Experience the full spectrum of Morocco's beauty, from Imperial cities and desert dunes to the refreshing Atlantic coast of Essaouira.
Our 12 day Morocco itinerary from Casablanca offers the ultimate journey for travelers who want to experience the country's incredible diversity without feeling rushed. This grand tour flawlessly blends the rich tapestry of culture and history with thrilling adventures and serene relaxation. It takes you from the bustling imperial cities of the north, across the Atlas Mountains to the golden sands of the Sahara, and finally to the charming, windswept Atlantic coast. It's the perfect choice for a comprehensive and truly unforgettable Moroccan holiday.
This expansive tour incorporates all the must-see highlights of our shorter trips—including Rabat, the enchanting blue city of Chefchaouen, the ancient medina of Fes, and a magical night in the Merzouga desert. The itinerary then elevates the experience by adding a delightful coastal escape to the historic and artistic port city of Essaouira. With a more relaxed pace and extra time for exploration in key locations like Marrakech, you'll be able to fully immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and flavors of Morocco. This journey truly captures the full essence of the kingdom, from its ancient heart to its refreshing coastal soul.
Your journey begins upon arrival in Casablanca. We'll greet you and head straight to the magnificent Hassan II Mosque, an architectural marvel on the Atlantic coast. After our visit, we take a short drive to Rabat, Morocco's capital, where you'll check into your riad and spend the evening.
After breakfast, we explore Rabat's historic landmarks, including the impressive Hassan Tower, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, and the picturesque Kasbah of the Udayas. Afterwards, we journey north into the scenic Rif Mountains to reach the magical blue city of Chefchaouen for the night.
Spend the morning getting lost in the enchanting blue alleyways of Chefchaouen. Later, we travel towards Fes, stopping to explore the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis and the grand imperial city of Meknes, with its famous Bab Mansour gate, before arriving in Fes in the evening.
Today is dedicated to a full-day guided tour of Fes, Morocco's spiritual heart. With a local guide, you'll navigate the labyrinthine medina, visit the famous tanneries, admire the intricate tilework of historic madrasas, and see the world's oldest university, Al-Karaouine.
We leave Fes, heading south through the Middle Atlas mountains. We'll stop in Ifrane, the "Switzerland of Morocco," and the Azrou cedar forest to see the native Barbary apes. We'll travel through the Ziz Valley's vast palm groves before reaching the edge of the Sahara desert in Merzouga.
Immerse yourself in the desert with a full-day 4x4 exploration. We'll visit Khamlia village for Gnawa music, meet local nomads, and search for minerals. In the late afternoon, you'll embark on a classic camel trek into the dunes to watch the sunset and spend a magical night at a desert camp.
Wake up to a spectacular sunrise over the dunes. After breakfast, we journey to the towering Todra Gorges for a walk through the dramatic canyon. We then continue to the beautiful Dades Valley, known for its unique rock formations, where we'll spend the night.
Travel the famous "Road of a Thousand Kasbahs," passing through the Rose Valley to Ouarzazate. We'll visit the iconic Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site, before crossing the magnificent High Atlas Mountains to arrive in vibrant Marrakech in the evening.
A full-day guided tour of the "Red City." Your local guide will show you the Bahia Palace, Saadian Tombs, Koutoubia Mosque, and the bustling souks. The day culminates with the incredible energy and spectacle of the famous Djemaa el-Fna square.
Today we head to the coast! On our way to the charming port city of Essaouira, we'll stop to see the famous tree-climbing goats and visit a women's cooperative producing Argan oil. You'll have the afternoon to settle in and enjoy the refreshing sea breeze.
Spend the morning exploring Essaouira's relaxed medina, historic ramparts, and lively fishing port with its iconic blue boats. Enjoy a fresh seafood lunch before we drive back to Marrakech in the late afternoon for your final evening.
Enjoy a final Moroccan breakfast. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for some last-minute shopping. We will then transfer you to the airport in either Marrakech or Casablanca for your departure, filled with wonderful memories.
"This 12-day tour was the perfect combination of everything. We loved the history of the imperial cities, the adventure in the desert was a highlight, and ending with the relaxed, artsy vibe of Essaouira was brilliant. The pacing was excellent, never felt rushed. A truly complete Moroccan experience!"
"We chose the 12-day tour to see the coast, and it was so worth it! Essaouira was a beautiful and relaxing contrast to the energy of Marrakech and the silence of the desert. Our guide, Ibrahim, was fantastic and made the whole trip seamless and fun. We saw so much variety!"
"An absolutely incredible journey. 12 days felt like the perfect length to see the country properly. Every day brought something new and amazing. The riads were beautiful, the food was delicious, and the landscapes were breathtaking. This tour is the best way to see the real Morocco."
The main advantage of the 12-day itinerary is the inclusion of the beautiful coastal city of Essaouira. This adds a wonderful, relaxing dimension to the tour, contrasting the desert and imperial cities with the fresh Atlantic breeze. The overall pace is also more relaxed, with more time to soak in each destination.
Essaouira is a historic fortified port city on the Atlantic coast. It's known for its relaxed, bohemian atmosphere, vibrant art scene, delicious fresh seafood, and constant refreshing wind (which is why it's a popular spot for windsurfing). Its medina is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and it offers a wonderfully different feel from the inland cities.
This tour involves a fair amount of walking, especially in the medinas and at historical sites which can have uneven surfaces. However, the pace is more relaxed than on shorter tours. Please contact us with any specific mobility concerns, and we can discuss how to best accommodate your needs.
Layers are key! You'll need light clothing for warm days, a hat, and sunscreen. For the desert and mountains, bring warmer layers like a fleece or jacket, as evenings can be cool. For the coast, a windbreaker is a great idea. Most importantly, pack comfortable walking shoes as you'll be on your feet exploring a lot.
Let us craft the perfect, personalized tour for you. Get in touch with our experts today for a free quote!
Inquire Now