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6 days from Casablanca to Atlas Kasbahs and Sahara desert tour

Tour Ref : 6DCICS
Duration : 6 DAYS – 5 NIGHTS
Tour type : Private Tour, Family, Desert, Sahara
Tour start : Casablanca
Tour end : Marrakech
Highlights : High Atlas Mountains, Southern Valleys, Kasbahs, gorges and Oasis, Sahara Desert, Atlantic ocean
Price : Prices according to number of people travelling in vehicle and season

Overview

This 6-day tour from Casablanca is the shortest way to combine Fes, the Sahara and the Atlas kasbahs in one trip, ending in Marrakech rather than returning to the coast. It suits travellers with a week or less who want the essentials of Morocco without a rushed schedule.

After an airport pickup in Casablanca, day two heads inland to the Roman ruins of Volubilis and Meknes before reaching Fes, followed by a full guided day in the Fes medina. Day four crosses the Middle Atlas through Ifrane and the cedar forests, then follows the Ziz valley to Merzouga for a night at Erg Chebbi. The return runs through the Todra gorges and Dades valley, then the valley of the roses, Skoura, Ait Ben Haddou and the Telouet kasbah over the High Atlas into Marrakech. Compared with our 8-day imperial cities tour, this itinerary leaves out Rabat and Chefchaouen to keep the trip short.

Day tour itinerary

Day 1: Arrival to Casablanca

In the first day of the tour we pick you up from the airport, the port or your accommodation in Casablanca. Casablanca is considered the economical center, and the largest city in Morocco. Firstly, we will visit the Hassan II mosque, the largest mosque in Morocco. It is located on the west coast of the city, on a promontory overlooking the Atlantic ocean. Free time for lunch. Then we explore the city, and also visit the amazing Cornish of Casablanca. Overnight stay in a hotel. 

Day 2: Casablanca – the Roman ruins of Volubilis- Meknes – Fes

After breakfast, departure from Casablanca to visit the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis. It is well preserved, as it is recognized as a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO. It has many beautiful mosaics scattered here and there, along with ancient pillars and archways. After strolling in the ruins, we drive 30 km to visit Meknes. The Ismaili capital and one of the imperial city. In which we visit Bab Al-Mansour, Sahrij Souani basin, the Royal stables, the granary. And Finally, the Moulay Ismail Mausoleum. Then we head to Fes. Overnight stay in a Riad.

Day 3: Guided tour sightseeing Fes

We dedicate the day to explore the Highlights of Fes city with a local guide. The city is considered one of the imperial cities, besides being the cultural and religious center of Morocco. Firstly, we start the day by visiting the Royal Palace gate. Then the well preserved medieval Medina, that is listed as a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO. You will visit the Blue gate or Bab Boujloud, the entrance of the old Medina. Which appears to be labyrinth of alleyways and streets. You will enter the Medina to visit The Medrasa Bouanania, the Najjarine fountain,  the Tanneries. And finally the Quaraouin mosque and university, the oldest university in the world. After that we leave the Medina to visit the Jewish quarter also known as “the Mellah”. In the afternoon, we drive to an ancient fortress for panoramic view of the Medina and the city of Fes. Finally, return to your Riad.

Day 4: Fes – Ifrane – Cedars forest- Midelt – Ziz valley – Merzouga Sahara

After breakfast, we drive south through Imouzzer to visit Ifrane. The city is famous for its low temperature, snow and the alpine-style architecture houses. No wonder it is called the Switzerland of Morocco. After that, we continue to cedars forest, where the Barbary macaques live. Feel free to feed them, while wandering in the forest. Later, we continue to Midelt, where we will have a free time for lunch. Then we drive to Merzouga through the Tizi-n-Tilghmt pass and along the Ziz valley. With stops for panoramic views. In the afternoon, we reach the Sahara desert of Merzouga. Then you switch to camels, and cross the sandy desert. After that you will make a stop on top of a high dune to enjoy the sunset. Finally, you continue to the camp. Where you can enjoy the Berber drums music, while dancing around the campfire, under vast open sky of stars. Dinner and overnight in the camp.

Day 5: Merzouga Sahara – Rissani – Erfoud – Todra Gorges – Dades Valley 

Wake up early in the morning is a must do, in order to contemplate the beautiful sunrise, in the middle of the desert. Free time for breakfast. Then you return on camels to Merzouga, where the driver awaits. Thereafter, we leave the desert to visit Rissani town, the ancient capital of Tafilalet. Rissani still a major trading center in the region, with a large lively souk. After a stroll in Rissani souk, we continue to Erfoud where we visit one of the workshops of fossilized marble. Then we drive through Touroug and Tinjdad palm groves, to reach the Todra Gorges. The course of Todra river has carved out a high red cliff-sided canyon through the mountains. These gorges are an ideal place for rock climbers. Feel free to wander in the gorges and appreciate the beauty of the landscape. Free time for lunch in a restaurant. Then we continue to the Dades valley, through Boumalne Dades. Inevitable stops at the “monkey fingers” rock formation, and for the view of the Dades valley. Finally, dinner and overnight in a hotel.

Day 6: Dades Valley – Roses Valley – Skoura – Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah- Telouet – High Atlas Mountains – Marrakech 

Finally, we continue our trip to Kalaa Magouna, to visit the Rose valley. A Rose Festival is held annually in May. Where the locals offer their rose products. Then we drive through the palm groves of Skoura. We reach Ouarzazate, where we visit the studios, in which famous movies were shot. After that we depart to visit the famous Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou. A fortified village recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Furthermore, the Kasbah has appeared in many movies including : Gladiator, Alexander, The Mummy…etc. And TV series including Game Of Thrones. Then we continue to Marrakech, by driving through the Tizi-N-Tichka pass, and the High Atlas Mountains. Stops will be made for lunch, and to take pictures at interesting spots. We reach Marrakech, then we drive you to the airport or your accommodation.

Trip Highlights

  • Six days from airport to Marrakech, covering Fes, the Sahara and the Atlas kasbahs without backtracking.
  • Full guided day in Fes, exploring the medina, tanneries and the Al Quaraouiyine quarter with a local guide.
  • Roman ruins of Volubilis and the imperial city of Meknes on the drive inland from Casablanca.
  • Night at Erg Chebbi in a desert camp, reached by camel trek across the dunes at Merzouga.
  • Middle Atlas cedar forests near Ifrane, home to Barbary macaques.
  • Ait Ben Haddou and Telouet kasbahs, two of the finest earthen fortresses in southern Morocco.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this tour return to Casablanca?
No. It starts with an airport pickup in Casablanca and ends in Marrakech, which suits travellers flying out of Marrakech or staying on there. If you need to finish back in Casablanca, see our 11-day tour, which completes the full circuit.

What is left out compared with the longer tours?
This 6-day version skips Rabat, Chefchaouen and Essaouira in order to fit Fes, the desert and the kasbah route into under a week. The 8-day itinerary adds Rabat and Chefchaouen.

How much time is spent in the Sahara?
One night in a desert camp at Erg Chebbi, with a camel trek at sunset and time for sunrise over the dunes before departing.

When is the best time for this tour?
The best time to visit the Sahara desert is from September to May. The imperial cities are comfortable year round, though Fes and Marrakech are hot in midsummer. See our best time to visit Morocco guide.

Are the city tours guided?
Fes includes a full day with a licensed local guide. Other stops are accompanied by your driver guide, and additional city guides can be arranged on request.

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