12 Days Morocco Itinerary Highlights
- Imperial Heritage: Explore the history of Rabat, Meknes, Fes, and Marrakech.
- The Blue Pearl: Discover the indigo-washed streets of Chefchaouen in the Rif Mountains.
- Sahara Majesty: Two full nights in a luxury desert camp with camel trekking and nomadic visits.
- Ancient Kasbahs: Step into history at the UNESCO-listed Ait Ben Haddou and Ouarzazate.
- Natural Wonders: Journey through the Ziz Valley, Todra Gorges, and the High Atlas Mountains.
- Coastal Serenity: Experience the artistic vibes and Atlantic breezes of Essaouira.
12 Days Morocco Itinerary
Arrival in Casablanca
Your 12 days Morocco itinerary from Casablanca begins at Mohammed V International Airport, the gateway to the Kingdom. Your dedicated private driver will greet you at the arrivals hall and escort you to the magnificent Hassan II Mosque. This architectural marvel is one of the few mosques open to non-Muslims and features a 210-meter minaret—the tallest in the world. You will marvel at the hand-carved stone, intricate wood ceilings, and marble floors that sit partly over the Atlantic Ocean. After the visit, we transfer you to your hotel where you can relax or enjoy a sunset walk along the Ain Diab Corniche to start your journey with a fresh sea breeze.
Overnight: Hotel in CasablancaCasablanca – Rabat – Chefchaouen
After breakfast, we depart for Rabat, the capital and one of Morocco’s four Imperial cities. You will explore the 12th-century Hassan Tower, an unfinished minaret of a vast mosque, and the adjacent Mausoleum of Mohammed V, adorned with exquisite mosaics and gold leaf. We also walk through the Kasbah of the Oudayas, a serene blue-and-white residential quarter with views of the Bou Regreg river and the ocean. From Rabat, our journey takes us north into the Rif Mountains. As the landscape turns green and rugged, we reach the world-famous “Blue Pearl,” Chefchaouen. Your evening here is spent wandering the sapphire-painted alleys of the medina.
Overnight: Riad in ChefchaouenChefchaouen – Volubilis – Meknes – Fes
We leave the mountain air of Chefchaouen and head toward the spiritual heart of Morocco. Our first stop is Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the best-preserved Roman ruins in North Africa. You will walk through the ancient Basilica and the Capitoline Temple while admiring the vibrant floor mosaics that have survived for nearly two millennia. Next, we visit the Imperial city of Meknes to see the monumental Bab el-Mansour gate and the Royal Stables. The day ends as we arrive in Fes, settling into a traditional Riad within the world’s most ancient medieval medina. This is a crucial cultural transition in your 12 days Morocco itinerary from Casablanca.
Overnight: Riad in FesFes Medina Guided Tour
Today is dedicated to an immersive exploration of the Fes Medina with a private local guide. You will navigate the 9,000 narrow, car-free alleys of Fes el-Bali, a labyrinth where life has remained unchanged for centuries. Highlights include the Al-Qarawiyyin University (founded in 859 AD), the stunning Bou Inania Madrasa, and the Nejjarine Fountain. You will also visit the famous Chouara Tannery, where you can observe the traditional process of leather dyeing from a rooftop terrace. We finish the day at the potters’ quarter to see how the iconic Fes blue ceramic is hand-painted and fired in ancient kilns, a highlight of craft on your 12 days Morocco itinerary from Casablanca.
Overnight: Riad in FesFes – Ifrane – Cedar Forests – Ziz Valley – Sahara Desert
We depart Fes and ascend the Middle Atlas Mountains. We stop in Ifrane, known as “Little Switzerland” for its alpine architecture and tidy parks. In the cedar forests of Azrou, you will have the chance to spot wild Barbary macaques in their natural habitat. As we cross the High Atlas and descend toward the desert, the landscape shifts dramatically. We follow the Ziz Valley, where a lush carpet of palm trees stretches for miles between towering red cliffs. By late afternoon, we reach Merzouga. You will mount a camel for a sunset trek into the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi, arriving at your luxury camp for the first of two nights in the Saharan dunes.
Overnight: Luxury Desert Camp in MerzougaSahara Desert Expedition: Nomads & Khamlia
Having a full day in the Sahara on your 12 days Morocco itinerary from Casablanca allows for a much deeper immersion. We explore the dunes in a 4×4, visiting the black desert village of Khamlia to hear spiritual Gnawa music played by local masters. We then travel deep into the desert to visit a nomadic family living in traditional tents, where you will share a glass of mint tea and learn about their resilient way of life. After a traditional lunch of “Berber Pizza,” the afternoon is yours to climb the highest dunes, try sandboarding, or simply enjoy the profound silence and shifting colors of the desert. Tonight is your second night under the starlit Saharan sky.
Overnight: Luxury Desert Camp in MerzougaMerzouga – Rissani – Todra Gorges – Dades Valley
After a final Saharan sunrise, we visit the traditional market of Rissani, once a vital hub for the gold and salt caravans. We then continue to the Todra Gorges, where the limestone cliffs rise 300 meters high, leaving only a narrow path for the river and travelers. You will walk along the canyon floor, feeling the cool mountain air. Our journey continues to the Dades Valley, a route lined with ancient fortified clay villages. This scenic drive is a favorite part of any 12 days Morocco itinerary from Casablanca.
Overnight: Riad in Dades ValleyDades Valley – Skoura – Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – Marrakech
We head toward Ouarzazate, passing through the Rose Valley and the palm groves of Skoura. We visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Ben Haddou, a spectacular ksar that is one of the most iconic locations in Morocco, having starred in films like Gladiator and Lawrence of Arabia. From here, we cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka pass, reaching an altitude of 2,260m. The road offers spectacular views of remote Berber villages clinging to the mountainsides. As we descend into the plains, the landscape softens into olive groves as we arrive in the vibrant “Red City” of Marrakech by early evening.
Overnight: Riad in MarrakechMarrakech Guided Tour
Today you explore Marrakech’s historical wonders with a private guide. Visit the Bahia Palace, a masterpiece of eastern architecture, and the Medrassa Ben Youssef. We visit the Koutoubia Mosque and the serene Majorelle Garden, a botanical paradise of exotic plants and cobalt blue buildings. In the afternoon, dive into the bustling souks of the medina, where artisans produce everything from hand-hammered copper to intricate leather bags. This day is a vital sensory experience in your 12 days Morocco itinerary from Casablanca, ending with the nightly magic of Jemaa el-Fnaa square.
Overnight: Riad in MarrakechMarrakech – Essaouira
We leave the energy of Marrakech and head toward the Atlantic coast to reach the charming town of Essaouira. On the way, we pass through Argan forests where you might spot the famous “climbing goats” in the trees. Essaouira is a UNESCO-listed port town with a uniquely relaxed atmosphere. You will explore the seaside ramparts (Scala), the bustling fishing port, and the artisan shops famous for Thuya wood carving. The sea breeze and white-and-blue medina offer a refreshing contrast to the inland cities, making this a perfect addition to your 12 days Morocco itinerary from Casablanca.
Overnight: Riad in EssaouiraEssaouira – Casablanca
Enjoy a relaxed morning by the ocean. You can take a final walk along the sandy beach, enjoy fresh seafood by the harbor, or explore the many art galleries that line the medina. We then begin our drive back to Casablanca along the scenic coastal road. We pass through rural landscapes and fishing villages, arriving back in Morocco’s economic hub for your final evening. This is a time to reflect on the vast diversity of landscapes you’ve encountered, from mountain peaks and golden dunes to the Atlantic spray—all within your 12 days Morocco itinerary from Casablanca.
Overnight: Hotel in CasablancaCasablanca Departure
On the final morning of your 12 days Morocco itinerary from Casablanca, your private driver will provide a transfer to Mohammed V International Airport (CMN) for your departure flight. We ensure you arrive in plenty of time for check-in and security. We hope your journey through Morocco has been as transformative as the landscapes themselves.
End of TripInclusions
- Private air-conditioned 4×4 or minivan
- Professional experienced driver/guide
- Airport Transfers
- 9 Nights in handpicked Riads/Hotels
- 2 Nights in a Luxury Desert Camp in Merzouga
- Daily Breakfast and Sahara Dinners
- Sunset camel trek in Erg Chebbi dunes
- Private guides in Fes and Marrakech
- Flexible Photo Stops along the route
- 24/7 Support before and during your trip
- Fresh Bottled Water in the vehicle
- All Local Taxes
Exclusions
- International flights
- Lunches and drinks
- Dinners in cities (Rabat, Fes, Marrakech, etc.)
- Entrance fees to monuments
- Personal expenses and tips
Know Before You Go
- The Experience: This tour is entirely flexible. You can stop for photos, coffee, or a local market visit at any time.
- The Sahara Night: Your luxury camp features private showers and toilets inside the tents.
- Cultural Respect: While Morocco is very welcoming, dressing modestly in the rural areas and medinas is always appreciated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this tour private?
Yes, this 12 days Morocco itinerary from Casablanca is exclusively for your group.
What is the best time to visit?
Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) offer the most pleasant temperatures across all regions.
Start Your Moroccan Tour
This 12 days Morocco itinerary from Casablanca is our most requested route, now refined with extra time in the desert and the coast.
Morocco Best Trips – Specializing in private experiences that reveal the authentic soul of Morocco.