roman settlements in North Africa and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walking through the ruins, you will find ancient columns, arches, houses, and beautiful mosaics, showing the deep historical layers of Morocco and its link with different civilizations.

After visiting Volubilis you will drive to Meknes, one of Morocco’s imperial cities and the former capital of Sultan Moulay Ismail. You will discover here the most beautiful gates of Morocco, like Bab Mansour, but also Sahrij Souani, the Royal Stables, the granary, and the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail. Then you will go on to Fes, the spiritual and cultural heart of Morocco. On arrival you will be checked into your traditional riad for an overnight stay.

Day 6: Guided sightseeing tour of Fes

After breakfast at your riad, a guided tour of Fes, one of Morocco’s most captivating imperial cities, will begin. The trip begins with a brief drive to explore landmarks beyond the old medina. You will start at the Royal Palace Gate with its wonderful gold doors and intricate Moroccan decorations. Next, you will visit the Mellah, the historic Jewish Quarter, then continue to Borj Sud for a panoramic view over the ancient city.

Your local guide will then take you to the medina of Fes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a labyrinth of narrow streets, traditional workshops, markets, and historical monuments. The walking tour takes you to important sites such as Al Attarine Madrasa, the Al Quaraouiyine Mosque and University, and the famous Chouara Tanneries, where leather is still treated and dyed using traditional methods. You’ll also find artisan quarters, spice shops, and secret corners of the old city. At the end of a cultural day, you will return to your riad to relax.

Day 7: Fes – Ifrane – Cedar Forest – Midelt – Ziz Valley – Merzouga Desert

After breakfast, you will continue your 13-day Morocco Desert Tour to the south through the Middle Atlas Mountains. First you will cross Imouzzer before arriving in Ifrane, a clean and peaceful town with a mountain climate and alpine-style architecture. Ifrane is sometimes called the ‘Switzerland of Morocco’ because of its European appearance. Then to the cedar forest near Azrou, where you can see wild Barbary macaques in their natural habitat.

Then, you will continue your trip to Midelt, where you will have free time to have lunch before crossing the Tizi n’Talghmt Pass and following the scenic Ziz Valley. On the way, you will stop for panoramic views of palm groves, mountains, and traditional villages. We arrive in Merzouga in the afternoon, at the foot of the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi. Here you will ride camels across the Sahara Desert and stop on a tall dune to see the sunset. And finally, you arrive at your desert camp, where you will enjoy dinner, Berber music, and a magical night under the stars.

Day 8: Merzouga Discovery – Nomads – Khamlia – Oasis – Erg Chebbi

Waking up early in the Sahara Desert is highly recommended: sunrise over the Erg Chebbi dunes is one of the most unforgettable moments of this Morocco itinerary. After breakfast at the camp, you will return to Merzouga by camel or 4×4 vehicle, where your driver will be waiting. Today is the day of the discovery of the Merzouga region, a region rich in desert landscapes, nomadic culture, fossils, palm groves, and traditional music.

First, you will go off-road to an ancient eyeliner mine and then meet a local nomad family in their handmade tent. Over a glass of Berber tea, you’ll learn about their way of life, traditions, and their bond with the desert. Then you will head for the village of Khamlia known for its Gnawa music and its cultural heritage from sub-Saharan Africa. After lunch free time, you will enjoy a walk in a palm grove, and conditions permitting, you will visit the seasonal lake of Merzouga, which is sometimes known as Flamingo Lake. Dinner and overnight at a comfortable hotel.

Day 9: Merzouga – Rissani – Erfoud – Todra Gorges – Dades Gorge

After breakfast you will depart from the Sahara Desert and drive to Rissani, a historic town that was once an important trading center in the Tafilalet region. If you are here on market day, visit its traditional souk, where locals trade spices, dates, animals, crafts, and daily goods. This stop will give you a real glimpse of life in southern Morocco and add a cultural touch to your 13-day Morocco tour from Casablanca.

Later on you will proceed to Erfoud, a town known for fossils and fossilized marble workshops. The itinerary then leads you through the palm groves of Touroug and Tinjdad before arriving at the spectacular Todra Gorges. These high red cliffs, carved by the river Todra, create one of the most impressive natural sights in Morocco. Before lunch you will have time to walk through the canyon and enjoy the scenery. Continue to Dades Valley later, stopping near the scenic viewpoints and the “Monkey Fingers” rock formations. Dinner and overnight stay at hotel.

Day 10: Dades Valley – Rose Valley – Skoura – Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – Marrakech.

After breakfast, you continue your journey through some of the most beautiful valleys of southern Morocco. First you will go to Kalaat M’Gouna, known for the Rose Valley and its annual Rose Festival in May. It is famous for its rose products such as rose water, perfumes, oils, and cosmetics. Then you will drive through the palm groves of Skoura, a region dotted with kasbahs, oases, and peaceful landscapes, before reaching Ouarzazate.

Then you will visit the famous Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most emblematic fortified villages of Morocco. This historic ksar is famous for its dramatic architecture and desert setting and has appeared in multiple international films and series. After touring the kasbah, you will cross the High Atlas Mountains with a stop for lunch and panoramic photos on the way through the Tizi n’Tichka Pass. Finally, you arrive in Marrakech and check into your riad for the night.

Day 11: Marrakech Sightseeing Tour

After breakfast, you will visit Marrakech with a knowledgeable local guide. Marrakech is one of the most vibrant imperial cities of Morocco, a unique combination of history, culture, colors, and energy. Your guided tour includes the beautiful Bahia Palace, a 19th-century masterpiece of carved wood, painted ceilings, and tranquil courtyards. You will then visit the Ben Youssef Madrasa, one of the finest examples of traditional Moroccan architecture and Islamic design.

Then you will wander through the bustling medina and souks, where artisans sell spices, lamps, leather goods, carpets, and handmade crafts. You will also see the famous Jemaa el-Fna square, the beating heart of Marrakech, before admiring the Koutoubia Mosque from the outside. Lunch break (free), and then you will meet your driver and go to the Majorelle Garden (online pre-booking needed). Finally, you’ll enjoy a short drive through Gueliz, the modern district of Marrakech, and then return to your riad.

Day 12: Marrakech to Essaouira

After breakfast you will depart Marrakech and head west to Essaouira, one of Morocco’s most charming Atlantic coastal towns. On the way you will pass landscapes of argan trees, and you will have the possibility to stop at a local cooperative to discover the process of making the argan oil. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of goats climbing argan trees, a well-known sight in this region. The closer you get to the coast, the more laid back and cooler the vibe.

On your arrival to Essaouira, formerly Mogador, you will have free time to discover this beautiful seaside town at your own rhythm. You can visit the fishing port, walk on the ancient ramparts, admire the cannons facing the Atlantic Ocean, and wander in the medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Essaouira is also known for its fresh seafood, art galleries, blue and white streets, and long sandy beach. Finally, you will be transferred to your hotel for a tranquil overnight stay by the sea.

Day 13 Essaouira – Casablanca Airport

At the end of your 13-day Morocco tour, you will depart from Essaouira after breakfast and travel back to Casablanca. The drive follows the Atlantic route and gives you time to ponder the amazing diversity of landscapes and experiences you’ve had on your Morocco journey. This tour includes imperial cities, mountain roads, Sahara dunes, ancient kasbahs, and coastal towns for a complete discovery of Morocco.

On arrival in Casablanca you will be transferred to Mohammed V Airport for your onward flight home. Ideally, your flight should be scheduled for 4:00 PM or later to allow sufficient time for the transfer. However, this Morocco tour can also be completed in Marrakech, depending on your travel plans. This is the end of your unforgettable 13-day Morocco itinerary from Casablanca.