11-Day Morocco Cultural Tour from Casablanca to the Sahara and Chefchaouen

11 Days Duration

Experiences

About This Tour

Explore Morocco's diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage on this 11-day journey from Casablanca through the Atlantic coast, imperial cities, mountain pas...

Duration: 11 Days · Tour type: Private · Activity level: Easy · Accommodation: Included · Standard · Transport: Included · Wheelchair access: Yes · Cities: Casablanca, Safi, El Jadida, Fez, Ouezzane, Marrakech, Essaouira, Midelt, Rabat, Ouarzazate, Chefchaouen, Merzouga, Todgha Gorge, Erfoud, Aït Benhaddou, Tizi n'Tichka, Ziz Valley, Sefrou, Ifrane, Tinejdad, Dadès Gorges · Languages: Arabic, English, French, Spanish

Know before you go: Some home-cooked dishes with local families are available upon request and will be at the customer's expense.

About El Jadida

Morocco

El Jadida

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What's Included

English-, French-, and Spanish-speaking professional driver/tour guide
Shuttle from and to the airport
Accommodation is organised at all stages of the tour
Air-conditioned vehicle
Visit to women's cooperatives
Toll road fees, fuel charges, and all taxes
Transport insurance
An opportunity to give back and meet up with locals
Camel ride in the desert
Daily breakfast

Not Included

Flights
Travel insurance
Gratuities
Entrance fees to historical monuments
Additional services
Drinks
Anything not mentioned in 'included'

Itinerary

1

Day 01

Arrival to Casablanca CMN

Arrival at Casablanca, followed by pick up and drop you off at your hotel. Discover some of Casablanca’s sights, notably the Hassan II Mosque, which is considered the largest in North Africa and the third largest in the Islamic world, with its splendid esplanade and tallest minaret. It is a long reach of marble and emerald zellige rising 210 meters into the sky.
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Day 02

Casablanca – Eljadida – Safi – Essaouira

8:00 am - Depart from Casablanca and head southwest towards El-Jadida. Discover the 15th-century Portuguese fortified city of Mazagan, now known as El-Jadida—Marvel, at the well-preserved Portuguese structures, fortified ramparts, and the unique defensive system surrounding the Medina. Learn about its rich history and significance as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Travel to Safi, known for its sardines and pottery. Explore the old medina, which the Portuguese predominantly built in the 16th century. Continue to Essaouira, a laid-back beach city known for artistic and musical inspiration. Optionally, visit Jimi Hendrix's inspiration site and enjoy the beach.
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Day 03

Essaouira – Marrakech

Explore Jimi Hendrix’s town before you head to Marrakech. After breakfast, you’re free to roam the city that was once and still heaven for hippie backpackers and Gnawa musicians. Hire a local guide to discover the 15th-century ramparts surrounding the Medina of Mogador. Visit The Mellah, the former Jewish quarter, and explore the bustling fishing port, where you can savour a delicious fish meal. In the afternoon, head towards Marrakech. En route, if you are lucky, you can see the tree goat phenomenon. Arrive in Marrakech and join the carnival night of the crazed cacophony of musicians, snake charmers and vendors in the open-air famed Jemaa El-Fnaa square.
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Day 04

Marrakech Walk and Talk Medina Guided Tour

Meet your private Marrakech guide to explore the old part of the city. Visit Bahia Palace, El-Badii Palace, and Saadian Tombs to explore their architectural splendour and historical significance. Continue your journey outside the Medina with a visit to the Majorelle Garden, known for its vibrant botanical beauty. Explore the Museum Saint Laurent and Berber Museum to gain insights into Moroccan culture and art. Experience the lively streets of Marrakech with motorcyclists and horse-carts through the city. Head to Jemaa El-Fnaa Square and witness the carnival-like atmosphere with musicians, acrobats, storytellers, and street performers.
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Day 05

Marrakech – Ait Benhaddou – Ouarzazate – Valley of Roses – Dades Gorges

8:00 am - Pick-up from your hotel/Riad in Marrakech by your driver/guide. Journey through the Tizi-N’Tichka Pass (2260m) in the High Atlas Mountains, enjoying breathtaking landscapes and passing through Berber villages. 10:00 am - First pause at Ait Barka village for photos and mint tea, marking the start of the Atlas Mountains of Morocco. Second, pause at the top of Tizi n’Tichka Pass and arrive at Ait Benhaddou, an ancient UNESCO-protected ksar. Explore the historic mud-brick village, famous for its appearances in Hollywood movies like Gladiator and Game of Thrones. Lunch break in Ait Benhaddou or Ouarzazate, known as "Ouallywood" due to its film studios. Visit Taourirte Kasbah in Ouarzazate before travelling through the Valley of Roses towards Dades Gorges' rust-red and mauve mountains. Explore the nearby Monkey Fingers Mountains, famous for their unique rock formations. Enjoy the serene atmosphere of Berber villages along the valley.
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Day 06

Dades Gorges – Todgha Gorges – Tinejdad – Erfoud – Risani – Merzouga Desert

Depart from your accommodation and go towards Merzouga, which is the gateway into the golden dunes of the Sahara desert. Stop at Todgha Gorges to admire the towering rock formations and scenic views. Continue to Tinjdad to visit a local Berber culture museum and enjoy lunch. Journey to Erfoud, famous for its million-year-old fossils and explore the fascinating fossil sites. Proceed to Merzouga, home to Morocco's highest dunes. Experience a camel ride into the dunes, known as the "ship of the desert". Witness a mesmerizing sunset over the Sahara Desert. Enjoy a scenic camel trek as you head towards your Bedouin-style tent accommodation. Overnight, we will be staying in a Bedouin-style tent.
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Day 07

Day 7: Merzouga Desert – Midelt – Ifran – Fes

This morning, witness the glorious sunrise among the dunes. Enjoy an early morning breakfast. Experience camel riding in the desert before departure. Head towards Ifran through the Ziz Valley, which is among the most significant producer oasis dates in Morocco. En route, stop for lunch with a local family in Midelt. After lunch, pass through the cedar forests of Ifran, Switzerland, and Morocco. If you are lucky, you can come across the Barbary macaques on our way to Fes.
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Day 08

Fes walk and talk Medina guided Tour

Get the opportunity to discover the ancient breeding ground for scholars and artisans and the largest medina in the world. Explore the America Fondouk, Nejjarines, Tanneries, the Medersa (Theological college) and Karaouine, the first established university globally. Drive you out of Fes to have a portion of delicious house-made food in Lalla Fatiha’s place in Sefrou.
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Day 09

Fes – Chefchaouen

Head north to Chefchaouen or Chaouen city, perched beneath the raw peaks of the Rif Mountains. Arrive in Chefchaouen, the "Blue Town," famous for its blue-washed buildings. Discover the Andalusian-style architecture and historic sites such as the Kasbah Museum. Continue exploring Chefchaouen at your own pace, capturing more of its unique beauty.
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Day 10

Chefchaouen – Ouazzane – Rabat

Enjoy a five-hour drive from Chefchaouen to Rabat. Explore the city on a short vacation through the monumental Hassan Tower and the nearby mausoleum of the royal family. Have a cup of mint tea in red Oudayas, a walled village within a city.
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Day 11

Casablanca departure

Departure to Casablanca to conclude the tour.