8 Days Tour from Casablanca to the Imperial Cities and the Sahara Desert. Explore key landmarks, including Hassan II Mosque, the Corniche, Rabat, Meknes, and Fes. Experience a camel trek across the Middle Atlas Mountains with an overnight stay in a desert camp. Discover the scenic Dades Valley, Roses Valley, Todra Gorges, and Amridil Kasbah. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Benhaddou before concluding your journey in the vibrant city of Marrakech.
8 Day Morocco Tour from Casablanca to the Imperial Cities
Overview
- Duration: 8 days/7 nights
- Start: Casablanca
- End: Marrakech
- Tour Style: Private & Small group
- Price: Check it below
Highlights of the 8 Day Morocco Tour from Casablanca to the Imperial Cities:
- Explore Casablanca’s Hassan II Mosque and Corniche
- Visit Rabat, Meknes, and the Roman ruins of Volubilis
- Discover Fes Medina, Al Karaouine University, and artisan workshops
- Journey through Ifrane, Cedar Forests, Ziz Valley, and ride camels in Merzouga Desert
- Marvel at Todra Gorges and Dades Valley rock formations
- Drive the Road of 1000 Kasbahs, visit Skoura, Ouarzazate, and Ait Benhaddou Kasbah
- Explore Marrakech: Medina, Koutoubia Mosque, Bahia Palace, and Majorelle Gardens
- Transfer to the airport, concluding your 8-day journey
Itinerary of the 8 Day Morocco Tour from Casablanca to the Imperial Cities:
We take pride in customizing each tour to suit your individual needs. If you have any special requests, would like to modify this tour, or are interested in an extended adventure, please share your details with us using the contact form below.
Day 1: Casablanca Airport ⇢ Casablanca City
Upon arrival at Casablanca Airport, you will be met by your driver and transferred to your hotel. Begin your exploration of Casablanca, Morocco’s largest city, visiting iconic landmarks such as the Hassan II Mosque, the largest mosque in Morocco, and the scenic Corniche, the city’s vibrant coastal promenade. Enjoy your first day immersing in the city’s historical and cultural heritage. Overnight in Casablanca.
Day 2: Casablanca ⇢ Rabat ⇢ Meknes ⇢ Fes
After breakfast, depart Casablanca heading north toward Fes, passing through fertile farmlands producing olives, grains, vegetables, and grapes. Stop in Rabat, Morocco’s capital, to see the Hassan Tower and the Udayas Kasbah (if desired, optional stroll). Continue to the imperial city of Meknes, exploring the Bab Mansour Gate, Medersa Bou Inania, and the royal granaries Heri es-Souani, with the opportunity to enjoy a panoramic view from the rooftop garden and café. Next, visit Volubilis, the famous Roman ruins, showcasing mosaics and remnants of Morocco’s southernmost Roman outpost. In the evening, arrive in Fes and check into your hotel or Riad.
Day 3: Full Day ⇢ Fes
After breakfast, embark on a full-day guided tour of Fes, the oldest imperial city of Morocco. Begin at the Royal Palace Gate, then visit a ceramics cooperative to observe traditional Moroccan crafts. Continue through the narrow streets of the Medina, exploring the historic Jewish Quarter and the famous Tanneries. Discover cultural and historical landmarks including the Al Karaouine University, one of the world’s oldest universities. In the afternoon, enjoy a panoramic view of the Medina and visit the New City (Fes el Jedid). Return to your hotel or Riad for overnight stay.
Day 4: Fes ⇢ Ifrane ⇢ Ziz Valley ⇢ Erfoud ⇢ Merzouga (Camel Ride & Desert Camp)
After breakfast, your 8-day tour departs Fes heading towards the Sahara Desert. The journey takes you through Ifrane, often referred to as “Little Switzerland,” and the cedar forests of Azrou, home to wild Barbary monkeys—a perfect opportunity for photography and to enjoy Morocco’s natural landscapes. Continue through the scenic Atlas Mountains and the town of Midelt, with a stop for lunch in a small Berber village along the way. Travel onwards to the small desert town of Erfoud, which marks the entrance to the fertile Tafilalet Oasis. After a brief rest, you will meet your camel guide in Merzouga, embark on a camel trekking adventure across the dunes of Erg Chebbi, and enjoy the breathtaking sunset over the desert. Conclude the day with an overnight stay in a desert camp, surrounded by the starry Sahara sky and the rhythm of Berber drumming.
Day 5: Merzouga ⇢ Rissani ⇢ Todra Gorges ⇢ Dades Valley
Wake early to witness the stunning sunrise over the Merzouga dunes, then ride camels back to the village where your vehicle awaits. Depart for Rissani, an historic town known for its vibrant souks and as the former hub of caravan trade. Continue to Tinghir and the spectacular Todra Gorges, famous for being the highest and narrowest canyon in Morocco, offering dramatic rock formations and a river running through its floor. Enjoy a local lunch in the gorge before driving through the Dades Valley, also called the Valley of the Monkeys, where you will see striking rock formations known as “monkey toes.” Overnight stay with dinner and breakfast at a hotel or riad in Dades Valley, surrounded by the valley’s breathtaking scenery.
Day 6: Dades Valley ⇢ Roses Valley ⇢ Skoura ⇢ Ouarzazate ⇢ High Atlas ⇢ Marrakech
After breakfast, depart Dades Valley, stopping at a strategic viewpoint to admire the panoramic vistas of the valley dotted with ancient kasbahs. Continue along the famous “Road of a Thousand Kasbahs” through the Roses Valley, arriving at the Skoura Palm Groves. Visit Kasbah Amridil, and optionally explore the Atlas Film Studios in Ouarzazate. Stop at the iconic Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site and filming location for many major films, where you will have lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, drive back to Marrakech over the High Atlas Mountains, passing through the Tizi N’Tichka Pass at 2,260 meters altitude, enjoying sweeping mountain views and traditional Berber villages along the route. Drop-off and overnight in Marrakech.
Day 7: Full Day ⇢ Marrakech
Today you will enjoy a full day with an optional private guided tour of Marrakech. Accompanied by an official local guide, you will explore the most iconic sites of the Red City, including the Mosque of Koutoubia, the bustling Medina, and its colorful souks. Discover some of Marrakech’s hidden gems such as the Ali Ben Youssef Koranic School, the Saadian Tombs, the Bahia Palace, and the Majorelle Gardens. Return to your riad in the Medina for an overnight stay, with the evening free to relax or explore the vibrant square of Jemaa el-Fna.
Day 8: Marrakech ⇢ Airport
Transfer to Marrakech or Casablanca Airport for your departure. End of the 8-day tour.
Gallery
Inclusive and Exclusive of the tour
Price Includes:
- Private transportation by air-conditioned 4×4, minibus, or bus
- Multilingual driver/guide
- Fuel for the vehicle
- 6 nights in hotels or riads (dinner and breakfast included)
- 1 night in a desert camp (dinner and breakfast included)
- Camel ride in the desert
- Sandboarding activity
Price Excludes:
- Drinks
- Lunches
- 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.