Your Perfect 8-Day Grand Tour of Morocco
Discover the true essence of Morocco with our meticulously crafted 8 days Morocco itinerary. This grand tour is the ultimate journey for those who wish to see it all, starting from the modern hub of Casablanca and ending in the magical city of Marrakech. This comprehensive tour from Casablanca includes four imperial cities, the enchanting blue city of Chefchaouen, and an unforgettable Casablanca desert tour into the heart of the Sahara.
An 8-day trip to Morocco provides the ideal timeframe to explore the country's diverse landscapes and rich history at a comfortable pace. You'll journey from the Atlantic coast, through the Rif and Atlas Mountains, to the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi, and into the vibrant souks of Marrakech. This itinerary is designed to create a seamless and deeply immersive experience, ensuring you leave with a profound appreciation for the magic of Morocco. This is without a doubt the definitive Casablanca to Marrakech tour.
Highlights of Your 8-Day Morocco Itinerary
This grand tour is filled with iconic landmarks and authentic cultural encounters. Here are the unforgettable moments you’ll experience:
- Visit four Imperial Cities: Rabat, Meknes, Fes, and Marrakech.
- Wander through the blue-washed streets of Chefchaouen.
- Explore the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis.
- Enjoy full guided tours of the historic medinas in Fes and Marrakech.
- Experience a magical sunset camel trek in the Erg Chebbi dunes.
- Spend a night under the stars in a Sahara desert camp.
- Walk through the breathtaking Todra and Dades Gorges.
- Discover the famous film location, Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou.
Detailed 8-Day Itinerary from Casablanca to Marrakech
Day 1: Casablanca → Rabat → Chefchaouen
Your grand tour begins in Casablanca. We visit the capital city of Rabat before heading north into the stunning Rif Mountains to the famous blue city.
- Morning: Pick-up from your Casablanca hotel or airport. We start with a visit to the magnificent Hassan II Mosque.
- Afternoon: Journey to Rabat, the capital of Morocco. We will explore the Hassan Tower, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, and the picturesque Kasbah of the Udayas.
- Evening: Continue our scenic drive into the Rif Mountains to arrive in the enchanting blue city of Chefchaouen. Check into your riad for the night.
Day 2: Explore Chefchaouen → Fes
Spend the morning getting lost in the magical blue-washed streets of Chefchaouen before we travel to the spiritual and cultural heart of Morocco, Fes.
- Morning: Enjoy a few hours of free time to explore Chefchaouen's peaceful medina at your own pace. Photograph the iconic blue alleys and browse the local craft shops.
- Afternoon: We depart for Fes, enjoying the beautiful countryside views along the way.
- Evening: Arrive in Fes and settle into your traditional riad for dinner and a relaxing evening.
Day 3: Full Day Guided Tour Exploring Fes
Today is dedicated to discovering the wonders of Fes, the oldest imperial city. A local guide will lead you through the labyrinthine streets of its ancient medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Full Day: Your tour includes the Royal Palace gate, the Jewish Quarter (Mellah), and a visit to a ceramics cooperative. In the medina, you will see the famous Chouara Tanneries, Al-Attarine Madrasa, the Nejjarine Fountain, and the Karaouine Mosque & University (exterior view).
Day 4: Fes → Ifrane → Midelt → Merzouga Desert
We leave the city behind for the most anticipated part of the trip: the Casablanca to Sahara desert tour. The landscape will change dramatically as we cross the Atlas Mountains.
- Morning: Travel through the Middle Atlas, stopping in Ifrane and the Azrou cedar forest to see Barbary macaques.
- Afternoon: After lunch in Midelt, we continue through the Ziz Valley. The first golden dunes of Erg Chebbi will signal our arrival in Merzouga.
- Evening: Embark on a sunset camel trek into the desert to reach your camp for a night of traditional food, music, and stargazing.
Day 5: Sahara Desert Exploration → Todra Gorge
After an unforgettable sunrise, explore more of the desert's unique culture before heading towards the magnificent canyons of the Todra Gorge.
- Morning: Explore the desert surroundings by 4x4, visiting the village of Khamlia to hear Gnawa music and meeting a local nomad family.
- Afternoon: Depart the desert and travel to the Todra Gorge. You'll have time for a walk through the immense, towering canyon.
- Evening: Check into your hotel in or near the gorge for dinner.
Day 6: Todra Gorge → Dades Valley → Ouarzazate
Today’s journey takes us along the famous "Road of a Thousand Kasbahs," exploring the Dades Valley and ending in the cinematic city of Ouarzazate.
- Morning: We drive to the Dades Valley to admire its unique rock formations and scenic kasbahs.
- Afternoon: Continue through the Valley of Roses and the Skoura palm grove to arrive in Ouarzazate, known as the "Hollywood of Africa."
- Evening: Settle into your hotel for the night.
Day 7: Ouarzazate → Ait Ben Haddou → Marrakech
We visit one of Morocco's most famous kasbahs before crossing the majestic High Atlas Mountains to arrive in vibrant Marrakech.
- Morning: Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, a stunning ksar used as a location for many films and TV shows.
- Afternoon: Embark on the spectacular drive over the Tizi n'Tichka pass, enjoying the breathtaking mountain views.
- Evening: Arrive in Marrakech and check into your riad. Enjoy a free evening to get a first taste of the Djemaa el-Fna square.
Day 8: Marrakech Guided Tour & Departure
On the final day of your 8-day Morocco itinerary, discover the highlights of the Red City before your departure.
- Morning: Enjoy a guided tour of Marrakech, visiting the Jardin Majorelle, the Koutoubia Mosque, and the Bahia Palace.
- Afternoon: Depending on your flight schedule, we will transfer you to Marrakech-Menara Airport (RAK) for your flight home, concluding your grand tour of Morocco.
What's Included in Your 8-Day Tour
- Pick-up in Casablanca & drop-off in Marrakech.
- Private A/C vehicle with a professional driver/guide.
- 7 nights' accommodation in quality hotels/riads/camp.
- Daily breakfast and specified dinners.
- Guided city tours in Fes and Marrakech.
- Sunset camel trek and desert camp stay.
- All fuel and transport costs.
What's Not Included
- Flights to and from Morocco.
- Lunches and all beverages.
- Entrance fees for monuments and museums.
- Personal travel insurance and tips.
Planning Your 8-Day Trip to Morocco
Yes, an 8-day Morocco itinerary is an ideal duration for a comprehensive tour. It provides enough time to explore multiple imperial cities like Fes and Marrakech, visit the stunning blue city of Chefchaouen, and fully immerse yourself in a Sahara desert experience without feeling rushed. It's the perfect balance of adventure and cultural discovery.
This specific 8-day Morocco itinerary is special because it includes the enchanting blue city of Chefchaouen, a destination often missed on shorter tours. Starting from Casablanca, it covers four imperial cities, the Sahara desert, and the Atlas Mountains, offering an incredibly diverse and well-paced journey that concludes in Marrakech, making for a perfect, all-encompassing Moroccan adventure.
Yes, this 8-day Morocco itinerary can absolutely be customized to run in reverse, starting in Marrakech and ending in Casablanca. A private tour offers the flexibility to tailor the start and end points to best suit your international flight arrangements and travel plans.
The travel pace on our 8-day tour is designed to be comfortable and immersive. While there are some long driving days, they are always broken up with fascinating stops at scenic viewpoints, historical sites, and cultural attractions. The itinerary ensures you have adequate time to explore each key destination, including full-day guided tours in Fes and Marrakech, making the journey enjoyable and not just a race from one point to another.