8-Day Desert Tour from

Marrakech to Casablanca

A Morocco route by Affordable Morocco Tours

Tour Overview

Tour Length:

8 Days / 7 Nights

Start City:

Marrakech

End City:

Casablanca

Price Range:

€TBD

Destinations Included:

Ait Benhaddou, Dades Valley, Todgha Gorges, Erfoud, Merzouga (Erg Chebbi dunes), Khamlia (Gnawa village), Ziz Valley, Midelt, Ifrane, Fes, Chefchaouen, Rabat, Casablanca

8-Day Desert Tour from

Marrakech to Casablanca

A Morocco route by Tarhanine Morocco Tours

Tour Overview

Tour Length:

8 Days / 7 Nights

Start City:

Marrakech

End City:

Casablanca

Price Range:

€TBD

Destinations Included:

Ait Benhaddou, Dades Valley, Todgha Gorges, Erfoud, Merzouga (Erg Chebbi dunes), Khamlia (Gnawa village), Ziz Valley, Midelt, Ifrane, Fes, Chefchaouen, Rabat, Casablanca

8 days

All Destinations

Luxury or Standard

About this Tour

This 8-day itinerary begins in Marrakech and ends in Casablanca, combining Morocco’s classic kasbah route, the Sahara dunes of Merzouga (Erg Chebbi), and northern cities including Fes, Chefchaouen, and Rabat.

The tour includes a camel trek at sunset and an overnight desert camp, a guided city tour in Fes, time in the blue medina of Chefchaouen, Rabat’s key landmarks, and a final Casablanca visit including Hassan II Mosque before departure.

Highlights

Your 8-Day Route: At a Glance

Best for:

Travelers who want the Sahara plus Fes, Chefchaouen, Rabat, and Casablanca in one route

Tour length:

8 Days / 7 Nights

Start city:

Marrakech

Start city:

Casablanca

Route:

Marrakech → Ait Benhaddou → Dades Valley → Todgha Gorges → Erfoud → Merzouga (Erg Chebbi) → Ziz Valley → Fes → Chefchaouen → Rabat → Casablanca

Signature moments:

Ait Benhaddou (UNESCO) • Todgha Gorge walk • Merzouga desert excursion • Nomad visit • Khamlia (Gnawa village) • Camel trek at sunset • Desert camp night • Guided Fes tour • Chefchaouen blue medina • Rabat landmarks • Hassan II Mosque

Overnights:

Dades • Merzouga hotel • Merzouga camp • Fes • Chefchaouen • Casablanca (based on itinerary flow)

Itinerary Route

Day by Day Itinerary

Ait Benhaddou, Dades Valley, Todgha Gorges, Erfoud, Merzouga (Erg Chebbi dunes), Khamlia (Gnawa village),

Ziz Valley, Midelt, Ifrane, Fes, Chefchaouen, Rabat, Casablanca

Day 1: Marrakech – Tizi n’Tichka Pass – Ait Benhaddou – Dades Valley

Depart Marrakech toward Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1987. This traditional ksar served as a stop for camel caravans traveling trade routes.

Cross the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, one of the highest mountain passes in Morocco, with scenic viewpoints along the route. Continue to Dades Valley.

Overnight and dinner: in a charming riad in Dades.

Day 2: Dades Valley – Todgha Gorges – Tinjdad – Erfoud – Merzouga

After breakfast, continue to the Todgha Gorges. Stop for a short walk, then continue for lunch in Tinjdad.

Travel onward to Erfoud, known for palm groves and fossil quarries and used as a filming location for movies such as The Mummy and Prince of Persia. Continue to Merzouga and relax at the hotel to prepare for the desert day.

Overnight: Merzouga hotel

Day 3: Merzouga Desert Excursion – Nomads – Khamlia – Camel Trek – Desert Camp

After breakfast, begin a Merzouga excursion across the desert landscapes and dunes toward Erg Chebbi, the largest sand dunes in Morocco.

Visit nomads living in the desert and learn about their lifestyle and culture. Visit Khamlia Village (Gnawa Village), where traditions have been preserved for generations. Lunch can be taken in the village or back at the hotel, depending on the schedule.

In the evening, take a camel trek to watch sunset over the dunes, then continue to the camp for dinner and overnight under the stars.

Overnight and dinner: desert camp in Merzouga

Day 4: Merzouga – Erfoud – Ziz Valley – Midelt – (Cedar forests) – Ifrane – Fes

Wake up early for sunrise and photos on the dunes. After breakfast, begin the drive to Fes, passing Erfoud, the Ziz Palm Valley, Midelt, cedar forest areas, and Ifrane. Arrive in Fes for hotel drop-off and rest.

Overnight: Fes

Day 5: Full-Day Fes Guided Tour – Medina, Tanneries, Medersa, Nejjarine

After breakfast, explore Fes on a guided tour. Walk the medina streets and visit key sites including the tomb of Moulay Idriss II, the old city highlights, Bou Inania Madrasa, traditional tanneries, and Funduk Nejjarine. Return to your hotel in the evening and enjoy Moroccan dinner.

Overnight: Fes

Day 6: Fes – Chefchaouen – Explore the Blue Medina

After breakfast, travel north through the Rif Mountains to Chefchaouen. Check into the hotel, then explore the town, including the historic Kasbah of Chefchaouen (15th–16th centuries) and the blue-painted streets of the medina.

Visit local shops in the main square and, if you wish, take a short walk in nearby hills for views.

Overnight: Chefchaouen (based on itinerary flow)

Day 7: Chefchaouen – Rabat Sightseeing – Casablanca

After breakfast, travel south to Rabat. Visit key landmarks including Hassan Tower, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, and the old medina walls. After lunch in Rabat, continue to Casablanca. Check into your hotel and relax.

Overnight: Casablanca

Day 8: Casablanca City Visit – Hassan II Mosque – Departure

After breakfast in Casablanca, visit the Hassan II Mosque and enjoy the surrounding atmosphere. Then transfer to Mohammed V International Airport for departure.

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Unique Journeys,

Tailored to Your Style

At Affordable Morocco Tours, every journey begins with you. Whether you are planning a short escape or an extensive family adventure, we create private tours tailored to your interests, pace, and travel style.

The sample itineraries on our website highlight real guest favorites, but they are a starting point. Once we know your travel dates and preferences, we refine the route to support a smooth experience from arrival to departure.