9-Day Morocco Tour from Casablanca to Marrakech with Sahara Camp

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Day 01

Casablanca's Hassan II Mosque and Rabat's Historic Landmarks

• Greetings from Casablanca! The Hassan II Mosque should be your only stop while in Casablanca, Morocco's commercial hub. Its 690-foot (210 m) minaret, the tallest minaret in the world, stands in a picturesque location on the ocean. Even though the mosque's exterior and surroundings are impressive, it stands out because it is one of the few mosques in the nation that non-Muslims are allowed to enter. Join a mosque tour in the morning and be amazed by the exquisite craftsmanship, including the hand-carved stone and wood, the elaborate marble floor details, and the gilded ceilings.
• Travel north to Rabat, which served as the capital during the imperial era. Wander the Roman and Islamic ruins while exploring the medieval fortifications of the Chellah Necropolis. Enter the old city of Rabat through the majestic gate of the Kasbah des Oudaias.
• Visit the 20th-century Andalusian Gardens to enjoy a tranquil setting away from the crowds. Learn about the Hassan Tower, the minaret of an unfinished mosque, and the Mohamed V Mausoleum. All that remains of this abandoned 12th-century project are the mosque's support structures, including 200 columns and the minaret.

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Day 02

Chefchaouen and the Waterfalls of Akchour

• In the Rif Mountains, head north to the eye-catching blue city of Chefchaouen. Before arriving, you can reach the Cascades d'Akchour (Waterfalls of Akchour), a hidden gem accessible via a 2- to 3-hour hike through lush vegetation and small pools. Relax in enchanting Chefchaouen in the afternoon. Largely untouched since the 15th century, Chefchaouen is known for the blue-hued buildings of its historic medina and offers a laid-back atmosphere with some of the friendliest people in the nation. Explore the city's winding lanes and streets that cling to the mountain's northern slopes.
• Discover Plaza Outa el-Hammam, the central square, so named because it once had a number of hammams (public baths) surrounding it.
• Before exploring the many shops selling antiques, find a restaurant or café to grab a bite to eat. Explore the Grand Mosque, the kasbah (ancient fortress or fortification), and its garden, museum, and even some of its former jail cells. As dusk falls, spend 20 to 30 minutes climbing the path leading to the deserted white Spanish Mosque for one last look at Chefchaouen before the sun sets behind the mountains.

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Day 03

Volubilis, Meknes, and Arrival in Fes

• Before heading to Fes, get up early to take pictures of the deserted streets. Visit the UNESCO-protected ruins of Volubilis, the Roman Empire's furthest outpost in Africa, as you travel onward. Wander the complex and discover the temples, many in-place mosaics, and merchant homes with still-working heating systems. Continue to Meknes for an introduction to your second historic imperial city, a smaller and less populated version of Fes. The Ville Impériale (Imperial City) and the medina are the two main attractions. Visit the Royal Stables, the Moulay Ismail Mausoleum, and Bab al-Mansour Gate.
• Travel east until you reach Fes, the third imperial city. Fes is a city worth getting lost in because of its imposingly large and occasionally perplexing old medina.
• Drive up the hill to visit the Merenid Tombs, just north of the city, and take in panoramic views of old Fes and the surrounding area before entering the medina. As you make your way down the hill to your riad - a traditional Moroccan home with a garden inside - you can enjoy a sumptuous meal and unwind for the evening.

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Day 04

Guided Discovery of Fes Medina and Imperial Quarters

• Of Morocco's four Imperial Cities, Fes is the oldest and, arguably, the most fascinating and exciting to explore. Established more than a thousand years ago, it has the most complete medina in the Arab world. What is often referred to as the nation's cultural capital is made up of Fes el Bali and Fes el Jdid, two medina quarters, as well as Ville Nouvelle, a more contemporary area with French colonial influences.
• Meet your guide and spend a half day learning about the history and culture of the region as you travel through the winding streets of the medinas.
• Start in Fes el Bali at the Bab Boujeloud gate and continue into the main street of Talâa Kebira. As you pass stores and souks, take note of the architecture, which shows influences from Tunisia and Spain. Visit the Chouara Tannery and be amazed by the numerous stone pots filled with dye and the men working there who still employ time-honoured methods.
• After that, visit the Mellah, the old Jewish quarter and cemetery, in Fes el Jdid and admire the intricate zellij tilework of the 14th-century Al Attarine Madrasa. If time allows, continue to Ville Nouvelle to see the striking transformation in the city's architecture.

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Day 05

Middle Atlas Journey to Merzouga and Sahara Camp

• Early in the morning, depart for Merzouga in the south. You will pass through the cedar forests of the Middle Atlas Mountains as you make your way up and over the Col du Zad pass, which rises to 7,146 feet (2,178 m) above sea level. Before stopping for lunch in Midelt, the "apple city," and enjoying the nearby Moulouya River, take pleasure in sightings of the local Barbary Macaque monkeys.
• After crossing the Tizi n'Talremt pass, enter the Ziz Valley, renowned for its hidden oases and clusters of palm trees. Ksars, or fortified houses, are common along the road and were constructed to safeguard valuables such as gold, salt, and spices.
• Continue to Erfoud, a city famous for fossil mining and a date festival. Here, you can meet local artisans and learn more about the production process by visiting a local collective. Continue to Erg Chebbi, a vast sea of sand dunes covering 13.5 square miles (35 square km). These enormous dunes are never still; they constantly move and shift in response to the changing wind.
• Once you arrive in Merzouga, mount your camel and ride through the sand to your camp, which has already been set up for you.
• Before heading back to camp for a sumptuous dinner and some downtime by the campfire, hike up a nearby sand dune to watch the sun go down.

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Day 06

Saharan Villages, Todra Gorge, and Ouarzazate

• Catch the sunrise before renting a sandboard to put your skills to the test. Leave the sand dunes behind and travel to Khemliya to see a traditional Saharan village with Mali-born residents.
• Continue west and enter Rissani through a striking gate. In the market town of Rissani, you will find a "donkey parking lot," a sight to behold and hear. Then travel to the desert town of Tinerhir before entering the 300-meter-deep Todra Gorge. You will have enough time to stroll through the gorge and unwind in the cool waters of the Todra River's shallow bed.
• Traverse the Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs. Although many are now in poor condition, some are still occupied by local families, and you may even spot nomads herding their animals. Continue west to Kela'a M'gouna. This area, well known for its Festival des Roses, features extensively farmed land surrounded by fragrant rose bushes.
• Continue west to Ouarzazate, a well-known film industry destination and gateway to the Sahara Desert. Discover how the nearby desert landscapes have appeared in numerous movies by taking a studio tour.

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Day 07

Aït Benhaddou, High Atlas Crossings, and Marrakech

• Visit nearby Aït Benhaddou. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is thought to have existed as early as the 11th century and played a significant role in the trans-Saharan trade route between Marrakech, Ouarzazate, and the southern desert. Ascend its steep streets to the granary for views of the surrounding area.
• From there, climb into the High Atlas mountain range and keep an eye out for Mount Toubkal, the highest peak at 13,671 feet (4,167 m). Take a break near the summit of the Tizi n'Tichka pass, at 7,415 feet (2,260 m), to admire the scenery of the mountain range.
• The climate and landscape will change drastically as you leave the High Atlas behind. You will soon become part of Marrakech, the last imperial city, with all of its clamour and noise.
• After a long day of travelling, check into your hotel and spend the remaining time however you wish. In the early evening, the main square, Jemaa el-Fna, comes alive with musicians, performers, snake charmers, games, and food stalls, offering a wide variety of entertainment. If you prefer to observe the spectacle from a distance, choose one of the many cafés surrounding the square and enjoy a meal with a cup of mint tea.

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Day 08

Historic Marrakech and the Souks of the Red City

• Marrakech, also known as the "Red City" because of its red sandstone walls and structures, was once a significant trading centre for the tribes of the Atlas Mountains and remains a fascinating former imperial city. North of the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, Marrakech is home to Jemaa el-Fna, Africa's busiest square. Start your exploration of the historic medina at the Koutoubia Mosque and Gardens. Non-Muslims are not permitted inside the mosque, but it is still interesting to see the 253-foot (77-meter) minaret and 12th-century foundations. Visit the fountains and pools in the adjacent garden.
• Explore the intricate maze of souks hidden behind ordinary restaurants and shops, and indulge your senses. At Souk el Attarin, Souk Chouari, and Souk Smata, you can find a variety of spices, woodwork, and babouche, the traditional Moroccan slippers. Visit the dyers' souk, or Souk des Teinturiers, to see how cloth and yarn are dyed using conventional techniques. The Ben Youssef Madrasa, a 16th-century Koranic school, is a fine example of Moroccan Islamic architecture. Pay attention to the elaborate interior decoration, including carved cedar ceilings, plaster sculptures, and zellij tiling.

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Day 09

Marrakech Kasbah Quarter and Departure

• Depending on the details of your flight, you might want to explore the kasbah area south of Jemaa el-Fna. Visit the Saadian Tombs to admire the 500-year-old craftsmanship that went into their construction. As you make your way through the mellah to the 19th-century Bahia Palace, stop by the sunken gardens of the 17th-century El Badi Palace.
• If time allows, you may also want to visit the Dar Di Said Museum, also known as the Museum of Moroccan Arts, to see its collections of clothing, jewellery, and Hispano-Moorish decorations made of exquisitely carved cedar wood.