7-DAY FROM CASABLANCA: MOUNTAINS, MEDINAS & THE GOLDEN SAHARA

Your journey begins in Casablanca, Morocco’s largest city and economic powerhouse, located on the Atlantic coast. Casablanca, known locally as Dar el Beida, is a fascinating blend of modernity and tradition. You’ll have the chance to admire the Hassan II Mosque, a monumental feat of modern Islamic architecture with the world’s tallest minaret (210 meters). Built partially over the sea, it can hold up to 25,000 worshippers inside and 80,000 in the courtyard, symbolizing Morocco’s deep Islamic heritage.

From Casablanca, you’ll travel approximately 85 kilometers north along the Atlantic coast to Rabat, Morocco’s political and administrative capital. Founded in the 12th century by Almohad Caliph Abd al-Mu’min, Rabat is one of Morocco’s four imperial cities and features a wealth of historical sites. Visit the Kasbah of the Udayas, a 12th-century fortress overlooking the Atlantic with narrow alleys painted in blue and white, evoking the Mediterranean’s charm. Nearby, the Hassan Tower, a minaret of an incomplete mosque dating back to the 12th century, stands as a symbol of Rabat’s unfinished ambitions but enduring legacy. The Mausoleum of Mohammed V, resting place of the beloved king and his sons, showcases exquisite traditional Moroccan architecture and is a place of national reverence.

Rabat’s blend of history, greenery, and coastal breeze offers a tranquil yet regal introduction to Morocco’s imperial heritage, contrasting Casablanca’s urban pulse.

Today you embark on a journey of approximately 210 kilometers eastward toward Fes, with fascinating stops at Meknes and the ancient ruins of Volubilis. Meknes, another imperial city, was transformed in the late 17th century by Sultan Moulay Ismail into a grand capital with monumental gates like Bab Mansour, lavish palaces, and extensive granaries and stables. Meknes is often called the "Versailles of Morocco" due to its expansive imperial architecture and French-style gardens.

Continue about 30 kilometers to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Volubilis, a remarkable Roman outpost established in the 3rd century BC. These ruins are among the most complete Roman archaeological sites in North Africa, featuring well-preserved mosaics, basilicas, triumphal arches, and houses that reflect the daily life of a Roman provincial town. The site’s location near fertile plains and the ancient Lixus River made it a key agricultural hub. Volubilis provides a striking contrast to the Islamic and Berber architecture seen elsewhere in Morocco, showcasing the layers of history that have shaped the country.

After exploring Meknes and Volubilis, continue approximately 120 kilometers to Fes, arriving in the late afternoon to prepare for a full day of discovery.

Fes, Morocco’s oldest imperial city, founded in 789 AD by Idris I and expanded by his son Idris II, is often regarded as the cultural and spiritual heart of the kingdom. The city is famous for its medina, Fes el-Bali, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the largest car-free urban areas in the world, with over 9,000 winding alleyways.

Spend your day immersed in the city’s ancient universities and artisan quarters. Visit the University of Al Quaraouiyine, established in 859 AD, recognized by UNESCO as the oldest continually operating degree-granting university worldwide. The university was a center of Islamic scholarship and learning for centuries, attracting students from across the Muslim world and Europe.

Explore the Bou Inania Madrasa, an architectural masterpiece from the 14th century, renowned for its intricate stucco work, carved cedar wood, and zellij (geometric tile mosaics). Fes is also famous for its traditional crafts: leather tanneries (like the iconic Chouara Tanneries), pottery workshops, and metal artisans producing brass and copperware. The age-old processes have remained largely unchanged, passed down through generations of artisans, reflecting Morocco’s commitment to preserving its cultural heritage.

Amid the bustling souks, savor traditional Moroccan cuisine, such as pastilla (a sweet and savory pie), harira soup, and fresh mint tea—the symbol of Moroccan hospitality.

Departing Fes, you’ll travel roughly 470 kilometers southeast toward the gateway of the Sahara Desert, Merzouga, journeying through the varied terrains of the Middle Atlas Mountains and desert plateaus. The route takes you through Midelt, known as the “apple capital” of Morocco, nestled between the Middle and High Atlas ranges at an altitude of about 1,500 meters. The town’s cool mountain air and fertile surroundings offer a refreshing contrast to the desert ahead.

Continue through smaller Amazigh villages such as Temehdit and Rrich, where traditional lifestyles are maintained, and the landscapes shift from green valleys to arid rocky plains. Passing through Errachidia, an important administrative town located near the Ziz Valley, you will glimpse extensive palm groves lining the ancient Ziz River, a lifeline in this dry region.

Approaching Merzouga, you enter the world-famous Erg Chebbi dunes, towering sand hills rising up to 150 meters high and stretching over 22 kilometers. These dunes offer a breathtaking Sahara experience. As sunset paints the desert gold and pink, prepare for your iconic camel trek, led by local guides, culminating in a night spent in a traditional yet comfortable desert camp. Under a sky blanketed by stars, you’ll experience the profound silence and expansive beauty of the Sahara, along with traditional Berber music and cuisine by the campfire.

After an early desert sunrise, say farewell to the dunes and travel approximately 230 kilometers west toward the verdant Dades Valley. Along the way, stop in Rissani, a historic caravan town once the starting point for camel caravans crossing the Sahara. Visit its lively market, where dates and spices are sold amid the vibrant atmosphere of a centuries-old trading post.

Proceed through Arfoud, known as a fossil-hunting center due to the rich paleontological deposits in the region, offering a glimpse into Morocco’s prehistoric past. Passing through small Berber villages like Touroug and Mellab, witness traditional adobe architecture and local life.

The highlight of the day is the dramatic Todra Gorge, carved over millions of years by the Todra River into towering limestone cliffs rising up to 300 meters high. The gorge is a paradise for hikers and rock climbers, but even a leisurely walk along the riverbed reveals the sheer scale and beauty of this natural wonder. The surrounding oasis and palm groves add to the serene atmosphere. Afterward, continue to the Dades Valley, known for its stunning rock formations called the “Monks” or “Mushroom Rocks,” where you’ll overnight in a comfortable kasbah-style hotel.

Today’s journey covers approximately 370 kilometers from the Dades Valley back toward the bustling city of Marrakech, crossing a series of culturally and geographically rich sites. Begin with a drive through the Roses Valley, where thousands of acres of fragrant rose bushes bloom each spring, producing some of the world’s finest rose water used in perfumes and cosmetics.

Continue to the Skoura Oasis, a lush palm-filled area dotted with ancient kasbahs, including the famous Kasbah Amridil, a striking example of earthen architecture and traditional Berber defensive design. This oasis has long been a fertile crossroads for trade and agriculture.

Arrive at Ouarzazate, often called the “Hollywood of Africa” due to its extensive film studios. Visit the Taourirt Kasbah, once home to Pasha Glaoui, and a remarkable fortress reflecting the region’s history of tribal power and political intrigue.

Next is Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Morocco’s most iconic kasbah villages, famed for its reddish earthen buildings clinging to the hillside. This site has featured in countless films, including Gladiator and Game of Thrones, thanks to its striking, well-preserved architecture. Walking through its narrow streets transports you to a bygone era when the kasbah was a fortified caravan stop on trans-Saharan trade routes.

Finally, ascend the Tizi n’Tichka Pass (at 2,260 meters elevation), winding through the rugged High Atlas Mountains with breathtaking panoramic views, before descending toward Marrakech, where you’ll spend your final night.

Your journey concludes with free time in Marrakech, Morocco’s vibrant cultural capital, known for its energetic Jemaa el-Fnaa square, historic palaces, gardens, and colorful souks. If time allows, visit the exquisite Bahia Palace or the tranquil Majorelle Garden, once owned by Yves Saint Laurent.

Later, travel approximately 240 kilometers west to Casablanca’s Mohammed V International Airport for your departure. As you reflect on the incredible landscapes, cultures, and histories experienced, this final transfer completes your immersive Moroccan adventure, leaving you with lasting memories of a land where ancient traditions and natural wonders converge.