8-Day Fes to casablanca via Desert Trip
From Fes
8 Day
To Casablanca
About this trip
Experience the ultimate Moroccan adventure on this 8-Day Fes to Casablanca via Desert Trip, combining the vast Sahara Desert, majestic Atlas Mountains, historic kasbahs, bustling cities, and the charm of Morocco’s Atlantic coast. Starting in Fes, the journey winds through desert oases, mountain passes, and UNESCO-listed kasbahs, ending in modern and historic Casablanca. Along the way, enjoy camel rides, desert sunsets, cultural encounters with nomads, vibrant medinas, and the relaxed coastal atmosphere of Essaouira.
Trip Highlights:
Discover Fes, Morocco’s spiritual and cultural heart, with its lively medina
Cross the scenic Middle Atlas Mountains, stopping in Ifrane and Azrou’s cedar forests
Explore the Sahara Desert with camel treks and overnight stays under the stars
Traverse the High Atlas Mountains with stunning panoramic views
Wander the historic streets and bustling markets of Marrakech
Experience Essaouira’s coastal medina, artisan workshops, and fishing port
Visit El Jadida, Morocco’s historic Portuguese city, before ending in Casablanca
8-Day Casanlanca to Marrakech Desert Trip Itinerary
Day 1: Fes – Ifrane – Azrou – Ziz Valley – Merzouga Desert
Depart Fes and head south into the scenic Middle Atlas Mountains. Stop in Ifrane, Morocco’s “Switzerland,” with charming streets and alpine-style architecture ideal for photos and short walks. Continue to the cedar forests near Azrou, home to free-roaming monkeys. After lunch, travel through the lush Ziz Valley, with palm groves and dramatic gorges, before reaching the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi in Merzouga. Enjoy a stunning desert sunset and spend the night in a camp or desert hotel with traditional music under a star-filled sky.
Day 2: Sahara Desert Exploration – Nomads – Camel Trekking
Wake early to watch the sunrise over the dunes. Explore the desert by 4×4, visiting volcanic rock formations, fossil sites, and nomadic villages. Meet a local family, share tea, and learn about their daily life. Visit a village renowned for Gnaoua music and enjoy live performances. After a stroll through palm groves, embark on a late afternoon camel trek to a remote desert camp, where dinner and a night under the stars await.
Day 3: Sahara Sunrise – Erfoud – Tinejdad – Todra Gorge – Dades Valley
Rise early for another desert sunrise and return by camel to Merzouga. Journey to Todra Gorge, stopping at a historic market town to experience traditional crafts and bustling souks. Visit fossil workshops along the way. Pass through palm groves and arrive at Todra Gorge, where towering red cliffs provide breathtaking views. Descend into the Dades Valley and marvel at unique rock formations before overnighting at a local guesthouse or hotel.
Day 4: Dades Valley – Rose Valley – Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – High Atlas – Marrakech
After breakfast, explore the fragrant Rose Valley and learn about rose cultivation and products. Continue through palm groves and the oasis town of Skoura to Ouarzazate, Morocco’s “Hollywood of Africa.” Visit film studios and historic kasbahs before reaching the iconic Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Cross the High Atlas Mountains, stopping at scenic viewpoints, and arrive in Marrakech in the evening.
Day 5: Marrakech – Full Day Guided Exploration
Discover Marrakech with a knowledgeable guide, exploring the medina, historic palaces, tombs, mosques, and bustling souks. Wander through exotic gardens filled with colorful flowers and plants. The afternoon is free for personal exploration, shopping, or enjoying local street performances and cuisine.
Day 6: Marrakech – Essaouira (Coastal Day Trip)
Travel west to Essaouira, an Atlantic coastal city known for its whitewashed buildings, blue shutters, and historic ramparts. Explore the medina, artisan workshops, and local markets. Visit the fishing port, watch goats climbing Argan trees, and learn about Argan oil production. Enjoy fresh seafood and stroll along the seaside promenade before returning to Marrakech in the evening.
Day 7: Essaouira – El Jadida – Casablanca
Depart Essaouira along the Atlantic coast and stop in El Jadida, a historic Portuguese city with fortified walls, underground cisterns, and rich heritage. Explore the old town, enjoy photography opportunities, and continue to Casablanca, Morocco’s largest city. Depending on timing, take a short city trip before checking into your hotel.
Day 8: Casablanca Airport Transfer
On the final day, transfer to Casablanca airport for your departure, concluding your 8-Day Fes to Casablanca via Desert Trip. This journey blends desert adventure, mountain landscapes, coastal beauty, and cultural immersion, leaving lasting memories of Morocco.
What’s Included & Excluded
- Private or small-group transportation in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle
- Professional, licensed driver and/or local guide (depending on the trip)
- Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel, riad, or agreed meeting point
- Accommodation (hotels, riads, desert camps) as specified in the itinerary
- Breakfasts & dinners (depending on the type of accommodation chosen)
- Activities and experiences listed in the itinerary (quad biking, camel trekking, excursions, etc.)
- All fuel, road tolls, and parking fees
- Local assistance and 24/7 customer support during your trip
- International or domestic flights
- Travel insurance and personal expenses
- Drinks and meals not mentioned in the itinerary
- Entrance fees to monuments and attractions (unless otherwise stated)
- Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers, and staff (optional but appreciated)
- Optional activities not listed in the trip program
