Tour Details
explore morocco like never before with PLENET ESCAPE TOURS
Tour Overview
This 9‑day journey connects Morocco’s imperial capitals with an immersive Sahara off‑road adventure. Begin on the Atlantic in Casablanca and Rabat, move through Meknes, Volubilis, and Moulay Idriss, and dive deep into Fes—the spiritual heart of Morocco. Traverse the Middle Atlas via Ifrane and the Cedar Forest to the Ziz Valley oasis and the dunes of Merzouga. A 4×4 track carries you beyond the usual routes to Khamlia, Taouz, Ouzina, Ramlia, and Alnif, before the cliffs of Todgha and the fertile Dades Valley lead you to Ouarzazate and Aït Ben Haddou. Finish among the palaces, gardens, and souks of Marrakech.
🔍 Quick Facts:
- Duration: 9 Days / 8 Nights
- Start Point: Casablanca
- End Point: Marrakech
- Tour Type: Private (customizable)
- Theme: 🏜️Desert Adventure, 🎭Culture & History, 🕌 Cultural Heritage
- Best Season: March–May, Sept–Nov
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrival in Casablanca ➝ Rabat
🚘 Distance: ~90 km | ⏱️ Duration: ~1.5 hours (with scenic stops)
* Hassan II Mosque (Casablanca): One of the largest mosques in the world, built partly on the sea, featuring intricate mosaics and a retractable roof.
* Hassan Tower (Rabat): A historical minaret of an incomplete mosque from the 12th century, symbolizing Morocco’s rich Islamic heritage.
* Kasbah of the Udayas (Rabat): A charming fortress overlooking the Atlantic, famous for its Andalusian gardens and blue-and-white streets.
* Mohammed V Mausoleum (Rabat): A majestic mausoleum with ornate marble, housing the tomb of King Mohammed V.
Rabat ➝ Chefchaouen
🚘 Distance: ~250 km | ⏱️ Duration: ~4.5 hours (with scenic stops)
* Chefchaouen Medina: Known as the “Blue Pearl,” this medina is famous for its vividly painted blue streets and peaceful atmosphere.
* Kasbah Museum: Housed in a restored fortress, showcasing local history, artifacts, and panoramic views of the medina.
* Ras Elma Waterfall: A small natural waterfall at the edge of town, perfect for relaxing strolls.
* Optional: Hike to the Spanish Mosque for a panoramic sunset over the blue city.
Chefchaouen ➝ Volubilis ➝ Meknes ➝ Fes
Distance: 200 km | ⏱ ~4h drive
* Volubilis (UNESCO): Well-preserved Roman ruins with intricate mosaics, ancient basilicas, and triumphal arches, reflecting Morocco’s Roman history.
* Moulay Idriss: A holy town nearby Volubilis, known as the birthplace of Idriss I, with beautiful white-washed streets.
* Bab Mansour (Meknes): One of Morocco’s most stunning gates, featuring grand architecture and decorative zellij tiles.
* Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail (Meknes): Burial place of one of Morocco’s greatest sultans, showcasing exquisite Moroccan architecture.
Full Day in Fes (Guided Tour)
🚘 Distance: Local exploration | ⏱️ Flexible
* Fes Medina (Fes el-Bali, UNESCO): A labyrinth of narrow streets filled with souks, tanneries, and historic mosques.
* Al-Qarawiyyin University: Founded in 859 AD, considered the oldest university in the world.
* Bou Inania & Attarine Medersas: Stunning examples of Islamic architecture and intricate carvings.
* Chouara Tanneries: Traditional leather dyeing pits offering colorful, photogenic scenes.
* Jewish Quarter (Mellah): Historic neighborhood with synagogues and old palaces.
Fes ➝ Ifrane ➝ Azrou ➝ Ziz Valley ➝ Merzouga
🚘 Distance: ~460 km | ⏱ ~8 hours
* Ifrane: Known as “Little Switzerland,” famous for alpine-style architecture, fountains, and clean streets.
* Azrou Cedar Forest: Home to Barbary macaques and stunning cedar trees; ideal for nature walks.
* Ziz Valley: Palm oasis surrounded by desert landscapes, famous for date palms and kasbahs.
* Merzouga Desert & Erg Chebbi: Golden sand dunes stretching as far as the eye can see; sunset camel trek and overnight in a luxury desert camp.
Merzouga Desert Discovery
🚘 Distance: Local exploration | ⏱️ Flexible
* Khamlia Village: Known for Gnawa music and traditional desert culture.
* Oasis Exploration: Discover remote desert oases, dunes, and nomadic settlements.
* Optional Activities: Sandboarding, ATV/quad adventures, or relaxing under the starry sky.
Merzouga ➝ Todra Gorges ➝ Dades Valley
🚘 Distance: ~200 km | ⏱ ~4 hours
* Todra Gorges: Towering limestone canyon walls, ideal for walking and photography.
* Dades Valley: Known as the “Valley of the Roses,” with dramatic rock formations called “Monkey Fingers” and traditional Berber villages.
Dades – Rose Valley – Skoura – Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou
🚘 Distance: ~180 km | ⏱ ~4 hours
* Rose Valley: Famous for its rose fields and traditional rose water production. * Skoura Oasis: Home to centuries-old kasbahs, including Kasbah Amridil. * Ouarzazate: Morocco’s “Hollywood,” featuring Atlas Film Studios and Kasbah Taourirt. * Ait Ben Haddou (UNESCO): Iconic fortified village used as a backdrop in many films; spectacular example of southern Moroccan earthen architecture.
Ait Ben Haddou – High Atlas – Marrakech
🚘 Distance: ~190 km | ⏱ ~4.5 hours via Tizi n’Tichka pass
* High Atlas Mountains: Scenic drive through Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2260m), panoramic mountain views, Berber villages.
* Marrakech: Arrival and evening free for leisure or optional souk exploration.
Explore Marrakech – Departure
🚘 Distance: Local exploration | ⏱️ Flexible
* Jemaa el-Fna Square: Vibrant heart of Marrakech with street performers, storytellers, and local snacks.
* Koutoubia Mosque: Iconic Marrakech mosque with a 77m high minaret.
* Bahia Palace: Ornate palace from the 19th century with lush gardens.
* Saadian Tombs: Historic royal tombs with intricate tile work.
* Majorelle Gardens & Yves Saint Laurent Museum: Colorful botanical gardens with exotic plants and design museum.
What's Included
- Private transport in air-conditioned minivan or 4x4 or van
- English-speaking driver/guide
- Fuel and road fees
- 5 nights accommodation (hotels, riads & desert camp)
- Daily breakfast & 3 dinners (excluding first & last day)
- Guided tours in Fes
- Camel trek in the Sahara dunes
- Assistance throughout the journey
What's Not Included
- Lunches and drinks
- Entrance fees to monuments and sites
- Personal expenses and tips
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
💡 OPTIONS & CUSTOMIZATIONS
* Upgrade to luxury desert camp with en-suite tents
* Add an extra night in Marrakech or Fes
* Upgrade to luxury 4★/5★ riads and boutique hotels
* Reverse itinerary (start in Marrakech, end in Casablanca )
* Hot-air balloon flight in Marrakech
* transfer Airport in casablanca
* Extend the tour with Essaouira or Agadir
* Hiking or hot-air ballooning in the Atlas Mountains
* Photography or film-themed tour
🧭 MAP
Casablanca ➝ Rabat ➝ Chefchaouen ➝ Volubilis ➝ Meknes ➝ Fes ➝ Ifrane ➝ Azrou ➝ Ziz Valley ➝ Merzouga ➝ Todra ➝ Dades ➝ Skoura ➝ Ouarzazate ➝ Ait Ben Haddou ➝ Marrakech.
Photo Gallery
Ready for Your Mediterranean Adventure?
Limited spots available for 2024 departures. Book now to secure your place on this incredible journey.