12 Day Morocco itinerary

Your 12 days tour from Casablanca to Marrakech begins as you land at Mohammed V International Airport (CMN). You will be greeted by your professional driver-guide, who will be your companion and local expert for the duration of this 12 day trip from Casablanca to Marrakech.

Depending on your arrival time, we will dive straight into the wonders of Casablanca. The absolute highlight is the Hassan II Mosque. This is not just a mosque; it is an architectural marvel and one of the few mosques in Morocco open to non-Muslims. Perched dramatically over the Atlantic Ocean, it features the world’s tallest minaret (210m) and a retractable roof. The intricate craftsmanship—hand-carved stone, wood, and marble flooring—showcases the zenith of Moroccan artistry. It is a fitting start to your 12 days in Morocco, symbolizing the blend of tradition and modernity.  

Overnight: Luxury Hotel in Casablanca (e.g., Le Doge or Hyatt Regency).

We depart Casablanca after breakfast, heading north along the coast to Rabat, the current capital and the first of the Imperial Cities on your Morocco itinerary 12 days. Here, we visit the Hassan Tower, an unfinished minaret from the 12th century that stands as a testament to the ambitious Almohad dynasty. Just opposite lies the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, a masterpiece of modern Alaouite architecture housing the tombs of the current King’s grandfather and father. You will also explore the Kasbah of the Udayas, a fortress with blue and white streets that offer a teaser for what lies ahead.  

Leaving Rabat, we drive inland, watching the landscape shift from flat coastal plains to the rolling hills of the Rif Mountains. By late afternoon, we arrive in Chefchaouen, the “Blue Pearl.” Founded in 1471, this town is famous for its striking blue-washed buildings. The blue color, introduced by Jewish refugees in the 1930s to symbolize the sky and heaven, creates a calming, surreal atmosphere.

Overnight: Charming Riad in Chefchaouen (e.g., Riad Cherifa or Dar Echchaouen).

On day 3 of your 12 days Morocco tour, you have a full day to immerse yourself in the magic of Chefchaouen. Unlike the frenetic energy of Marrakech or Fes, Chefchaouen invites you to slow down.

Start your morning with a wander through the medina. Visit Place Outa el Hammam, the main square lined with cafes and dominated by the red-walled Kasbah. For a deeper dive, visit the Kasbah’s ethnographic museum and climb its tower for views over the medina.  

We recommend exploring “hidden gems” like Place El Haouta, a quieter square with a beautiful fountain, perfect for photos away from the crowds. For the active traveler, a late afternoon hike to the Spanish Mosque is a must. Located on a hill overlooking the town, this white mosque (never used) offers the absolute best spot to watch the sunset as the blue city lights up in the twilight. This is a highlight of any 12 day trip from Casablanca to Marrakech.  

Overnight: Same Riad in Chefchaouen.

Today, we leave the mountains for a journey through Morocco’s deep history. Our first stop is Volubilis (Walili), a UNESCO World Heritage site and the most significant Roman ruin in North Africa. You will walk among the remains of the basilica, the capitol, and the Triumphal Arch of Caracalla. The site is renowned for its stunningly preserved mosaic floors, such as the “Labors of Hercules,” which remain in their original location.  

Continuing our 12 days tour from Casablanca, we reach Meknes, the “Versailles of Morocco.” This city was built by the powerful Sultan Moulay Ismail in the 17th century. We will stand before the colossal Bab Mansour gate, widely considered the most beautiful gate in Morocco, adorned with zellige tiles and marble columns looted from Volubilis. After a lunch near Place El Hedim, we complete the short drive to Fes, the spiritual and intellectual capital of the kingdom.  

Overnight: Traditional Riad in Fes Medina (e.g., Riad Fes or Riad Laaroussa).

Fes is the soul of Morocco. Today, you will have a private local guide to help you navigate the labyrinth of Fes el Bali, the largest car-free urban zone in the world with over 9,000 alleys.

Your tour includes:

• Al Quaraouiyine University: Founded in 859 AD by Fatima al-Fihri, this is the oldest existing, continually operating educational institution in the world.  

• Bou Inania Madrasa: A masterpiece of Marinid architecture with intricate cedar wood carvings and stucco.  

• The Chouara Tanneries: The iconic image of Fes. You will view the honeycomb of stone vats where men stomp skins in natural dyes (poppy for red, indigo for blue, saffron for yellow), a process unchanged since medieval times.  

• Nejjarine Museum: A beautifully restored caravanserai dedicated to wooden arts and crafts.

For lunch, try the local delicacy, Pastilla—a sweet and savory pie filled with chicken or pigeon, almonds, and dusted with cinnamon.  

Overnight: Same Riad in Fes.

This is the longest driving day of your Morocco itinerary 12 days, but it is also one of the most spectacular. We ascend into the Middle Atlas Mountains, stopping first in Ifrane, known as “Little Switzerland” for its alpine architecture and snow-capped winters.

Next, we visit the Cedar Forest of Azrou, home to the endangered Barbary Macaques. You can observe these monkeys in their natural habitat. Continuing south, we cross the Tizi n’Talghomt pass and descend into the Ziz Valley, a massive geological fissure filled with millions of date palms.  

As we approach Merzouga, the landscape turns to arid desert (hamada). Suddenly, the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi appear on the horizon. You will swap the 4×4 for camels and embark on a sunset trek into the dunes. The silence and the changing colors of the sand are mesmerizing. You will arrive at your luxury desert camp for a night of Berber drumming and stargazing.

Overnight: Luxury Desert Camp in Merzouga (e.g., Desert Luxury Camp or Kam Kam Dunes).  

• Activity: 4×4 Exploration

• Focus: Desert Life & Gnaoua Music

Unlike shorter tours, our 12 days Sahara Desert Tour from Casablanca dedicates a full day to exploring the desert environment. After a sunrise breakfast, we take the 4×4 to explore the region around the dunes.

• Khamlia Village: We visit this village inhabited by dark-skinned Moroccans with roots in Sub-Saharan Africa. Here, you will enjoy a performance of Gnaoua music, a spiritual and rhythmic tradition recognized by UNESCO.  

• Nomadic Families: We drive off-road to visit a semi-nomadic Berber family living in tents. This is a rare opportunity to share tea and learn about their way of life in this harsh environment.

• Rissani Market: If it’s a market day (Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday), we visit the souk in Rissani, the traditional trading hub of the Tafilalet region, famous for its donkey park and dates.  

Overnight: Luxury Desert Camp or Hotel at the dune edge.

Wake up early to watch the sunrise over the Sahara—a spiritual moment of your 12 day trip from Casablanca to Marrakech. After breakfast, we depart for the Todra Gorges. These limestone river canyons feature 300-meter-high vertical walls that are a paradise for rock climbers. We will take a leisurely walk along the riverbank.

In the afternoon, we continue to the Dades Valley, driving along the “Road of a Thousand Kasbahs.” We will stop to admire the Monkey Fingers (Les Doigts de Singe), a bizarre rock formation caused by erosion that looks like thick fingers rising from the earth. We will also drive up the famous Tisdrine switchback road for one of the most photographed views in Morocco.  

Overnight: Boutique Hotel in Dades Valley (e.g., Chez Pierre or Dar Ahlam Dades).

Today we cross the High Atlas Mountains to reach the Red City. First, we pass through Kelaat M’Gouna, the Valley of Roses. If you are traveling in May, the air will be filled with the scent of Damask roses during the annual festival.  

Next is Ouarzazate, the “Hollywood of Africa,” home to Atlas Studios. The highlight of the day is Ait Ben Haddou, a spectacular fortified village (ksar) made of clay. It is a UNESCO site and has starred in films like The Mummy, Gladiator, and Game of Thrones (as Yunkai).  

We then tackle the Tizi n’Tichka pass (2,260m), offering breathtaking views of Berber villages clinging to the mountainsides. We descend into the Haouz plain and arrive in Marrakech by evening.

Overnight: Riad in Marrakech Medina (e.g., Riad Kniza or La Mamounia).

Marrakech is a sensory feast. Your local guide will lead you through the city’s highlights:

• Bahia Palace: A 19th-century palace showcasing intricate zellige and painted cedar ceilings, built to capture the essence of Islamic style.  

• Saadian Tombs: Rediscovered in 1917, these royal tombs are famous for their Italian Carrara marble and pure gold leaf.  

• Majorelle Garden: A botanical masterpiece created by French painter Jacques Majorelle and later owned by Yves Saint Laurent. It provides a cool, blue respite from the city heat.

• Jemaa el-Fnaa: In the evening, the main square transforms into a vast open-air theater with snake charmers, storytellers, and musicians.

Overnight: Same Riad in Marrakech.

For a change of pace on your 12 days Morocco tour, we head west to the Atlantic coast. En route to Essaouira, we pass through the Argan biosphere. Keep an eye out for goats climbing Argan trees. While fascinating, we ensure to stop at ethical spots where the animals are treated well. We also visit a women’s cooperative to see how Argan oil is produced by hand—a great place to buy authentic oil.  

Essaouira (formerly Mogador) is a fortified port city with a distinct Portuguese influence. You can walk the Skala de la Ville ramparts (seen in Game of Thrones), explore the relaxed medina, and enjoy a fresh seafood lunch at the port. The vibe here is bohemian and laid-back.

Overnight: Return to Marrakech for the night.

On the final day of your 12 days tour from Casablanca to Marrakech, we will transfer you from Marrakech to Casablanca Mohammed V Airport for your departure flight. Depending on your flight time, we can arrange a final breakfast in the medina or a quick stop for souvenirs.

We hope this 12 days Morocco tour has given you a profound appreciation for the diversity and beauty of our country. Beslama (Goodbye) and see you soon!