The Ultimate 9-Day Morocco Itinerary: A Grand Circle Tour
Embark on the definitive Moroccan adventure with our 9 days Morocco itinerary, a grand circle tour that conveniently starts and ends in Casablanca. This tour is perfectly crafted for those who desire a deep, comprehensive dive into the heart of the kingdom. It is one of the most complete tours from Casablanca, seamlessly weaving together the nation's imperial legacy, the enchanting blue streets of Chefchaouen, and the profound beauty of a Casablanca desert tour.
A 9-day trip to Morocco allows for a more relaxed pace, giving you ample time to soak in the atmosphere of each unique destination. From the modernity of Casablanca to the ancient wisdom of Fes, the tranquility of Chefchaouen, the cinematic landscapes around Ouarzazate, and the vibrant pulse of Marrakech, this journey showcases the incredible diversity of Morocco. The convenience of a round trip from Casablanca makes your travel planning effortless, allowing you to focus on the unforgettable experiences that await.
Highlights of Your 9-Day Grand Morocco Tour
This itinerary is packed with Morocco's most iconic sights and experiences, offering a truly unforgettable journey. Here’s a glimpse of what awaits:
- Explore all four of Morocco's Imperial Cities.
- Get lost in the magical blue alleys of Chefchaouen.
- Enjoy comprehensive guided tours of Fes and Marrakech.
- Journey through the spectacular Rif and Atlas Mountains.
- Experience a camel trek and a night in a luxury Sahara desert camp.
- Discover the dramatic Todra and Dades Gorges.
- Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou.
- Enjoy the convenience of a round trip starting and ending in Casablanca.
Detailed 9-Day Morocco Itinerary: Day by Day
Day 1: Casablanca → Rabat → Chefchaouen
Your grand tour begins. We explore Morocco's modern capital before venturing into the Rif Mountains to the famed "Blue Pearl."
- Morning: We pick you up from Casablanca airport (CMN) or your hotel and visit the magnificent Hassan II Mosque.
- Afternoon: Travel to Rabat to see the Hassan Tower, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, and the historic Kasbah of the Udayas.
- Evening: Continue north to Chefchaouen, arriving in time to check into your riad and admire the city's evening glow.
Day 2: Explore Chefchaouen → Fes
Enjoy a morning in one of the world's most picturesque cities before we travel to the ancient intellectual capital, Fes.
- Morning: You have the morning free to explore Chefchaouen's blue-washed medina, Plaza Uta el-Hammam, and the local souks.
- Afternoon: We depart for Fes, traveling through the beautiful landscapes of the Rif Mountains and surrounding farmlands.
- Evening: Arrive in Fes and settle into your authentic riad for dinner.
Day 3: Full Day Guided Tour of Fes
Immerse yourself in Fes, the cultural heart of Morocco. A local guide will reveal the secrets of its vast, ancient medina.
- Full Day: Your tour includes the Royal Palace, the Jewish Quarter, and a ceramics cooperative. Inside the medina, visit the Bou Inania Madrasa, the famous tanneries, the Nejjarine Fountain, and the Karaouine Mosque & University (exterior).
Day 4: Fes → Ifrane → Midelt → Merzouga Desert
The adventure shifts as we head south for your unforgettable Casablanca desert tour experience, crossing the diverse Atlas Mountains.
- Morning: Depart Fes, stopping in the alpine town of Ifrane and the cedar forests of Azrou to see Barbary apes.
- Afternoon: After lunch in Midelt, we journey through the impressive Ziz Valley. The golden dunes of Erg Chebbi will emerge as we near Merzouga.
- Evening: Embark on a sunset camel trek to your desert camp. Enjoy a traditional dinner, Berber music, and a magical night under the Saharan stars.
Day 5: Merzouga Desert → Todra Gorge → Dades Valley
Wake to a desert sunrise before we continue our journey west, exploring some of Morocco's most spectacular natural canyons and valleys.
- Morning: After breakfast at the camp, we travel to the massive canyons of Todra Gorge for a walk between its towering cliffs.
- Afternoon: Continue along the "Road of a Thousand Kasbahs" to the Dades Valley, admiring its unique "monkey fingers" rock formations.
- Evening: Check into your hotel in the Dades Valley for dinner.
Day 6: Dades Valley → Ouarzazate → Ait Ben Haddou
Today is filled with cinematic history, from the "Hollywood of Africa" to one of the most famous kasbahs in the world.
- Morning: Drive through the Valley of Roses to Ouarzazate.
- Afternoon: Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, a breathtaking fortified village.
- Evening: Spend the night in a hotel near the Kasbah, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere.
Day 7: Ait Ben Haddou → High Atlas Mountains → Marrakech
We cross the highest mountain pass in North Africa on a stunningly scenic drive to the vibrant "Red City."
- Morning: After breakfast, we begin our journey over the majestic High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n'Tichka pass (2260m).
- Afternoon: Arrive in Marrakech and check into your riad. You'll have the evening free to experience the electrifying atmosphere of Djemaa el-Fna square.
Day 8: Full Day Guided Tour of Marrakech
Discover the magic of Marrakech with a full-day guided tour of its most famous landmarks and hidden treasures.
- Full Day: Your tour will cover the Jardin Majorelle, the Koutoubia Mosque, the Saadian Tombs, and the Bahia Palace. Dive into the bustling souks and experience the heart of the medina.
Day 9: Marrakech → Transfer to Casablanca
On the final day of your 9-day Morocco itinerary, we complete the circle, transferring you back to Casablanca.
- Morning: Enjoy a final Moroccan breakfast. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for some last-minute shopping.
- Afternoon: Your driver will transfer you to Casablanca (airport or hotel), concluding your unforgettable grand tour of Morocco.
What's Included in Your 9-Day Tour
- Round-trip transfers from/to Casablanca airport/hotel.
- Private A/C vehicle with an English-speaking driver.
- 8 nights' accommodation in selected riads/hotels/camp.
- Daily breakfast and specified dinners.
- Guided city tours in Fes and Marrakech.
- Sunset camel trek and desert camp stay.
- All fuel and transport expenses.
What's Not Included
- International flights.
- Lunches and all drinks.
- Monument entrance fees.
- Travel insurance and tips.
Your 9-Day Morocco Itinerary Questions
A 9-day Morocco itinerary, especially a round trip from Casablanca, is an excellent way to experience the country's main highlights. It allows for a comprehensive journey through the imperial cities, the Sahara desert, and the Atlas Mountains. While you could always spend more time, 9 days provides a rich and fulfilling adventure at a comfortable pace.
The main advantage of a 9-day round trip from Casablanca is convenience. It allows you to book round-trip flights into and out of the same major international airport (CMN), which is often more affordable and simpler to arrange. This itinerary is perfectly structured to ensure you see all the key sights in a logical loop without compromising on the experience.
The best times for this tour are during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). During these months, the weather is pleasant across the country, from the cities to the desert, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities without the extreme heat of the summer.
Yes, this 9-day tour is very suitable for families. It offers a fantastic mix of culture, history, and adventure that appeals to all ages. The camel ride and desert camp are particularly popular with children. As a private tour, we can also tailor the pace and activities to better suit your family's needs.