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PRIVATE TOUR — 9 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 — ARRIVAL AND CITY TOUR
Your nine day tour starts with a pick-up at Mohammed V International Airport. We start gently with a city tour of Casablanca, including the Hassan II Mosque — one of the largest mosques in the world, built partly out over the Atlantic, with one of the tallest minarets anywhere.
Casablanca isn’t usually the highlight of anyone’s Morocco trip, but the mosque is genuinely impressive and the city has a different rhythm to the rest of the country — more modern, more business-oriented, less obviously historical. An easy first afternoon to wander, get a coffee, and adjust to the time zone before the longer days that follow. Overnight in Casablanca.
Approximate driving distance/time: 36 km / 1 hour
DAY 2: CASABLANCA -> RABAT -> CHEFCHAOUEN
After breakfast, we drive north to Rabat, Morocco’s capital. The city tour covers the Hassan Tower (the unfinished minaret of a 12th-century mosque) and the Kasbah of the Udayas — a small fortified neighbourhood overlooking the river mouth, with white-and-blue painted houses and views out to the Atlantic.
From Rabat we continue north to Chefchaouen, in the Rif Mountains. It’s a long day in the car, but the destination is worth it: a small mountain town where almost every wall is painted in some shade of blue. You’ll arrive in the late afternoon, check in at your hotel or riad, and have time to start exploring the medina before dinner. Overnight in Chefchaouen.
Approximate driving distance/time: 342 km / 5 hours 21 minutes
DAY 3: FULL DAY IN CHEFCHAOUEN
A full day to explore Chefchaouen at your own pace. The old town is small enough to walk through in an afternoon, but most people end up spending much longer — the alleys photograph well from every angle, and the cafés in the main square are good for a long lunch.
The medina’s narrow streets and small souks are the obvious draw. The 15th-century kasbah at the centre of town has a small museum and gardens. For the best view, hike up to the Spanish Mosque on the hill east of town in the late afternoon — the climb takes about 30 minutes and the panorama over the blue town at sunset is the photo most people come for.
DAY 4: CHEFCHAOUEN -> VOLUBILIS -> MEKNES -> FES
After breakfast, we leave Chefchaouen and drive south through the Rif villages and farmland of central Morocco. First stop is Volubilis, a Roman city founded around the 3rd century BC and built up under Roman rule. The site is well-preserved by Roman-Morocco standards — large mosaics are still visible in situ, along with the foundations of the basilica, the triumphal arch, and the public baths.
From Volubilis we continue to Meknes, a 17th-century imperial city that was briefly the capital of Morocco under Sultan Moulay Ismail. After lunch in town, we walk through the medina to see Bab el Mansour — one of the most decorated city gates in the country — and the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail.
The drive ends in Fes, where you’ll sleep in a riad inside the old medina.
Approximate driving distance/time: 260 km / 4 hours 30 minutes
DAY 5: GUIDED TOUR OF FES
Full day in Fes with a local guide. Fes is one of Morocco’s four imperial cities and arguably its cultural and religious heart — the medina is UNESCO-listed and one of the largest car-free urban areas in the world. Trying to navigate it without a guide usually means seeing maybe a third of what’s worth seeing and getting lost for the rest.
The day starts at the golden gate of the Royal Palace, then moves into the medina proper. You’ll see Al-Qarawiyyin University (founded in 859 AD, often cited as the oldest continuously operating university in the world), the Al-Attarine Madrasa, the Nejjarine fountain, and the Chouara tanneries — the famous open-air dye pits, best viewed from the leather shops on the surrounding terraces.
The afternoon takes you through the Mellah, the old Jewish quarter, before climbing up to an old fortress on the hills above the city for a panoramic view over the medina. Back to your riad for the night.
DAY 6: FES -> IFRANE -> MIDDLE ATLAS -> ZIZ VALLEY -> MERZOUGA
The long desert day. After breakfast we head south, with a first stop in Ifrane — a small mountain town with chalet-style houses and pine trees, often called the Switzerland of Morocco for its incongruous alpine look.
From Ifrane the road climbs across the Middle Atlas, with a stop in a cedar forest where Barbary macaques often appear at the roadside. Lunch is at a restaurant along the way. The route then drops down through the Ziz Valley — a long ribbon of palm groves and small Berber villages — before continuing across the rocky pre-desert to Merzouga.
By late afternoon you’ll meet your camels and ride across the Erg Chebbi dunes to your luxury camp, pausing on a high ridge for sunset. A cup of tea greets you at camp. After settling into your private tent (with an en-suite bathroom) and a generous dinner, the evening ends around a campfire with Berber drumming and music — stars overhead, and quieter than you’d expect.
Approximate driving distance/time: 500 km / 7 hours 30 minutes
DAY 7: FULL DAY EXPLORING THE MERZOUGA DESERT
This is the day the nine-day tour earns its length. Sunrise over the dunes is worth the early wake-up. After breakfast you’ll return to Merzouga by camel or 4×4, where your driver will be waiting.
The first stop is Khamlia, a small village a short drive south of Merzouga, famous for its Gnawa music. The tradition traces back to Sub-Saharan communities — people whose ancestors came from Mali, Sudan, and Niger generations ago and settled in this area. You’ll hear live music and a dance performance in the village’s small community hall.
From Khamlia we head off-road to M’Fis, an abandoned village with old galena mines (galena was once mined here and used to make kohl, the eye makeup). You can walk around the ruins of the village and the entrance of the mine.
Next stop is a Berber nomad family living near the Erg Chebbi dunes. They’ve stuck with a traditional nomadic lifestyle, moving with the seasons. You’ll share tea with them in their tent, learn how they live, and see their goats and tools up close.
After lunch, we transfer you to a riad in Merzouga with a swimming pool — useful in the afternoon heat. In the late afternoon you can either add on a quad bike or buggy ride for sunset (extra cost), or just walk out to the dunes from the riad. Dinner and overnight at the riad.
Approximate driving distance/time: 57 km / 1 hour 15 minutes
DAY 8: MERZOUGA -> RISSANI -> TODRA GORGE -> DADES GORGE
After breakfast at your riad, we head west toward the Dades Gorge.
If the day falls on a Sunday, Tuesday, or Thursday, we can stop at the Rissani souk — Rissani was historically the capital of the Tafilalet region and is still one of the more authentic markets in this part of the country, with everything from spices and dates to livestock changing hands.
From Rissani the road climbs to Tinghir, then into the Todra Gorge — a deep slot canyon where the Todra river runs between cliffs that rise around 300 metres. You’ll have time for a walk through the gorge.
The afternoon drive takes you through the Dades Valley, with a stop to look at the famous “monkey fingers” rock formations — limestone columns weathered into shapes that look like… well, monkey fingers. Overnight at your hotel in Dades.
Approximate driving distance/time: 310 km / 5 hours
DAY 9: DADES -> OUARZAZATE -> AIT BEN HADDOU -> HIGH ATLAS -> MARRAKECH
The final driving day. After breakfast we head west to Ouarzazate, sometimes called the Hollywood of Africa for its film industry. There’s an optional stop at Atlas Studios, one of the largest film studios in the world by area.
From Ouarzazate we continue to Ait Ben Haddou — a UNESCO-listed fortified earthen village on a hillside above a riverbed. It’s been used as a film set for Gladiator, Lawrence of Arabia, The Mummy, and Game of Thrones, among others. You’ll have time to walk up through the kasbah to the granary at the top, and back down across the riverbed.
After lunch at a local restaurant, the road climbs into the High Atlas and over the Tizi n’Tichka pass at 2260 metres before descending into the plain around Marrakech. Drop-off at your Marrakech accommodation marks the end of the tour.
Approximate driving distance/time: 353 km / 6 hours 30 minutes
IMPORTANT NOTES
– Driving times don’t include stops for lunch and sightseeing.
– This itinerary can be customised to your interests — tell us at booking.
– Dietary preferences (vegetarian, vegan, allergies) can be accommodated — please mention this when booking.
– On your Fes day, you can add a cooking class, traditional hammam, or massage.
– Quad biking or buggy activity in the Erg Chebbi dunes can be added on Day 7 at additional cost.
– Prefer not to ride a camel? A 4×4 will take you into and out of the camp at no extra cost.
– Three accommodation categories are available — comfortable riads, mid-range, or luxury
– Longer versions of this trip are available — 10 day, 12 day, or 2 week. Shorter versions also available (5-8 day).
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.
