10 days tour from Casablanca to Merzouga
About This Tour
This is an efficiently designed 10-Day Moroccan Traverse providing an excellent showcase of the country’s diverse geography, culture, and history. The itinerary begins with the energy of Marrakech, transitions seamlessly through the mountains and desert gorges, and concludes with the deep history of Fes and the modern architecture of Casablanca. The pacing is balanced, featuring essential travel days that are rich in scenic stops and dedicated guided tours in the two major Imperial Cities.
Customization Note: At DesertGateTours, we craft unforgettable Moroccan experiences. If our standard tours don’t match your vision, we’ll design one that does.
Contact us to share your dream trip, and we’ll create a custom itinerary tailored to your interests, pace, and budget. Your perfect Moroccan adventure awaits—we’re here to make it real.
Highlights:
- Guided exploration of Marrakech (Djemaa El-Fna, Bahia Palace) and Fes (UNESCO Medina, Chouara Tanneries).
- An iconic camel trek into the Erg Chebbi dunes for sunset/sunrise, with an overnight stay in a desert camp.
- Visiting the magnificent fortified village of Ksar of Ait Benhaddou.
- Ascending the dramatic Tizi n’Tichka pass in the High Atlas and traversing the Middle Atlas (Ifrane, Cedar Forest/Barbary macaques).
- Exploring the colossal Todra Gorge and the dramatic Dades Valley (monkey fingers), plus the green ribbon of the Ziz Valley.
- Visiting the architectural wonder of the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca.
- Stops at Telouet Kasbah and the Skoura Oasis.
Program Itinerary
Arrival in Casablanca – Transfer to Marrakech
Your Moroccan adventure begins upon arrival at Casablanca airport, where your private driver will greet you. You will be whisked away to Marrakech, the famous “Red City.” After checking into your riad, your introduction to Morocco’s magic starts as you immerse yourself in the electric atmosphere of Djemaa El-Fna square at night.
Guided Tour of Marrakech – History and Souks
An expert local guide will unveil the secrets of Marrakech. Your tour delves into the city’s rich history, visiting the Koutoubia Mosque, the lavish Bahia Palace, and the historic Saadian Tombs. You will then plunge into the sensory labyrinth of the souks before returning to Djemaa El-Fna to witness its fascinating daytime transformation.
Marrakech to Ouarzazate – High Atlas Crossing
Your journey takes you south, ascending the High Atlas Mountains via the dramatic Tizi n’Tichka pass. A detour leads to the historic Telouet Kasbah. After lunch, the route continues to the magnificent Ksar of Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site and famous cinematic backdrop, before continuing to Ouarzazate for the night.
Ouarzazate to Dades Valley – Oases and Roses
The adventure continues towards the Dades Valley. You’ll stop at the serene Skoura Oasis to see the Kasbah Amerhidil and travel through Kelaat M’Gouna, the heart of the Rose Valley. You will then enter the stunning Dades Valley, renowned for its dramatic “monkey fingers” rock formations, for an overnight stay.
Dades Valley to Merzouga Desert – Canyons and Dunes
After breakfast, you’ll depart for the colossal Todra Gorge to walk along its riverbed, dwarfed by towering canyon walls. The journey then pushes on towards the Sahara. Upon reaching Merzouga, you will embark on a camel trek into the golden Erg Chebbi dunes to witness a breathtaking sunset. Your night is spent in a desert camp with a traditional dinner and Berber music under the stars.
Merzouga Desert to Midelt – Ziz Valley Oasis
Awake early to experience a magical sunrise over the Sahara dunes. After breakfast, your journey turns north, traveling through the scenic Ziz Valley oasis. Your destination is Midelt, a quiet town nestled in the Middle Atlas foothills, where you will spend the night, breaking up the long desert drive.
Midelt to Fes – Cedar Forest and Ifrane
Departing Midelt, your route crosses the Middle Atlas Mountains. A highlight is a stop in the Cedar Forest near Azrou to see wild Barbary macaques. You will also pass through Ifrane, “Morocco’s Little Switzerland,” before arriving in Fes in the afternoon.
Guided Tour of Fes – Ancient Medina
A local guide will help you explore Fes el-Bali, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Your tour includes the Royal Palace gates, the Jewish Quarter (Mellah), the famous Chouara Tanneries, and architectural gems like the Bou Inania Medersa. The afternoon offers free time to explore the medina’s enchanting streets.
Fes to Casablanca – Coastal Farewell
After breakfast, you will drive west back to Casablanca. Upon arrival, you will visit the spectacular Hassan II Mosque, an architectural masterpiece on the Atlantic Ocean. You will then check into your hotel for your final night in Morocco.
Departure from Casablanca
Following a final breakfast, your driver will transfer you to Casablanca’s Mohammed V Airport for your departure flight, concluding your memorable 10-day journey.
Expedition Media Gallery
A visual glimpse of the spectacular landscapes awaiting you.
Inclusions & Trip Details
What's Included
- Transport in a private, air-conditioned vehicle
- English/French-speaking driver/guide
- 9 nights of accommodation(breakfasts and dinners are included)
- Camel trek in the desert
Not Included
- Lunches, drinks, and personal snacks
- Entrance fees to monuments
- Tips for drivers and camp staff
- Travel insurance
Interactive Route Map
Explore your complete journey route on this interactive map. Select any destination marker to discover what awaits you on each day.
Route Milestones
Frequently Asked Questions
What luggage and clothing should I pack for this trip?
We recommend comfortable walking shoes for medina cobbles and dunes, loose breathable cotton layers for daytime exploration, and a warm fleece or jacket for crisp desert evenings and mountain passes. Sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, and a camera are essential.
Can this itinerary and accommodation level be customized?
Yes, absolutely! Every Desert Gate Tours package is 100% private and customizable. We can adjust the pacing, departure city, hotel tiers (Standard Riads, Comfort Boutique, or 5-Star Luxury Glamping), and add unique stops to match your travel dreams.
Where does pickup and drop-off take place?
We provide seamless door-to-door pickup and drop-off directly from your hotel, riad, or airport in Casablanca. Your private English-speaking driver/guide will greet you warmly with personalized signage.
Are special dietary requirements catered for?
Yes, all partner riads and our Sahara desert luxury camp chefs cater happily to vegetarian, vegan, halal, and gluten-free dietary requirements. Simply let us know your preferences during booking.
How do reservations and deposits work?
After submitting your inquiry, our local travel specialists in Marrakech will confirm availability and send your official itinerary voucher. A modest deposit secures your dates via credit card, PayPal, or wire transfer, with the balance paid safely upon arrival.
