Tour Details
explore morocco like never before with PLENET ESCAPE TOURS
Tour Overview
This 9-day journey links Morocco’s imperial cities with a genuine Sahara off-road experience. Begin on the Atlantic in Casablanca and Rabat, step through the Roman stones of Volubilis, then lose yourself in the maze of Fes. Cross the Middle Atlas via Ifrane and the Cedar Forest, descend the Ziz Valley to Merzouga for a camel-back sunset on Erg Chebbi. Go beyond the usual routes by 4×4 to Khamlia, Taouz, Ouzina, and Ramlia, rejoin the oases and canyons of Todgha and Dades, walk the kasbah lanes of Aït Ben Haddou, crest the High Atlas, and finish in the vibrant Red City 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 ➝ Meknes ➝ Volubilis ➝ Moulay Idriss ➝ Fes
🚘 Distance: ~280 km | ⏱️ Duration: ~6 hours (with scenic stops)
* Meknes: Bab Mansour & El Hedim – Grand imperial gate and central square.
* Volubilis (UNESCO) – Roman city with exquisite mosaics (Orpheus, Diana Bath).
* Moulay Idriss Zerhoun – Sacred hill town, picturesque white lanes.
* Arrive Fes by evening.
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 ➝ Khamlia ➝ Taouz ➝ Ouzina
🚘 Distance: ~120 km | ⏱ ~5 hours (4×4 Off-Road)
* 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 ➝ Marrakech
🚘 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.
* 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.
Explore Marrakech – Departure
🚘 Distance: Local exploration | ⏱️ Flexible
Free time according to your flight. Private airport transfer and assistance.
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
* Stay level: Comfort • 4★ • 5★ Luxury (or mix by city)
* Desert upgrades: Private en-suite tents, private dune dinner, star-photography session
* Experiences: Quad/buggy in Merzouga, hot-air balloon near Marrakech, hammam & spa, cooking class
* Reverse itinerary (start in Casablanca, end in Marrakech )
* Hot-air balloon flight in Marrakech
* transfer Airport in casablanca
* Extensions: Chefchaouen pre-night, Essaouira post-night, Agafay sunset dinner
* Escort guide: Same expert guide throughout for deeper culture/history focus
* Family/Honeymoon/Photo versions with adjusted pacing and special setups
🧭 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 2025 departures. Book now to secure your place on this incredible journey.