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13 Day Morocco Tour from Casablanca to the Sahara Desert
Overview
13 Days Tour from Casablanca to the Sahara Desert via Chefchaouen. This 13 day and 12 night journey starts with a visit to the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, followed by sightseeing in Rabat, including Hassan Tower and the Oudaias Kasbah. Explore Meknes with its Sahrij Souani Basin and Bab El Mansour gate, and visit the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis. Spend a full day discovering Fes, the old imperial city, then continue to Ifrane, known as The Moroccan Switzerland, and Azrou, where you will stop at the famous cedar forest to see the Barbary apes.
The tour continues to the Merzouga Sahara Desert, where you will explore the Erg Chebbi dunes, enjoy camel rides, watch sunrise and sunset, and spend a night in a desert camp. Experience Gnaoua music in Khamlia, and visit the Dades Valley. Continue to Ouarzazate, including the UNESCO World Heritage site of Kasbah Ait Benhaddou, then explore the coastal town of Essaouira (Mogador) and enjoy sightseeing in Marrakech. The 13 day tour concludes back in Casablanca.
- Duration: 13 days/12 nights
- Start: Casablanca
- End: Casablanca
- Tour Style: Private & Small group
- Price: Check it below
Highlights of the 13 Day Morocco Tour from Casablanca to the Sahara Desert:
- Hassan II Mosque & Casablanca Corniche – Explore one of the world’s largest mosques and enjoy the scenic coastal promenade.
- Rabat’s Hassan Tower & Oudaias Kasbah – Discover Morocco’s capital city, historic minaret, and charming kasbah with ocean views.
- Chefchaouen – The Blue Pearl – Wander the indigo-painted medina, Outa el-Hammam Square, and the Kasbah nestled in the Rif Mountains.
- Tangier’s Hercules Cave & Cap Spartel – Visit where the Mediterranean meets the Atlantic, along with beautiful beaches and old town alleys.
- Volubilis Roman Ruins & Meknes Medina – See ancient mosaics, historic gates like Bab al Mansour, and lively souks.
- Fes Medina & Tanneries – Explore narrow streets, artisan workshops, Al Karaouine University, and the Jewish Quarter with a local guide.
- Sahara Desert Camel Ride & Desert Camp – Experience a camel trek across Erg Chebbi dunes and spend a night under the stars.
- Todra Gorges & Dades Valley – Admire Morocco’s highest gorges, dramatic rock formations, and scenic valleys.
- Ait Benhaddou & Atlas Mountains – Tour the UNESCO World Heritage kasbah and traverse the Tizi N’Tichka pass with stunning mountain views.
- Essaouira Coastal Town – Walk along 18th-century ramparts, visit the port, Argan oil cooperatives, and explore bustling markets.
Itinerary of the 13 Day Morocco Tour from Casablanca to the Sahara Desert:
Day 1: Arrival ⇢ Casablanca City Tour
Arrival at Casablanca Mohamed V Airport. Pick-up by your driver and transfer to the hotel. Begin your tour of Morocco by exploring the historical heritage of Casablanca, including the Hassan II Mosque and the Coastal Corniche. Return to the hotel for overnight stay.
Day 2: Casablanca ⇢ Rabat ⇢ Asilah
Depart Casablanca towards Rabat, the capital of Morocco. Visit Hassan Tower and walk through the Udayas Kasbah. Continue along the scenic Atlantic coast to Asilah, famous for its annual arts festival and colorful Medina walls painted by international artists. Explore Skalla Fortress for panoramic views over the Medina and ocean. Overnight at a hotel or riad in Asilah.
Day 3: Asilah ⇢ Tangier ⇢ Chefchaouen
Travel from Asilah to Tangier. Visit the Hercules Cave, Achakar Beach, and Cap Spartel, where the Mediterranean meets the Atlantic Ocean. Explore Tangier’s old town, wandering its atmospheric alleys. Continue through the Rif Mountains to Chefchaouen, arriving in the afternoon. Explore Outa el-Hammam Square and the charming blue-washed Medina. Overnight in Chefchaouen.
Day 4: Full Day in Chefchaouen
Full day dedicated to exploring Chefchaouen. Walk the steep, narrow streets and admire the white and indigo limewashed buildings. Visit Place Uta el-Hammam, the Grand Mosque, Kasbah, and museum. Explore the Medina with its maze of alleyways and over 100 weavers’ workshops, and the Quartier Al-Andalus with its decorated houses. Overnight in Chefchaouen.
Day 5: Chefchaouen ⇢ Volubilis ⇢ Meknes ⇢ Fes
Depart Chefchaouen for Volubilis, exploring the ancient Roman ruins. Continue to Meknes, visiting the Medina, Sahrij Souani, Square of Lehdim, and Bab al-Mansour Gate, with time to explore local souks. Continue to Fes for overnight at a traditional riad.
Day 6: Fes Guided City Tour
Full-day guided exploration of Fes, Morocco’s old imperial city. Start at the Royal Palace Gate, visit a ceramics cooperative, explore the narrow streets of the Medina, the Jewish Quarter, and Tanneries. Highlights include the famous Al Karaouine University. Overnight in Fes.
Day 7: Fes ⇢ Ifrane ⇢ Midelt ⇢ Erfoud ⇢ Merzouga Desert
Depart Fes for the Sahara Desert, passing through Ifrane and the cedar forests of Azrou, with opportunities to see Barbary monkeys. Stop for lunch in a small Berber village. Continue through the Middle Atlas Mountains, via Midelt and Erfoud, arriving at Merzouga Desert. Ride camels into the Erg Chebbi dunes to reach a desert camp for overnight under the stars.
Day 8: Merzouga ⇢ Berber Families ⇢ Khamlia Village ⇢ Merzouga
Wake up early for sunrise over the dunes. Ride camels back to meet your driver. Spend the day visiting Nomad families and Gnaoua village Khamlia, enjoying authentic music. Sample traditional Berber pizza and local cuisine. Return to the hotel or riad in Merzouga for overnight.
Day 9: Merzouga ⇢ Rissani ⇢ Todra Gorges ⇢ Dades Valley
Depart Merzouga to Rissani, exploring its traditional souk and local donkey market. Continue to Tinghir and the Todra Gorges, the highest and narrowest in Morocco. Lunch at a local restaurant, then drive through Dades Valley, admiring rock formations known as “monkey toes.” Overnight in Dades Valley.
Day 10: Dades Valley ⇢ Ouarzazate ⇢ Ait Benhaddou ⇢ Marrakech
After breakfast, drive to Ouarzazate, stopping at Taourirt Kasbah and the Atlas Film Studios. Visit the UNESCO-listed Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou, famous as a movie set. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant. Continue through the High Atlas Mountains, crossing the Tizi N’tichka Pass (2260 m), arriving in Marrakech for overnight.
Day 11: Marrakech Guided City Tour
Full-day guided tour of Marrakech: Koutoubia Mosque, Medina, Souks, Ali Ben Youssef Koranic School, Saadian and Bahia Palaces, Majorelle Gardens. Explore the city at your leisure. Overnight in a riad in Marrakech.
Day 12: Marrakech ⇢ Essaouira
Depart Marrakech for the coastal town of Essaouira. Optional visit to an Argan oil cooperative en route. Explore the Old Port, Ramparts, and Dutch cannons. Roam the Medina and markets selling local crafts. Lunch included, free time in the afternoon. Overnight in Essaouira.
Day 13: Essaouira ⇢ Casablanca ⇢ Airport
After breakfast, drive back to Casablanca, either to the city center or Casablanca Mohamed V Airport. End of the 13-day Morocco tour.
Gallery
Inclusive and Exclusive of the tour
Price Includes:
- Private transportation by air-conditioned 4×4, minibus, or bus (13 days)
- Multilingual driver/guide
- Local guides in Fes and Marrakech
- Fuel for the vehicle
- 11 nights in hotels or riads (breakfast included)
- 1 night in a desert camp (dinner and breakfast included)
- Camel ride in the desert
- Sandboarding activity
Price Excludes:
- Drinks and lunches
- Dinner in Casablanca, Asilah, Chefchaouen, Fes, Marrakech, and Essaouira
- Flight tickets
- Entrance fees to monuments
Map of the tour
tour price:
The pricing for This tour starts at €160 per person. Please note that the cost can vary based on factors such as the number of travelers, your choice of accommodations, and the time of year. Larger groups benefit from lower per-person rates.
The €160 per person rate applies to groups of 17 or more.
For smaller groups, such as 2 travelers, the price starts at €269 per person.
For personalized pricing tailored to your group, please contact us using the form below. Our team will provide the rates that best match your needs.
Booking
Please use the form below to email us at compassmoroccotours@gmail.com, and we will respond as fast as possible. You can also send a WhatsApp message or call us at +212 676-594706. We look forward to hearing from you!
REVIEWS
Reviews
★★★★★
Our 7-day Morocco tour with Compass Morocco Tours was simply incredible! From Marrakech to the Sahara, everything was perfectly organized. Our driver Youssef was knowledgeable and friendly, and the desert camp in Merzouga was beyond amazing. Highly recommend this company for anyone visiting Morocco!
★★★★★
We had such a wonderful experience with Compass Morocco Tours! The team was professional, our guide was patient and informative, and the landscapes were breathtaking. The camel ride and night under the stars in the Sahara were unforgettable moments for my family.
★★★★★
Compass Morocco Tours made our trip seamless and stress-free. The itinerary covered so much — from the bustling souks of Fes to the peaceful dunes of Erg Chebbi. The vehicle was super comfortable, and we felt safe and well cared for the entire journey.
★★★★★
Traveling through Morocco with Compass Morocco Tours was a dream come true. Every detail was thought out — beautiful riads, delicious food, and amazing hospitality. Our driver Hassan shared so much about Moroccan culture and history. A truly authentic experience!
★★★★★
I can’t say enough good things about Compass Morocco Tours! The desert night was magical — luxury tents, great music, and friendly Berber hosts. It felt like a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, and I’d absolutely do it again.
★★★★★
What a fantastic journey! Compass Morocco Tours made sure everything ran smoothly from start to finish. The views through the Atlas Mountains and the sunset over the dunes were simply breathtaking. Thank you for an unforgettable experience!
★★★★★
Amazing experience with Compass Morocco Tours! The driver was very kind and flexible, always making sure we were comfortable. The tour was well-balanced between cultural visits and time to relax. Morocco completely stole my heart!
★★★★★
Our 5-day desert tour was outstanding. The Compass Morocco Tours team handled everything perfectly — great communication before the trip, comfortable hotels, and a driver who became like a friend. Highly recommended for anyone who wants to see the real Morocco.
★★★★★
This was one of the best travel experiences I’ve ever had. Compass Morocco Tours exceeded all expectations. The camp in Merzouga was so peaceful, and waking up to the sunrise over the dunes was just magical. Merci for such wonderful memories!
★★★★★
Compass Morocco Tours provided excellent service throughout our journey. The tour was well-paced, full of local insights, and every stop felt meaningful. Morocco is beautiful, and this company made it even more special.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to pay for the tour?
Our payment process is simple and flexible. To confirm your booking, we ask for a small deposit, which can be paid through PayPal, bank transfer, or Wise. The remaining balance can be settled in cash on the first day of your tour directly with your driver or guide. We accept euros, US dollars, or the equivalent in Moroccan dirhams.
What is the best desert tour from Marrakech?
The best desert tour from Marrakech depends on how much time you have. The 3-day Marrakech to Merzouga desert tour is the most popular, as it allows you to experience the majestic dunes of Erg Chebbi, ride camels, and sleep in a luxury desert camp under the stars. If you have more time, the 4-day or 5-day desert tours offer a deeper and more relaxed exploration of Morocco’s desert landscapes and kasbahs.
Can I skip the camel ride to the camp?
Yes, absolutely. If you prefer not to ride a camel, we can take you to the camp in a comfortable 4×4 vehicle instead
How far is the desert from Fes?
The desert is around 500 km (about 311 miles) from Fes, which takes roughly 7 and a half hours to drive.
What type of vehicles are used for this trip?
Your comfort is our top priority. At Compass Morocco Tours , we provide modern and comfortable vehicles suited to every group size. Depending on your needs, you’ll travel in vehicles such as a Toyota Prado Land Cruiser TX, Ford Tourneo Custom, or a Mercedes Benz Sprinter minibus for larger groups. We believe that a smooth and comfortable journey makes your entire travel experience more enjoyable.
Does the camp have private bathrooms?
Certainly. All the camps we offer are luxury desert camps, designed to provide maximum comfort and equipped with private en-suite bathrooms for your convenience.
Can you do a day trip to the desert from Marrakech?
Technically, you cannot reach the real Sahara Desert on a day trip from Marrakech because it is too far away. However, you can take a day trip to the Agafay Desert, located just 40 minutes from Marrakech. Agafay offers a desert-like experience with rocky landscapes, camel rides, quad biking, and stunning views of the Atlas Mountains.
Is it worth going to the Sahara Desert in Morocco?
Absolutely! A visit to the Sahara Desert is one of the most unforgettable experiences in Morocco. Watching the sunset and sunrise over the vast dunes, riding camels across the golden sands, and spending a night in a luxury desert camp under the starry sky create truly magical memories that stay with you forever.
What is the closest desert to Marrakech?
The Agafay Desert is the nearest desert to Marrakech, located about 30 to 40 km southwest of the city. Unlike the Sahara, it’s a rocky desert with rolling hills and arid landscapes, but it provides a perfect short getaway for travelers looking to experience a desert atmosphere without the long journey.
Is the Sahara Desert close to Marrakech?
Not exactly. The Sahara Desert lies about 560 km from Marrakech. Traveling to the Erg Chebbi dunes in Merzouga takes approximately 8 to 10 hours by road. Most tours break up the journey over two days, with an overnight stay in either the Dades Valley or Ouarzazate to make the trip more comfortable and enjoyable.
How far in advance should we book this tour?
It’s always a good idea to book your tour as early as possible to guarantee your preferred dates and ensure availability — after all, the early bird gets the best experience!
How long does it take to get to the desert from Marrakech?
The journey to Merzouga, home of the famous Sahara dunes, takes around 8 to 10 hours by road. Most desert tours divide the trip into several days to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to explore breathtaking sites such as the High Atlas Mountains, the Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, and the stunning Dades Gorges.
How do I get from Marrakech to the desert?
The easiest and most comfortable way to reach the desert is by joining a private or small-group tour from Marrakech. Your driver-guide will take you on a scenic journey across the Atlas Mountains, passing through picturesque valleys and historic kasbahs before arriving in the Sahara Desert. While renting a car is also an option, a guided tour provides local insight, stress-free travel, and a richer overall experience.
Where is the best desert in Morocco?
The Erg Chebbi dunes near Merzouga are widely regarded as the best desert experience in Morocco, known for their breathtaking golden sand dunes and genuine desert ambiance. Another excellent choice is Erg Chigaga, located near M’Hamid, offering a more remote and untouched landscape—ideal for travelers in search of adventure, peace, and an authentic off-the-beaten-path experience.