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PRIVATE TOUR — 10 day Morocco itinerary from Casablanca via Chefchaouen
OVERVIEW
Nine days is where the Sahara part of the trip really opens up. This itinerary keeps the classic Casablanca-to-Marrakech route — Rabat, Chefchaouen, Volubilis, Meknes, Fes, the Atlas gorges, Ait Ben Haddou — but adds a full exploration day in the Merzouga desert. That extra day gets you off the main tourist route and into a corner of the country most short trips skip: Gnawa music in the village of Khamlia, the abandoned galena mines at M’Fis, and tea with a Berber nomad family in their tent at the edge of the dunes.
You finish in Marrakech having walked through two UNESCO-listed medinas, crossed two mountain ranges, slept a night in the desert, and seen Roman ruins, an imperial city, and Morocco’s most photographed kasbah along the way.
Every itinerary is fully customisable to suit your preferences and pace.
DURATION: 9 DAYS / 8 NIGHTS
START: CASABLANCA
END: MARRAKECH
TOUR STYLE: PRIVATE
HIGHLIGHTS
– The Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca
– Historical Rabat — Hassan Tower and Kasbah of the Udayas
– Chefchaouen, Morocco’s blue city, with a full day to explore
– The Roman ruins of Volubilis
– The 17th-century imperial city of Meknes — Bab el Mansour and the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail
– A full guided day in the Fes medina
– Camel trekking across the Erg Chebbi dunes
– Sunset and sunrise over the Sahara
– A night under the stars in a luxury desert camp
– A full day exploring the Merzouga desert by 4×4
– Visiting a Berber nomad family in their tent
– Hearing live Gnawa music in the village of Khamlia
– The abandoned galena mines at M’Fis
– A walk through the Todra Gorge
– The “monkey fingers” rock formations of the Dades Valley
– The UNESCO-listed Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou
– Crossing the High Atlas via the Tizi n’Tichka pass
DAY 1: CASABLANCA -> RABAT
Your ten day tour begins with a welcome at Mohammed V International Airport in Casablanca. We start at the Hassan II Mosque, then drive to Rabat, the capital, to see the Hassan Tower and the Kasbah of the Udayas. Overnight in Rabat. (If you arrive at night, we transfer you straight to a hotel in Casablanca so the tour can start the next day.)
Approximate driving distance/time: 128 km / 2 hours 10 minutes
DAY 2: RABAT -> CHEFCHAOUEN
After breakfast, we drive north to Chefchaouen, in the Rif Mountains — around four hours through rolling hills and villages. On arrival you check in and have free time to explore the blue-washed medina, the souks, and the cafés. Overnight in Chefchaouen.
Approximate driving distance/time: 254 km / 5 hours
DAY 3: CHEFCHAOUEN -> VOLUBILIS -> MEKNES -> FES
After breakfast, a scenic drive through the Rif villages leads to Volubilis, a Roman city with well-preserved mosaics and public buildings dating to the 3rd century. From there we continue to Meknes, a 17th-century imperial city, for lunch and a walk through the medina to see the Bab el Mansour gate and the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail. The day ends in Fes, where you sleep in a riad.
Approximate driving distance/time: 260 km / 4 hours 30 minutes
DAY 4: GUIDED TOUR OF FES
A full day exploring Fes with a local guide. The day starts at the golden gate of the Royal Palace, then moves into the UNESCO-listed medina to see Al-Qarawiyyin University, the Al-Attarine Madrasa, the Nejjarine fountain, and the Chouara tanneries. From there you visit the Mellah, the old Jewish quarter, before climbing to an old fortress for a panoramic view over the medina. Back to your riad for the night.
DAY 5: FES -> IFRANE -> MIDDLE ATLAS MOUNTAINS -> ZIZ VALLEY -> MERZOUGA DESERT
After breakfast, we head south towards the desert, with a stop in Ifrane. Crossing the Middle Atlas, we pause in a cedar forest where Barbary macaques often appear, then break for lunch. The route drops through the Ziz Valley, with its palm oasis, before reaching the desert.
In the afternoon, a camel caravan carries you across the Erg Chebbi dunes, pausing on a high dune for a golden sunset. The ride continues to a luxury camp, where you settle into your private tent. After dinner, the evening ends around a bonfire with drumming and Berber music under the stars — with a chance to try the drums yourself.
Approximate driving distance/time: 500 km / 7 hours 30 minutes
DAY 6: IMMERSIVE EXPLORATION OF THE MERZOUGA DESERT
An early start is worth it for sunrise over the dunes. After breakfast, by camel or 4×4, a full desert day begins at Khamlia, a village known for its Gnawa music, played by locals whose roots trace to southern African countries. From there we head off-road to M’Fis, an abandoned village known for its galena mines (galena being a mineral once used in cosmetics).
You’ll then visit a nomad family living near the Erg Chebbi dunes, welcomed with tea in their tent and a look at their way of life. After lunch, we transfer you to a riad with a pool, with free time to swim or relax. In the late afternoon you can add a quad bike or buggy ride for sunset, or simply walk out to the dunes. Dinner and overnight at the riad.
Approximate driving distance/time: 57 km / 1 hour 15 minutes
DAY 7: MERZOUGA DESERT -> RISSANI -> TODRA GORGE -> DADES GORGE
After breakfast, we head towards the Dades Gorge. Along the way, on a market day (Sunday, Tuesday, or Thursday), you can visit the traditional souk at Rissani. There’s a walk through the Todra Gorge above the Todra river, then a scenic drive through the Dades Valley to see the “monkey fingers” rock formations before reaching your hotel for the night.
Approximate driving distance/time: 310 km / 5 hours
DAY 8: DADES GORGE -> OUARZAZATE -> AIT BEN HADDOU -> HIGH ATLAS MOUNTAINS -> MARRAKECH
We drive to Ouarzazate — the Hollywood of Africa — where you can visit the Atlas Studios, the largest film studio in Morocco. From there we head to Ait Ben Haddou to explore the kasbah, UNESCO-listed and used as a film set for Gladiator, Indiana Jones, and Game of Thrones.
After lunch, the road crosses the High Atlas towards Marrakech, arriving in the late afternoon. You check in to a riad in the medina, with dinner at the riad or at a restaurant on Jemaa el-Fnaa.
Approximate driving distance/time: 353 km / 6 hours 30 minutes
DAY 9: GUIDED TOUR OF MARRAKECH
After breakfast, a guided tour of Marrakech’s best-known sights — Jemaa el-Fnaa square, the Bahia Palace, the Saadian Tombs, the Ben Youssef Madrasa, and the Koutoubia Mosque. After lunch, you can visit the Majorelle Garden or relax at your riad. In the late afternoon, head to Jemaa el-Fnaa for a rooftop drink and sunset over the city, with the option of dinner there before returning to your riad.
DAY 10: DEPARTURE TRANSFER
On the final day, we transfer you from your riad to Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK) or Casablanca Mohammed V (CMN), depending on your departure, marking the end of the tour.
IMPORTANT NOTES
– Driving times don’t include stops for lunch and sightseeing.
– This is a sample itinerary and can be fully customised — shorten or extend it as you like.
– Shorter and longer versions are available — 4 to 9 day options, plus 12 day and 2 week itineraries.
– Dietary preferences (vegetarian, vegan, allergies) can be accommodated — please mention this when booking.
– On the Fes and Marrakech days, you can add a cooking class, traditional hammam, or massage.
– Quad biking or buggy driving can be added in the Erg Chebbi dunes — just tell your guide.
– Prefer not to ride a camel? A 4×4 will take you to the camp instead.
– Accommodation in the desert is a luxury camp with en-suite bathrooms. Three paired options are offered spanning Rabat, Chefchaouen, Fes, the desert camp, Merzouga, Dades, and Marrakech and you can mix nights between them. If a listed property isn’t available, a similar one is arranged and you’re told beforehand.
– Pricing varies by group size, accommodation, and season.
– Extra activities can be added during or after the tour — a desert photographer, romantic desert dinner, proposal setup, quad biking, buggy driving, horseback riding in the desert, a cooking class, a hammam, plus a hot air balloon ride and day trips to Essaouira, Ouzoud Waterfalls, or Ourika Valley.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
SECTION 1: BOOKING & PAYMENT
Q: How far in advance should I book my tour?
A: We recommend securing your reservation as early as possible to guarantee availability, particularly during peak travel seasons. Early booking also gives you maximum flexibility when selecting accommodation options and customising your itinerary.
Q: How do I pay for my tour?
A: Our payment process is straightforward. To confirm your booking, a small deposit is required upfront, payable via PayPal, bank transfer, or Wise. The remaining balance is settled in cash on the first day of your tour, paid directly to your driver-guide. We accept euros, US dollars, or an equivalent amount in Moroccan dirhams.
Q: What is your cancellation policy?
A: Full details of our cancellation terms are available on the dedicated cancellation policy page of our website. We encourage all travellers to review these conditions before confirming their reservation.
Q: Can I customise my itinerary?
A: Absolutely. All of our private tours are fully tailorable. You are welcome to request changes to the route, adjust the duration, add or remove destinations, and select accommodations that suit your budget and preferences. Simply contact us and we will design a trip around your requirements.
SECTION 2: TRANSPORT
Q: What vehicles are used on tours?
A: The vehicle provided depends on the size of your group. We typically use Toyota Prado Land Cruiser TX 4x4s for smaller parties, Ford Tourneo Custom vans, and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter minibuses for groups of eight or more. All vehicles are air-conditioned and maintained to a high standard of comfort.
Q: Are airport transfers included?
A: Yes. Every private tour we operate can include a pick-up at your arrival airport and a drop-off at the end of your trip, if you require it. Your driver-guide will be waiting for you upon arrival. Please note that flights are not included in the tour price.
Q: Which airports serve Morocco?
A: The majority of international flights arrive into Marrakech and Casablanca. Additional options include Fes, Tangier, Agadir, Ouarzazate, and Errachidia. We can arrange a meet-and-greet at any of these airports.
SECTION 3: GUIDES
Q: Who are the driver-guides?
A: We handpick each of our driver-guides for their knowledge, professionalism, and genuine passion for Morocco. Beyond navigating the country safely, they serve as cultural interpreters — sharing local history, traditions, and stories throughout the journey. Many of our guests mention their guides by name in reviews, which reflects the lasting impression they make.
Q: Are guides English-speaking?
A: Yes. All standard tours are conducted in English. If you prefer a guide who speaks French, Spanish, or another language, please inform us at the time of booking and we will make every effort to accommodate your request.
SECTION 4: ACCOMMODATION
Q: What types of accommodation are offered?
A: We offer a range of options to suit different budgets and tastes, from characterful riads and boutique guesthouses in medina settings to luxury desert camps in Merzouga. We do not offer standard desert camps with shared facilities. All camps in our portfolio feature private tents with en-suite bathrooms and showers.
Q: Do the desert camps have private bathrooms?
A: Yes. Every camp we work with is classified as a luxury camp. Each tent includes a private en-suite bathroom with a shower, ensuring comfort throughout your desert stay.
Q: Can I choose my own accommodation?
A: Yes. We present a selection of pre-vetted accommodation options at each price point for you to choose from. You may mix and match across the options provided. If you have a specific property in mind, let us know and we will do our best to arrange it.
SECTION 5: DESERT & ACTIVITIES
Q: How far is the Sahara desert from Marrakech?
A: Merzouga, gateway to the Erg Chebbi dunes, is approximately 560 kilometres (348 miles) from Marrakech. Given this distance, our 3-day tours from Marrakech include an overnight stop in the Dades Valley en route, rather than attempting to cover the journey in a single day.
Q: How far is the Sahara desert from Fes?
A: The journey from Fes to the Merzouga desert covers roughly 500 kilometres, equivalent to approximately 310 miles.
Q: How far is Casablanca from the desert?
A: Casablanca sits approximately 660 kilometres (around 410 miles) from the Merzouga desert. A tour of five days or more is recommended when departing from Casablanca in order to allow adequate time in the desert without excessive driving pressure.
Q: Is the camel ride compulsory?
A: Not at all. If you prefer not to ride a camel, we are happy to transfer you to the desert camp by 4×4 vehicle at no additional charge. Just let us know your preference in advance.
Q: What activities are available in the desert?
A: Beyond the camel trek and overnight camp experience, a range of optional activities can be arranged in and around Merzouga, including quad biking, buggy driving, sandboarding, and horseback riding. A professional photographer can also be booked to accompany your desert experience. Romantic dinners and desert proposal setups can be arranged upon request.
Q: What additional activities can be added to a tour?
A: Before your main tour, we can arrange transfers from the airport, a guided city tour, or day excursions to destinations such as Essaouira, the Ouzoud Waterfalls, or the Ourika Valley. During the tour, optional extras include the activities listed above. After the tour, hot air balloon rides over Marrakech, guided Fes tours, and day trips to Chefchaouen or Volubilis and Meknes can be arranged.
SECTION 6: TOUR STRUCTURE & EXPERIENCE
Q: What is the difference between a private tour and a shared group tour?
A: On a private tour, your vehicle, guide, and complete itinerary are reserved exclusively for your group. On a shared tour, you travel alongside a small number of other guests — typically no more than ten in total — sharing the vehicle and stops but retaining a private room at the hotel and a private tent at the desert camp. Shared tours offer a more cost-effective option while still maintaining a high level of comfort and service.
Q: Are 7 days enough to see Morocco?
A: Yes, a well-structured 7-day itinerary provides enough time to visit several of Morocco’s key destinations, including Marrakech, Chefchaouen, Fes, the Sahara Desert, Ait Ben Haddou, and the Atlas Mountains. It is a comfortable pace for most travellers and allows genuine engagement with each place rather than a rushed overview.
Q: What can I see in Morocco in 7 days?
A: In one week, a typical itinerary covers Casablanca’s Hassan II Mosque, Rabat, the blue streets of Chefchaouen, the Roman ruins of Volubilis, the ancient medina of Fes, a night in the Sahara Desert with a camel trek, Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, and the High Atlas Mountains en route to Marrakech.
Q: What is the best 7-day itinerary for Morocco?
A: The ideal route depends on your starting point. Travellers beginning in Tangier typically follow the Tangier-to-Marrakech route via Chefchaouen, Fes, the Sahara, and the Atlas Mountains. Those starting in Casablanca can follow the Casablanca-to-Marrakech circuit. We are happy to advise based on your arrival and departure airports.
Q: Where can I book a Morocco tour?
A: Tours can be booked directly through Morocco Fabulous Travel. As a locally based operator with in-depth knowledge of the country, we offer personalised service, expert guidance, and competitive pricing. You can contact us via our website, email, phone, or WhatsApp.
Q: Are meals included?
A: On desert tours, two dinners and two breakfasts are typically included — dinner and breakfast at the desert camp, and breakfast at the hotel in the Dades Valley. Lunches are generally not included, as guests often prefer to explore independently during midday stops. Full details of meal inclusions are listed on each individual tour page.
Q: Can dietary requirements be accommodated?
A: Yes. Please inform us of any dietary preferences — including vegetarian or vegan requirements — at the time of booking, and we will ensure appropriate meals are arranged throughout the tour.
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