8 Days Desert Camel Trek & Imperial City Exploration

Overview

This 8-day Morocco tour from Casablanca is the perfect blend of imperial history, desert adventure, and cultural discovery. Travel from the Atlantic coast to the golden sands of the Sahara, passing through the ancient cities of Fes and Marrakech. Ride camels through the dunes, sleep in a desert camp under the stars, and explore Morocco’s most iconic sites with local guides. A journey rich in colors, traditions, and unforgettable experiences.

Tour Highlights – 8-Day Morocco Tour from Casablanca

• Visit Casablanca’s Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest and most spectacular mosques in the world

• Discover the ancient city of Fes, including its medina, tanneries, mosques, and madrasas

• Tour the imperial cities of Fes and Marrakech, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites

• Ride camels into the Sahara Desert and enjoy a magical sunset over the dunes of Erg Chebbi

• Spend the night in a traditional Berber desert camp with music, food, and stargazing

• Explore the dramatic Todra Gorges and scenic Dades Valley

• Visit the famous Kasbah of Aït Ben Haddou, a UNESCO site and filming location for many movies

• Drive across the High Atlas Mountains via the breathtaking Tizi n’Tichka Pass

• Stroll the souks of Marrakech, discover its palaces, gardens, and the lively Jemaa el-Fnaa square

• Admire the lush Majorelle Garden, the elegant Bahia Palace, and the historic Koutoubia Mosque

• Meet local Berbers and learn about their customs and daily life

• Enjoy panoramic views of valleys, palm groves, and mountain landscapes throughout the journey

Tour Details

Destination: Marrakech via Fes & Sahara Desert
Departure Location: Any location in Casablanca
Return Location: Any location in Casablanca
Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights
Price: Varies depending on the number of travelers

Itinerary

Day 1: Casablanca – Fes

Your journey begins with a warm welcome from your private driver at your hotel in Casablanca. We’ll start by visiting some of Casablanca’s key cultural landmarks before heading inland to Fes, one of Morocco’s imperial cities. Upon arrival, you’ll check in at a traditional riad or hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 2: Fes – Guided City Tour

After breakfast, we’ll embark on a guided tour of Fes, Morocco’s spiritual and cultural capital. We’ll explore the historic Medina, beginning with the impressive Royal Palace gates and the Jewish quarter (Mellah), Morocco’s first, dating back to the 16th century. Key highlights include:

• The University of Al Quaraouiyine – the oldest in the Islamic world

• The Attarine Museum

• The Chouara Tanneries

• The Mausoleum of Moulay Idriss
  After lunch, we’ll visit local artisan cooperatives before enjoying a panoramic view of the entire Medina. Return to your riad for the evening.

Day 3: Fes – Ifrane – Azrou – Midelt – Merzouga

We leave Fes after breakfast and travel through the Middle Atlas Mountains. Our first stop is Ifrane, often called the “Switzerland of Morocco,” followed by the cedar forests of Azrou, home to wild Barbary apes. After lunch in Midelt, we drive through the scenic Ziz Valley, continuing past Erfoud and Rissani. The day concludes in Merzouga, at the edge of the Sahara Desert, where we’ll stay overnight in a local hotel.

Day 4: Merzouga Desert Exploration & Camel Trek

Today is dedicated to discovering the beauty and culture of the desert. We’ll explore the dunes of Erg Chebbi in a 4×4 and visit Khamlia, known for its vibrant Gnawa music. After a traditional Berber lunch (pizza) in Rissani, we return to Merzouga for a camel trek into the dunes. As the sun sets, we reach the desert camp where a traditional dinner awaits. Spend the evening under a star-filled sky with live Berber music around the campfire.

Day 5: Merzouga – Todra Gorge – Dades Valley

Wake up early to witness a magical sunrise over the dunes. After breakfast and showers at a nearby hotel, we depart for Tinghir and continue to Todra Gorge, Morocco’s most dramatic canyon. After exploring and having lunch, we travel to Dades Valley, stopping to admire the unique rock formations known as “Monkey Fingers.” Overnight in a charming hotel or riad in the gorge.

Day 6: Dades Valley – Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – Marrakech

We follow the road of a thousand Kasbahs today, passing through the Valley of Roses and Kalaat M’Gouna. After lunch, we visit the Hollywood of Africa—Ouarzazate—home to Atlas Film Studios. Then it’s on to the iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ait Ben Haddou, a historic ksar used as a backdrop in many famous films. We cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi-n-Tichka Pass and arrive in Marrakech for an overnight stay.

Day 7: Marrakech – Guided City Tour

Today includes a full-day guided tour of Marrakech. Explore its vibrant soul through visits to:

• Jemaa el-Fna Square

• Koutoubia Mosque

• The Bahia Palace and Saadian Tombs

• The colorful souks and artisan quarters

• The Menara Gardens, Majorelle Garden, and Gueliz district
  After lunch, enjoy free time for shopping or a traditional hammam before returning to your riad/hotel.

Day 8: Marrakech – Casablanca Airport

Depending on your flight time, you may have the opportunity to explore some less-visited areas of Marrakech or relax with a local lunch. Later, you will be transferred to Casablanca’s Mohammed V International Airport, marking the end of your unforgettable Moroccan journey.