Morocco itinerary - Ancient Cities and Sahara Sand - 10 day

The Kingdom of Morocco offers some of the finest in North African tourism. From pristine coasts along the Mediterranean and Atlantic, to the splendor of the snow-capped high-Atlas mountains... from the twisted labyrinth of streets in ancient cities to the majestic vistas of the Sahara Desert, the geography of Morocco forms the backdrop to the beauty and charm of this fascinating country.

Detailed 10 Day Itinerary
Arrival City: Casablanca
Departure City: Casablanca

What you will see:

  • Casablanca
  • King Hassan II Mosque
  • Rabat
  • Fes and Marrakesh ancient Medina's
  • Sahara Desert and Camel Expedition
  • Todra Gorges
  • Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou

Day 1 CASABLANCA

Upon arrival at Casablanca International airport, you will be met and transferred by private transportation to Casablanca, the economic capital of Morocco. There you will check-in to your hotel and explore some of the city. If time allows a visit the Hassan II Mosque, the third largest mosque in the world, is highly recommended.

3*,4*, or 5* (Half-board)

Day 2 RABAT / FES

After breakfast, you will depart by private transportation for Fes. En route, we will stop at Rabat, the capital city and residential palace of the king of Morocco. In Rabat you will take lunch and enjoy this bustling coastal city. In the afternoon, you will explore the finest archeological site in the country, the 2000 year old Roman ruins of Volubilis. From there you will head to Fes, the spiritual capital of Morocco. Dinner will be served at the hotel.

3*,4*, or 5* (Half-board)

Day 3 FES

After breakfast you will begin your guided tour of the medina, one of the world’s largest walled cities. You will explore the labyrinth of narrow streets and main thoroughfares lined with fresh fruit, mounds of spices, intricately woven Berber carpets and many other Moroccan artisanal items.

A visit to the King’s palace in Fes, the tanneries, and potters are just a few places we will experience. For lunch you will eat in a traditional restaurant in the heart of the medina. After lunch you will complete the tour and return to your hotel for the evening.

3*,4*, or 5* (Half-board)

Day 4 ERFOUND

After an early breakfast you will set out on your excursion across the Middle Atlas Mountains. Most of the day will be spent making your way through the beautiful forests, jagged rock faces, arid landscapes and Berber villages as you cross the Atlas Mountains and begin to descend towards the Sahara Desert. Mid-way, you will stop for lunch in the quaint town of Midelt.  On arrival at the Kasbah Tizimi in Erfoud, a refreshing shower or a swim (depending on the time of year) will be a welcomed treat after a day of travel.

3*,4*, or 5* – ERFOUD (Half-board)

Day 5 SAHARA DESERT

The morning will be spent relaxing at the hotel or exploring the interesting desert town of Erfoud. By late morning, you will set out by 4-wheel drive vehicle across the arid landscape to the majestic Sahara sand dunes. From the guest house on the edge of the dunes, you will set off by camel for a 2-hour trek out to the desert oasis where you will spend the night in traditional Berber tents (dinner and breakfast the following morning included).

*** overnight at the oasis is optional; you may also choose to return to the guest house

EXCURSION (Full-board)

Day 6 TODRA GORGES / AIT BEN HADDOU

After breakfast, you will return by camel to the desert guest house, freshen up, and head on to Erfoud to reunite with your tour driver.

From Erfoud it's off to the ancient Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, site of various films including Lawrence of Arabia  and Gladiator.

Along the way you will stop for lunch in the picturesque Todra Gorges and if time allows, take a short walk into the stunning gorge. From Todra continue to your destination of Ait Ben Haddou. After arriving in the late afternoon, you will tour the Kasbah and then spend the night in an adjacent hotel.

KASBAH AIT BEN HADDOU (Half-board)

Day 7 MARRAKECH (5 hour drive)

After an early breakfast, the group will depart for Marrakech. The beautiful drive will take you up and through the High Atlas Mountains.

Once in Marrakech, you will check into your hotel and then head off to the Djemaa el-Fna, the center square of the medina. This famous square is one of the center attractions of Marrakech with its local storytellers, entertainers, and delectable barbeque. It is well worth a visit. Taking a quiet cup of mint-tea at one of the cafes overlooking the square provides a spectacular birds-eye view of the exciting environment.

Dinner can be taken at the hotel or in the square.

3*,4*, or 5* (Half-board)

Day 8 MARRAKECH

After breakfast, the group will have a guided tour of Marrakech. En route you will discover the Palace of the Bahia, the Saadian Tombs, and many other fascinating landmarks. After lunch, you will continue with the tour on to the magnificent Koutoubia Mosque and the famous Djemaa el-Fna, one of the center attractions of Marrakech. The tour will conclude with a stop by the souk (market) lined with fresh fruit, mounds of spices, intricately woven Berber carpets and many other treasures of Morocco. Dinner will be served at the hotel.

3*,4*, or 5* (Half-board)

Day 9 MARRAKECH / CASABLANCA

Your last day of travel will take you back to Casablanca. If the Hassan II Mosque was missed because of a late arrival on Day 1, this will be the day to visit it. Free time will be given for any who wish to have some final shopping time in the old medina.

3*,4*, or 5* (Half-board)

Day 10 CASABLANCA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Casablanca / Depart

Your private driver will return you to the Casablanca International Airport at your stated time.

What is included in this trip:

  • Private Driver
  • Hotels/Riad
  • Meals as specified in the program
  • Guided tours in Fes and Marrakesh
  • Camel Trek (Full-Board)

Trip does not include:

  • International Airfare
  • Personal Spending
  • Museum or Mosque entrance fees
  • Drinks
  • Tips
  • Travel Insurance