Your Ultimate 12-Day Morocco Itinerary from Casablanca
Welcome to the ultimate Moroccan adventure! Our 12 Days Grand Morocco Tour from Casablanca is the definitive journey for travelers who want to experience the true depth and diversity of the kingdom. This comprehensive morocco itinerary 12 days offers a relaxed pace and a complete circuit, conveniently starting and ending in Casablanca. It's the most immersive of all our tours from Casablanca, designed to show you the very best of Morocco.
This tour is more than a trip; it's a grand exploration. You will journey through all four Imperial Cities, get lost in the blue-hued alleys of Chefchaouen, experience the magic of a Casablanca desert tour with two nights in the Sahara, and feel the coastal breeze in Essaouira. With 12 days, you have the luxury of time to absorb the culture, history, and stunning landscapes without feeling rushed. For a truly complete Moroccan experience, this is the perfect itinerary.
Highlights of the Best 12-Day Morocco Tour
This grand tour is meticulously planned to include all of Morocco's most iconic destinations and experiences.
- Complete tour of the four Imperial Cities (Rabat, Meknes, Fes, Marrakech).
- Explore the magical blue city of Chefchaouen.
- Discover Roman history at the UNESCO site of Volubilis.
- Two nights in the Sahara for a deep desert experience.
- Enjoy a sunset camel trek and a 4x4 desert exploration.
- Visit the dramatic Todra and Dades Gorges.
- Explore the famous Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou.
- Relax in the charming coastal city of Essaouira.
- In-depth guided tours of Fes and Marrakech.
- Convenient round-trip from Casablanca.
Detailed 12-Day Grand Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Casablanca → Rabat
Your grand tour of Morocco begins. We'll explore Casablanca's iconic landmark before heading to the capital city, Rabat.
- Arrival: Welcome at Casablanca Airport (CMN) or your hotel. Visit the magnificent Hassan II Mosque, an architectural marvel on the Atlantic coast.
- Afternoon: Drive to Rabat, the capital. Check into your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.
Day 2: Rabat → Chefchaouen
Discover the highlights of the capital before we travel north into the picturesque Rif Mountains to the famous "Blue Pearl."
- Morning: Explore Rabat's historical sites, including the Hassan Tower, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, and the beautiful Kasbah of the Udayas.
- Afternoon: Journey into the green hills of the Rif Mountains to the enchanting blue city of Chefchaouen.
Day 3: Chefchaouen → Fes
Enjoy a morning getting lost in the unique, blue-washed streets of Chefchaouen before we journey to the cultural heart of Morocco, Fes.
- Morning: Free time to explore Chefchaouen’s peaceful medina, Plaza Uta el-Hammam, and local craft shops.
- Afternoon: Depart for Fes, traveling through the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis and the imperial city of Meknes en route.
- Evening: Arrive in Fes and settle into your traditional riad.
Day 4: Fes Guided City Tour
Immerse yourself in the intellectual and spiritual capital of Morocco with a full-day guided tour of its ancient, labyrinthine medina.
- Full Day: Discover the Royal Palace gate, the Jewish Quarter, the famous Chouara Tanneries, the Bou Inania and Al-Attarine Madrasas, the Nejjarine Fountain, and the Karaouine Mosque & University (exterior view).
Day 5: Fes → Ifrane → Midelt → Merzouga
The adventure continues as we embark on the highly anticipated Casablanca desert tour leg, crossing the stunning Atlas Mountains.
- Morning: Travel through Ifrane and the Azrou cedar forest to see Barbary macaques.
- Afternoon: Journey through the Ziz Valley's vast palm groves. As we near Merzouga, the iconic Erg Chebbi dunes will appear.
- Evening: Enjoy a sunset camel trek to your desert camp for a magical night under the stars.
Day 6: Sahara Desert Exploration
A full day to explore the Sahara. Discover the culture of the desert communities and the dramatic landscapes surrounding the Erg Chebbi dunes.
- Full Day: Take a 4x4 tour to visit the village of Khamlia to hear traditional Gnawa music, meet a local nomad family, and explore the desert's unique environment.
Day 7: Merzouga → Todra Gorge → Dades Valley
After a memorable desert sunrise, we travel west to some of Morocco's most spectacular natural wonders.
- Morning: Depart the desert and visit the towering canyons of the Todra Gorge.
- Afternoon: Continue along the "Road of a Thousand Kasbahs" to the breathtaking Dades Valley.
Day 8: Dades Valley → Ouarzazate → Ait Ben Haddou → Marrakech
A day of cinematic landscapes and ancient fortresses as we cross the High Atlas Mountains to the vibrant "Red City."
- Morning: Visit Ouarzazate, home to famous film studios.
- Afternoon: Explore the UNESCO-listed Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou. We then make the spectacular drive over the Tizi n'Tichka pass to Marrakech.
Day 9: Marrakech Guided City Tour
Discover the magic of Marrakech. A full-day guided tour will introduce you to the city's most important historical and cultural sites.
- Full Day: Your tour will include the Jardin Majorelle, the Koutoubia Mosque, the Saadian Tombs, and the Bahia Palace. Dive into the bustling souks and the electrifying Djemaa el-Fna square.
Day 10: Day Trip to Essaouira
Today we head to the coast to explore the charming and relaxed seaside town of Essaouira, a refreshing contrast to the imperial cities.
- Full Day: Drive to Essaouira, a UNESCO World Heritage medina. Explore its historic ramparts, vibrant fishing port, and laid-back souks known for thuya wood crafts. Enjoy fresh seafood for lunch before returning to Marrakech in the evening.
Day 11: Marrakech → Casablanca
Enjoy a final morning in Marrakech before we complete our grand circle tour, returning to where our adventure began.
- Morning: Free time in Marrakech for last-minute souvenir shopping or to revisit a favorite spot.
- Afternoon: Drive back to Casablanca and check into your hotel.
Day 12: Departure from Casablanca
On the final day of your grand tour, we will transfer you to the airport for your flight home, filled with a lifetime of Moroccan memories.
- Departure: Transfer to Casablanca's Mohammed V Airport (CMN) according to your flight schedule.
What's Included in Your 12-Day Tour
- Airport transfers in Casablanca (arrival & departure).
- Private A/C vehicle with a professional driver/guide.
- 11 nights' accommodation in riads/hotels/camp.
- Daily breakfast and specified dinners.
- Guided city tours in Fes and Marrakech.
- Camel trek and two nights in the Sahara region.
- All fuel and transport costs.
What's Not Included
- International flights.
- Lunches and all drinks.
- Monument entrance fees.
- Personal expenses and gratuities.
Planning Your 12-Day Grand Tour of Morocco
A 12-day itinerary from Casablanca is considered the perfect duration for a grand tour of Morocco. It allows you to visit all the major highlights, including the four imperial cities, the blue city of Chefchaouen, the Sahara Desert, and the Atlantic coast, all at a relaxed and enjoyable pace.
A 12-day tour allows for a much deeper and more immersive experience. It includes destinations like Chefchaouen and Essaouira which are often skipped on shorter tours. The pace is more relaxed, with less time spent on the road each day and more time to explore cities, enjoy activities like an extended desert exploration, and soak in the diverse culture.
This itinerary is considered the 'Best of Morocco' because it combines every essential Moroccan experience into one seamless journey. You'll see the history of the imperial cities, the unique charm of Chefchaouen, the vastness of the Sahara desert, the stunning Atlas Mountains, and the relaxed vibe of the Atlantic coast in Essaouira. It’s a complete and unparalleled adventure.
Accommodations are carefully selected to enhance your experience. You will stay in authentic and comfortable riads within the medinas, quality hotels in modern cities, and a well-equipped luxury desert camp in the Sahara, which includes private tents with proper beds and en-suite bathrooms.