Imperial Cities & Sahara Off-Road · 9 days
Casablanca to Marrakech via Merzouga
Walk the avenues of sultans and the paths of caravans: from the minarets of Casablanca and Rabat to Meknes’ Bab Mansour, Roman Volubilis, the labyrinthine Fes medina, and the golden seas of Erg Chebbi. Cross kasbah country to Aït Ben Haddou before the Red City of Marrakech sweeps you into Jemaa el‑Fna’s timeless theatre.
This 9-day journey links Morocco’s imperial cities with a genuine Sahara off-road experience. Begin on the Atlantic in Casablanca and Rabat, step through the Roman stones of Volubilis, then lose yourself in the maze of Fes. Cross the Middle Atlas via Ifrane and the Cedar Forest, descend the Ziz Valley to Merzouga for a camel-back sunset on Erg Chebbi. Go beyond the usual routes by 4×4 to Khamlia, Taouz, Ouzina, and Ramlia, rejoin the oases and canyons of Todgha and Dades, walk the kasbah lanes of Aït Ben Haddou, crest the High Atlas, and finish in the vibrant Red City of Marrakech.
- Duration9 days / 8 nights
- Starts inCasablanca
- Ends inMarrakech
- Tour typePrivate (customizable)
- Theme🏜️Desert Adventure, 🎭Culture & History, 🕌 Cultural Heritage
- Best seasonMarch–May, Sept–Nov
Day-by-day itinerary
Arrival in Casablanca ➝ Rabat
Hassan II Mosque (Casablanca): One of the largest mosques in the world, built partly on the sea, featuring intricate mosaics and a retractable roof.
Hassan Tower (Rabat): A historical minaret of an incomplete mosque from the 12th century, symbolizing Morocco’s rich Islamic heritage.
Kasbah of the Udayas (Rabat): A charming fortress overlooking the Atlantic, famous for its Andalusian gardens and blue-and-white streets.
Mohammed V Mausoleum (Rabat): A majestic mausoleum with ornate marble, housing the tomb of King Mohammed V.
Rabat ➝ Meknes ➝ Volubilis ➝ Moulay Idriss ➝ Fes
Meknes: Bab Mansour & El Hedim – Grand imperial gate and central square.
Volubilis (UNESCO) – Roman city with exquisite mosaics (Orpheus, Diana Bath).
Moulay Idriss Zerhoun – Sacred hill town, picturesque white lanes.
Arrive Fes by evening.
Full Day in Fes (Guided Tour)
Fes Medina (Fes el-Bali, UNESCO): A labyrinth of narrow streets filled with souks, tanneries, and historic mosques.
Al-Qarawiyyin University: Founded in 859 AD, considered the oldest university in the world.
Bou Inania & Attarine Medersas: Stunning examples of Islamic architecture and intricate carvings.
Chouara Tanneries: Traditional leather dyeing pits offering colorful, photogenic scenes.
Jewish Quarter (Mellah): Historic neighborhood with synagogues and old palaces.
Fes ➝ Ifrane ➝ Azrou ➝ Ziz Valley ➝ Merzouga
Ifrane: Known as “Little Switzerland,” famous for alpine-style architecture, fountains, and clean streets.
Azrou Cedar Forest: Home to Barbary macaques and stunning cedar trees; ideal for nature walks.
Ziz Valley: Palm oasis surrounded by desert landscapes, famous for date palms and kasbahs.
Merzouga Desert & Erg Chebbi: Golden sand dunes stretching as far as the eye can see; sunset camel trek and overnight in a luxury desert camp.
Merzouga ➝ Khamlia ➝ Taouz ➝ Ouzina
Khamlia Village: Known for Gnawa music and traditional desert culture.
Oasis Exploration: Discover remote desert oases, dunes, and nomadic settlements.
Optional Activities: Sandboarding, ATV/quad adventures, or relaxing under the starry sky.
Merzouga ➝ Todra Gorges ➝ Dades Valley
Todra Gorges: Towering limestone canyon walls, ideal for walking and photography.
Dades Valley: Known as the “Valley of the Roses,” with dramatic rock formations called “Monkey Fingers” and traditional Berber villages.
Dades ➝ Rose Valley ➝ Skoura ➝ Ouarzazate ➝ Ait Ben Haddou ➝ Marrakech
Rose Valley: Famous for its rose fields and traditional rose water production.
Skoura Oasis: Home to centuries-old kasbahs, including Kasbah Amridil.
Ouarzazate: Morocco’s “Hollywood,” featuring Atlas Film Studios and Kasbah Taourirt.
Ait Ben Haddou (UNESCO): Iconic fortified village used as a backdrop in many films; spectacular example of southern Moroccan earthen architecture.
High Atlas Mountains: Scenic drive through Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2260m), panoramic mountain views, Berber villages.
Marrakech: Arrival and evening free for leisure or optional souk exploration.
Explore Marrakech – Departure
Jemaa el-Fna Square: Vibrant heart of Marrakech with street performers, storytellers, and local snacks.
Koutoubia Mosque: Iconic Marrakech mosque with a 77m high minaret.
Bahia Palace: Ornate palace from the 19th century with lush gardens.
Saadian Tombs: Historic royal tombs with intricate tile work.
Majorelle Gardens & Yves Saint Laurent Museum: Colorful botanical gardens with exotic plants and design museum.
Explore Marrakech – Departure
Free time according to your flight. Private airport transfer and assistance.
Included
- Private transport in air-conditioned minivan or 4x4 or van
- English-speaking driver/guide
- Fuel and road fees
- 5 nights accommodation (hotels, riads & desert camp)
- Daily breakfast & 3 dinners (excluding first & last day)
- Guided tours in Fes
- Camel trek in the Sahara dunes
- Assistance throughout the journey
Not included
- Lunches and drinks
- Entrance fees to monuments and sites
- Personal expenses and tips
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
Good to know before you go
- Currency: Moroccan dirham (MAD). Carry some cash for small purchases.
- Languages: Arabic and Berber are official; French is widely spoken, and English is common in tourist areas.
- Entry rules: they depend on your nationality. Please check official sources before you travel.
- Insurance: travel insurance is strongly recommended.
Questions
Is this tour private?
Yes. It is offered as a private tour and can be customized. Tell us your preferences in your trip request.
What does it cost?
We prepare a quote based on your dates, group size and the hotel level you prefer. Send a trip request to receive it.
When is a booking confirmed?
A trip request is only an enquiry. A reservation is confirmed after you accept our proposal and its conditions.
Plan the Imperial Cities & Sahara Off-Road with us
Tell us your dates, group size and interests. We will reply with a tailored proposal. Sending a request does not confirm a booking.