Hassan II Mosque behind palm trees in Casablanca, Morocco
Morocco Grand Tours · Departs Casablanca

18-Day Morocco Grand Tour from Casablanca

An in-depth circuit across the whole country — the Mediterranean coast, all four imperial cities, the Sahara, dramatic gorges, and the Atlantic — at a genuinely comfortable pace.

Duration
18 Days / 17 Nights
Departing From
Casablanca
Style
Private, Driver-Guide
Distance
~2,500–3,000 km
Overview

The full country, at a comfortable pace

This is our most complete way to see Morocco from Casablanca. Over eighteen days it covers all four imperial cities — Fes, Marrakech, Meknes and Rabat — the blue lanes of Chefchaouen, the Roman ruins of Volubilis and the UNESCO kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, the Todra and Dades gorges, two very different desert stays in Merzouga and Agafay, the waterfalls of Ouzoud, and a relaxed stretch of Atlantic coast in Essaouira.

Rather than cramming every day full, the pace is genuinely comfortable — a free day in Casablanca near the end, day trips from Marrakech rather than constant relocation, and enough breathing room to actually enjoy each stop rather than just check it off. A private, air-conditioned vehicle and driver run throughout, with official local guides joining for the two full walking days in Fes and Marrakech.

Jump to a day

Day By Day

The itinerary

Every night's accommodation is confirmed in advance — this is a guide to how the days unfold, not a loose outline.

Day 01

Arrival in Casablanca

You're met at Casablanca Airport and transferred to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, the rest of the day allows for a visit to the Hassan II Mosque or a relaxed walk along the Corniche — enough to settle in before the journey properly begins. Overnight in a hotel, Casablanca.

Summary
  • Airport pickup and transfer in Casablanca
  • Optional visit to the Hassan II Mosque or the Corniche
  • Overnight: hotel, Casablanca
Day 02

Casablanca — Rabat — Asilah

Rabat brings the Hassan Tower, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, and the Kasbah of the Udayas overlooking the river mouth. From there, the route continues to Asilah, a whitewashed seaside town known for its murals and relaxed Atlantic evenings. Overnight in a hotel, Asilah.

Summary
  • Hassan Tower, Mausoleum of Mohammed V, Kasbah of the Udayas
  • Arrival in the coastal town of Asilah
  • Overnight: hotel, Asilah
Day 03

Asilah — Tangier — Chefchaouen

Blue-painted alleyway in Chefchaouen, Morocco

The drive follows Morocco's northern coast to Tangier, where the Mediterranean meets the Atlantic, with stops at Cape Spartel and the Hercules Caves. From there the road climbs into the Rif Mountains, arriving in the blue city of Chefchaouen by evening, with time left free to settle in. Overnight in a riad, Chefchaouen.

Summary
  • Cape Spartel and the Hercules Caves near Tangier
  • Crossing of the Rif Mountains
  • Arrival in Chefchaouen
  • Overnight: riad, Chefchaouen (night 1 of 2)
Day 04

Exploring Chefchaouen

A full day dedicated to the blue city's alleyways, squares and markets. Outa El Hammam Square, the surrounding viewpoints, and the medina's craft stalls are all worth the time, with plenty of opportunities to shop for handmade goods along the way. Overnight in the same riad.

Summary
  • Outa El Hammam Square and Chefchaouen's viewpoints
  • Free time in the medina's craft markets
  • Overnight: riad, Chefchaouen (night 2 of 2)
Day 05

Chefchaouen — Volubilis — Meknes — Fes

The Roman ruins of Volubilis come first, followed by Meknes, an imperial city with the monumental Bab Mansour gate and the lively El Hedim Square. The day ends in Fes, settling into a traditional riad ahead of tomorrow's guided exploration.

Summary
  • Roman ruins of Volubilis
  • Bab Mansour Gate and El Hedim Square in Meknes
  • Overnight: riad, Fes (night 1 of 2)
Day 06

Guided Tour of Fes

Colorful traditional tanneries in the medina of Fes, Morocco

A local guide leads a full day through Morocco's spiritual and cultural capital: the Royal Palace, the Al Quaraouiyine University, the Bou Inania Madrasa, the famous tanneries, and the labyrinthine medina beyond. Overnight in a riad, Fes.

Summary
  • Guided tour: Royal Palace, Al Quaraouiyine University, Bou Inania Madrasa
  • The Chouara Tanneries and the medina
  • Overnight: riad, Fes (night 2 of 2)
Day 07

Fes — Ifrane — Cedar Forest — Ziz Valley — Merzouga

Camel trek across the dunes near Merzouga, Morocco

The route crosses the Middle Atlas Mountains, stopping in Ifrane and the cedar forest to see Barbary macaques along the way. After the scenic Ziz Valley, the road reaches Merzouga, where an evening camel ride carries you into the dunes to your desert camp.

Summary
  • Ifrane and Barbary macaques in the cedar forest
  • Crossing of the Ziz Valley
  • Evening camel ride into the dunes
  • Overnight: desert camp, Merzouga
Day 08

Exploring the Merzouga Desert

Nomad guide standing beside a camel in the Sahara desert, Morocco

A full day dedicated to the Sahara: the village of Khamlia, a visit with nomadic families, and time among the endless golden dunes of Erg Chebbi. A second peaceful night is spent in Merzouga under the desert sky.

Summary
  • Khamlia village visit
  • Time with nomadic families
  • Overnight: desert camp or hotel, Merzouga
Day 09

Merzouga — Rissani — Todra Gorges — Dades Valley

Todra Gorge canyon walls in the High Atlas Mountains, Morocco

The traditional market of Rissani comes first, followed by the dramatic Todra Gorges — a walk between the towering canyon walls is well worth the stop. The day ends in the Dades Valley, surrounded by striking rock formations. Overnight in the Dades Valley.

Summary
  • Rissani's traditional market
  • Todra Gorges on foot
  • Overnight: hotel, Dades Valley
Day 10

Dades Valley — Skoura — Ouarzazate

The route continues through the Valley of Roses and the palm groves of Skoura, with some of the region's best-known kasbahs along the way, before reaching Ouarzazate for the evening.

Summary
  • Valley of Roses
  • Palm groves of Skoura
  • Overnight: hotel, Ouarzazate
Day 11

Ouarzazate — Ait Ben Haddou — Marrakech

Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou surrounded by palm trees, Morocco

The UNESCO-listed ksar of Ait Ben Haddou is the morning's highlight, before the road climbs over the High Atlas via the Tizi n'Tichka pass. By late afternoon, you arrive in Marrakech and check into your riad.

Summary
  • Ksar of Ait Ben Haddou
  • Crossing of the High Atlas via the Tizi n'Tichka pass
  • Overnight: riad, Marrakech (night 1 of 4)
Day 12

Guided Tour of Marrakech

A local guide leads the way through Marrakech's best-known sites: the Bahia Palace, the Koutoubia Mosque, the colourful souks, and the constant motion of Jemaa el-Fna square — a full day of the city's history and lively atmosphere. Overnight in a riad, Marrakech.

Summary
  • Bahia Palace and the Koutoubia Mosque
  • Guided walk through the souks and Jemaa el-Fna
  • Overnight: riad, Marrakech (night 2 of 4)
Day 13

Day Trip to Essaouira

Atlantic coastline near Essaouira, Morocco

A relaxing day trip to the Atlantic coast: the UNESCO-listed medina, the fishing port, a walk along the historic ramparts, and fresh seafood, before returning to Marrakech for the night.

Summary
  • Essaouira's UNESCO-listed medina and ramparts
  • Fishing port and fresh seafood
  • Return to Marrakech, overnight: riad, Marrakech (night 3 of 4)
Day 14

Day Trip to Ouzoud Waterfalls

A day trip to the Ouzoud Waterfalls, one of Morocco's most striking natural sights, with peaceful walks, waterfall views, and the chance to spot local Barbary monkeys, before returning to Marrakech in the evening.

Summary
  • Ouzoud Waterfalls and surrounding walks
  • Return to Marrakech, overnight: riad, Marrakech (night 4 of 4)
Day 15

Marrakech — Agafay Desert

A different kind of desert for the second half of the trip: the rocky landscapes of Agafay, close enough to Marrakech for an easy transfer, with an optional camel ride and a memorable sunset before a night at a comfortable desert camp.

Summary
  • Rocky desert landscapes of Agafay
  • Optional camel ride and sunset views
  • Overnight: desert camp, Agafay
Day 16

Agafay — Casablanca

After breakfast, the drive returns to Casablanca, taking in Morocco's changing landscapes along the way. The rest of the day is free to relax or explore at your own pace.

Summary
  • Return drive to Casablanca
  • Free afternoon and evening
  • Overnight: hotel, Casablanca (night 1 of 2)
Day 17

Free Day in Casablanca

A relaxed final full day — the city's markets, cafés and shopping centres, or simply time to unwind before departure. Overnight in the same hotel.

Summary
  • Full free day at your own pace
  • Overnight: hotel, Casablanca (night 2 of 2)
Day 18

Departure from Casablanca

After breakfast, a private transfer takes you to Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport in time for your flight, bringing this 18-day journey through Morocco to a close.

Summary
  • Breakfast at the hotel
  • Private transfer to Casablanca Mohammed V Airport
  • End of services
Good to Know

What's included

Included

  • Private, air-conditioned car or minivan for the full 18 days
  • English-speaking driver throughout
  • Official local guides for the Fes and Marrakech walking tours
  • 17 nights' accommodation in hotels and riads, breakfast included
  • Camel ride into the Erg Chebbi dunes
  • Optional camel ride in the Agafay Desert
  • Airport pickup in Casablanca and drop-off at the end of the tour

Not included

  • Lunches and most dinners (recommendations provided)
  • Drinks
  • Entrance fees to monuments and museums
  • Travel insurance
  • Tips for your driver-guide and local staff
Questions

Frequently asked questions

Is this tour suitable for first-time visitors to Morocco?

Yes — it's built as a genuine introduction to the country, covering its most iconic cities, landscapes and cultural experiences with a comfortable pace, guided days where they add the most value, and a driver-guide handling logistics throughout.

What is the best time of year for this itinerary?

Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) offer the mildest weather across every region visited. Summer runs hot in the desert stages, while winter brings cooler temperatures and occasional snow in the mountains.

How much driving is involved over 18 days?

The full loop covers roughly 2,500 to 3,000 kilometers, from Casablanca up to Chefchaouen, across to the Sahara, down through Marrakech and Essaouira, and back. It's paced with frequent stops rather than long unbroken drives.

What type of vehicle and guide are provided?

A private, air-conditioned car or minivan with an English-speaking driver throughout, plus local official guides for the dedicated walking tours in Fes and Marrakech.

Is it better to take a private or group tour?

Both have their place. A private tour gives you flexibility and pace control, ideal for families or couples; a group tour can be more budget-friendly and a good way to meet other travelers. This itinerary runs as a private tour by default, but a group version can be arranged on request.

Can this itinerary be customized?

Yes. Destinations, pacing and accommodation level can all be adjusted — share your preferences and we'll shape the route around them.

Request your personalised quote

Share your travel dates, group size and accommodation preference, and you'll receive a tailored price for this 18-day route — or a shorter or longer version of the same journey.

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