9 Days Morocco itinerary from Marrakech – Desert & Imperial Cities

Overview

Imagine riding camels under a sunset sky, exploring centuries-old kasbahs, and wandering blue-washed alleyways, all in Morocco itinerary 9 days Get ready for unforgettable 9 days from Marrakech to Casablanca through the Merzouga Desert.The tour begins in Marrakech and travels through the majestic Atlas Mountains, with their traditional Berber villages, before reaching the UNESCO-listed Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah. You’ll pass through the stunning Rose and Dades Valleys and visit the dramatic Todra Gorge. In the Sahara, enjoy a camel ride across the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi, witness a breathtaking sunset, and spend a magical night under the stars in a desert camp. Discover the life of nomads, experience Gnawa music in Khamliya, and explore the ancient city of Fez, known for its historic architecture, narrow alleys, mosaics, and deep-rooted heritage. The journey continues to the blue-painted streets of Chefchaouen and through the Rif Mountains before concluding in Casablanca, Morocco’s largest city.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

1. 01

   Arrival in Marrakesh

   Upon your arrival in Marrakesh, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your accommodation, with arrangements tailored to your arrival time.

2. 02

   Marrakech → High Atlas mountains → Ait ben Haddou → Roses Valley → Dades Gorges

   After breakfast at your riad, we’ll begin our Morocco itinerary 9 days by heading toward Ouarzazate, passing through the scenic Tizi n’Tichka Pass with its sweeping views of the Atlas Mountains. Along the way, we’ll stop for photos to capture the stunning landscape. We’ll then take a detour to visit the impressive Glaoui Kasbah in Telouet. After exploring the kasbah, you’ll have the chance to walk through picturesque villages nestled in the hills of the Atlas, surrounded by terraced crops. The journey continues to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Ben Haddou, a remarkable fortified village. Following lunch near the kasbah, we’ll drive to Ouarzazate often referred to as the “Hollywood of Africa” famous for its dramatic landscapes featured in films like The Mummy, Gladiator, and The Last Temptation of Christ. There, you can choose to visit the local film studios, and we’ll also explore the historic Taourirt Kasbah, another residence of the Glaoui family.

3. 03

   Ouarzazate → Tinghir → Erfoud → Sahara desert

   we begin the third day of our 9 days from Marrakech to Casablanca with a drive toward the Todra Gorges, passing through the lush palm groves of Skoura. Along the way, we'll travel through the scenic Rose Valley before reaching the picturesque Dades Valley. From there, we continue through Dades to the town of Tinghir, a charming place nestled at the foot of the Anti-Atlas Mountains. After exploring the dramatic Todra Gorges and enjoying lunch, the journey continues toward Merzouga. On the way, we pass through several towns and villages, including Tinejdad, Touroug, and Erfoud. Before reaching Erfoud, we’ll stop to see the traditional underground irrigation system known as “Khettarat.” We then head toward the mesmerizing dunes of Erg Chebbi, where we leave the vehicle behind and on a camel trek across the golden sands. As the sun sets over the dunes, we arrive at a desert camp, where you’ll enjoy a traditional Berber dinner followed by live drum music and spend the night under the stars.

4. 04

   Sahara desert → Ziz Valley→ Midelt → Azrou → Ifrane → Fes

   After breakfast, we’ll depart via Rissani, where you'll have the chance to visit the local souk (market), known for its authentic atmosphere and regional products. We then continue our journey through the expansive Ziz Valley, lined with millions of palm trees, heading toward Errachidia. From there, we drive through the dramatic Ziz Gorges and into the Middle Atlas Mountains, enjoying scenic views along the way. We’ll stop in Midelt for lunch before continuing our route through the cedar forests of Azrou home to Morocco’s largest cedar woodland where we’ll pause to take photos and maybe spot the native Barbary monkeys. The Morocco 1 week itinerary proceeds to Ifrane, often called the “Little Switzerland of Morocco” due to its European-style architecture. We’ll arrive in Fes by the afternoon and check into your riad for the third overnight stay of your 9 days tour from Marrakech to Casablanca.

5. 05

   Full day in Fes

   After breakfast at your riad, you’ll begin the fourth day of your Morocco itinerary 9 days with a full-day exploration of Morocco’s oldest city, Fes. You’ll wander through its narrow streets and historic alleys, starting with a visit to the Royal Palace gates and the nearby Jewish Quarter (Mellah), the first of its kind in Morocco, dating back to the 14th century. The tour continues to key cultural and historical landmarks, including Al Qaraouine University—the oldest university in the world—the traditional Tanneries, and the mausoleum of Moulay Idriss. After lunch, you'll visit a local tile cooperative and then enjoy a stunning panoramic view over the entire medina of Fes.

6. 06

   Fes → Meknès → Volubilis → Chefchaouan

   On the sixth day of your 9 days tour from Marrakech to Casablanca, we’ll depart early after breakfast for Meknes, where you’ll enjoy magnificent views of the medina. Our exploration begins with a visit to the city’s impressive 17th-century ramparts and monumental gates, including the Bab Berdaine and Bab Khemis. We’ll then continue to explore the city, stopping at the stables, barns (Heri), and the royal stud farm. A visit to the Moulay Ismail Mausoleum follows, which, for a long time, was the only mosque non-Muslims could enter in Morocco. Next, we’ll head to the famous Bab Mansour El and the expansive Place El-Hedim. Afterward, we’ll continue to the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis, where we’ll spend time exploring the 2,000-year-old site and learning about life during the Roman Empire. Finally, we’ll travel to the blue city of Chefchaouen, where we’ll spend the night.

7. 07

   Chefchaouen → Tétouan → Tangier

   you’ll have free time to explore the blue city of Chefchaouen on your own until 12:30 PM. Following that, we’ll drive through Tetouan, where you can enjoy views of the town’s houses perched on the hills. We’ll also pass through the lush Rif Mountains, with their green landscapes. The day will end with an overnight stay in Tangier.

8. 08

   Tangier → Assilah → Rabat → Casablanca

   On the eighth day of our Morocco itinerary 9 days, we’ll spend the day exploring Tangier. First, you’ll enjoy a guided sightseeing tour by bus and on foot, visiting notable landmarks such as Cap Spartel, the impressive Sultan’s Palace, the ancient Necropolis, and the legendary Caves of Hercules. You’ll then have free time to wander through the charming streets of Asilah, known for their colors and aromatic atmosphere, and perhaps pick up a souvenir. Afterward, we’ll drive to Rabat, where we’ll visit the Kasbah of the Udayas, built by a powerful tribe of predators in the 12th century. We’ll also explore the Hassan II Tower, with its four distinct facades—three in shades of pink and one in gray due to the sea breeze—before discovering the nearby mausoleum. Finally, we’ll reach Casablanca in the late afternoon for dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel, marking the last night of your 9-day Marrakech to Casablanca tour.

9. 09

   Casablanca → Marrakech

   First, we’ll visit Casablanca, where you'll enjoy a guided tour of the impressive Hassan II Mosque. Afterward, we’ll transfer you to Marrakech, depending on your flight schedule. This marks the end of your 9 days from Marrakech to Casablanca and the Merzouga Desert.

Highlights

• Travel through the breathtaking Dades Gorges.
• Spend a magical night under the stars in a desert camp at Erg Chebbi.
• Drive through the lush Ziz Valley on the way to Fes.
• Discover the charm of the blue-painted city of Chefchaouen.
• Explore the coastal city of Tangier.
• Enjoy an overnight stay in the artistic seaside town of Asilah.
• Visit Morocco’s capital, Rabat, including the historic Hassan Tower.

Frequently Asked Questions