8-DAY MOROCCO ITINERARY
Embark on an unforgettable 8-day expedition through the fascinating landscapes and dynamic cities of Morocco with our carefully planned itinerary. This adventure invites you to stroll through the enchanting blue alleys of Chefchaouen, immerse yourself in the lively markets of Fes, experience the extraordinary charm of the Sahara Desert and savour the rich culture of Marrakech. Every day of this 8-day itinerary reveals a new dimension of this captivating country, from the lively streets scented with exotic spices to the vast expanses of golden dunes of Erg Chebbi at Merzouga.
TOUR INFORMATION
Duration: 8 days / 7 nights
Departure: Casablanca
Arrival: Marrakech
Tour style: Private
ITINERARY: 8 DAYS IN MOROCCO
DAY 1: CASABLANCA – RABAT
Welcome to Morocco! Your 8-day tour from Casablanca begins with a friendly meeting at Mohammed V airport in Casablanca. Our local guide will take you to the imposing Hassan II Mosque, a true architectural masterpiece. You will be fascinated by its intricate mosaics, carved marble and splendid ocean views. With the second tallest minaret in the world, this mosque is an unforgettable sight.
After visiting the mosque, we will head to Rabat, the capital of Morocco, exploring historic sites such as the Hassan Tower and the Kasbah of the Udayas. The day ends with a transfer to your accommodation in Rabat. If your flight arrives at night, we will take you directly to your hotel in Casablanca for a restful night before the tour begins.
Driving distance: about 128 km
Driving time: about 2 hours 10 min
DAY 2: RABAT – CHEFCHAOUEN
After a tasty breakfast at your hotel/riad, the journey to Chefchaouen begins, a fascinating town nestled in the Rif mountains of northern Morocco. The scenic drive from Rabat to Chefchaouen takes about four hours, through picturesque landscapes of rolling hills and small villages.
On arrival in Chefchaouen, you will check in at your hotel/riad and have time to explore. The town is famous for its blue-washed buildings. Take a stroll through the narrow lanes of the Medina, visit the lively souks or relax in one of the many cafés and restaurants serving delicious Moroccan cuisine. Remember your camera to capture the beauty of this extraordinary town!
Driving distance: about 254 km
Driving time: about 4 hours
DAY 3: CHEFCHAOUEN – VOLUBILIS – MEKNES – FES
Start the day with a delicious breakfast at your riad, kicking off a fascinating journey through the picturesque villages of the Rif. You will cross the Moroccan countryside before reaching Volubilis, once a thriving Roman city. In Volubilis you will explore the well-preserved ruins and their fascinating history, admiring the intricate mosaics and grand structures dating back to the 3rd century.
We will then continue to Meknes, a 17th-century city that was once the capital of Morocco. After a satisfying lunch, we will explore the Medina, the fascinating fortified centre that is home to the famous Bab el Mansour gate. Admire the gate’s intricate designs and carvings and visit the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, a sacred site dedicated to the famous Sultan Moulay Ismail. At the end of the day, we will head to Fes, where a pleasant night in a lovely riad awaits you.
Driving distance: about 260 km
Driving time: about 4 hours 30 min
DAY 4: GUIDED TOUR OF FES
Embark on a fascinating exploration of Fes with a full day of sightseeing accompanied by a local guide. Fes, a Moroccan imperial city and the cultural and religious heart of the country, reveals its rich history and cultural treasures.
Begin your exploration at the golden gate of the Royal Palace, then head into the maze of the medieval Medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover the treasures of the University of Al-Qarawiyyin, the Al-Attarine Madrasa, the Nejjarine Fountain and the Chouara Tanneries, with their fascinating architecture and intricate details.
Venture into the Jewish quarter, known as “the Mellah”, to discover the fascinating history of the Jewish community of Fes. End the day at an ancient fortress, enjoying a panoramic view of the Medina and Fes before returning to your riad.
DAY 5: FES – IFRANE – MIDDLE ATLAS – ZIZ VALLEY – MERZOUGA DESERT
After breakfast at your riad in Fes, we will head for the desert. You will drive south towards Merzouga, with a short stop in Ifrane to enjoy the scenery. We will then continue to a cedar forest in the Middle Atlas, where you will see the Barbary macaques. After a lunch break at a restaurant along the way, we will continue to the Ziz Valley, famous for its palm groves.
In the afternoon you will reach the desert and the authentic camel ride across the Erg Chebbi dunes will begin. Along the way you will stop to admire a golden sunset from the top of a high dune. You will then continue to your luxury desert camp. On arrival, you will be shown to your private tent to relax and freshen up. After a delicious dinner, you will gather around a campfire under the starry sky while the staff play the drums and sing Berber music. You can also learn to play the drums.
Driving distance: about 500 km
Driving time: about 7 hours 30 min
DAY 6: MERZOUGA DESERT – RISSANI – TODRA GORGE – DADES GORGE
Today we highly recommend an early wake-up to watch a magnificent sunrise over the Erg Chebbi dunes. After a pleasant breakfast, you can return to the town of Merzouga by camel or in a 4×4 vehicle. Your driver will take you towards the Dades Gorge.
Along the way you will explore extraordinary places, including the traditional market of Rissani (if your visit falls on a souk day: Sunday, Tuesday or Thursday). You will enjoy a walk in the picturesque Todra Gorge, admiring the splendid views of the Todra river and the Dades river.
On the way to the Dades Gorge, you will admire the imposing rock formations that look like monkey fingers. You will drive along the Dades Valley enjoying a panoramic view of the gorges before reaching your hotel for a comfortable night.
Driving distance: about 310 km
Driving time: about 5 hours
DAY 7: DADES GORGE – OUARZAZATE – AIT BEN HADDOU – HIGH ATLAS – MARRAKECH
Today’s adventure begins with a drive to Ouarzazate, known as the “Hollywood of Africa” and the “gateway to the desert”. Explore the Atlas Studios, the largest film studio in Morocco, to see famous sets and discover how films are made.
Continuing the journey, we will head to Ait Ben Haddou, home of the famous Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featured in films such as Gladiator and Lawrence of Arabia and in the TV series Game of Thrones. Immerse yourself in this historic site, appreciating its architecture and intricate decorations.
After a pleasant lunch at a restaurant, we will cross the High Atlas mountains, enjoying the magnificent views. In the late afternoon we will reach Marrakech. You will check in at your riad and can take a stroll to Jemaa El Fna to soak up its lively atmosphere.
Driving distance: about 353 km
Driving time: about 6 hours 30 min
DAY 8: GUIDED TOUR OF MARRAKECH
Start the last day of this fantastic 8-day itinerary with a delicious breakfast at your riad. Our friendly local guide will show you the best of Marrakech, with curiosities and anecdotes about iconic places such as Jemaa El-Fna square, the Bahia Palace, the Saadian Tombs, the Ben Youssef Madrasa and the Koutoubia Mosque.
After a satisfying lunch, you can explore the modern part of Marrakech and visit the splendid Majorelle Garden. If your departure flight from Morocco is today, we will transfer you to Marrakech Menara airport (RAK) or Mohammed V airport in Casablanca (CMN), depending on your flight, at the end of this splendid 8-day tour from Casablanca to Marrakech.
IMPORTANT!
Please note that this is a suggested itinerary. If it does not exactly match your needs, do not hesitate to contact us. We will organise a tailor-made itinerary based on your preferences and the length of your stay in Morocco. This itinerary can also start from Tangier with the Tangier to Marrakech variant. Longer (9, 10 and 12 days and 2 weeks) and shorter (4, 5, 6 and 7 days) versions are also available. Optional quad or buggy activities among the Erg Chebbi dunes are available on request. Those who do not wish to ride camels can reach the camp by 4×4 at no extra cost.
THE PRICE
varies according to the accommodation chosen, the number of participants and the travel season. Contact us for an exact quote tailored to your group.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: 8-DAY MOROCCO ITINERARY
Are 8 days enough for Morocco? Yes, 8 days are enough for a varied and rich experience in Morocco, taking in the main cities, cultural sites and natural wonders.
What to see in Morocco in 8 days? In 8 days you can visit Marrakech, Chefchaouen, Fes, the Sahara Desert, Ait Ben Haddou, the Atlas mountains and other scenic regions.
How many days are ideal for Morocco? The ideal length depends on your preferences. A well-planned itinerary of 8–14 days allows a complete exploration of cities, cultural sites and natural landscapes.
What is the best time to visit Morocco? The best times are generally spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November), when the climate is pleasant.
What kind of vehicles are used for the tour? Great question! We use comfortable vehicles such as the Toyota Prado Land Cruiser TX, the Ford Tourneo Custom and the Mercedes Benz Sprinter minibus for groups of 8 or more, as well as other comfortable options.
How far in advance should I book the tour? The early bird catches the worm: we recommend booking your trip as early as possible.
How do I pay for the tour? Our payment process is simple and hassle-free. To confirm the booking we ask for a small deposit, which can easily be paid by PayPal, bank transfer or Wise when booking. The remaining balance can be paid in cash on the first day of the tour directly to our driver/guide. You have the flexibility to pay in euros, US dollars or the equivalent in dirhams.
BOOKING PROCESS:
Contact us through the contact form, by email or on WhatsApp, telling us the number of travellers, your approximate departure date and the accommodation category you would like.
Booking: we ask for a small deposit to confirm the booking (via PayPal, Wise or bank transfer). The remaining balance can be paid in cash (in EUR, USD or MAD) directly to the driver on arrival.
WHY CHOOSE PRIVATE TOURS IN MOROCCO?
A private tour lets you travel at your own pace, with maximum flexibility in timings, stops and choice of accommodation. You will have an expert driver and vehicles for your exclusive use at your complete disposal, for a trip in total comfort and safety.
The tour lasts 8 days / 7 nights. It departs from Casablanca and ends in Marrakech.
Day 1: Casablanca – Rabat. Day 2: Rabat – Chefchaouen. Day 3: Chefchaouen – Volubilis – Meknes – Fes. Day 4: Guided Tour of Fes. Day 5: Fes – Ifrane – Middle Atlas – Ziz Valley – Merzouga Desert. Day 6: Merzouga Desert – Rissani – Todra Gorge – Dades Gorge. Day 7: Dades Gorge – Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – High Atlas – Marrakech. Day 8: Guided Tour of Marrakech.
Airport pick-up and drop-off; Comfortable transport in a private air-conditioned 4×4, van or minibus (depending on the number of participants); Experienced driver, or English-speaking driver and tour guide (other languages on request); Local guide to explore the lively cities of Fes and Marrakech; Accommodation for 7 nights with breakfast included; Dinner at the desert camp and at the hotel in the Dades Gorge; Extraordinary camel trek experience; Sandboarding.
Lunches; Dinner in Rabat, Chefchaouen, Fes and Marrakech; Drinks; Entrance tickets, when required; Tips (optional).
The price depends on the number of travellers, the time of year and the accommodation category you choose. As it is a private tour, you only pay for your own group. Contact us with your dates and group size for a free, no-obligation quote.
Yes, the tour style is: Private. You travel only with your own group, with a dedicated driver/guide. The itinerary is a suggested route: we can adjust it or create a tailor-made trip to suit you.
You will then continue to your luxury desert camp.
