Twelve days in Morocco — a journey that goes far beyond the highlights reel. This 12 Days Morocco Itinerary from Casablanca is a full immersion into the country’s most extraordinary landscapes, ancient cities, desert wilderness, and Atlantic coastline. It is the ideal itinerary for travellers who want to experience Morocco in depth — not just as a series of sights, but as a living, breathing culture that reveals itself slowly and generously.
Beginning in Casablanca, you travel north through Rabat to Chefchaouen’s blue medina, visit the Roman ruins of Volubilis, spend two days in Fes, cross the Middle Atlas to the Sahara desert, traverse the canyon country of the south, explore Marrakech with a local guide, and close the journey with a coastal detour through the wind-swept Atlantic port of Essaouira before returning to Casablanca.
A full day in the Merzouga desert, two nights in the Fes region, and two days in Marrakech ensure every destination receives the attention it deserves.
– Admiring the divine architectural splendour of the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca
– Discovering the Atlantic charm and medina of Essaouira on the final leg
– Strolling through the enchanting blue lanes of Chefchaouen
– Marvelling at the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis
– Navigating the labyrinthine streets of the Fes Medina with a specialist guide
– Riding camels through the Erg Chebbi dunes at golden hour
– Spending a full day exploring the Merzouga desert
– Visiting a nomadic Berber family in the Sahara
– Strolling through the spectacular Todra Canyon
– Exploring the UNESCO Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou
– Discovering Marrakech’s vibrant souks, palaces, and historic monuments
– Returning to Casablanca via the stunning Atlantic coast
DAY 1: CASABLANCA → RABAT
Airport arrival and transfer to begin your 12-day journey. A visit to the Hassan II Mosque opens the tour — one of the world’s most magnificent places of worship, its minaret soaring above the Atlantic Ocean. In Rabat, you explore the Hassan Tower, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, and the historic Oudayas Kasbah before settling in for the night in Morocco’s refined capital.
DAY 2: RABAT → CHEFCHAOUEN
The road leads northeast through the foothills of the Rif Mountains to Chefchaouen — Morocco’s most photographed and instantly recognisable city. Its blue medina is a masterpiece of light and colour: narrow alleyways painted in every shade of blue and white, adorned with flower pots and cedar woodwork. Arrive in the afternoon and spend the evening exploring at leisure.
DAY 3: CHEFCHAOUEN → VOLUBILIS → MEKNES → FES
A morning of final exploration in Chefchaouen before heading south to the Roman ruins of Volubilis — a UNESCO World Heritage Site with remarkably preserved mosaics, a triumphal arch, and ancient forum columns set on a dramatic hilltop above the Meknes plain.
Continuing to Meknes — the grandly fortified imperial city of Sultan Moulay Ismail — you visit the monumental Bab Mansour gate and ancient royal stables before the final drive to Fes for the night.
DAY 4: UNCOVER THE MAGIC OF FES WITH A GUIDED DISCOVERY
A full day in the ancient medina of Fes el-Bali with a specialist local guide. The tour covers the Chouara Tanneries, the Bou Inania Madrasa, Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque and University, the Mellah Jewish Quarter, and the labyrinthine craft souks. It is a day of discovery in one of the world’s most extraordinary living medieval cities — complex, beautiful, and utterly unforgettable.
DAY 5: FES → IFRANE → MIDDLE ATLAS MOUNTAINS → ZIZ VALLEY → MERZOUGA DESERT
An early departure south from Fes into the cedar forests of the Middle Atlas, through Azrou (with its roadside Barbary macaques) and the alpine town of Ifrane. The descent into the Ziz Valley leads to the edge of the Sahara. By late afternoon, the dunes of Erg Chebbi glow orange ahead of you. A sunset camel ride brings you to your luxury desert camp for dinner and music beneath the stars.
DAY 6: IMMERSIVE EXPLORATION OF THE MERZOUGA DESERT
A full day in the Sahara. After the sunrise, a 4×4 excursion carries you deep into the desert for a visit to a nomadic Berber family — tea, conversation, and a genuine cultural exchange. The afternoon is yours for sandboarding, dune walks, and photography. A sunset camel ride and a final evening of music under the desert sky close this extraordinary day.
DAY 7: MERZOUGA DESERT → RISSANI → TODRA GORGE → DADES GORGE
Sunrise and breakfast at the camp before heading west through Rissani and on to the Todra Gorge — one of Morocco’s most spectacular natural environments. The canyon’s towering walls, the cool stream below, and the silence above create a powerful and memorable experience. The afternoon drive ends in the Dades Gorge, where your hotel awaits among dramatic canyon scenery.
DAY 8: DADES GORGE → OUARZAZATE → AIT BEN HADDOU → HIGH ATLAS MOUNTAINS → MARRAKECH
The drive west passes through the Valley of Roses and Ouarzazate before arriving at the Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou — Morocco’s most famous kasbah and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After exploring its earthen towers and ancient lanes, the road climbs the High Atlas via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass and descends into Marrakech.
DAY 9: EXPLORE MARRAKECH WITH OUR EXPERT GUIDE
A full guided day in Marrakech’s historic medina. The Bahia Palace, the Ben Youssef Madrasa, the tanneries, the Saadian Tombs, and the legendary Jemaa el-Fnaa Square — by day a market and gathering place, by night a theatre of storytellers, musicians, and street food. The afternoon is free for independent exploration of the souks and gardens.
DAY 10: MARRAKECH → ESSAOUIRA
A day trip west to Essaouira — Morocco’s most atmospheric coastal city. Built on a windswept Atlantic promontory, its blue-and-white medina is a UNESCO World Heritage Site of Portuguese ramparts, Gnawa musicians, and one of Morocco’s most vibrant artisan communities. Wander the ramparts, visit the fishing harbour, browse the woodcraft and jewellery souks, and enjoy lunch on a terrace overlooking the ocean. Return to Marrakech in the evening.
DAY 11: ESSAOUIRA → CASABLANCA
Departing Marrakech for the final leg north, the Atlantic coastal road leads back toward Casablanca through the argan forests of the Souss plain. The journey brings the full arc of the adventure to a close — from the Atlantic coast where you began, through Morocco’s imperial and Saharan heartland, and back to the sea.
DAY 12: CONCLUSION OF YOUR 12 DAYS IN MOROCCO
A final morning in Casablanca before your departure airport transfer. The city that opened the journey closes it — perhaps now seen with different eyes after twelve extraordinary days across Morocco.
– Please share dietary requirements when booking.
– All vehicles are air-conditioned and well maintained.
– The itinerary is fully customisable — any day can be adapted.
– Nomadic family visit location may vary on the day.
– Essaouira day trip on Day 10 can alternatively be an independent day in Marrakech.
– Airport pick-up and drop-off (Casablanca)
– Private air-conditioned 4×4, van, or minibus
– English-speaking driver/guide (other languages on request)
– Local guides for Fes (Day 4) and Marrakech (Day 9)
– 11 nights accommodation with breakfast
– Dinner at desert camp, Merzouga riad, and Dades Gorge hotel
– Camel trekking experience
– Sandboarding
– Lunches and beverages
– Entrance fees where applicable
– Tips (optional but appreciated)
Please fill out the form below to contact us, and we will respond as soon as possible. For a faster response please send a WhatsApp: +212 668-342513 message or call us at +212678099129 . We look forward to connecting with you. Email: info@merzougadunestours.com
Paying for your tour is straightforward. A small upfront deposit is required at the time of booking to secure your spot — this can be sent via PayPal, bank transfer, or Wise. The outstanding balance is then settled directly with your driver or guide on the first day of your trip, accepted in euros, US dollars, or Moroccan dirhams.
Morocco’s official currency is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD). While major hotels and larger establishments tend to accept credit cards, smaller markets and towns generally operate on a cash-only basis, so it’s advisable to carry local currency.
Absolutely. The tour can be fully tailored to match your preferences — whether that means adding extra destinations, upgrading your accommodation, or switching to alternative transport such as a private 4×4 vehicle.
Yes, camel rides are commonly included in desert tour packages, typically used to cross the dunes on the way to your overnight camp.
Camel rides are a standard part of desert experiences and are used to reach the overnight camp by crossing the dunes.
Guests stay in traditional Berber-style tents within a desert camp setting. Amenities include comfortable bedding, warm blankets, shared or private bathroom facilities (depending on the camp category), and a shared dining area for meals and socializing.
The policy varies based on how far in advance you cancel relative to your departure date. A booking deposit is required to hold your reservation, and partial or full refunds may apply depending on the notice given.
