This 6 day tour from Casablanca to Marrakech travels through Rabat, Meknes and Fes to the Sahara, then back over the High Atlas to Marrakech.
Discover Morocco’s living history and timeless desert landscapes on this 6-Day Imperial Cities & Sahara Heritage Tour, starting in Casablanca and ending in Marrakech.
Designed for travelers, students, and culture enthusiasts, this journey connects Morocco’s historic capitals with the breathtaking Sahara Desert, blending heritage, adventure, and authentic encounters all in one unforgettable trip.
From royal palaces and Roman ruins to desert dunes and Berber villages, Navigate Morocco brings the story of Morocco to life.
The capital, Rabat, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that blends a historic old city with a modern capital. The Medina of Fez, founded in the 9th century, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest car-free urban areas in the world. At Merzouga, the Erg Chebbi dunes rise to around 150 meters, among the tallest in Morocco.
The best months for a full Morocco circuit are March to May and September to November, when both the cities and the desert are comfortable. Summer is hot inland and in the Sahara, and winter brings cold desert nights and snow in the mountains.
This private 6 day tour from Casablanca to Marrakech starts from $720 per person, based on two travelers sharing, and the price per person drops for larger groups. Every itinerary can be adjusted to your dates, pace and hotel preferences. Send us your dates on WhatsApp or through the enquiry form below for a free quote.
Your Moroccan adventure begins in Casablanca with a visit to the majestic Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world and Morocco’s most iconic landmark. Perched on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, its towering minaret rises 210 meters above the city, making it a truly awe-inspiring start to your journey.
Continue north to Rabat, Morocco’s modern capital and one of its four imperial cities. Explore the grand Royal Palace gates, stroll through the historic Kasbah of the Udayas overlooking the Atlantic, and admire the impressive Hassan Tower, an unfinished 12th-century minaret standing beside the Mausoleum of Mohammed V — a masterpiece of Moroccan craftsmanship.
After lunch, travel inland to Meknes, one of Morocco’s most underrated imperial cities. Known for its monumental Bab Mansour gate, grand stables, and vast royal granaries, Meknes offers a glimpse into the grandeur of Sultan Moulay Ismail’s 17th-century reign. Stroll through the medina before continuing east toward Fes.
Arrive in Fes in the evening and check into your traditional riad in the heart of the old city. Enjoy a welcome dinner and soak in the atmosphere of Morocco’s spiritual capital.
Fes is one of the world’s best-preserved medieval cities and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today, an expert local guide leads you deep into Fes el-Bali, the ancient medina, a labyrinth of over 9,000 narrow alleyways, bustling souks, and centuries-old monuments.
Visit Al Quaraouiyine University, founded in 859 AD and recognized as the world’s oldest continuously operating university. Explore the stunning Bou Inania Madrasa, a 14th-century theological school adorned with intricate zellige tilework, carved cedar wood, and ornate stucco plasterwork.
Head to the famous Chouara Tanneries, where leather has been dyed using the same traditional techniques for over a thousand years. Watch craftsmen at work from the rooftop terraces of nearby shops, surrounded by the vivid hues of saffron, poppy red, and indigo dye vats below.
Browse the artisan quarter, where coppersmiths, weavers, and ceramicists practice their crafts as they have for generations. In the afternoon, enjoy an authentic Moroccan lunch at a traditional restaurant in the medina before continuing your exploration of the city’s hidden gems.
Return to your riad in the evening for a well-deserved rest.
After breakfast, depart Fes and begin your scenic drive southward through the breathtaking Middle Atlas Mountains. Your first stop is Ifrane, a charming alpine town often nicknamed the ‘Switzerland of Morocco’ for its European-style architecture, clean streets, and cedar-covered hillsides. Keep an eye out for Barbary macaques roaming freely in the forests around Azrou, a memorable wildlife encounter on the road south.
Continue through Midelt, a mountain town nestled between the Middle and High Atlas ranges, known for its apple orchards and traditional Berber carpets. Enjoy a lunch stop here before descending into the dramatic Ziz Valley, a stunning palm-lined river gorge stretching for miles through the pre-Saharan landscape, dotted with ancient kasbahs and mudbrick villages.
As you approach Merzouga, the gateway to the Sahara, the landscape transforms into vast open plains before the towering orange dunes of Erg Chebbi rise dramatically on the horizon. In the late afternoon, your camels await at the edge of the dunes. Trek across the golden sands as the sun descends, painting the desert in warm shades of amber and gold.
Arrive at your desert camp as night falls. Be welcomed with traditional mint tea and settle around the campfire as Berber musicians fill the evening air with the hypnotic rhythms of Gnawa music. Enjoy a traditional dinner under a canopy of stars, far from city lights, in one of the most magical settings on earth.
Rise early to witness the Sahara sunrise, as the first light of dawn slowly illuminates the towering dunes in shades of pink and gold. This quiet, peaceful moment is one of the most unforgettable experiences of the journey. After breakfast at the camp, bid farewell to the desert and begin your journey westward.
Travel toward the spectacular Todra Gorge, one of Morocco’s most dramatic natural wonders. The gorge is carved by the Todra River, with sheer limestone cliffs rising over 300 meters on either side, narrowing at points to just a few meters wide. Take a refreshing walk along the river through the canyon, a popular spot for rock climbers and hikers, and enjoy the breathtaking scenery.
Continue into the Dades Valley, often called the Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs, where a stunning road winds through red rock formations, rose gardens, and ancient mud-brick fortresses. The dramatic Monkey Fingers rock formations near Aït Oudinar are a popular photography stop. Check into your riad overlooking the valley in the late afternoon and enjoy the peaceful mountain landscape as the sun sets over the red cliffs.
After breakfast, travel through the Valley of the Roses, named for the fragrant Damask roses that bloom each spring and supply Morocco’s famous rose water and perfume industry. Pass through small Berber villages and ancient kasbahs as you make your way toward Ouarzazate.
Known as the ‘Hollywood of Africa,’ Ouarzazate has been the backdrop for some of cinema’s most iconic productions. Visit the famous Atlas Film Studios, one of the largest film studios in the world, where sets fromblockbusters like Gladiator, Lawrence of Arabia, and Game of Thrones still stand. Continue to the legendary Aït Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Morocco’s most photographed kasbahs. This ancient fortified village of earthen clay towers has appeared in countless films and series. Wander through its narrow alleys and climb to the top for panoramic views of the surrounding desert landscape.
In the afternoon, cross the dramatic High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260 meters), the highest paved mountain road in Morocco. The scenery is spectacular, with sweeping views of snow-capped peaks, terraced Berber villages, and deep valleys. Descend into the plains and arrive in Marrakech by early evening. Check into your riad near the medina and enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner.
Your final day is dedicated to the wonders of Marrakech, the Red City and cultural heart of southern Morocco. Begin with a visit to the vibrant Majorelle Garden, a stunning botanical garden of exotic plants and electric-blue architecture, once owned by Yves Saint Laurent. Nearby, explore the Yves Saint Laurent Museum (optional) celebrating the fashion designer’s deep connection to Morocco.
Continue to the Koutoubia Mosque, Marrakech’s most iconic monument and the largest mosque in the city, its 70-meter minaret visible from across the city. Visit the Saadian Tombs, a 16th-century royal necropolis hidden for centuries and only rediscovered in 1917, housing the ornate marble tombs of the Saadian dynasty. Explore the magnificent Bahia Palace, a 19th-century masterpiece of Moroccan architecture, with its grand courtyards, painted ceilings, and fragrant gardens.
In the afternoon, lose yourself in the colorful souks of the medina, where artisans craft leather, silver jewellery, hand-woven rugs, spices, and intricate lanterns. Let your guide introduce you to the finest local workshops and the best spots for authentic Moroccan crafts.
As evening falls, make your way to Jemaa el-Fna Square, the beating heart of Marrakech and a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage site. Watch storytellers, acrobats, snake charmers, and musicians fill the square as the sky turns golden. Sit at a rooftop café, sip mint tea, and savor the vibrant energy of this extraordinary city to close your 6-day Moroccan adventure.
Is this a private tour?
Yes. This is a fully private tour operated exclusively for you and your travel companions. You will not share the vehicle or guide with other groups at any point during the journey.
Who is this tour suitable for?
This tour is ideal for travelers, students, culture enthusiasts, families, and small groups who want to explore Morocco’s imperial cities and the Sahara Desert in one connected journey. It is also well-suited for those who want a deeper understanding of Moroccan history, architecture, and Berber culture.
What type of accommodation is included?
You will stay in carefully selected traditional riads and comfortable hotels across the route, plus one night in a desert camp in Merzouga. All accommodations are chosen for their comfort, cleanliness, and authentic Moroccan character.
Is the camel trek suitable for beginners?
Yes. The camel trek across the Erg Chebbi dunes is slow-paced and guided by experienced local camel handlers. It is suitable for most travelers, including those who have never ridden a camel before. A 4×4 transfer to the desert camp can be arranged as an alternative if preferred.
What meals are included?
The tour includes 5 breakfasts and 3 dinners (in Fes, the desert camp, and Dades Valley). Lunches are not included, giving you flexibility to explore local restaurants and street food along the way.
Are entrance fees included?
No. Entrance fees to monuments, kasbahs, museums, and sites are not included in the tour price, allowing you to choose freely which attractions you wish to enter.
Can the itinerary be customized?
Absolutely. Navigate Morocco offers fully flexible itineraries. Stops, accommodation preferences, pace, and optional activities can all be adjusted to match your group’s interests and travel style.
What is the best time to take this tour?
The best months are March to May and September to November, when temperatures are pleasant across the mountains and desert. Summer months can be very hot in the Sahara, while winter brings cooler temperatures that are still manageable with the right clothing.
What should I pack?
Comfortable walking shoes, light layered clothing, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are essential. Bring a light jacket for mountain passes and cool desert nights. A small daypack is useful for excursions and the camel trek.
Where does the tour start and end?
The tour begins in Casablanca (airport or hotel pickup) and ends in Marrakech. Drop-off at your Marrakech accommodation or Marrakech Menara Airport can be arranged.
