7 Days from Casablanca Morocco

Begin your journey in Casablanca, Morocco’s largest city and economic hub. Explore the impressive Hassan II Mosque, perched on the edge of the Atlantic, with its intricate mosaics and towering minaret. Wander through the Art Deco buildings in the city center, a reminder of the French colonial legacy. Spend your evening enjoying the coastal ambiance and sampling local Moroccan cuisine.

Travel north to Rabat, the capital of Morocco, where you can visit the Royal Palace, the Hassan Tower, and the picturesque Kasbah of the Udayas. Continue to Meknes, one of Morocco’s four Imperial cities. Explore the historical sites, including the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail and the monumental Bab Mansour gate. Overnight in Meknes, enjoying the blend of Islamic and European architectural styles.

Head to the nearby ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to walk among the well-preserved mosaics and columns. Continue to Fes, the spiritual and cultural heart of Morocco. Spend the rest of the day exploring the old medina, Fes el Bali, with its winding alleys, vibrant souks, and historical madrasas. Overnight in Fes to soak up the city’s ancient atmosphere.

Dedicate a full day to uncovering the treasures of Fes. Visit the Al-Qarawiyyin University, the oldest existing, continually operating educational institution in the world. See the intricate zellij tilework of the Bou Inania Madrasa and the bustling tanneries. Take in the panoramic view of the city from the Merenid Tombs at sunset.

Depart Fes and journey south towards the Sahara. Pass through the Middle Atlas mountains, stopping at the cedar forests of Azrou and the alpine town of Ifrane. As you descend into the Ziz Valley, witness the dramatic change in landscape as the green valleys give way to the arid pre-Sahara. Arrive in Merzouga by the afternoon and prepare for a camel trek into the Erg Chebbi dunes. Spend the night in a desert camp, enjoying Berber hospitality and a starlit sky.

Awake early to catch the sunrise over the dunes. After breakfast, explore the surrounding area. Visit the Khamlia village, known for its musicians of Gnawa heritage, or venture to the fossil beds. You might also visit Rissani, the last significant town before the desert, with its traditional souk. Spend another night in the desert camp, perhaps trying sandboarding or simply relaxing and enjoying the tranquility of the Sahara.

After a final desert sunrise, begin the long journey back to Casablanca. Reflect on the experiences of the past week, from the historic medinas of Fes and Meknes to the vast expanse of the Sahara. The journey back is an opportunity to see anything you might have missed on the outward journey, like the beautiful Ziz Valley or the Middle Atlas mountains. Upon arrival in Casablanca, your Moroccan adventure comes to a close.

This 7-day journey from Casablanca to Merzouga offers a deep and varied experience of Morocco’s culture, history, and landscapes. It’s a trip that promises to enchant and inspire with memories of bustling cities, ancient ruins, and the serene beauty of the desert.