12-Day Grand Imperial & Desert Tour: Casablanca Loop

📌 Overview

Twelve days covering Morocco from north to south — the grand imperial and desert loop starting and ending in Casablanca. Discover Rabat, Fès, the Sahara at Erg Chebbi, Tinghir and Todra Gorge, Ouarzazate, Aït Ben Haddou, Marrakech, and finish with a hot air balloon ride and a scenic Atlantic coast drive. This comprehensive tour offers the ultimate Moroccan experience, combining imperial cities, desert adventures, and coastal relaxation.

🗺️ Itinerary

🌅 Day 1: Arrival in Casablanca

Welcome to Morocco’s economic capital

Arrive in Casablanca and transfer to your hotel. After check-in, begin your exploration with a visit to the magnificent Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world, built partially on the water. Explore the Corniche and Mohammed V Square. Welcome dinner at a traditional Moroccan restaurant.

🌅 Day 2: Casablanca to Rabat

Imperial city and political capital

Drive to Rabat, Morocco’s administrative capital. Visit the Hassan Tower and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V. Explore the Kasbah of the Udayas, a picturesque fortified quarter with blue and white streets. Stroll along the Bouregreg River and visit the modern Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art.

🌅 Day 3: Rabat to Meknes to Fes

Imperial heritage and Roman ruins

Depart for Meknes, another of Morocco’s imperial cities. Visit the Bab Mansour gate, Heri es Souani granaries, and the Moulay Ismail Mausoleum. Stop at the Roman ruins of Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Continue to Fes for overnight.

🌅 Day 4: Explore Fes

Morocco’s spiritual and cultural heart

Full day exploring Fes, the oldest of Morocco’s imperial cities. Visit the Al Quaraouiyine University (the world’s oldest university), Bou Inania Madrasa, Chouara Tanneries, and the Dar Batha Museum. Get lost in the labyrinth of the Fes el-Bali medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

🌅 Day 5: Fes to Middle Atlas to Merzouga

Mountains, cedar forests and desert gateway

Cross the Middle Atlas Mountains, stopping at Ifrane (“Little Switzerland”) and the Cedar Forest near Azrou to see Barbary macaques. Continue through the Ziz Valley with its lush palm groves. Arrive in Merzouga, the gateway to the Sahara Desert. Overnight in a luxury desert camp.

🌅 Day 6: Merzouga & Erg Chebbi Dunes

Desert adventure and Berber culture

Wake up early for sunrise over the Erg Chebbi dunes. After breakfast, explore the desert by 4×4, visiting Khamlia village for traditional Gnawa music. Try sandboarding on the dunes. In the afternoon, take a camel trek to watch the sunset. Enjoy a traditional Berber dinner with live music around the campfire.

🌅 Day 7: Merzouga to Tinghir to Todra Gorge

Canyons and palm groves

Drive to Tinghir and explore the Todra Gorge, a spectacular canyon with towering rock walls up to 300m high. Enjoy a short hike through the narrowest part of the gorge. Continue to Boumalne Dades for overnight.

🌅 Day 8: Dades Valley to Ouarzazate

Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs

Drive through the scenic Dades Valley, known as the “Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs.” Stop at Skoura to visit the well-preserved Amridil Kasbah. Arrive in Ouarzazate, Morocco’s film capital. Visit the Taourirt Kasbah and Atlas Film Studios.

🌅 Day 9: Ouarzazate to Ait Ben Haddou to Marrakech

UNESCO kasbah and High Atlas crossing

Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Ben Haddou, a fortified village famous for its role in numerous films. Cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260m). Arrive in Marrakech, the “Red City,” for overnight.

🌅 Day 10: Explore Marrakech

Morocco’s most vibrant city

Full day exploring Marrakech. Visit the Koutoubia Mosque, Bahia Palace, Saadian Tombs, and Jardin Majorelle. Explore the vibrant souks of the medina. Optional visit to a traditional hammam (bathhouse).

🌅 Day 11: Marrakech to Essaouira

Atlantic coast and Portuguese heritage

Drive to Essaouira, a charming coastal city with Portuguese heritage. Visit the Skala de la Ville (sea bastion), port, and medina (UNESCO World Heritage site). Enjoy fresh seafood at the harbor. Essaouira is known for its relaxed atmosphere and excellent kite surfing and windsurfing.

🌅 Day 12: Essaouira to Casablanca

Scenic coastal drive and farewell

Morning at leisure in Essaouira. Optional activities include camel riding on the beach, visiting an Argan oil cooperative, or simply relaxing by the ocean. Drive back to Casablanca via the scenic Atlantic coast. Optional hot air balloon ride over Marrakech (weather permitting). Farewell dinner and transfer to the airport.

✅ Includes

  • Private air-conditioned transportation throughout
  • Professional English/French/Spanish-speaking guide
  • 11 nights accommodation in 3-4 star hotels and luxury desert camp
  • Daily breakfast and 8 dinners
  • Camel trek in Erg Chebbi with sunset and sunrise views
  • 4×4 desert excursion in Merzouga
  • Entrance fees to all mentioned historical sites and attractions
  • Hot air balloon ride (weather permitting)
  • Local taxes and service charges

❌ Excludes

  • International flights
  • Lunches and drinks (except water during meals)
  • Personal expenses and shopping
  • Tips and gratuities (recommended: 5-10 EUR per person per day)
  • Travel insurance (highly recommended)
  • Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Alcoholic beverages

ℹ️ Trip Facts

Transport Private minibus (2-12 pax)
Accommodation 3-4 star hotels & luxury desert camp
Meals Breakfast daily, 8 dinners
Start Point Casablanca (airport/hotel pickup)
End Point Casablanca (airport/hotel drop-off)
Group Size 2-12 people (private groups available)
Best Time to Go March to November
Difficulty Easy to Moderate
Language English, French, Spanish

❓ FAQ

What is the best time of year for this tour?

The best time is spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) when temperatures are mild. Summer can be hot, especially in the desert, but we adjust the itinerary accordingly.

Can I customize the itinerary?

Yes! We can adjust the route, add or remove destinations, or change the duration. Popular customizations include adding Chefchaouen, extending the desert stay, or including more coastal time.

Are the desert camps comfortable?

Our luxury desert camps feature private tents with comfortable beds, proper bedding, and private bathroom facilities. They have electricity, hot showers, and excellent food.

What should I pack for this comprehensive tour?

Comfortable walking shoes, warm clothes for desert nights, lightweight clothing for cities, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, swimwear, camera, and a small backpack for daily excursions.

Is this tour suitable for families?

Yes, this tour is family-friendly. We can adjust the pace and activities for children. The desert camp experience is particularly enjoyable for kids.

Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?

Absolutely! We can accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, halal, kosher, and other dietary restrictions. Please inform us when booking.

You can send your enquiry via the form below.

12-Day Grand Imperial & Desert Tour: Casablanca Loop
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