2026 Trip specials available...contact us today
7 DAY BEST OF MOROCCO DESERT AND IMPERIAL CITIES TOUR
Tour from Casablanca
HIGHLIGHTS
Are you preparing for a trip to Morocco with only one week to discover this vibrant and diverse nation? This carefully structured 7-day itinerary has you completely covered, offering a comprehensive route designed to showcase the very best highlights of this North African gem.
This journey balances magnificent imperial cities, rich cultural hidden gems, and striking natural wonders. Over the course of a week, you will experience a perfect taste of everything Morocco is famous for—stretching from the striking blue-painted streets of Chefchaouen down to the golden dunes of the Sahara Desert and across the towering peaks of the Atlas Mountains. Pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable Moroccan adventure!
Every itinerary is fully customisable to suit your specific preferences, schedule, and pace.
7 DAY BEST OF MOROCCO DESERT AND IMPERIAL CITIES TOUR
DURATION: 7 DAYS / 6 NIGHTS
START: CASABLANCA
END: MARRAKECH
TOUR STYLE: PRIVATE
ACCOMMODATIONS: VARIOUS OPTIONS
TOUR PRICE: Depends on group size
OVERVIEW
Touring the architectural masterpiece of the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca
Discovering the hidden gems and secret alleys of Chefchaouen, the Blue City
Marveling at the remarkably preserved ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis
Wandering through the maze-like historical streets of the Fes Medina
Embarking on an authentic camel trek across the Erg Chebbi sand dunes
Watching glorious sunrises and sunsets over the expansive Sahara Desert
Sleeping under a vast canopy of stars at a luxury desert camp
Taking a scenic walk beneath the towering red cliffs of the Todra Canyon
Enjoying sweeping views while crossing the majestic High Atlas Mountains
TOUR ITINERARY
DAY 1: CASABLANCA → RABAT
Welcome to Morocco! Your 7-day expedition begins with a warm meet-and-greet at the Mohammed V International Airport (CMN) in Casablanca, where you will be met by your professional local guide.
From the airport, we will drive directly to the magnificent Hassan II Mosque, a true wonder of modern Moroccan architecture situated right on the Atlantic oceanfront. During your visit, you will have the opportunity to admire the delicate tile mosaics, hand-carved marble panels, and grand design. Boasting the second-tallest minaret on earth, this monument is a spectacular sight to behold.
After your mosque visit, the tour proceeds to Rabat, the historic capital of Morocco. Here, you will tour the iconic Hassan Tower and the coastal Oudayas Kasbah, both deeply rooted in centuries of imperial history and culture. The day ends as you check into your accommodation in Rabat to relax and recharge for the journey ahead.
Please note: If your arrival flight lands late at night, we will transfer you directly to a hotel in Casablanca instead so you can rest comfortably before the tour program begins the following morning.
DAY 2: RABAT → CHEFCHAOUEN
Following a delicious breakfast at your hotel, the drive heads north toward Chefchaouen, a mesmerizing mountain town nestled in the Rif Range. The journey from Rabat takes about four hours, guiding you through a changing landscape of rolling green hills and traditional agricultural villages.
Upon arriving in Chefchaouen, you will check into your riad or hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at your own leisure. Celebrated for its striking, blue-washed buildings that give the city an incredibly picturesque appearance, Chefchaouen is a joy to explore. You can wander the narrow lanes and vibrant alleys of the old medina, browse the lively local souks for unique crafts, or simply unwind with authentic Moroccan cuisine at a café in the main square. Your day in the blue city promises stunning scenery, deep cultural immersion, and lasting memories.
DAY 3: CHEFCHAOUEN → VOLUBILIS → MEKNES → FES
After breakfast at your riad, the morning begins with a scenic drive winding past picturesque villages tucked into the Rif Mountains. You will soak in the beautiful rural countryside before arriving at Volubilis, a sprawling ancient Roman archaeological site.
Here, you will have time to tour the ruins and learn about the city’s fascinating history. Volubilis is highly regarded for its remarkably preserved floor mosaics and the grand scale of its public structures, which date back to the 3rd century. Walking past the ancient columns gives you an authentic glimpse into Roman life centuries ago.
Next, the drive continues to Meknes, a 17th-century imperial city that once served as the nation's capital under Sultan Moulay Ismail. Following lunch at a local restaurant, you will enter the walled medina to view the grand Bab el Mansour gate—one of the most ornate and impressive monumental gates in Morocco, covered in intricate geometric carvings. You will also visit the historic Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail. The day concludes with a short drive to Fes, where you will check into a beautiful traditional riad for the night.
DAY 4: FULL DAY TOUR OF FES
Today is dedicated to an immersive, full-day guided tour of Fes alongside a knowledgeable local expert. Celebrated as the cultural and spiritual core of Morocco, this imperial city is packed with world-renowned historical and religious treasures.
Your walking tour begins at the striking golden gates of the Royal Palace. From there, you will plunge into the sprawling, maze-like streets of the medieval Fes el-Bali medina, protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will visit the ancient Al-Qarawiyyin University, the beautifully carved Al-Attarine Madrasa, the historic Nejjarine fountain, and the famous Chouara Tanneries to see craftsmen processing leather using age-old traditional methods.
Later, you will explore the historic Jewish quarter, known locally as the Mellah, to discover its distinct architecture and history. The tour wraps up at an ancient hilltop fortress, granting you a spectacular panoramic view of the entire Fes medina before you return to your riad for the evening.
DAY 5: FES → IFRANE → MIDDLE ATLAS MOUNTAINS → ZIZ VALLEY → MERZOUGA DESERT
After an early breakfast at your Fes riad, the expedition heads south toward the Sahara Desert. The first stop is the alpine city of Ifrane, where you can take a brief rest break to admire its European-style architecture and pristine mountain atmosphere.
Continuing into the dense cedar forests of the Middle Atlas Mountains, you will pause to observe wild Barbary macaques living in the trees. Following a lunch stop at a restaurant along the route, the drive carries you through the spectacular Ziz Valley, a dramatic gorge lined with massive palm oases and mud-brick villages.
By the afternoon, you will reach the edge of the Sahara in Merzouga, where you will mount your camel for an authentic trek into the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi. You will pause on a high ridge to watch a breathtaking desert sunset before continuing to your luxury camp. After settling into your private, beautifully appointed tent, you will enjoy a traditional dinner followed by live Berber drum music and singing around a central bonfire beneath a brilliant starry sky.
DAY 6: MERZOUGA DESERT → RISSANI → TODRA GORGE → DADES GORGE
Wake up early to witness a spectacular and peaceful sunrise casting its golden light over the Erg Chebbi sand dunes. Following breakfast at the camp, you can return to the town of Merzouga via camel or a comfortable 4x4 vehicle. Your private driver will be waiting to take you on the next leg of your journey toward the Dades Gorge.
The drive features stops at several fascinating places, starting with the traditional market town of Rissani, where you can explore the vibrant souk if it happens to be a market day (Sunday, Tuesday, or Thursday). Next, you will arrive at the breathtaking Todra Gorge in Tinghir, taking a leisurely walk beneath its towering 300-metre sheer rock faces carved by the Todra River.
As you press on into the Dades Gorge, the road winds past incredible, naturally sculpted rock formations commonly known as "monkey fingers." You will take in a sweeping panoramic view from the top of the canyon before checking into a charming local hotel for dinner and a comfortable overnight stay.
DAY 7: DADES GORGE → OUARZAZATE → AIT BEN HADDOU → HIGH ATLAS MOUNTAINS → MARRAKECH
On the final day of your 7-day Moroccan journey, the drive heads west toward Ouarzazate, affectionately called the "Hollywood of Africa" and the "Gateway to the Desert." Here, you can choose to visit the famous Atlas Studios to tour massive film sets and learn about the region's rich filmmaking history.
Next, you will arrive at Ait Ben Haddou to tour its legendary clay ksar. This incredibly preserved fortress has been a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987 and has provided the setting for cinematic masterpieces like Gladiator and Lawrence of Arabia. You will wander through the historic site to admire its ornate earthen architecture and intricate structural layouts.
Following a relaxing lunch at a local restaurant, the tour tackles the spectacular winding passes of the High Atlas Mountains, offering endless panoramic views of the rugged mountain landscapes. You will arrive in Marrakech by the late afternoon, marking the official conclusion of your unforgettable 7-day Moroccan private tour.
INCLUDED IN THIS TOUR
NOT INCLUDED
Private airport pickup at the Casablanca International Airport
Comfortable transport in a modern, air-conditioned 4x4 SUV, van, or minibus (tailored to group size)
Dedicated English-speaking private driver, or a driver with an English-speaking tour guide
Official local city guide for the comprehensive Fes Medina tour
6 nights of quality accommodation with breakfasts included
Freshly prepared dinners at your Merzouga luxury desert camp and Dades Gorge hotel
Authentic camel trekking excursion across the Sahara dunes
Sandboarding equipment at the camp
Safe drop-off at your final accommodation in Marrakech
Midday lunches
Dinners in Rabat, Chefchaouen, Fes, and Marrakech
Beverages and drinks
Entrance fees to monuments and studios (when applicable)
Tips and gratuities (optional but appreciated)
BOOK NOW & PAY LATER
MAP ITIENRARY
Please fill out the form below to contact us, and we will respond as soon as possible. We look forward to hearing from you and helping you plan your journey.Email: caravanandchronicle@gmail.com Phone: +212 (0) 524 123 456
