9 days in Morocco from Casablanca
Overview
A 9-day trip through Morocco from Casablanca is the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the country’s cultural, historical, and natural riches. This well-balanced route will allow you to discover imperial cities, Berber villages, mountainous landscapes, and, of course, the majestic Sahara Desert. Throughout this detailed itinerary, we will explore the most emblematic aspects of Morocco, combining tradition, adventure, and hospitality.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Casablanca – Rabat
The journey begins in Casablanca, Morocco’s economic capital. We recommend visiting the Hassan II Mosque, an architectural gem on the Atlantic coast and one of the largest mosques in the world.
Next, we head to Rabat, the political capital and a UNESCO World Heritage city. Highlights include:
Kasbah of the Udayas, with its blue and white painted houses.
Hassan Tower and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, iconic historical landmarks.
Overnight in Rabat.
Day 2: Rabat – Meknes – Volubilis – Fez
After breakfast, we travel to Meknes, an imperial city known for impressive monuments such as Bab Mansour Gate and the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail.
Nearby lies Volubilis, Morocco’s best-preserved Roman ruins and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Walking among its mosaics and columns is like stepping back in time.
In the afternoon, we arrive in Fez, Morocco’s spiritual capital, and spend the night in a riad within the Medina.
Day 3: Discovering Fez
This day is dedicated to exploring Fez, one of the most fascinating medieval cities in the Arab world.
Key highlights include:
Medina of Fez el-Bali, a labyrinth with over 9,000 alleys.
University of Al Quaraouiyine, the oldest university in continuous operation in the world.
Chouara Tanneries, a colorful spectacle of traditional leather crafting.
Bou Inania Madrasa, an exquisite example of Islamic architecture.
Fez is also ideal for tasting authentic Moroccan cuisine.
Day 4: Fez – Ifrane – Azrou – Midelt – Ziz Valley – Merzouga
We leave Fez to cross the Middle Atlas Mountains. The first stop is Ifrane, known as the “Swiss Morocco” for its European-style architecture.
In Azrou, we stroll through cedar forests and see the Barbary macaques in their natural habitat.
Passing through Midelt, we descend into the stunning Ziz Valley, an oasis full of palm trees.
Upon arrival in Merzouga, the gateway to the Sahara, we enjoy a camel excursion among the Erg Chebbi dunes at sunset. Overnight is in a Berber camp under the stars.
Day 5: Merzouga – Rissani – Erfoud – Todra Gorges – Dades Valley
After sunrise in the desert, we visit Rissani, former capital of the Alaouite dynasty, known for its traditional markets.
Next is Erfoud, famous for fossils, and then the Todra Gorges, an impressive canyon with 300-meter-high cliffs.
The day ends in the Dades Valley, famous for its kasbahs and unique rock formations called the “Monkey Fingers.”
Day 6: Dades Valley – Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou
We continue along the Thousand Kasbahs Route, one of Morocco’s most picturesque roads.
In Ouarzazate, the “Gateway to the Desert,” we visit the famous Atlas Studios, a filming location for movies like Gladiator and Game of Thrones.
The afternoon is dedicated to exploring Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage kasbah.
Overnight at a traditional hotel near the kasbah.
Day 7: Ait Ben Haddou – High Atlas – Marrakech
We cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, over 2,200 meters above sea level, offering spectacular mountain scenery.
Arrival in Marrakech allows time to explore the famous Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, alive with music, storytellers, and food stalls.
Day 8: Marrakech – The Red City
This day is dedicated to exploring Marrakech’s treasures:
Koutoubia Mosque, the city’s emblem.
Bahia Palace, with its gardens and mosaics.
Saadian Tombs, a testament to the Saadian dynasty’s splendor.
Majorelle Gardens, a colorful and tranquil oasis.
Souks, perfect for shopping for crafts, spices, and carpets.
Evening is ideal for enjoying a traditional folklore show with dinner.
Day 9: Marrakech – Casablanca
On the last day, depending on your flight schedule, there is free time to stroll through the souks or enjoy a final Moroccan mint tea in Marrakech before returning to Casablanca.
Summary:
This 9-day Morocco tour from Casablanca is the perfect introduction to the country. From the modernity of Casablanca to the bustle of Marrakech, passing through the Atlas Mountains, imperial cities, and the Sahara Desert, this itinerary offers a rich mosaic of experiences that leave lasting memories.