10- Day Morocco Itinerary: Casablanca to Marrakech via Chefchaouen, Fes & the Merzouga & Ouzina Desert

10- Day Morocco Itinerary:

You will be welcomed by Sahara Adventure Tour’s staff at Casablanca’s Mohamed V airport and begin your 10- Day Moroccan adventure with a visit to the awe-inspiring Hassan II Mosque, perched on the ocean and open to non-Muslim visitors (9 am, 10 am, 11 am). After lunch, take a short drive (about 1.5 hours) to Rabat, the country’s administrative capital since 1912. In Rabat, explore the Kasbah of the Udayas ( 12^th century castle), the unfinished Hassan Tower ( 12^th century mosque), and the beautiful Mausoleum of Mohammed V. Spend your evening relaxing in the calm atmosphere of the old medina.

After breakfast, we will head north into the Rif Mountains, a scenic drive that brings you to the blue city of Chefchaouen or Echaouen (was built in the 15^th Century) in about 4.5 hours. This peaceful town is known for its sky-blue walls, cozy cafés, and laid-back vibe. Spend your afternoon wandering the medina, sipping mint tea in the central square of Ottat Lahmam, and hiking up to the Spanish Mosque for panoramic sunset views over the city.

Depart Chefchaouen in the morning for Meknes ( UNESCO site since 1997) (around 3 hours drive). Visit the grand Bab Mansour, the Royal Granaries, and the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, a legacy of the city’s imperial past. Just outside Meknes, stop at the Berber-Roman ruins of Volubilis, a remarkably preserved archaeological site, which was listed in the UNESCO since 1997.

Today we will drive to Fez (1 hour drive) then start to exploring the ancient medina of Fes el-Bali with a local guide called Hassan, who is informative and patient. Visit the Al-Qarawiyyin University, the Bou Inania Madrasa, and the colorful tanneries. Get lost in the narrow alleys of the souks, where artisans still work with traditional tools. This is one of the most authentic Moroccan experiences — rich in history, architecture, and local life.

Embark on a full-day scenic drive to the Sahara. Pass through the alpine-style town of Ifrane, the cedar forests near Azrou, where we will visit macaques and the Ziz Valley with its palm groves and dramatic rock faces. Arrive in Merzouga, where the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi rise out of the desert. In the late afternoon, ride a camel dromedary into the dunes and settle in for a magical night at a desert camp, complete with stargazing and traditional Berber music.

After sunrise and breakfast, journey off the beaten path to the remote desert village of Ouzina, by off-road vehicle. The landscapes here are wilder and more rugged, offering a deeper connection to desert life. Spend the day learning about nomadic culture, visiting local families, and enjoying the silence of the Sahara far from tourist crowds.

Leave Ouzina and drive west toward the majestic Todra Gorge, with its towering limestone walls perfect for a short hike or photo stop. Continue through Berber villages to reach the winding roads and red rock formations of the Dades Valley, where we will do a 2-hours hike. This area is known for its dramatic canyons and the famous “monkey fingers” rock formations. Spend the evening in a cozy guesthouse overlooking the valley.

Today is packed with scenery and history. Stop at Ouarzazate, the gateway to the desert, and visit Atlas Studios or the Taourirt Kasbah. Just ahead lies Aït Benhaddou, a stunning ksar and UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987 that has featured in numerous films such as: Gladiator 1 & 2, Odyessey and Game Of Thrones. Afterward, cross the winding Tizi n’Tichka Pass ( 2260 meters) over the High Atlas Mountains and descend into Marrakech.

Dive into the energy of Marrakech. Wander through the vibrant Jemaa el-Fnaa square, where snake charmers and storytellers entertain. Visit the tranquil Majorelle Garden ( the ticket must be bought online through their official site (https://tickets.jardinmajorelle.com/Visite), the stunning Bahia Palace, and the Koutoubia Mosque. The bustling souks are a shopper’s paradise, filled with lanterns, spices, rugs, and pottery. Wind down with a traditional hammam or rooftop dinner with views of the medina.

Depending on your flight, enjoy a relaxing morning in Marrakech or transfer back to Casablanca (approx. 2.5–3 hours by car). If time allows, explore more of Marrakech’s hidden corners before heading to the airport with memories of mountains, medinas, and magical desert nights.

“Thank you for joining us on this unforgettable 10-Day Morocco Itinerary. We hope you enjoyed exploring Casablanca, Chefchaouen, Fes, the Merzouga and Ouzina deserts, and Marrakech!”