5 Days Morocco Tour from Casablanca to Marrakech via Fes & Sahara
Tour Type
Tours from Casablanca
Duration
5 Days
Min People
One person
Min Age
1+
Overview
Experience the essence of Morocco in just five unforgettable days, traveling from Casablanca to Marrakech through imperial cities, scenic mountains, and the vast Sahara Desert. Begin in Casablanca with its modern charm and the iconic Hassan II Mosque, then journey north to Rabat and briefly visit Meknes before arriving in Fes, Morocco’s cultural and spiritual heart.
Cross the Middle Atlas Mountains and the Ziz Valley to reach Merzouga, where you will ride camels into the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi and spend a night under the stars in a desert camp. Explore the dramatic Todra Gorge and the scenic Dades Valley before passing through Ouarzazate and the UNESCO-listed Aït Ben Haddou. Finally, descend the High Atlas Mountains into Marrakech, the “Red City,” where vibrant souks, historic palaces, and lively squares provide the perfect finale to your Moroccan adventure.
This tour combines culture, history, nature, and adventure, offering a well-paced snapshot of Morocco’s most iconic destinations in just five days.
Highlights
- Visit the stunning Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca
- Explore Rabat’s historic landmarks, including Hassan Tower and the Royal Mausoleum
- Stop in Meknes to admire its monumental gates and medina
- Discover the UNESCO-listed medina of Fes with a local guide
- Cross the scenic Middle Atlas Mountains and spot Barbary macaques in cedar forests
- Experience camel trekking and a night in a luxury desert camp in Merzouga
- Explore the dramatic Todra Gorge and the picturesque Dades Valley
- Visit Ouarzazate and the iconic Aït Ben Haddou ksar
- Cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass
- End your journey in Marrakech with visits to palaces, gardens, and the bustling Jemaa el-Fna square
Tour Details
Day 1: Casablanca → Rabat → Meknes → Fes (~330 km)
Start your journey in Casablanca with a visit to the majestic Hassan II Mosque, standing elegantly above the Atlantic. Then drive north to Rabat, Morocco’s political capital. Explore the Royal Mausoleum of Mohammed V, the historic Hassan Tower, and the Oudayas Kasbah, a peaceful riverside fortress overlooking the ocean.
After lunch, continue inland through the scenic countryside to Meknes. Stop briefly to admire the grand Bab Mansour gate and the charming medina, then proceed to Fes, the spiritual and cultural heart of Morocco. Arrive in the evening and settle into your riad for the night.
Day 2: Full Day in Fes
Spend a full day exploring the wonders of Fes with a local guide. Enter the medina through the iconic Bab Boujloud (Blue Gate) and wander its labyrinthine streets filled with bustling souks, artisan workshops, and centuries-old architecture. Visit the Bou Inania Madrasa, the ancient Chouara Tanneries, and the outside of Al Quaraouiyine University, the oldest operating university in the world. In the evening, enjoy panoramic views over the city before returning to your riad.
Day 3: Fes → Ifrane → Ziz Valley → Merzouga (~470 km)
Leave Fes early and drive through the Middle Atlas Mountains, stopping at Ifrane, known as “Little Switzerland,” with its alpine-style architecture and calm atmosphere. Continue through the cedar forests near Azrou, where you may spot Barbary macaque monkeys.
After a lunch stop in Midelt, journey along the scenic Ziz Valley, dotted with lush palm groves and fortified villages. Arrive in Merzouga, the gateway to the Sahara. In the late afternoon, mount your camels and ride into the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi to witness a stunning sunset. Dinner and overnight in a luxury desert camp beneath the stars.
Day 4: Merzouga → Todra Gorge → Dades Valley (~280 km)
Wake early to enjoy a magical sunrise over the dunes. Return to Merzouga by camel, then drive toward Todra Gorge, a spectacular canyon where cliffs rise nearly 300 meters high. Take time to walk along the river and admire the dramatic scenery.
Continue to the Dades Valley, known for its scenic landscapes, kasbahs, and unique rock formations such as the “Monkey Fingers.” Overnight in a hotel with views of the valley.
Day 5: Dades Valley → Ouarzazate → Aït Ben Haddou → Marrakech (~320 km)
Depart the Dades Valley and drive through the Valley of Roses, famous for its fragrant rose fields. Reach Ouarzazate, the “Gateway to the Desert,” where you can see historic kasbahs and film studios. Visit the UNESCO-listed Aït Ben Haddou, a fortified village known worldwide for its earthen architecture and cinematic history.
Cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, stopping for breathtaking viewpoints, before descending into Marrakech. Arrive in the evening and conclude your tour with a drop-off at your hotel or airport.
Booking
Tour Price Includes
- Seamless and comfortable travel experience with fully organized services from start to finish.
- Private vehicle 4×4 or minivan (depends on the size of the group)
- Private Moroccan driver throughout the journey: professional, friendly, and fluent in multiple languages.
- Handpicked accommodations with daily breakfast and dinner, tailored to the category you select.
- Official local guides in Morocco’s most captivating cultural and historical cities.
- Personalized airport transfers, including pick-up on arrival and drop-off at departure.
- Camel trekking experience across the golden dunes of Merzouga (for desert itineraries).
- Magical overnight stay in a desert camp, complete with traditional Berber music and entertainment under the stars (for desert tours).
Tour Price Excludes
- Daily lunch meals not mentioned in the itinerary.
- Beverages and alcoholic drinks during the tour.
- Personal expenses, souvenirs, or optional activities not specified in the program.
- International and domestic flights to and from Morocco.
Helpful Advices
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Comfortable clothing in layers (light for daytime, warm for evenings).
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Comfortable shoes for walking and sandals for camp.
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Sunglasses, hat, sunscreen, and a scarf to protect from sun and sand.
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Flashlight or headlamp, power bank, and reusable water bottle.
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Some cash in Moroccan dirhams for tips and small purchases.
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Days can be hot and sunny, so light clothes and sun protection are essential.
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Nights in the desert can get very cold — a warm jacket is recommended.
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Be prepared for wind and occasional sandstorms; a scarf or bandana is handy.
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Best photo moments are during sunrise and sunset when the light is magical.
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Dress modestly and respect local traditions, especially in villages.
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Always ask before taking photos of people.
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Carry snacks and basic medication (motion sickness, headache, allergies).
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Electricity in desert camps may be limited, so charge devices in advance.
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Keep an open mind: travel times may vary, but the journey is part of the adventure.