The Ultimate 12-Day Morocco Itinerary from Casablanca: Imperial Cities, Sahara Desert, and Coastal Gems

Days 1–3: Casablanca, Imperial Rabat, and Blue Chefchaouen

Day 1: Arrival in Casablanca – City Highlights

Your Morocco itinerary 12 days from Casablanca begins with a visit to Casablanca, the commercial centre of Morocco. Upon arrival at the Casa International Airport, you will have time to explore the Hassan II Mosque before heading to the Mohammed V Square, the downtown area of the city. You will then proceed along the Corniche with the refreshing Atlantic Ocean breezes to welcome you to Morocco.

Day 2: Casablanca to Rabat (Capital) to Chefchaouen

Travel north along the beautiful coastline of Morocco to Rabat, which is Morocco's capital city and one of Morocco's four Imperial Cities. Visit the Hassan Tower, an unfinished minaret, which showcases the ambitious design of Muslim architecture in the 12th century, and also visit the exquisite Tomb of Muhammad V. Discover the Kasbah of Udaya. The Kasbah was originally built by the Berbers as a fortress but has since become a tranquil retreat with its blue and white painted streets featuring sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean. Next you will travel to the Rif mountains to visit Chefchaouen, the "Blue Pearl."

Day 3: Sightseeing Chefchaouen (The Blue City)

Experience the charm of Chefchaouen's Old Medina while on your day trip. The blue-and-white painted streets and doors of the Old Medina give it an otherworldly feel and create a stunning backdrop for photo ops and quiet strolls around the town. Visit local craftsmen's shops and browse through the many artisan shops selling handwoven textiles, traditional crafts, and more. Make the hike up to the Spanish Mosque for some stunning panoramic views of the Blue City (Chefchaouen) set against the mountains. This 12 days in Morocco itinerary allows you time to thoroughly enjoy the peacefulness and beauty of the area and feel the uniqueness of what makes Chefchaouen so special.

Overnight: Chefchaouen

Days 4–5: Roman Ruins and Cultural Heart Fes

Day 4: Chefchaouen – Volubilis Ruins – Meknes – Fes

Leave the Blue City to visit the site of Volubilis, where some of the best-preserved Roman ruins in the world demonstrate the culture of a thriving civilization that existed there nearly 2,000 years ago. Walk through magnificent floor mosaics depicting mythological stories. Explore the remnants of merchant homes, temples, and a triumphal arch built for the emperor. From Volubilis, continue on to the Imperial City of Meknes, which was once the capital city of Sultan Moulay Ismail in the 17th century. As you enter the city, stop to admire the massive Bab Al-Mansour entrance gate, thought to be one of the finest examples of Islamic architecture in North Africa. In the evening, travel to the city of Fes.

Day 5: Guided Sightseeing Tour of Fes

Today, you'll have the opportunity to experience the cultural hub and spiritual center of Morocco, Fes! This morocco imperial cities itinerary starting at the Royal Palace Gate, with its massive brass doors and beautiful tile patterns, you will continue on to "The Mellah," the Historical Jewish Quarter. Here, you will see the heritage of Morocco's Jews through their buildings, which include unique architecture and balconies.

Next, we will guide you into the Medina—an area protected under UNESCO World Heritage status and one of the largest car-free zones in the world. The final stop on your tour will be Al Quaraouiyine University, dating back to 859 AD, which is considered to be the world's oldest continuously operating educational institution. Finally, for many guests, the Chouara Tanneries hold great significance, as leather has been dyed using the same processes inside octagonal stone basins for centuries.

Overnight: Fes

Days 6–7: Crossing the Atlas Mountains to the Sahara Desert

Day 6: Fes – Ifrane – Cedar Forest – Merzouga Sahara

You will start the Morocco itinerary with sahara desert from here. From here you will travel south into the Middle Atlas Mountains, where you will visit Ifrane. This town is often referred to as the "Switzerland of Morocco" due to its alpine-style buildings and its fresh mountain air. You will continue south through large cedar forests where you may see Barbary macaques, which are native to Morocco and are very friendly and playful with tourists. You will descend into Ziz Valley, which has lush palm trees and ksours (fortified towns), before you arrive at Merzouga on the border of Erg Chebbi. At Merzouga, you will get onto your camel caravan, where you will start riding across sand dunes, as well as enjoy a beautiful view of the stars once you arrive at your luxury desert camp.

Day 7: Explore Merzouga Region

Awake before the sun rises to experience the first light in the Sahara—an incredible change as the glowing gold begins to illuminate the sand dunes. After breakfast, take a tour around Merzouga by 4x4 vehicle to meet a nomad family living in tents made out of camel hair, where you will learn about their way of life in the desert and how they practice "hospitality" to travelers. The next stop in Khamlia village is where you will experience the spiritual influence of Gnawa music, which is an African musical tradition that was brought to Morocco hundreds of years ago. This Morocco desert tour 12 days will provide travelers with authentic cultural connections that will take them far beyond the average tourist experience.

Overnight: Luxury Desert Camp, Erg Chebbi

Days 8–9: Gorges, Kasbahs, and Marrakech

Day 8: Merzouga – Todra Gorges – Dades Valley

Say goodbye to the Sahara and proceed to the city of Rissani, the historical capital of Tafilalet, where a local market is held and traders from other desert towns gather to sell goods. Continue onto Erfoud, which is famous for being home to many fossilized marble shops and factories, before arriving at the incredible Todra Gorges. In this location, there are immense red limestone walls that rise more than 300 m above a tiny gorge and are popular resting places for rock climbers and photographers alike. Keep on driving until you reach the Dades Valley, where you will get to see the famous "monkey fingers" rock formations, unique geological sculptures that appear to defy gravity.

Day 9: Dades Valley - Ouarzazate - Ait Ben Haddou - Marrakech

Drive along the Valley of Roses, the region where the renowned Damascus rose is grown and an annual festival is held during May. We will also drive through palm groves filled with many ancient kasbahs before we arrive in Ouarzazate, the city known as the "Hollywood of Africa," where a great many films are produced. And finally, the highlight of our drive will be visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ait Ben Haddou, which is an impressive rural settlement made of earthen clay walls and has appeared in countless films and television series. From Ouarzazate, we will travel over the High Atlas Mountains using the winding road called Tizi-N-Tichka that reaches more than 2,200 m high and enjoy breathtaking views of Berber villages built onto the sides of mountains before we descend into Marrakech.

Overnight: Marrakech

Days 10–12: Marrakech and Coastal Essaouira

Day 10: Guided Sightseeing Tour of Marrakech

An expert local will help you discover the "Red City," revealing the historical context of Marrakech through his expertise. Visit Bahia Palace, a 19th-century masterpiece of Moroccan architecture; it features beautifully painted ceilings, courtyards, and tranquillity. Visit Ben Youssef Madrasa to see the best examples of Islamic educational architecture, including intricate stucco and tile work. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the Medina and souks, where artisans continue producing traditional craft goods using the same techniques as their ancestors. The frenetic energy of Jemaa El Fna Square will leave your senses spinning as you watch snake charmers perform tricks, listen to Kanwa storytellers tell tales, and sample food from an array of vendors. Don't forget to explore the iconic Koutoubia Mosque and the peaceful Majorelle Gardens. (It is advisable to book ahead of time if you wish to visit this garden).

Day 11: Marrakech – Essaouira – Casablanca

Travel west, passing through fields of argan trees, where you will have a chance to see the amazing work done by women's cooperatives making argan oil. Arrive at Essaouira (formerly called Mogador), with its whitewashed buildings and blue shutters facing out towards the Atlantic Ocean. Visit the old-fashioned fishing port that receives daily catches by many colorful boats, then take a stroll along the ancient ramparts, which have protected the trading center of Essaouira for hundreds of years. The serenity found in Essaouira is very different from the hustle and bustle of Marrakech. A drive back down the Atlantic coast to Casablanca, after enjoying such beautiful views on your return drive along the Atlantic coast, will complete your customizable morocco itinerary 12 days.

Day 12: Departure from Casablanca

Transfer to Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport for your departure, carrying memories of an extraordinary journey through one of the world's most captivating destinations.

Drop-off: Casablanca Airport