The Ultimate 16-Day Morocco Itinerary from Casablanca
This isn't just a trip; it's the definitive 16-day Morocco itinerary, designed for those who seek to truly understand the heart and soul of this enchanting kingdom. Our grand tour from Casablanca is the most extensive and immersive journey we offer, crafted for a relaxed pace that allows for spontaneous discoveries and genuine cultural connections. If you've been searching for a comprehensive Casablanca desert tour that also includes the imperial cities, mountains, and coast, your search ends here. This 16-day adventure is the ultimate answer to experiencing the full spectrum of Morocco's magic.
Why 16 days? Because Morocco deserves more than a fleeting glance. This itinerary provides the luxury of time. It means an extra day to absorb the ancient wisdom of Fes, a strategic overnight stay in the serene Skoura Oasis to break up long drives, and ample time in each location to explore beyond the tourist trails. This is the perfect guided tour from Casablanca for travelers who want to return home with not just photos, but with a profound sense of place and a collection of unforgettable stories.
Highlights of Your 16-Day Moroccan Adventure
This grand tour is meticulously crafted to include every essential Moroccan highlight at a comfortable and immersive pace.
- Experience all four historic Imperial Cities: Rabat, Meknes, Fes, and Marrakech.
- Enjoy a full day to get lost in the magical blue alleys of Chefchaouen.
- An extra day in Fes for deeper cultural immersion or personal exploration.
- Step back in time at the magnificent Roman ruins of Volubilis.
- Two nights in the Sahara for the complete desert experience, including a 4x4 adventure.
- A magical sunset and sunrise camel trek over the Erg Chebbi dunes.
- A relaxing overnight stay in the tranquil Skoura Oasis, the 'Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs.'
- A full free day in Marrakech to shop, relax, or take an optional day trip.
- Two nights to unwind in the bohemian coastal city of Essaouira.
- In-depth guided tours of the historic medinas of Fes and Marrakech.
- A perfectly paced round trip from Casablanca for ultimate travel convenience.
Detailed 16-Day Morocco Itinerary: A Day-by-Day Journey
Day 1: Arrival in Casablanca & Transfer to Rabat
Your grand Morocco tour begins! Upon arrival at Casablanca's Mohammed V Airport (CMN), you'll be warmly greeted. We'll start with a visit to the city's iconic landmark, the magnificent Hassan II Mosque, the largest in Africa, before a short drive to Rabat, the nation's capital, where you'll settle in for the night.
Day 2: Rabat Sightseeing & Journey to Chefchaouen
This morning, we explore Rabat's historical treasures, including the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, the striking Hassan Tower, and the picturesque Kasbah of the Udayas. Afterwards, we journey north into the stunning Rif Mountains, arriving in the famous 'Blue Pearl' of Chefchaouen for the evening.
Day 3: A Full Day in Chefchaouen
Today is yours to fully immerse yourself in the magical atmosphere of Chefchaouen. With a full day at your leisure, you can wander through its iconic blue-washed streets, hike up to the Spanish Mosque for breathtaking panoramic views, browse unique handicrafts in the medina, and relax at a café in the bustling Plaza Uta el-Hammam.
Day 4: Chefchaouen → Volubilis → Meknes → Fes
We journey south, stepping back in time. Our first stop is the impressive UNESCO World Heritage site of Volubilis, the best-preserved Roman ruins in Morocco. Next, we explore the imperial city of Meknes, known for the monumental Bab Mansour gate. We then continue to Fes, the cultural and spiritual heart of Morocco.
Day 5: Fes Guided City Tour
Prepare for a sensory journey into the past with a full-day guided tour of Fes el-Bali, the world's largest living medieval medina. Your expert local guide will lead you through winding alleyways to discover the Royal Palace gate, the Jewish Quarter, the famous Chouara Tanneries, and the Al-Qarawiyyin University (exterior view), the oldest of its kind.
Day 6: Fes - Culture, Crafts & Leisure
This extra day in Fes is a cornerstone of our 16-day itinerary. It's your day for deeper cultural immersion. You could choose to take a Moroccan cooking class, visit a traditional hammam for a spa experience, explore the artisan workshops in the medina, or simply relax and revisit your favorite spots at your own pace.
Day 7: Fes → Ifrane → Azrou Forest → Merzouga Desert
Today, the landscape transforms dramatically as we head towards the Sahara Desert. We'll pass through Ifrane, 'the Switzerland of Morocco,' and the cedar forests of Azrou, where we might spot Barbary apes. After crossing the Ziz Valley, we reach the edge of the Sahara at Merzouga. Here, you'll embark on a magical sunset camel trek into the Erg Chebbi dunes to your desert camp.
Day 8: Sahara Desert 4x4 Exploration
Experience the Sahara to the fullest. After a stunning desert sunrise, we'll spend the day exploring the region on a 4x4 adventure. We'll visit the village of Khamlia to experience traditional Gnawa music, meet a local nomadic family to learn about their way of life, and discover the unique desert environment. We return to our camp for another night under the stars.
Day 9: Merzouga → Rissani → Todra Gorge → Dades Valley
Leaving the desert behind, our journey continues. We'll visit the traditional market in Rissani before heading to the Todra Gorge, where you can walk between the towering 300-meter-high canyon walls. We then travel along the famous 'Road of a Thousand Kasbahs' to the beautiful Dades Valley for our overnight stay.
Day 10: Dades Valley → Rose Valley → Skoura Oasis
A more relaxed travel day allows us to appreciate the stunning scenery. We'll drive through the Dades Valley and the Valley of Roses, famous for its cosmetic production. Our destination is the lush Skoura Oasis, a vast palm grove dotted with historic kasbahs. Here, you will stay in a beautifully restored kasbah, offering a tranquil and authentic experience.
Day 11: Skoura → Ouarzazate → Ait Ben Haddou → Marrakech
Today is a day of cinematic landscapes. We'll pass through Ouarzazate, the 'Hollywood of Africa,' before visiting the magnificent Ksar of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site and famous filming location. We then cross the spectacular High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n'Tichka pass, arriving in the vibrant 'Red City' of Marrakech in the evening.
Day 12: Marrakech Guided City Tour
Immerse yourself in the magic of Marrakech with a full-day guided tour. We'll visit the serene Jardin Majorelle, the iconic Koutoubia Mosque (exterior view), the historic Saadian Tombs, and the lavish Bahia Palace. The tour concludes in the legendary Djemaa el-Fna square, where you can explore the bustling souks.
Day 13: Free Day in Marrakech or Atlas Mountains Day Trip
Enjoy a day to explore Marrakech on your own terms. You might choose to dive back into the souks for shopping, take a relaxing horse-drawn carriage ride, or indulge in a spa treatment. Alternatively, you can opt for a popular day trip to the Ourika Valley in the High Atlas Mountains to see Berber villages and waterfalls.
Day 14: Marrakech → Essaouira
From the bustling city, we head to the chilled-out vibes of the Atlantic coast. On our way to the charming port city of Essaouira, we may visit an Argan oil cooperative. Upon arrival, check into your riad and spend the afternoon exploring the relaxed, UNESCO-listed medina and historic fishing port.
Day 15: Explore Essaouira
A full day to relax and soak up the unique atmosphere of Essaouira. Walk along the historic ramparts (Skala de la Ville), browse the many art galleries, watch the fishing boats in the harbor, enjoy fresh seafood at a portside grill, or simply take a long walk on the windswept beach.
Day 16: Essaouira → Casablanca Airport
On the final day of your grand Moroccan tour, enjoy a last breakfast by the sea. We will then provide a comfortable transfer from Essaouira directly to Casablanca's Mohammed V Airport (CMN) for your departure, filled with incredible memories of your 16-day adventure.
What's Included in Your 16-Day Tour
- Airport transfers in Casablanca (arrival & departure).
- Private A/C vehicle with a professional English-speaking driver/guide.
- 15 nights' accommodation in authentic riads/hotels/luxury camp.
- Daily breakfast and specified dinners (including desert camp).
- Official local guides for city tours in Fes and Marrakech.
- Sunset camel trek and 4x4 Sahara exploration.
- All fuel, tolls, and transport-related costs.
What's Not Included
- International flights to and from Morocco.
- Lunches, snacks, and all drinks.
- Entrance fees to monuments and historical sites.
- Travel insurance, personal expenses, and tips.
Planning Your 16-Day Grand Tour of Morocco
A 16-day Morocco itinerary provides a more immersive and relaxed travel experience. Unlike shorter trips, it eliminates long, rushed travel days by adding strategic overnight stays, such as in the Skoura Oasis. It also allows for deeper cultural exploration with extra free days in key cities like Fes and Marrakech, letting you connect with the country on a more personal level. It's the ideal choice for travelers who want to see everything without feeling rushed.
Absolutely. This is arguably the best tour from Casablanca for a first-time visitor. It's a comprehensive guided tour that covers all the major highlights—imperial cities, the Sahara desert, Atlas mountains, and the coast—in a logical, well-paced loop. With a private driver/guide, you get local expertise and all logistics are handled, making your introduction to Morocco seamless, safe, and incredibly memorable.
Our 16-day Casablanca desert tour offers a deep dive into the Sahara. You'll spend two nights in the Merzouga desert, which allows for more than just a quick camel ride. It includes an extensive 4x4 tour to explore the dunes, visit the Gnawa musicians in Khamlia, and meet with a local nomad family. This provides a much richer and more authentic understanding of desert life compared to shorter itineraries.
Yes, one of the benefits of our private tours is flexibility. While this 16-day itinerary is expertly crafted, we can certainly discuss adjustments to suit your interests. Whether you want to add a specific activity, change the accommodation style, or spend more time in a particular location, we can work with you to create your perfect Moroccan journey.