5-Day Tour: Casablanca to Marrakech via Fes & Sahara

Day 1: Casablanca → Rabat → Fes (8:00 AM - 6:00 PM)

8:00 AM - Depart from Casablanca after breakfast. Begin your journey north to Rabat.

9:30 AM - Arrive in Rabat, Morocco's capital. Visit the magnificent Hassan Tower, an unfinished minaret of a grand mosque begun in the 12th century. Admire the intricate Islamic architecture and learn about its historical significance.

10:30 AM - Explore the charming Udayas Kasbah, a 12th-century fortress with its iconic blue and white walls. Wander through the narrow cobblestone streets, visit the beautiful Andalusian Gardens, and enjoy panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean.

12:00 PM - Lunch break at a local restaurant in Rabat (not included). Savor traditional Moroccan dishes while overlooking the ocean.

1:30 PM - Continue your journey to Fes, driving through the fertile plains of the Gharb region. Enjoy the changing landscapes from coastal to agricultural.

4:30 PM - Arrive in Fes, check into your traditional riad in the medina. Settle in and refresh after your journey.

6:00 PM - Evening at leisure. Explore the immediate vicinity of your riad, enjoy dinner at the riad or a local restaurant (not included), and prepare for tomorrow's comprehensive Fes exploration.

Day 2: Fes City Tour → Ifrane → Ziz Valley → Merzouga (7:00 AM - 7:00 PM)

7:00 AM - Early breakfast at your riad, followed by a comprehensive guided tour of Fes.

8:00 AM - Begin your Fes medina exploration. Visit the famous Chouara Tannery, where leather has been produced for over a thousand years. Watch the traditional tanning process from the surrounding terraces.

9:30 AM - Explore the Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque and University, one of the oldest universities in the world. Though non-Muslims cannot enter, admire the impressive exterior architecture.

10:30 AM - Visit the Bou Inania Madrasa, a stunning example of Marinid architecture with its intricate cedar carvings, zellij tilework, and calligraphy.

11:30 AM - Wander through the medina's souks, discovering traditional crafts, spices, and local products. Visit the Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts and Crafts.

1:00 PM - Lunch break at a traditional restaurant in the medina (not included).

2:30 PM - Depart Fes and begin your journey south toward the Sahara. First stop: Ifrane, known as "Little Switzerland" for its European-style architecture and cedar forests.

4:00 PM - Continue through the Middle Atlas Mountains, passing through Azrou where you may see Barbary macaques in the cedar forest.

5:30 PM - Arrive at the Ziz Valley viewpoint. Marvel at the dramatic canyon landscape and the lush palm groves stretching along the Ziz River.

7:00 PM - Arrive in Merzouga at the edge of the Sahara Desert. Check into your desert hotel and enjoy dinner before tomorrow's desert adventure.

Day 3: Merzouga Desert Experience → Todra Gorges → Dades Valley (5:30 AM - 6:00 PM)

5:30 AM - Early morning optional activity: Watch the spectacular sunrise over the Erg Chebbi dunes from your hotel terrace or climb the dunes for the best views.

7:00 AM - Breakfast at your desert hotel.

8:00 AM - Meet your camel caravan for the highlight of your trip. Begin your 1.5-hour camel trek across the golden sand dunes of Erg Chebbi. Experience the traditional mode of desert transport and enjoy the peaceful rhythm of the camels.

9:30 AM - Arrive at your desert camp in the heart of the dunes. Enjoy traditional mint tea and learn about Berber desert life from your guides.

10:30 AM - Free time at the camp. Climb the nearby dunes for panoramic views, try sandboarding, or simply relax and absorb the desert atmosphere.

12:00 PM - Return by camel to Merzouga village. Lunch at a local restaurant (not included).

2:00 PM - Depart Merzouga and travel to the Todra Gorges. Drive through the dramatic landscape of the Tafilalt region.

4:00 PM - Arrive at Todra Gorges. Walk through the impressive canyon where crystal-clear water flows between towering limestone cliffs reaching up to 400 meters high. Enjoy the cool shade and perhaps watch local rock climbers.

5:30 PM - Continue to the Dades Valley, known as the "Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs." Check into your hotel overlooking the valley.

6:00 PM - Dinner at your hotel (included). Enjoy the sunset views over the Dades Valley.

Day 4: Dades Valley → Ait Ben Haddou → Marrakech (8:00 AM - 6:00 PM)

8:00 AM - Breakfast at your hotel with views of the Dades Valley.

9:00 AM - Depart Dades Valley and travel along the famous Road of a Thousand Kasbahs. Stop at the Dades Gorges viewpoint for photos of the winding road and dramatic rock formations.

10:30 AM - Visit a traditional kasbah along the route to learn about these fortified family homes and their role in Moroccan history.

12:00 PM - Arrive at Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Morocco's most impressive kasbahs. This fortified village has been featured in numerous films including Gladiator and Game of Thrones.

12:30 PM - Guided tour of Ait Ben Haddou. Explore the narrow alleys, climb to the granary for panoramic views, and learn about the earthen architecture techniques used in its construction.

2:00 PM - Lunch break at a restaurant near Ait Ben Haddou (not included).

3:30 PM - Begin the crossing of the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n'Tichka pass (2,260 meters). Enjoy breathtaking views of traditional Berber villages clinging to mountainsides.

5:00 PM - Stop at scenic viewpoints along the mountain pass for photos and to appreciate the dramatic landscape changes.

6:00 PM - Arrive in Marrakech, the "Red City." Check into your riad in the medina or a hotel in the new city depending on your preference.

7:30 PM - Evening at leisure. Explore the famous Djemaa el-Fna square, enjoy dinner at your accommodation or a local restaurant (not included).

Day 5: Marrakech Guided Tour & Departure (9:00 AM - 1:00 PM)

9:00 AM - Breakfast at your accommodation, followed by a half-day guided tour of Marrakech's main attractions.

9:30 AM - Visit the Koutoubia Mosque, Marrakech's most famous landmark. Admire the 12th-century minaret and beautiful gardens (non-Muslims cannot enter the mosque).

10:00 AM - Explore the Bahia Palace, a stunning example of 19th-century Moroccan architecture with its intricate courtyards, gardens, and decorated rooms.

11:00 AM - Visit the Saadian Tombs, discovered in 1917 and featuring beautifully decorated chambers housing members of the Saadian dynasty.

11:30 AM - Walk through the vibrant souks of Marrakech. Explore the different sections: spice market, leather goods, metalwork, textiles, and traditional crafts.

12:30 PM - End your tour at Djemaa el-Fna square. Experience the lively atmosphere with storytellers, musicians, snake charmers, and food stalls.

1:00 PM - Tour concludes. Depending on your flight schedule, transfer to Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK) or back to Casablanca Mohammed V Airport (CMN). If you have a later flight, enjoy free time for last-minute shopping or relaxation.

Note: If departing from Casablanca, the drive is approximately 3.5 hours. Please allow sufficient time for your flight departure.