The Ultimate 5-Day Morocco Itinerary from Casablanca
Embark on a captivating journey that seamlessly blends imperial grandeur with the timeless allure of the Sahara. Our 5-day tour from Casablanca to Fes via Merzouga is meticulously designed for travelers seeking a comprehensive Moroccan experience. This adventure is one of the most popular tours from Casablanca, offering a perfect loop that starts in the modern metropolis, ventures deep into the Sahara desert, and concludes in the cultural heart of Morocco, Fes.
This is more than just a trip; it's a deep dive into the diverse tapestry of Morocco. You will stand in awe of architectural marvels, explore ancient medinas, traverse the stunning Atlas Mountains, and experience the profound silence of the desert. The highlight is the unforgettable Casablanca to Sahara desert tour segment, culminating in a magical sunset camel trek and a night under the stars in a traditional desert camp. If you want to witness the best of Morocco's imperial history and natural beauty in a compact timeframe, this tour is your perfect choice.
Highlights of Your Casablanca to Fes Desert Tour
This tour is packed with iconic sights and unforgettable experiences. Discover what makes this 5-day journey a top choice for travelers.
- Marvel at the magnificent Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca.
- Explore the Roman ruins of Volubilis and the imperial city of Meknes.
- Immerse yourself in the history of Fes with a full-day guided tour.
- Journey through the Middle Atlas, stopping in Ifrane, the "Switzerland of Morocco."
- Watch for Barbary macaques in the ancient cedar forests.
- Experience a breathtaking sunset camel trek across the Erg Chebbi dunes.
- Spend a magical night at a traditional Berber desert camp.
- Admire the vast, scenic Ziz Valley palm groves on your return journey.
Detailed 5-Day Tour Itinerary from Casablanca
Day 1: Casablanca → Meknes → Volubilis → Fes
Your Moroccan adventure begins in Casablanca. After visiting the city's iconic landmark, we journey through rich farmlands to explore two UNESCO World Heritage sites before arriving in the spiritual capital, Fes.
- Morning: We pick you up from your hotel and visit the impressive Hassan II Mosque, a masterpiece of Moroccan architecture that is open to non-Muslims.
- Lunchtime: Drive to the imperial city of Meknes. We'll explore its monumental gates, including Bab Mansour, and the historic granaries of Heri es-Souani.
- Afternoon: A short drive takes us to the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis, where you'll discover stunningly preserved mosaics and the remnants of a once-great city.
- Evening: Arrive in Fes and check into your traditional riad for dinner and your overnight stay.
Day 2: Full Day Guided Tour Exploring Fes
Today is dedicated to unraveling the secrets of Fes, the oldest of Morocco's imperial cities. With a local guide, you will navigate the labyrinthine streets of the Fes el-Bali medina, a UNESCO site and one of the world's largest car-free urban zones.
- Morning: Explore the city's historic gates, the Jewish Quarter (Mellah), and the Royal Palace. We'll also visit a ceramics cooperative to see how traditional Fassi pottery is made.
- Afternoon: Delve into the heart of the medina to visit the famous Chouara Tanneries, the Al-Attarine Madrasa, the Nejjarine Fountain, and the Karaouine Mosque & University (exterior view).
- Evening: Enjoy free time to explore the bustling souks on your own before returning to your riad for the night.
Day 3: Fes → Ifrane → Midelt → Ziz Valley → Merzouga Desert
Today we embark on the highly anticipated Casablanca to Sahara desert tour leg of our journey. Witness a dramatic shift in scenery as we travel from the imperial city, across the mountains, and into the vast desert.
- Morning: Depart from Fes and ascend into the Middle Atlas Mountains. We'll stop in Ifrane, and then the cedar forests of Azrou to see the native Barbary macaques.
- Lunchtime: Continue south, stopping for lunch in Midelt, a town known for its apple cultivation.
- Afternoon: The journey continues through the spectacular Ziz Valley, with its lush palm oasis cutting through the canyon. As we approach Merzouga, the first golden dunes of Erg Chebbi will appear on the horizon.
- Evening: Meet your camel caravan for a 1-hour trek into the dunes to witness a spectacular sunset. Arrive at your Berber desert camp for a traditional dinner, music around the campfire, and an unforgettable night under the stars.
Day 4: Merzouga Desert → Rissani → Erfoud → Midelt
Wake up early to witness a breathtaking desert sunrise. After breakfast, we begin our journey back north, breaking up the long drive with fascinating stops along the way.
- Morning: Ride your camel back to the dune line to meet your driver. We'll then visit Rissani, the ancient market town that was once a major stop on the Saharan trade routes.
- Afternoon: Travel through Erfoud, known for its fossil discoveries, and continue our drive back across the Ziz Valley and High Atlas Mountains.
- Evening: Arrive in Midelt, where you'll check into your hotel for dinner, offering a comfortable rest after a day of travel.
Day 5: Midelt → Middle Atlas Mountains → Fes
On our final day, we complete our loop, enjoying the cool mountain air and scenic landscapes one last time before returning to the vibrant energy of Fes.
- Morning: After a leisurely breakfast in Midelt, we begin our drive north through the picturesque scenery of the Middle Atlas.
- Lunchtime: We will make stops for photos and a final lunch at a local restaurant en route.
- Afternoon: Descend from the mountains and arrive back in the city of Fes.
- Evening: Your driver will drop you off at your hotel or riad in Fes, marking the end of your incredible 5-day tour of Morocco.
What's Included in Your Casablanca Tour
- Pick-up in Casablanca & drop-off in Fes.
- Private A/C vehicle with a professional English-speaking driver/guide.
- 4 nights' accommodation (3 nights in riad/hotel, 1 night in desert camp).
- Daily breakfast and dinner as per itinerary.
- Guided city tour in Fes with a local expert guide.
- Sunset camel trek in the Erg Chebbi dunes.
- All fuel and transport-related expenses.
What's Not Included
- Flights to and from Morocco.
- Lunches and all beverages.
- Entrance fees to monuments and museums.
- Personal travel insurance.
- Gratuities for your driver and guides.
Your Questions Answered
Yes, Casablanca is a great starting point for a Morocco tour. Its main draw is the Hassan II Mosque, a breathtaking architectural feat. While it's more modern and commercial than other cities, it provides a valuable look into contemporary Moroccan life and serves as a convenient international airport hub to begin your adventure.
A 5-day tour like this one is perfect for experiencing key highlights like Fes and the Sahara desert. However, if you wish to include other major cities like Chefchaouen and Marrakech, a tour of 7 to 10 days would be more comfortable and allow for a more relaxed pace with less time spent driving each day.
While technically possible, a day trip to Chefchaouen from Casablanca is not recommended. It involves about 8-9 hours of driving round-trip, which leaves very little time to actually enjoy the beautiful blue city. It's much better to incorporate it into a multi-day tour.
Absolutely! The drive is an integral part of the experience. You'll travel through incredibly diverse landscapes, from the plains to the cedar forests of the Atlas Mountains and the stunning Ziz Valley oasis. The destination—the majestic Erg Chebbi dunes and a night in the Sahara—is a truly magical and unforgettable experience that makes the journey worthwhile.