15 Days Morocco Grand Tour From Casablanca to the Imperial Cities and Merzouga Sahara Desert

Morocco Splendid Tours

15 days tour from Casablanca description

This 15 day private grand tour from Casablanca is our most complete Morocco itinerary, built for travelers with more time who want to combine the Imperial Cities, the Sahara Desert, and the Atlantic coast in one trip. With a private driver-guide and vehicle throughout, the route runs from Casablanca through Rabat, Meknes, and Fes, with a day trip north to the blue city of Chefchaouen in the Rif Mountains before heading south across the Middle Atlas toward Merzouga.

In the desert, you'll ride camels into the Erg Chebbi dunes for a night under the stars or in a traditional Berber tent, with time to explore local villages along the way. From there the itinerary continues through the Todra Gorges, Dades Valley, and the Ait Benhaddou Kasbah, then south to Taroudant and Agadir before reaching the coastal town of Essaouira, where a full day is set aside for exploring its medina and beach. The tour finishes in Marrakech, with a full sightseeing day plus optional day trips to the Ouzoud Waterfalls and the Ourika Valley before departure.

Because it's a private tour, the pace and stops can be adjusted to your interests. It's a good fit for travelers comparing 8, 10, and 15 day Morocco itineraries who have two weeks or more and want to add Chefchaouen, Essaouira, and the Atlas mountain day trips to the classic Imperial Cities and Sahara Desert route.

15 days tour from Casablanca itinerary

1Day

Casablanca – Transfer to the Hotel

Upon arrival at Casablanca Mohammed V airport, we will meet and take you to the hotel. Our representative will provide a brief overview of the tour.

2Day

Casablanca – Rabat – Meknes – Fes

Departure for Fes will be made along a beautiful stretch of farmlands where olives, grain, vegetables and grapes are grown. Before arriving in Fes, you will visit Meknes and Volubilis, the site of famous Roman ruins. Meknes is the site of the first Arab dynasty established by Moulay Ismail and has the Medersa Bou Inania and the Bab Mansour gateway, leading to the Sehrij Es-Souani stables and granaries with a rooftop garden and café overlooking the city. Later, we arrive in Fes and check into the hotel.

3Day

Full Day To Visit Fes

After breakfast, you will begin your visit to Fes, "the oldest living Medina in the world," with a local official guide. You will tour the Medina and its souks, stopping at the gateway of the Royal Palace, the 9th century Kairaouine mosque and university, and the tomb of the city's founder, Moulay Idriss II. Lunch will be at a traditional restaurant in the old Medina, followed by a visit to the Nejjarine Fountain, the old Harem Garden, and the Batha Museum. On the way back to the hotel you will stop for a panoramic view of the city.

4Day

Fes – Rif Mountains – Chefchaouen – Fes

After breakfast, around 8 am we will start a day trip to Chefchaouen, "the blue city," a popular tourist destination in the Rif Mountains south of the Mediterranean coastline. You will walk through the white and blue washed walls of the medina and its markets, which offer unique native handicrafts, and enjoy the wonderful views of the Rif Mountains that make it a favorite for photography. You will get back to Fes in the evening, around 7 pm.

5Day

Fes – Ifrane – Azrou – Ziz Valley – Erfoud – Merzouga

After breakfast, we will start the trip to Merzouga, crossing the Atlas Mountains and passing through Ifrane and the cedar forests of Azrou, home to wild monkeys. You will have lunch in the small Berber village of Zaida, then resume through the Atlas Mountains via Midelt, Rich, and Erfoud, where you'll feel the start of the Saharan oasis of Tafilalet. Later, we arrive in Merzouga and spend the night at a hotel near the dunes.

6Day

Explorative Journey of the Desert Area

After breakfast, you will explore the area, visiting the village of Khamlia and its people, originally slaves from Sudan, to experience their music and lifestyle, and the nearby lake of Merzouga with its bird populations, including flamingos. In the afternoon, you will ride camels into the sand sea of Erg Chebbi, spending the night under the stars or in a traditional Berber nomad tent, with dinner and breakfast included in the desert.

7Day

Merzouga – Rissani – Todra Gorges – Dades – Ouarzazate

After breakfast, we drive through the Dades Valley, the "Route of a Thousand Kasbahs," toward Kalaa M'gouna, "the Roses City," to purchase rosewater. We continue to Skoura and visit the well-preserved Amerhidil Kasbah, with time for hiking in the valley, before heading to Ouarzazate, "the Hollywood of Africa," where landscapes have attracted major film productions. Overnight stay at a riad.

8Day

Ouarzazate – Ait Benhaddou Kasbah – Taroudant

After breakfast, we head to Taroudant via Taznakht, visiting Ait Benhaddou Kasbah, the largest Kasbah in Morocco and a UNESCO World Heritage site. In Taliouine, the capital of saffron in Morocco, you'll have the option to visit a saffron cooperative. We arrive in Taroudant, "the little Marrakech," by the afternoon to walk its ramparts and medina alleys.

9Day

Taroudant – Agadir – Essaouira

Breakfast at the riad, then we head for Essaouira via Agadir, a long-established resort city, with time for lunch and a walk along the promenade. The coastal road to Essaouira passes through Argan tree country, where herds of goats climb the trees for food. We arrive in Essaouira in the afternoon and stay overnight at a riad in the Medina.

10Day

Full Day Exploring Essaouira

After breakfast, we explore the Skala Fortress, watch artisans carving Thuya wood, and walk through the medina's alleys and handicraft stalls. Lunch is fresh fish cooked to order, followed by free time to wander, visit the beach, or relax. Essaouira, nicknamed "City of the Wind," attracts surfers worldwide and hosts an annual Gnawa music festival, usually in June.

11Day

Essaouira – Marrakech

After breakfast and some free time, we head for Marrakech, stopping at a women's Argan oil cooperative along the way to see the oil extracted for its culinary, cosmetic, and medical properties. We continue to Marrakech and check into the riad; after dinner you'll have the option to visit the famous Jemaa el-Fna square, with its magicians, storytellers, musicians, and snake charmers.

12Day

Full Day To Visit Marrakech

This full day sightseeing tour covers the Menara gardens and pool, the Koutoubia Mosque, the Majorelle Gardens, the Bahia Palace, and the Dar Si Said jewellery museum. Optional lunch in the medina is followed by a walk through Marrakech's colorful souks and a sunset drink overlooking Jemaa el-Fna square from a café terrace. Dinner and accommodation at a hotel.

13Day

Marrakech – Ouzoud Waterfalls – Marrakech

A day trip from Marrakech to the Ouzoud Waterfalls, about 170 km northeast of the city. You'll see waterfalls around 110 m high set in a landscape full of birds and monkeys, with the option to hire a local guide for walks or hikes at altitude.

14Day

Marrakech – Ourika Valley – Marrakech

A day trip from Marrakech to the Ourika Valley, one of the most popular excursions since it sits so close to the city. Travelling on a private tour with your own vehicle, driver and guide, we aim to avoid the typical tourist stops and focus on real Berber village life, exploring local trails on foot away from the tour buses, returning to Marrakech in the evening.

15Day

Marrakech Airport Departure

Transfer to the airport in Marrakech or Casablanca. End of the 15 day tour from Casablanca.

15 days tour from Casablanca inclusions

  • Transportation: Comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle for the entire journey.
  • Professional Guide: Knowledgeable English-speaking guide to enhance your experience.
  • Accommodation: Overnight stays in selected hotels or riads, and a night in a desert camp in Merzouga.
  • Camel Trek: Experience a camel trek into the Sahara Desert for a sunset and sunrise adventure.
  • Activities: Guided tours in Fes and Marrakech with a local guide of historical and cultural sites.
  • Daily Breakfast: Start each day with a hearty breakfast to fuel your adventures. Dinner is included during your night in the Sahara Desert camp, the hotel in Merzouga and Ouarzazate.

15 days tour from Casablanca exclusions

  • Lunch and Beverages: Not included in the package.
  • Personal Expenses: Any personal spending during the trip is not included.
  • Travel Insurance: It is recommended to have travel insurance to cover unexpected events.
  • Tips: Gratuities for guides, drivers, and camp staff are not included but greatly appreciated.
  • Optional Activities: Any optional activities or excursions not specified in the itinerary.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 15 day Morocco grand tour from Casablanca private?

Yes. This is a private tour with your own driver-guide and vehicle for the full 15 days, not a group tour.

Does the 15 day tour visit Chefchaouen and the coast?

Yes. Unlike the 8 and 10 day itineraries, the 15 day grand tour adds a day trip to Chefchaouen, the blue city in the Rif Mountains, plus stops in Agadir and Essaouira on the Atlantic coast.

Is lunch included in the 15 day tour from Casablanca?

No, lunch and beverages are not included. Breakfast is included daily, and dinner is included during the night in the Sahara Desert camp and at the hotels in Merzouga and Ouarzazate.

Does the itinerary include a night in the Sahara Desert?

Yes, travelers spend one night in the Erg Chebbi dunes near Merzouga, reached by camel, with the option to sleep under the stars or in a traditional Berber tent.

How does the 15 day tour compare to the 8 and 10 day tours from Casablanca?

The 15 day grand tour covers everything in the 8 day and 10 day Casablanca itineraries plus Chefchaouen, Taroudant, Agadir, Essaouira, and day trips to the Ouzoud Waterfalls and Ourika Valley. It suits travelers with more time who want to add the north and the Atlantic coast to the classic Imperial Cities and Sahara Desert route.

Contact us to book your 15 days tour from Casablanca


NB: This 15 days expedition from Casablanca will take you through Morocco's historical, cultural, and natural wonders. Always verify details with the tour operator for the best experience.


Need Help?

Please feel free to contact us at any time, whether you have already found the trip and activities that perfectly suit your needs and interests, or if you would like us to customize an itinerary tailored to your preferences. At Morocco Splendid Tours, we are genuinely enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute to making your journey in Morocco the most fortuitous and enjoyable experience possible. Your satisfaction is our priority, and we are here to assist you in creating a travel adventure that not only meets your expectations but also exceeds them. Our team is ready to answer any questions, provide expert advice, and ensure that every aspect of your Moroccan adventure is finely tuned to your desires. We look forward to helping you craft an extraordinary and personalized experience that will leave you with lasting memories of Morocco.

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