A Private 12-Day Morocco Circuit

12 Days Morocco Tour From Casablanca

A complete twelve-day private Morocco journey from Casablanca — north to the blue town of Chefchaouen, the imperial Fes medina, the Sahara dunes at Merzouga, the southern kasbahs and gorges, Marrakech, and the Atlantic coast at Essaouira before returning to Casablanca.

12
Days
11
Nights
8+
Cities
100%
Private
★★★★
Comfort
The Story

Twelve Unhurried Days Across Morocco

This twelve-day private tour from Casablanca takes you on a complete circuit of Morocco — starting north to the famous blue town of Chefchaouen and the medieval medina of Fes, descending south to the Sahara Desert at Merzouga for two nights, and continuing west through the kasbahs and gorges of the south to Marrakech and the Atlantic coast at Essaouira, before returning to Casablanca airport. A natural loop with no backtracking, designed for travelers who want to see Morocco in depth.

With eleven nights across eight cities — and built-in rest days in Fes, the Sahara, and Marrakech — the pace is comfortable without ever feeling rushed. You'll travel in a private air-conditioned vehicle with your own English-speaking driver, stay in carefully chosen riads, boutique hotels, and a comfortable desert camp, and experience Morocco through its people: sharing mint tea with Berber families, walking through medieval medinas with licensed local guides, riding a camel into the dunes at sunset, and dining on traditional Moroccan cuisine.

From the cool blue alleys of Chefchaouen to the orange dunes of Erg Chebbi, from the spice markets of Marrakech to the salty Atlantic breeze of Essaouira, this is the Morocco you came to see — and the Morocco you'll keep coming back to.

The Route

From Casablanca, Around Morocco

Casablanca
Start
Chefchaouen
Day 2
Fes
Day 3-4
Merzouga
Day 5-6
Dades
Day 7
Ouarzazate
Day 8
Marrakech
Day 9-10
Essaouira
Day 11
Casablanca
End
Day By Day

Your 12-Day Programme

Casablanca Hassan II Mosque
Day 01

Arrival in Casablanca

Welcome to Morocco. Airport pick-up from Casablanca Mohammed V Airport with a warm Moroccan welcome and transfer to your hotel in the city center. Afternoon optional visit of the magnificent Hassan II Mosque — the largest mosque in Africa, with its 210-meter minaret rising over the Atlantic. Evening at leisure to recover from your flight, with optional dinner at a coastal restaurant.

Airport Pick-Up Hassan II Mosque Atlantic Coast
Chefchaouen blue city in the Rif Mountains
Day 02

Casablanca → Rabat → Chefchaouen

After breakfast, drive north along the Atlantic coast with a stop in Rabat, the capital of Morocco — visit the Hassan Tower, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, and the Kasbah of the Udayas overlooking the ocean. Continue inland through the Rif Mountains to Chefchaouen, the famous blue-painted town. Arrive in late afternoon and walk through the blue alleys at golden hour, when the light makes every wall and doorway glow. Dinner at a riverside restaurant in the lower medina.

Rabat Capital Rif Mountains Chefchaouen Blue
Volubilis Roman ruins on the road to Fes
Day 03

Chefchaouen → Volubilis → Meknes → Fes

Leave Chefchaouen after morning photos in the blue alleys. Drive south through olive groves and rolling hills to the Roman ruins of Volubilis — a UNESCO site with intact mosaics from the 3rd century. Continue to Meknes, the imperial city of Sultan Moulay Ismail, for a stop at the magnificent Bab Mansour gate. Arrive in Fes by evening for overnight in a traditional luxury riad inside the medina.

Volubilis Ruins Meknes Imperial Imperial Fes
Fes medina tanneries and artisans
Day 04

Fes — Full Guided Cultural Day

A full day exploring Fes with a licensed local guide. Walk through the world's largest car-free medina — a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit the famous Chouara tanneries with their dramatic vats of natural dyes, the Al-Quaraouiyine (the world's oldest continuously operating university), the Bou Inania Madrasa with its stunning zellige tiles, the artisan quarters where craftsmen still work copper, leather, mosaic, and silk by hand, and the royal palace gates. Free afternoon to wander or rest at your riad.

Fes Medina Local Guide Tanneries
Middle Atlas to Sahara Merzouga dunes
Day 05

Fes → Middle Atlas → Merzouga Sahara

A long but spectacular day across Morocco. Cross the cedar forests of the Middle Atlas with a stop at Ifrane ("Little Switzerland") and possible Barbary macaques sightings. Continue through Midelt, the Ziz Valley canyon, and the desert plains to reach Merzouga at the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes. At sunset, ride a camel into the desert for a traditional Berber dinner under the stars and overnight in a comfortable Sahara desert camp.

Middle Atlas Cedar Forests Sunset Camel Trek Desert Camp
Nomad family and Sahara desert experience
Day 06

Sahara — Nomad Experience Day

Sunrise over the dunes followed by a slow desert morning. Today is dedicated to the nomad experience: a 4x4 excursion to visit nomad families still living in the dunes, the Gnawa village of Khamlia (whose music traditions descend from sub-Saharan slaves brought through the desert centuries ago), the salt flats, and fossil quarries. Optional sand-boarding or quad biking in the afternoon. Second night in the desert region — either back in the camp or at a comfortable hotel with pool nearby.

Nomad Visit Khamlia Gnawa Desert Day
Todra Gorges and Dades Valley
Day 07

Merzouga → Todra Gorges → Dades Valley

Leave the desert and drive west along the "Road of a Thousand Kasbahs." Visit the spectacular Todra Gorges where canyon walls rise 300+ meters above a narrow stream — time to walk inside the canyon. Continue to the Dades Valley with its red rock formations and famous "monkey fingers" rocks for overnight in a kasbah-style hotel built into the valley walls, with dinner served on a terrace overlooking the cliffs as the sun sets.

Todra Gorges Road of Kasbahs Dades Valley
Skoura palm grove and Ouarzazate kasbahs
Day 08

Dades → Skoura → Ouarzazate

A slow day designed for the southern landscapes. After breakfast, walk through the Skoura palm grove with its scattered ancient kasbahs, including the famous Kasbah Amridil. Continue west to Ouarzazate, the "Hollywood of Morocco." Visit the Taourirt Kasbah in the city center and optionally the Atlas Film Studios — one of the largest film studios in the world by surface area, where Gladiator and Game of Thrones were filmed. Overnight in a boutique hotel in Ouarzazate.

Skoura Oasis Kasbah Amridil Ouarzazate
Aït Ben Haddou and Tizi n'Tichka pass
Day 09

Ouarzazate → Aït Ben Haddou → Marrakech

Morning visit to Aït Ben Haddou — the UNESCO-listed mud-brick kasbah where Gladiator, Game of Thrones, and Lawrence of Arabia were filmed. Walk up through the lanes of the ksar to the agadir at the summit for panoramic views. Begin the scenic drive over the High Atlas via the spectacular Tizi n'Tichka pass at 2,260 meters — the highest mountain pass in North Africa. Descend into Marrakech in the afternoon and check into a traditional luxury riad in the heart of the medina.

UNESCO Kasbah Tizi n'Tichka Marrakech
Marrakech medina and Jemaa el-Fnaa
Day 10

Marrakech — Full Guided Day

A full guided day in Marrakech with a licensed local guide. Visit the ornate Bahia Palace, the Saadian Tombs hidden for centuries behind a sealed wall, the Koutoubia Mosque, and the colorful Majorelle Gardens (with the Yves Saint Laurent connection). Walk through the souks of the medina with your guide — leather, spices, brass, carpets, jewelry — and end the day at the famous Jemaa el-Fnaa square for the evening spectacle: storytellers, musicians, food stalls, and the energy of Marrakech at its best.

Bahia Palace Majorelle Gardens Jemaa el-Fnaa
Essaouira Atlantic coast and blue boats
Day 11

Marrakech → Essaouira

A relaxing day on the Atlantic coast. Drive west through the argan tree plains — with a stop at a women's argan oil cooperative to see traditional production — to Essaouira, the UNESCO-listed walled port with sea ramparts, blue fishing boats, and bohemian medina. Walk the Skala fortifications, enjoy a fresh seafood lunch by the harbor, and explore the medina's art galleries and craft shops. Overnight in a riad inside the medina, with the sound of seagulls and the salty Atlantic breeze.

Argan Cooperative Essaouira Medina Atlantic Coast
Atlantic coast drive to Casablanca
Day 12

Essaouira → Casablanca → Departure

Morning at leisure in Essaouira — a final beach walk, café visit, or last-minute shopping for souvenirs in the medina. After lunch, drive north along the Atlantic coast back to Casablanca. Drop-off at Mohammed V Airport for your departure flight, or at your hotel if you have an additional night in Casablanca — completing your private 12-day Morocco circuit.

Atlantic Drive Casablanca Airport End of Tour
Tour Highlights

The Best of Morocco in 12 Days

Casablanca & Rabat

The Atlantic capitals — the magnificent Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca and the historic Kasbah of the Udayas, Hassan Tower, and Mohammed V Mausoleum in Rabat.

Chefchaouen Blue City

The famous blue-painted town nestled in the Rif Mountains — golden-hour photography in alleys and doorways painted every imaginable shade of blue.

Imperial Fes Medina

A full guided day inside the world's largest car-free medieval city — Chouara tanneries, Al-Quaraouiyine, Bou Inania Madrasa, and the artisan quarters.

Sahara Desert & Nomad Day

Two nights at Merzouga — sunset camel trek into Erg Chebbi, dinner under the stars, and a full day visiting nomad families and the Gnawa village of Khamlia.

Kasbahs & Atlas Crossing

Todra Gorges, Dades Valley, Skoura palm grove, Ouarzazate film studios, UNESCO Aït Ben Haddou, and the spectacular Tizi n'Tichka mountain pass.

Marrakech & Essaouira Coast

A full guided day in the Red City — Bahia Palace, souks, Jemaa el-Fnaa — followed by a relaxing day on the Atlantic coast at the UNESCO walled port of Essaouira.

Tour Inclusions

What's Included & Excluded

Price Includes

  • Airport pick-up in Casablanca and drop-off at departure
  • Private air-conditioned 4x4 or minivan with fuel
  • English-speaking driver/guide throughout the tour
  • 11 nights accommodation (riads, hotels, desert camp)
  • Dinner and breakfast at all overnight stops
  • Two nights in the Sahara desert region with full board
  • Camel trekking in Merzouga (sunset & sunrise)
  • 4x4 excursion to nomad families & Khamlia village
  • Full-day licensed local guide in Fes Medina
  • Full-day licensed local guide in Marrakech
  • Visits to Volubilis, Aït Ben Haddou, Todra, Essaouira
  • Argan cooperative stop near Essaouira
  • Private service — no other travelers, your pace
  • Bottled water during the journey

Excluded Services

  • International flights to/from Morocco
  • Lunches throughout the tour
  • Drinks and beverages
  • Travel insurance
  • Monument and museum entrance fees
  • Hassan II Mosque interior tour (optional)
  • Atlas Film Studios entrance (if added)
  • Optional desert activities (quad biking, sand-boarding)
  • Tips and gratuities for guides and drivers
  • Personal expenses and souvenirs
  • Anything not listed in "Price Includes"

Ready to Plan Your Morocco Tour?

Send us your travel dates, group size, and preferred accommodation style, and we'll prepare a personalized quote within 24 hours.

WhatsApp +212 678 655 118
Email travelmoroccosafari@gmail.com
Based In Marrakech, Morocco
Get a Quote

Send Your Inquiry

We typically respond within a few hours during business hours (Morocco time), and within 24 hours at all other times.

Frequently Asked

Tour FAQ

Why does this tour go north first?
Starting north from Casablanca lets you experience the cooler temperatures of Chefchaouen and Fes at the beginning of the trip — before the hotter southern stretches — and creates a natural circular route that ends with the relaxing Atlantic coast at Essaouira before returning to Casablanca airport. The route avoids backtracking and finishes on a soft, restful note rather than the long desert drives.
How many nights in each city?
The 12 days include 11 nights distributed as follows: 1 night Casablanca (arrival), 1 night Chefchaouen, 2 nights Fes (with full guided day), 2 nights in the Sahara region (including the nomad experience day), 1 night Dades Valley, 1 night Ouarzazate, 2 nights Marrakech (with full guided day), 1 night Essaouira. The two-night stops are deliberately placed in Fes, the Sahara, and Marrakech — the destinations that deserve more than a passing visit.
Is this tour private?
Yes — 100% private. Just you and your travel companions, your own English-speaking driver/guide, and a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle. No other travelers, no group bus, no fixed group schedule. Daily timing and stops are entirely flexible based on your interests.
What's special about the nomad experience day?
On Day 6 in the Sahara, you'll take a 4x4 excursion to visit nomad families still living in the dunes — sharing tea, learning about their traditional way of life, and seeing how they adapt to the desert. We also visit the village of Khamlia, famous for its Gnawa music tradition (descended from sub-Saharan slaves brought across the desert centuries ago), as well as the salt flats and fossil quarries of the Merzouga region. It's a respectful, authentic exchange — not a staged show.
Where do we sleep in the Sahara?
Two nights are spent in the Merzouga region. The first night is in a comfortable Sahara desert camp at Erg Chebbi — each tent is private with comfortable beds, en-suite bathroom (shower and toilet), and a Berber-style lounge area. Dinner is served under the stars with Berber drumming around the fire. The second night can be back in the camp or at a comfortable auberge with pool nearby, depending on your preference. Luxury camp upgrades are available on request.
Can the tour end somewhere other than Casablanca?
Yes — if you're flying out of Marrakech, the tour can finish at Marrakech airport on Day 10 (after the guided Marrakech day) instead of continuing to Essaouira and Casablanca. This saves two travel days and works well if Marrakech is your departure airport. Just tell us your departure flight when booking and we'll adjust the final days accordingly.
Can the itinerary be customized?
Absolutely. The 12-day program is a flexible base — you can add or remove days, change accommodations, upgrade to luxury riads or a luxury desert camp, add cooking classes or hammam visits, replace the Essaouira day with extra Marrakech time, or build a completely original itinerary. Tell us your interests and we'll tailor the journey to fit you perfectly.
What's the best time of year for this tour?
Morocco is a year-round destination. The best months for this comprehensive tour are March–May (spring, mild and green) and September–November (autumn, warm but not hot). June–August can be very hot in the Sahara and Marrakech, though comfortable in Chefchaouen, Essaouira, and the coast. December–February brings cooler days, occasional rain, snow in the High Atlas, and the most atmospheric desert nights — but also fewer crowds.

Send Us An Enquiry

Tailor made