Take a captivating 10-day trip that blends the mesmerizing richness of the Sahara Desert with the cultural diversity of Morocco’s imperial cities. This tour provides a thorough experience that combines the excitement of desert excursions with historical exploration.
The grand Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, the biggest mosque in Morocco and a symbol of beauty in Moorish architecture, is the first stop on your journey. From here, you will stroll down the shore in Casablanca and discover the city’s significant buildings, including the Cathedral Sacre Coeur, which blends European and Moroccan elements, and the central plaza, La Ligue Arabe.
When you travel from Casablanca to Rabat, the capital of Morocco, you can explore ancient landmarks like the Hassan Tower, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, and the Chellah Necropolis. You can also wander around the quaint white and blue-painted Kasbah of the Udayas, which offers breathtaking views of the Bouragrage River and the seashore.
Next, visit the imperial city of Meknes, founded by Sultan Moulay Ismael. Discover the magnificent Bab Mansour gate, the Sahrij Swani granary, and the neighborhood markets renowned for their wide selection of olives. Then, proceed to Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage site and an old Roman city where you can see exquisitely preserved mosaics and Latin inscriptions.
Then, you will explore the maze-like medina of Fez, the oldest imperial city of Morocco, with over 9,000 narrow passageways teeming with colorful shops and craftspeople. From here, you will visit the famed tanneries, experience panoramic views from the southern tower, and see a pottery cooperative where conventional Moroccan mosaics are produced. Fez skillfully combines the grandeur of the past with the modern world.
You will travel from Fez via the picturesque Middle Atlas Mountains, stopping in Ifrane, dubbed «Little Switzerland,» due to its ski resort and architecture reminiscent of the Alps. From here, you will proceed through natural Barbary macaque-inhabited cedar forests until you reach Merzouga, the entrance to the Sahara. You can experience the breathtaking sunsets, go on a camel ride over the Erg Chebbi dunes, and spend the night beneath the stars in a typical Berber tent.
You will then take a day trip around Erg Chebbi’s dunes to explore the tranquil beauty of the Sahara. Here, you can take in a Gnaoua musical performance, savor the distinctive «Madfona» pie from Tuareg cuisine, and discover the oasis of Rissani, which is the location of Moulay Ali Cherif’s mausoleum—the progenitor of the present Moroccan monarchy. Then, you will travel to the breathtaking Todra Gorges from the desert, renowned for its tall cliffs and verdant palm trees. You will then pass through the Rose Valley, where Damascus roses are gathered for rose oil and water, and the Dades Valley, well-known for its unusual rock formations. Then, visit the film studios and the Taourirt Kasbah in Ouarzazate before heading to the UNESCO World Heritage site, the ancient town of Ait Benhaddou.
The journey continues across the High Atlas Mountains to Marrakech, passing through the breathtaking Tizi-n-Tichka pass. Here, you can sightsee the vibrant souks, the Saadian Tombs, and the Bahia Palace. See the vibrant Jemaa el-Fnaa plaza, with its food vendors and performers, while unwinding in the tranquil Majorelle Garden.
This journey ends with transport to the airport in Casablanca or Marrakech, concluding your incredible Moroccan experience. With a 10-day itinerary that combines history, culture, and scenic beauty, travelers can expect a fantastic trip across Morocco’s royal capitals and the alluring Sahara Desert.
