Are you searching for the perfect travel balance between high-adventure, deep cultural immersion, and relaxing luxury? Our signature 9-Days Desert Tour from Marrakech to Casablanca is meticulously engineered to offer a profound dive into the Kingdom’s most diverse landscapes without the exhaustion of a rushed schedule. Unlike shorter trips that merely skim the surface of this complex nation, this extended 9 days morocco itinerary allows you to slow down, breathe in the spice-scented air, and truly sync with the rhythm of local Moroccan life.
This journey is a narrative arc that takes you through time. You will begin in the pulsating heart of the south, Marrakech, a city founded by desert nomads. From there, you will traverse the majestic High Atlas Mountains, crossing the legendary Tizi n’Tichka pass, an engineering marvel that connects the fertile north to the arid pre-Sahara. You will follow the historic “Road of a Thousand Kasbahs,” witnessing the cinematic mud-brick fortresses that have stood guard over the salt routes for centuries and starred in Hollywood blockbusters like Gladiator.
The journey crescendos in the Sahara Desert with a sunset camel trek and a transformative night under the Milky Way in Merzouga. But the adventure doesn’t end in the dunes. You will wind north through the Middle Atlas cedar forests—home to wild macaques—to the medieval labyrinth of Fes, the spiritual heart of the country. After getting lost in time within the world’s largest car-free urban zone, you’ll find tranquility in the “Blue Pearl” of Chefchaouen, a photographer’s dream nestled in the Rif Mountains. Finally, your 9 Day Trip from Marrakech to Casablanca concludes in the modern, Atlantic-breeze-swept metropolis of Casablanca.
This is not just a tour; it is a curated expedition optimized for travelers who seek authentic connection, local storytelling, and deep cultural insight. With Visit Maghreb travel agency, you aren’t just observing Morocco; you are living it.
Marrakech Medina Immersion: Navigate the UNESCO-listed souks and experience the sensory overload of Jemaa el-Fnaa square, where storytellers and musicians perform as they have for a millennium.
High Atlas Engineering: Drive the dramatic switchbacks of the Tizi n’Tichka pass (2,260m) and witness the recovery and resilience of the Berber villages after the 2023 earthquake.
The Lord of the Atlas: Visit the crumbling glamour of the Telouet Kasbah, the former palace of the controversial Pasha Thami El Glaoui, often missed by standard tours.
Cinematic History: Walk through Ait Ben Haddou, the mud-brick ksar that has served as the backdrop for Game of Thrones and Lawrence of Arabia.
Sahara Magic: Experience the silence of the Erg Chebbi dunes with a sunset camel trek and sleep in a luxury canvas camp in Merzouga.
Fossil Hunting: Visit the workshops of Erfoud to see how 380-million-year-old fossils are crafted into art.
Medieval Time Travel: Explore Fes el Bali with a private academic guide, entering a world of 9,000 alleyways, ancient tanneries, and historic madrasas.
The Blue Pearl: Capture world-class photography in the azure, calming streets of Chefchaouen in the Rif Mountains.
Roman Footsteps: Walk among the exceptionally preserved mosaics of Volubilis, the Roman Empire’s southern administrative capital.
Modern Grandeur: Stand before the massive Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, a masterpiece of modern craftsmanship and one of the few mosques open to non-Muslims.
In an era of generic, automated travel planning, Visit Maghreb travel agency prioritizes the human element. We understand that a great tour isn’t just about logistics; it’s about the stories, the people, and the hidden moments that don’t appear in guidebooks. We focus on principles: Expertise, Experience, Authority, and Trust.
1. The “Hassan” Standard of Guiding We don’t just hire drivers; we provide local storytellers. Meet Hassan, our archetypal senior guide persona who represents the quality of our team. Hassan doesn’t just show you the Todra Gorges; he explains how his grandfather used the stars (specifically the North Star and Cassiopeia) to navigate the dunes before GPS existed. He knows which stall in Fes sells the authentic saffron (and how to test it) and which one sells dyed corn silk. He knows the secret time to visit the Spanish Mosque in Chefchaouen to catch the sunset without the crowds.
2. Authentic “Visit Maghreb” Curation
Private & Customizable: This 9 days tour from Marrakech to Casablanca is yours. If you want to stop to photograph a herd of goats climbing an Argan tree, we stop. If you want to spend an extra hour sipping tea with a nomad family, we make it happen.
Linguistic Bridges: Our guides speak fluent English, French, Spanish, and often local Berber dialects (Tamazight), allowing them to translate not just words, but cultural nuances for you.
Luxury & Safety: We utilize high-end 4×4 vehicles (Toyota Land Cruiser Prado or Mercedes V-Class) with powerful A/C and professional, safe drivers who know these mountain roads intimately.
Your 9 days in Morocco from Marrakech begins the moment your plane touches down at Menara Airport (RAK). You will be greeted by your private driver from Visit Maghreb travel agency, holding a sign with your name. You will be transferred to your Riad in the historic Medina. A Riad is a traditional Moroccan house with an interior garden or courtyard, designed to offer privacy and protection from the heat.
The Sensory Experience: Marrakech is an assault on the senses in the best possible way. As you enter the Medina, the air smells of a complex mix of burning cedar wood, two-stroke engine exhaust, and the sweet heaviness of orange blossom water.
Afternoon: After settling in and sipping your first of many glasses of “Berber Whiskey” (sweet mint tea), you will head to the Jemaa el-Fnaa square. This UNESCO Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity is unique. By day, it is a theater of snake charmers, tooth pullers, and orange juice vendors (look for the numbered carts).
Evening: As dusk falls, the square transforms. Hundreds of food stalls are erected, filling the air with smoke from grilling lamb and cumin. The soundscape becomes a cacophony of ghaita (oboes) and the rhythmic metal castanets of Gnaoua musicians.
Hassan’s Insider Tip: “Don’t just watch the square from the ground where it can be chaotic. Head to the rooftop of Café de France or Le Grand Balcon an hour before sunset. You can watch the entire square transition from day to night, capturing the smoke rising against the silhouette of the Koutoubia Mosque.”
Today, the real road trip begins. We leave the city behind and head south toward the High Atlas Mountains.
The High Atlas Crossing: We ascend the Tizi n’Tichka pass, the highest major mountain pass in North Africa (2,260m). The road was originally built by the French military to control the tribes of the south. You will see dramatic switchbacks and views that stretch for miles.
Local Update: Following the 2023 earthquake, you may see reconstruction efforts in the Al Haouz villages. The resilience of the Berber people here is inspiring, as they rebuild their homes using traditional rammed earth techniques reinforced with modern standards.
The Hidden Palace: We take a detour to the Kasbah of Telouet. This was the palatial headquarters of Thami El Glaoui, the “Lord of the Atlas” and Pasha of Marrakech. Because he collaborated with the French, his palace was left to ruin after independence. However, the interior remains one of the finest examples of Andalusian-style mosaic (zellige) and stucco work in Morocco. It creates a haunting contrast with the crumbling mud exterior.
The Hollywood of Africa: Descending the south side of the mountains, the landscape turns arid and red. We arrive at Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This ksar (fortified village) is a masterpiece of earthen clay architecture. You will recognize it immediately—it stood in for Yunkai in Game of Thrones and the gladiator arena in Gladiator. We will walk through the narrow streets, crossing the river on sandbags (or the new bridge), and climb to the granary at the top for a panoramic view.
The Road of a Thousand Kasbahs: We continue east through Ouarzazate, passing the Atlas Film Studios, and drive through the Skoura Oasis, a massive palm grove dotted with crumbling kasbahs. We end the day in the Dades Valley, famous for its “Monkey Fingers” geological formations—strange, bulbous rocks sculpted by wind and water erosion.
Overnight in Hotel/Riad at Dades Valley
After a breakfast overlooking the Dades River, we head deeper into the south.
The Canyons: Our first stop is the Todra Gorges. Here, massive vertical limestone cliffs rise 300 meters on either side of a riverbed that is sometimes only 10 meters wide. It is a world-class destination for rock climbers. We will take a short walk along the river to appreciate the scale of nature.
The Fossil Capital: As we cross the Tafilalet region, we reach Erfoud. 380 million years ago, this desert was a shallow ocean. Today, it is rich with fossils. We visit a local workshop to see how artisans cut and polish rocks to reveal Ammonites, Orthoceras, and Trilobites, crafting them into beautiful tables and sinks.
The Gateway to the Dunes: We stop in Rissani for lunch.
Foodie Alert: We recommend trying the local specialty, Madfouna, also known as “Berber Pizza.” It is a stuffed flatbread filled with minced meat, onions, spices, and almonds, baked in a traditional mud oven.
The Sahara Experience: In the late afternoon, the asphalt road disappears at Merzouga. The black volcanic rock gives way to the apricot-colored sands of Erg Chebbi. You will leave the 4×4 vehicle and pack a small bag.
The Camel Trek: You will mount your dromedary (one-humped camel) for a 45-minute to 1-hour trek into the dunes. The silence here is absolute. As the sun sets, the physics of light scattering turns the sand from gold to blood red to deep violet.
The Luxury Camp: You will arrive at your private camp run by Visit Maghreb partners. This is “glamping”—you will have a private tent with a real bed, electricity, and an en-suite bathroom with a hot shower.
The Night: Dinner is served under the stars (Tagine, couscous, and fresh fruit). Afterward, the camp staff will play traditional Berber drums around a fire. The lack of light pollution makes the Milky Way appear 3D.
Overnight in Luxury desert camp at Merzouga Sahara Desert
The Sunrise: We wake you up before dawn. Climbing the nearest dune to watch the sunrise is a spiritual experience and the best photo opportunity of the trip. After breakfast and a shower at the camp, we trek back (or take a 4×4) to meet our driver.
The Long Drive North: Today covers a vast distance, but the changing landscapes keep it fascinating. We travel north through the Ziz Valley, a massive canyon filled with millions of date palms. It looks like a green river flowing through the red rock.
The Middle Atlas: We cross the Tizi n’Talghomt pass to the high plains of Midelt, an apple-growing region where we stop for lunch. In the afternoon, we enter the cedar forests near Azrou.
Wildlife Encounter: This forest is home to the endangered Barbary Macaque. They are accustomed to humans, and you can often see family groups playing by the roadside.
Little Switzerland: Our final stop before Fes is Ifrane. Built by the French in the 1930s as a hill station, it feels like an Alpine village with chalet-style roofs and manicured parks. It is clean, cool, and startlingly different from the desert.
Arrival in Fes: We arrive in Fes in the evening, the oldest of the imperial cities. You will check into your historic Riad in the Medina to rest.
Overnight in Hotel/Riad at Fes
Today, you do not need the car. You will be joined by a certified local guide for a deep dive into Fes el Bali, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The Labyrinth: Fes is the largest car-free urban zone in the world, consisting of over 9,000 narrow alleyways. Donkeys and mules are the main transport for goods. You will hear the cry “Balak! Balak!” (Watch out!)—this is your cue to press yourself against a wall to let a loaded donkey pass.
Key Sites:
Al Quaraouiyine University: Founded in 859 AD by a woman, Fatima al-Fihri, this is the oldest continually operating degree-granting university in the world.
Bou Inania Madrasa: A masterpiece of Marinid architecture with intricate cedar wood carving and zellige tile work.
Chouara Tannery: The most iconic and pungent sight in Fes. You will visit a leather shop with a terrace overlooking the stone vats. Here, men stomp on hides in mixtures of limestone and pigeon droppings (to soften the leather) and natural dyes (poppy for red, indigo for blue, saffron for yellow).
Hassan’s Tip: “The smell can be strong (ammonia). We provide you with a sprig of fresh mint. Crush the leaves and hold it under your nose while you watch the process.”
The Souks: Navigate the specialized sections: the Henna souk, the brass workers’ souk (Seffarine), and the weavers’ souk.
Overnight in Hotel/Riad at Fes
We leave Fes in the morning and head west into the fertile Saiss plain.
Rome in Africa: Our first stop is Volubilis (Oualili), the southern outpost of the Roman Empire. The ruins are remarkably preserved. You will walk among the ancient columns, the Basilica, and the Triumphal Arch. The highlight is the floor mosaics, which remain in situ and depict scenes like the Labors of Hercules and Orpheus charming the animals.
The Imperial City of Meknes: A short drive takes us to Meknes, the “Versailles of Morocco,” built by the tyrant Sultan Moulay Ismail in the 17th century. We will admire the Bab Mansour, arguably the grandest gate in North Africa, and the massive Sahrij Swani granary and reservoir.
Into the Rif: We leave the imperial plains and ascend into the Rif Mountains. The landscape becomes lush and green. We arrive in Chefchaouen in the late afternoon. The town is famous for its buildings painted in various shades of blue.
Overnight in Hotel/Riad at Chefchaouen
Today is a slower pace. Chefchaouen is not about checking off monuments; it is about atmosphere, color, and “flânerie” (aimless wandering).
Why is it Blue? Theories abound. Some say Jewish refugees painted it blue to represent the sky and heaven. Others say it repels mosquitoes. Regardless, it creates a calm, photogenic dreamscape.
Activities:
Photography: This is the most Instagrammable town in Morocco. Explore the quiet alleys away from the main square for the best shots.
The Spanish Mosque Hike: In the late afternoon, take a 20-minute gentle hike up to the white Spanish Mosque on the hill overlooking the town. It offers the best sunset view.
Shopping: The Rif region is known for its wool. Look for colorful woven blankets and the unique local djellabas (robes) with pointed hoods.
Overnight in Hotel/Riad at Chefchaouen
We descend from the mountains and hit the Atlantic coast.
The Capital: We stop in Rabat, the political capital of Morocco. It is cleaner, more orderly, and greener than the other cities.
Hassan Tower: We visit this incomplete minaret, begun in the 12th century. It was meant to be the tallest in the world, but construction stopped when the Sultan died. The forest of truncated columns remains.
Mausoleum of Mohammed V: Located just opposite the tower, this is the resting place of the current King’s father and grandfather. It is a jewel of modern Moroccan craftsmanship, with guards in colorful ceremonial dress.
Kasbah of the Udayas: A fortress within the city with blue and white walls (similar to Chefchaouen) and a beautiful Andalusian garden, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and the Bou Regreg river.
Arrival in Casablanca: We continue down the coast to Casablanca, the economic engine of the country.
Overnight in Hotel/Riad at Casablanca
The Masterpiece: Before your flight, we visit the Hassan II Mosque. Completed in 1993, it sits partly over the ocean. Its minaret is 210 meters tall (the second tallest in the world). It features a retractable roof and can hold 25,000 worshippers inside. It is one of the few mosques in Morocco that offers guided tours to non-Muslims.
The Farewell: Your driver from Visit Maghreb travel agency will transfer you to Mohammed V International Airport (CMN) for your departure flight, concluding your epic 9 days in Morocco from Marrakech. You leave with a camera full of photos and a heart full of memories.
At Visit Maghreb Travel Agency, we understand that every traveler is unique. That is why we designed this Morocco itinerary 9 days to showcase the absolute best of Morocco’s culture, landscapes, and local life. We know that sometimes you might wish for an extra day in the desert or a slower morning in the mountains. No worries! We offer full flexibility to tailor the trip according to your preferences and needs. Whether you want to add a stop at a hidden oasis, spend more time photographing the blue streets of Chefchaouen, or adjust the pace of the itinerary, we are happy to customize the tour to suit your style. Our team is available 24/7 to answer questions, suggest options, and help you build your dream journey. And remember: the more people in your group, the lower the cost per person, as transportation costs are shared. Feel free to reach out anytime—we are here to make your Moroccan experience as perfect for you as possible.
We have handpicked the most atmospheric and comfortable properties for your 6 days tour from Marrakech to Fes. Both ensure safety, cleanliness, and authentic Moroccan hospitality.
|
Night
|
Location
|
Standard Option
|
Luxury Option
|
| Night 1 | Marrakech | Clean, comfortable rooms. (e.g., Riad Nesma,..) or similar | La Mamounia or Royal Mansour or similar |
| Night 2 | Dades Valley | Clean, comfortable rooms. (e.g., Hotel Babylon Dades,…) or similar |
Chez Pierre or Xaluca Dades or similar |
| Night 3 | Merzouga Desert (Erg Chebbi) | Private tent, ensuite bathroom, hot shower (e.g Les Roches Luxury Desert Camp) or similar | Private tent, ensuite bathroom, hot shower (e.g Les Roches Luxury Desert Camp) or similar |
| Night 4 and 5 | Fes | Riad Ahlam or Riad Ghita or similar |
Palais Amani or Riad Fes or similar |
| Night 6 and 7 | Chefchaouen | Dar Echchaouen / Riad Hicham or similar |
Riad Cherifa / Lina Ryad & Spa |
| Night 8 | Casablanca | Clean, comfortable rooms. (e.g., Hotel Kenzi Basma,..) or similar | Sofitel Casablanca Tour Blanche or similar |
Prices for the 9 Days Desert tour from Marrakech to Casablanca fluctuate based on the season (High season: Dec/Jan & Mar-May) and the number of travelers in your party.
Mid-Range Option (Based on 2 People): Starting from €950 per person.
Mid-Range Option (Based on 4 People): Starting from €750 per person.
Luxury Option (Based on 2 People): Starting from €1,700 per person.
Luxury Option (Based on 4 People): Starting from €1,400 per person.
Note: Solo travelers should contact Visit Maghreb for a custom single-supplement quote.
Booking your 9 Day Trip from Marrakech to Casablanca via Merzouga is simple and secure.
Inquiry: Fill out the contact form on the Visit Maghreb travel agency website with your preferred dates and group size.
Customization: Our team (ask for Hassan!) will reply within 24 hours to fine-tune the itinerary. Want to add a cooking class in Fes? No problem.
Deposit: We require a 20% deposit to secure your hotels and vehicle. This can be paid via credit card or bank transfer.
Confirmation: You will receive a detailed itinerary voucher and a pre-departure guide. The balance is payable upon arrival in Morocco.
Enhance your 9 days morocco itinerary with these optional add-ons:
Marrakech Hot Air Balloon: Float over the Atlas Mountains at sunrise (approx. €180/person).
Quad Biking in Merzouga: Rent ATVs to tear up the dunes before your camel trek (approx. €40/hour).
Fes Cooking Class: Learn to make Tagine and shop in the souk with a local chef (approx. €50/person).
Hammam Experience: Scrub away the desert dust in a traditional steam bath (prices vary from €20 to €100+).
We were hesitant about booking a 9-day trip online, but Visit Maghreb travel agency exceeded all expectations. From the moment our driver, Aziz, picked us up in Marrakech, we felt safe and cared for. The night in the Merzouga luxury camp was the highlight—I’ve never seen so many stars. The drive was long on some days, but the vehicle was comfortable and Aziz knew all the best stops for photos and coffee. Highly recommend this specific itinerary!
I booked the 9 Days Desert Tour from Marrakech to Casablanca for my family of four. The pacing was perfect. Fes was overwhelming but our guide made it manageable and fascinating. Chefchaouen was a breath of fresh air. A special shout out to Visit Maghreb travel agency for arranging a birthday cake for my daughter in the middle of the desert! That is service you don’t get everywhere.
Currency: The Moroccan Dirham (MAD) is a closed currency. You cannot get it outside Morocco. Bring Euros or USD to exchange or use ATMs upon arrival.
Connectivity: We recommend buying a local SIM card (Maroc Telecom or Orange) at the airport. It is cheap (€10 for 10GB) and offers good coverage even in the desert.
Dress Code: Morocco is a tolerant but conservative Muslim country. In Marrakech and Casablanca, you will see everything. However, in the rural areas and Medinas, it is respectful for both men and women to cover shoulders and knees. A scarf is a versatile tool for women.
Alcohol: Alcohol is legal and available in hotels, bars, and supermarkets (like Carrefour), but it is not sold in the Medina or near mosques. Public drinking is illegal.
Tipping: Tipping is part of the culture.
Driver/Guide: 100-200 MAD per day (for the group).
Restaurant: 10% of the bill.
Porters: 20 MAD.
Water: Drink bottled water only. Use tap water for brushing teeth, but avoid swallowing it to be safe.
Yes. The roads are paved and generally in good condition. The Tizi n’Tichka pass is winding, so if you suffer from car sickness, bring medication. Our drivers at Visit Maghreb are professionals who prioritize safety over speed.
Absolutely. This is a private tour. We can reverse the route (Casablanca to Marrakech), add days in Fes, or include a detour to Essaouira. Just ask us.
9 days is widely considered the “sweet spot.” It allows you to cover the “Golden Route” (Marrakech, Desert, Fes, Chefchaouen, Casablanca) without being exhausted. You see the mountains, the desert, the imperial cities, and the coast.
In our Luxury Camp option, every tent has a private en-suite bathroom with a flush toilet and a hot shower. You do not need to sacrifice hygiene for adventure. Standard camps usually have shared facilities.
Yes, but be aware of the drive times. Days 4 and 8 involve 6+ hours in the car. We recommend this tour for children aged 6 and up who are comfortable with road trips. We can provide car seats upon request.
Your driver monitors your flight status. If you are delayed, they will wait. We provide you with a 24/7 emergency contact number for Visit Maghreb travel agency.
Citizens of the US, Canada, UK, Australia, and EU countries do not need a visa for stays up to 90 days. You just need a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your entry date.
No. In summer (July/August), it can reach 45°C (113°F). In winter (December/January), days are pleasant (20°C) but nights can drop below freezing (0°C). Our camps have blankets and heaters, but pack layers!
Yes. If you have back problems or simply prefer not to ride, we can transfer you to the desert camp via 4×4 vehicle.
Because we are locals. We don’t just sell tours; we host guests. We offer competitive pricing, 24/7 support, and the kind of local knowledge that turns a good trip into a life-changing memory.
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