Moroccan Discovery: Casablanca to Marrakech - 7 Days

Explore Morocco's Highlights in a Week

Embark on a joyous seven-day journey through Morocco, starting in Casablanca and concluding in Marrakech. Experience the grandeur of Morocco’s four imperial cities—Rabat, Meknes, Fez, and Marrakech. Traverse ancient caravan routes, camp under the Saharan stars, and enjoy traditional Berber music. Discover historic kasbahs and hidden oases before crossing the High Atlas Mountains into the vibrant city of Marrakech.

Trip Highlights:

• Tour the Hassan II Mosque and the tallest minaret in the world in Casablanca

• Stroll through the charming blue streets of Chefchaouen

• Explore the souks, tanneries, and artisan workshops in medieval Fez

• Discover the desert's sand dunes, oases, and ancient kasbahs

• Experience the lively atmosphere of Jemaa el-Fna Square, Africa’s busiest square

Brief Itinerary:

• Day 1: Arrive in Casablanca, Transfer to Chefchaouen via Rabat

• Day 2: Travel to Fez via Volubilis & Meknes

• Day 3: Explore the Medieval Medina of Fez

• Day 4: Journey to Erg Chebbi: Erfoud, Merzouga & Sahara

• Day 5: Travel to Ouarzazate through Desert Towns & Oases

• Day 6: Transfer to Marrakech via Aït Benhaddou & Tizi n'Tichka Pass

• Day 7: Discover Marrakech, Depart

Detailed Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive in Casablanca, Transfer to Chefchaouen Begin your adventure in Casablanca, home to the monumental Hassan II Mosque. This modern marvel, with its towering minaret, is one of the few mosques in Morocco open to non-Muslims. Take a guided tour to appreciate its architectural beauty.

Continue to Chefchaouen, known for its picturesque blue streets. En route, visit Rabat, Morocco’s capital, to explore historical sites like the Chellah Necropolis and the Kasbah des Oudaias. In Chefchaouen, stroll through the charming blue alleys, relax in Plaza Uta el-Hammam, and visit the old kasbah. Enjoy a sunset view from the abandoned Spanish Mosque.

Day 2: Transfer to Fez via Volubilis & Meknes Travel south to Fes, with stops at the Roman ruins of Volubilis and the imperial city of Meknes. In Meknes, admire the Bab al-Mansour gate and the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail. Continue to Fez, where you can visit the Merenid Tombs for a panoramic view of the city at dusk. Return to your riad for a traditional meal.

Day 3: Explore the Medieval Medina of Fez Fez, the oldest of Morocco’s imperial cities, offers a rich exploration of its medina, largely unchanged for over a millennium. Visit the Al Attarine Madrasa and the historic Al-Qarawiyyin University. Wander through Fes el Bali, explore the tanneries, and immerse yourself in the vibrant souks. Join a cooking class to learn Moroccan cuisine.

Day 4: Transfer to Erg Chebbi: Erfoud, Merzouga & Sahara Travel to Merzouga, crossing the Middle Atlas Mountains. Enjoy scenic views of cedar forests and the Ziz Valley. In Erfoud, visit a local workshop to learn about fossil mining. Reach the Erg Chebbi dunes, and take a camel ride to your desert camp. Watch the sunset over the dunes and enjoy a traditional dinner around the campfire.

Day 5: Transfer to Ouarzazate via Desert Towns & Oases Catch the sunrise over the dunes and visit the village of Khemliya. Continue to Rissani to see its lively market and donkey parking lot. Explore Tinghir, the artisan rug capital of Morocco. Explore the Todra Gorge, then travel through the Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs. Arrive in Ouarzazate, famous for its film studios, and take a studio tour.

Day 6: Transfer to Marrakech via Aït Benhaddou & Tizi n'Tichka Pass Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Aït Benhaddou, an ancient trading post. Drive over the Tizi n'Tichka Pass, taking in views of the High Atlas Mountains and Mount Toubkal. As you descend into Marrakech, enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Jemaa el-Fna Square in the evening. Relax in your hotel and explore the lively square from a café or restaurant if you prefer.

Day 7: Marrakech: Explore the Red City, Depart Discover Marrakech, known as the "Red City" for its red sandstone buildings. Start with the Koutoubia Mosque and Gardens. Wander through the bustling souks, experiencing the artisan products created before your eyes. Visit the Ben Youssef Madrasa, and explore the intricacies of Moroccan architecture.