12 Days Desert Tour from Casablanca to Essaouira

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    37
    12 Days 11 Nights
    Essaouira
    Casablanca
    Tour Overview
    12 Days Desert Tour from Casablanca to Essaouira

    This 12-day tour is a grand exploration of Morocco’s most iconic landscapes and cities. Your journey starts in modern Casablanca and takes you through the imperial capitals of Rabat, Meknes, and the ancient medina of Fes. From a day trip to the enchanting “Blue City” of Chefchaouen, you will then travel across the stunning Atlas Mountains to the Sahara Desert for a memorable night in a Berber camp. The adventure continues through dramatic gorges and lush oases to vibrant Marrakech before concluding on the relaxing Atlantic coast in the charming port city of Essaouira.

    Tour Highlights
    12 Days Desert Tour from Casablanca to Essaouira
    • Visiting the magnificent Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca.
    • Exploring the imperial cities of Rabat, Meknes, and Fes.
    • A day trip to the stunning blue-washed town of Chefchaouen.
    • A camel trek and an overnight stay in a traditional Berber desert camp.
    • Meeting nomadic families and learning about their way of life in the Sahara.
    • Driving through the dramatic Todra and Dades Gorges.
    • Discovering the vibrant souks and squares of Marrakech with a local guide.
    • A day trip to the spectacular Ouzoud Waterfalls.
    • Relaxing in the charming coastal city of Essaouira.
    Itinerary
    12 Days Desert Tour from Casablanca to Essaouira
    Day 1: Casablanca

    Your journey starts upon arrival in Casablanca, Morocco’s largest city. You will be transferred to your hotel to settle in. If time allows, consider an optional tour of the magnificent Hassan II Mosque, an architectural marvel built over the ocean and one of the few mosques in Morocco open to non-Muslims. The evening is free to stroll the Corniche waterfront or enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

    Day 2: Casablanca >> Rabat >> Meknes >> Fes

    After an early breakfast, depart for Rabat, the nation’s capital. Here, you will visit key sites like the charming Kasbah of the Oudayas, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, and the historic Hassan Tower. The tour continues to Meknes, another imperial city, where you will explore its historic ramparts and the majestic Bab Mansour Gate. Your day concludes upon arrival in Fes, the country’s oldest and most culturally rich city.

    Day 3: Visit Fes with a local guide

    Today is dedicated to discovering Fes el-Bali, the world’s best-preserved medieval medina. A local guide will lead you through its labyrinthine streets to visit the University of Al-Qarawiyyin, the Andalusian Mosque, and the vibrant souks. A highlight is a visit to the Chouara tanneries to observe the traditional leather dyeing process. The afternoon is free for you to explore independently.

    Day 4: Fes >> Rif Massif >> Chefchaouen >> Fes

    Take a full-day excursion north into the scenic Rif Massif to visit Chefchaouen. Known as the ‘Blue City,’ this town is famous for its blue-washed walls and tranquil atmosphere. Wander through Uta el-Hammam Square, visit the Grand Mosque, or climb to the Spanish Mosque lookout for stunning panoramic views. You will return to Fes in the late afternoon.

    Day 5: Fes >> Ifrane >> Azrou >> Erfoud >> Merzouga

    Depart early for the Sahara Desert. Your scenic drive includes a stop in Ifrane, known as ‘Morocco’s Switzerland,’ followed by a visit to the cedar forests of Azrou to see wild Barbary monkeys. Continue through Erfoud, the gateway to the desert, before arriving in Merzouga at the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes. Here, you will trade your vehicle for a camel and trek into the desert to reach your Berber camp for the night.

    Day 6: Merzouga >> Berber families >> Merzouga

    Witness a magical sunrise over the dunes before breakfast. Today offers a special opportunity to visit with local Berber nomadic families, where you can learn about their traditional lifestyle and share tea. Later, you have the option of a 4×4 desert excursion or simply relaxing. You will spend the night in Merzouga.

    Day 7: Merzouga >> Rissani >> Todra Gorges >> Dades Valley

    Your journey begins with a visit to Rissani, known for its bustling local market. From there, proceed to the Todra Gorges, a spectacular canyon with sheer rock walls reaching up to 300 meters. After a short walk, continue to the Dades Valley, famed as the ‘Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs,’ where you will spend the night in a traditional kasbah or hotel.

    Day 8: Dades Valley >> Skoura >> High Atlas >> Marrakech

    After breakfast, your first stop is the Skoura oasis, a lush palm grove featuring beautifully preserved kasbahs like the famous Kasbah Amridil. The route then takes you across the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, offering breathtaking views. By evening, you will arrive in the vibrant city of Marrakech.

    Day 9: Visit of Marrakech with local guide

    A guided tour will introduce you to Marrakech’s top attractions, including the Koutoubia Mosque, the Saadian Tombs, and the exquisite Bahia Palace. Explore the city’s colorful artisan souks before visiting the tranquil Majorelle Gardens in the afternoon. The day concludes back in the lively Jemaa el-Fna Square, a hub of street performers and food stalls.

    Day 10: Marrakech >> Ouzoud Waterfalls >> Marrakech

    Take a day trip to the Ouzoud Waterfalls, North Africa’s most impressive cascades. Enjoy scenic walks, observe the local monkey population, or take a boat ride near the base of the falls. You will return to Marrakech in the afternoon, with the evening free to enjoy at your leisure.

    Day 11: Marrakech >> Essaouira

    Travel to the coast to discover Essaouira, a charming port city with a beautiful, windswept medina recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore its bustling fishing harbor, stroll along the beach, and wander its art-filled streets. Essaouira is the perfect place to enjoy fresh seafood and a relaxed atmosphere. You will spend the night here.

    Day 12: Essaouira >> Airport

    On your final day, enjoy some free time in Essaouira for last-minute souvenir shopping or a final walk along the coast. At the appropriate time, you will be transferred to the airport in either Marrakech or Casablanca for your departure, marking the end of your unforgettable Moroccan tour.

    Price Includes

    • Comfortable transportation with a professional driver.
    • Overnight stays in desert camps and guesthouses.
    • Camel ride in the Sahara desert.
    • Meals as per itinerary (breakfast and dinner).
    • Guided visits to key attractions.

    Price Excludes

    • Lunches and beverages
    • Personal expenses
    • Tips for guides and drivers
    Map
    12 Days Desert Tour from Casablanca to Essaouira

    Why Book with

    Morocco Lovely Travel?

    ✔ Local Passion, Global Standards
    We’re not just a tour company—we’re Moroccan locals who love sharing our country’s soul. From secret medina alleys to Sahara sunsets, we craft trips that guidebooks can’t teach.

    ✔✔ 100% Tailored Experiences

    No cookie-cutter tours. Whether you crave a luxury desert glamping adventure or a backpacker-friendly cultural deep dive, we design every detail around your pace and interests.

    ✔✔✔ Stress-Free Travel
    Skip the scams and confusion. We handle:

    • Private transfers with English/French-speaking drivers
    •  Handpicked 4.5+ star riads/hotels
    •  24/7 in-country support