12 Days Desert Tour from Casablanca

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Day 1: Casablanca

Finally, you are in Morocco! A guide at the Casablanca Airport will welcome you, he will give you an overview of the 12-day desert tour from Casablanca before taking you to your hotel. At six o’clock, a crucial welcome meeting kicks off your adventure. If you arrive early enough, visiting the Villa of Arts would be a fantastic use of your brief stay in Casablanca. Contemporary Moroccan and international art are featured in several exhibitions held in this gorgeous Art Deco gallery. The Museum of Judaism offers a distinctive and fascinating aspect of Moroccan history for those seeking a different kind of cultural encounter. Celebrate the start of a new adventure this evening by having a fantastic dinner with your group at a conventional restaurant. You will have the opportunity to sample traditional Moroccan foods like Tajine, couscous, and pastille tonight. Moroccan cuisine is perhaps the best example of the country’s rich cultural heritage.  Accommodation will be in Casablanca.

Special Information

You must show up to the welcome session because this is when we will be gathering your insurance information and next of kin details. Please notify the front desk of your hotel or travel agent if you anticipate being late. Find out more about the location of the meeting by asking at reception or looking for a sign in the lobby.

Day 2: Rabat to Meknes

On the 2nd day of your desert tour from Casablanca, you will see one of Casablanca’s most impeccable sights this morning: the enormous structure known as the Mosque of Hassan II. Indeed, it is one of the few places of worship accessible to non-Muslims. It is primarily over water, with some land included. To reach Rabat, Morocco’s elegant capital and first imperial city, continue traveling north from Casablanca along the coast. The Kasbah of Oudaya is a lovely, walled neighborhood that you should explore after taking a stroll through the Medina and souks to begin your trip. Enjoy a complimentary mint tea while admiring views of the Bou Regreg River and the ocean at this hidden gem of a café. Moreover, the Mohammed V Mausoleum and the mosque minaret will be seen. Make your way to Meknes, the former capital of Morocco, in the late afternoon. With your guide, you can stroll through the Medina, the former walled section of Meknes. It has a special charm to discover this lesser-known Medina while observing the locals go about their daily lives. Visit the granaries, the Moulay Ismail shrine, and the nearby market, where you can buy fresh produce and treats. You will eventually arrive at the Volubilis ruins. Unquestionably impressive, the ruins were once the provincial capital of the Romans as well as a distant outpost of the empire. An informed local guide will give you a tour of the area while also sharing knowledge and giving you a sense of the once-thriving city that once stood there. Take a picnic lunch of fresh bread, cheese, seasonal fruit, and olives from the market. We will travel on to Fez as our last destination for today.

Day 3: Discover Fez

Today, make your way to Fez el Bali, the city’s old town. One of the premier centers for Islamic and Jewish culture and education during the Middle Ages was Fez. Its mosques enjoy widespread acclaim, and its religious institutions and libraries are legendary. Your guide will tell you tales about the city’s past as you stroll through the narrow lanes and winding streets, past donkeys carrying heavy loads of merchandise, and discover the souk’s specialty areas. Where the sounds of hammering copper, the clucking of chickens, the aroma of spices, and old khans, madrassas, and dye pits can be heard, along with stalls selling fruits, herbs, and soups. The Al-Attarine Madrasa, the tanneries, and the magnificent Funduk Najjarine, a beautifully preserved 18th-century inn, are all worthwhile stops on a day spent exploring the old city.

Special Information

Today, part of the experience is shopping in carefully considered locations. Intrepid established a centralized system for gathering and distributing payments from these suppliers because the Moroccan tourism industry is used to receiving commissions or kickbacks in exchange for endorsing particular companies, services, or activities. If you would like more information on this, kindly refer to the Important Notes section of the Essential Trip Information or ask your local tour guide.

It is your responsibility to let your tour guide know in advance if you have no interest in shopping. While you can have some free time during the tour, it will be impossible to arrange a meeting place inside the Medina due to its difficulty in navigating. The only place you can reassemble with the group if you decide to break off is at your Fez hotel.

Day 4: Fez – Middle Atlas – Erfoud

Continuing our Desert Tour from Casablanca, leave the bustle of the city and travel across the magnificent Middle Atlas sights to the oasis town of Erfoud in the desert. Make plans for a long driving day and pack your camera because there will be plenty of stops along the way to take in the constantly changing Moroccan landscape. Along the way, you will pass date palm-lined valleys, olive groves, shepherds tending to their flocks, cedar, pine, and oak forests, as well as glimpses of the High Atlas Mountains. Erfoud offers easy access to the Sahara Desert. The town is crowded with red sand constructions that blend in with the desert surroundings. Taste some fresh dates from the nearby market while you are here. Every year, a festival is held in Erfoud to celebrate the mouthwatering dates.

Day 5: A full Day in Merzouga

This morning will be spent exploring Khamlia, a village that is located beside the dunes of Erg Chebbi. This authentic Saharan village is renowned for its unique dance and music. Today’s lunch will allow you to watch the preparation of the regional specialty dish Medfouna and then consume some for yourself. After that, it is time to travel through the desert on a camel, as the locals do, in order to reach your Feature Stay lodging, a stunning camp tucked away in the Saharan dunes. You can get a true sense of what it is like to live in the desert right here, in this enchanted haven from the modern world. However, despite the remote location, permanent tents come equipped with spacious beds, private bathrooms, and charming, authentic decor. Tonight, you will enjoy a traditional feast and live Gnawa music around an open fire while taking in the extraordinary surroundings of the area.

Special Information

It is possible to be driven to and from the camp if you would prefer, but the camel rides on Days 8 and 9 are a romantic way to see the Sahara. If you would rather skip the camel rides, please let your booking agent know.

Day 6: Golden Desert to Dades Gorges

A camel ride through the desert at sunrise, when the landscape turns an amazing shade of orange, will set the tone for the rest of the day. Drive to Todra Gorge, a sizable trench that rises over 250 meters to create one of Morocco’s most dramatic and breathtaking natural sights, after breakfast. You will take a quick and easy stroll through the gorge to fully enjoy the breathtaking surroundings before hiking among the limestone stacks. Then proceed to the lovely Dades Valley, where you will spend the following two nights. The landscape in this region is unlike anywhere else: broad, lush valleys give way to bizarre, wind-sculpted rock formations. Take some time to relax and take in the ethereal views at the lovely pool and terrace that your accommodation offers.

Day 7: Dades Gorges – Skoura

You have a full day to discover the splendor of this largely unexplored Moroccan backcountry, and walking is the best way to do it. There are a few circuits in the area; you can choose to complete one that is 10 kilometers long and will take about 4 hours, but your leader can modify the route based on the group’s preferences. The hike will start after a brief transfer, where you will meet your local guide. Anyone with a basic level of fitness can access the undulating trail, though it can be challenging in some spots. In the neighborhood, stop for tea and visit an Amazigh (Berber) family. Few visitors to Morocco get the chance to experience this kind of insight into the Amazigh way of life. Take advantage of the opportunity to tell stories and learn about family life in the Dades Valley while taking in the breathtaking scenery of the surrounding mountains and Rose Valley.

Day 8: Dades Valley to Ait Ben Haddou via Ouarzazate

The Road of a Thousand Kasbahs is accessible by leaving the Dades Valley. You should start by visiting the privately owned Kasbahs in Skoura Oasis, such as the ornately decorated Kasbah Amridil with its mud-brick walls. Keep going to Ait Ben Haddou, a hilltop area that has not undergone much change since the 11th century. One of Morocco’s most beautiful grand Kasbahs can be found there, and the fortified village is a fine example of clay architecture. Gladiator, Game of Thrones, and Lawrence of Arabia are just a few of the many movies and television shows that the website has been featured in. You can meander through the Old Town’s winding streets as you ascend the hill to take in some picturesque views. After that, enjoy a satisfying lunch at Tawesna, a riverside tea house in the neighborhood, which includes freshly baked Amazigh bread, soup, Moroccan sweets, and, of course, some mint tea. Working at this nonprofit allows women to support both themselves and their families. The women take great pride in sharing their experiences and giving guests a true Amazigh experience as they make tea and pastries with organic ingredients they purchase from nearby cooperatives.

Day 9: Ait Ben Haddou – High Atlas – Imlil

Leaving Ait Ben Haddou after breakfast, take a long, winding drive through the Atlas Mountains. You can take your time and stop for a few photos if you would like due to the breathtaking scenery. Ouirgane is where we are headed today. This charming village offers visitors a distinct and less-traveled base for walking because of its concealed location in the serene High Atlas Mountain foothills. The winter and summer have mild temperatures, and both are enjoyable. A wide variety of birds can be seen nearby, you can take a stroll through the nearby red-earth hills and pine forests, or you can just unwind at a refreshing 1000 meters above sea level with the stunning Jebel Toubkal in the distance. Have a conversation with your leader about some fantastic hiking options for this afternoon.

Day 9: Imlil to Marrakech

Depending on the group’s interests and abilities, we will set out on a leisurely walk after breakfast to explore the quaint village of Imlil and its surroundings. This walk should not last longer than three hours. As you stroll along, you will observe locals going about their morning routines and learn more about daily life. Once you have worked up an appetite, a villager will welcome you into their home and invite you to participate in a bread-making workshop, teaching you about this essential food. Your homemade lunch will then include local olives, couscous or tagine, and seasonal fruits, along with freshly baked bread.

Day 10: A full Day in Marrakech

On that day of your desert tour from Casablanca, after breakfast, you will meet with a local guide who will help you experience the magic of Marrakech as you embark on a morning tour of the old Medina through the humming souks that are the heart of the city. Discover the numerous salons and chambers that make up Bahia Palace, as well as the serene courtyards that are scented with orange blossoms. It is forbidden for non-Muslims to enter the Koutoubia Mosque, but the structure’s renowned minaret is a remarkable sight. Follow your original route back to Jemaa el-Fna through the old Medina, stopping along the way to sample some of the amazing freshly squeezed orange juice from a nearby stall. You will undoubtedly agree that this orange juice is among the best you have ever tasted. You can continue your exploration throughout the day. Furthermore, you could go to Le Jardin Secret, a traditional Medina garden with a stunning courtyard, or you could return to the Medina and practice what you are haggling. Your leader will be able to suggest some fantastic local eateries for your farewell dinner on your last night.

Day 11: A Free Day in Marrakech

You can further your exploration of Marrakech today. Visit the traditional garden known as Le Jardin Secret, which features a magnificent courtyard, or return to the medina to practice your haggling. Join your group for a farewell dinner on your last night; your leader can give you recommendations for some great nearby eateries.

Day 12: Marrakech to Airport

Following breakfast, your journey ends. You can depart whenever you want; checkout time is typically around noon. The pick-up time will be communicated to you if you have scheduled a private airport transfer. If you want to stay longer and explore Marrakech, you can reserve additional accommodations in advance. End of the 12-day desert tour from Casablanca.