Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

7-Day Morocco Classic: Casablanca to Marrakech via Fes & the Sahara (North Africa Highlights)

Viewed by 180 travelers

Day 1: Coastal arrival

Casablanca, Morocco on September 1, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at your riad or La Sqala

Traditional Moroccan breakfast (fresh bread, msemen or pancakes, olive oil, honey, mint tea) sets you up for a day of city sight-seeing; La Sqala is a popular garden café near the old medina if you prefer a sit-down option. Check opening hours locally (La Sqala typically opens around 9:00am).
MAD60, 0h45m

11:00am

Hassan II Mosque tour

One of the largest mosques in the world with a dramatic Atlantic-side setting; guided tours show off the stunning tilework and cedar ceilings — highly recommended for architecture lovers. Tours generally run 9:00am–5:00pm (check schedule for prayer times).
MAD140, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Rick's Cafe

A stylish, tourist-friendly restaurant inspired by Casablanca the film; good spot for tagines or grilled fish and a lively atmosphere. Opens around noon but hours vary – confirm on the day.
MAD150, 1h15m

3:00pm

Stroll the Corniche (Ain Diab)

Walk the beachfront promenade to see locals, seaside cafes, and modern Casablanca life; a relaxed way to digest and enjoy Atlantic views.
MAD0, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Le Cabestan or similar seafront restaurant

Seafood and Mediterranean plates with a sunset view — a special first-night meal. Many seafront restaurants open for dinner from about 7:00pm; reservations recommended.
MAD300, 1h30m

Day 2: Blue city day

Chefchaouen, Morocco on September 2, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at your riad in Casablanca

Light breakfast at the riad (bread, jam, mint tea/coffee) before the drive north; most riads serve breakfast from about 7:00–9:30am.
MAD50, 0h30m

8:30am

Drive to Chefchaouen

Scenic drive north into the Rif Mountains to the famously blue-washed town — expect roughly 4–6 hours depending on route and stops (Rabat/Tétouan stopover optional).
MAD800, 6h0m

2:30pm

Lunch at a rooftop café (Casa Aladdin or similar)

Eat on a terrace overlooking the blue medina for traditional salads, tagines or couscous; rooftop cafés typically open around noon.
MAD80, 1h0m

3:30pm

Explore Chefchaouen’s medina

Wander the photogenic blue alleys, artisan shops and plazas — the compact medina is ideal for a relaxed walking tour. The medina is open during daylight hours; businesses often close for a few hours for lunch in summer.
MAD0, 2h0m

6:30pm

Sunset at the Spanish Mosque viewpoint

Short hike up to the viewpoint for panoramic views of the town bathed in late sun — great photo opportunity and only a 30–45 minute outing from the medina.
MAD0, 0h45m

8:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Beldi Bab Ssour or local riad

Enjoy a relaxed dinner of grilled meats or tagine in a local restaurant or your riad — many places open 7:00–10:00pm.
MAD120, 1h30m

Day 3: Imperial Fes

Fes, Morocco on September 3, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at your Chefchaouen riad

Riad breakfast with fresh bread, cheeses and mint tea to fuel the drive east to Fes; riads usually serve breakfast from 7:00–9:30am.
MAD50, 0h45m

9:00am

Drive to Fes

Scenic inland drive to Fes across the Rif foothills; expect around 4–5 hours driving with short stops.
MAD600, 5h0m

2:30pm

Lunch at Café Clock (Fes)

Modern café known for creative Moroccan fusion dishes and a relaxed courtyard — a good base before exploring the medina. Usually open from late morning through evening.
MAD100, 1h0m

3:30pm

Guided walking tour of Fes el-Bali (medina)

Explore the labyrinthine medina, tanneries, and historic madrasas such as Bou Inania — the medina is UNESCO-listed and rich in craft workshops. Many sites and stalls are open from morning to late afternoon; the Bou Inania Madrasa often charges a small entry fee.
MAD30, 2h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Ruined Garden

Relaxed, atmospheric restaurant in the medina serving modern takes on Moroccan cuisine — a welcome end to a day of walking.
MAD140, 1h30m

Day 4: Sahara arrival

Merzouga (Erg Chebbi), Morocco on September 4, 2025

7:00am

Early breakfast at your Fes riad

Hearty breakfast before a long drive across the Middle Atlas toward the Sahara; many riads offer early options on request.
MAD50, 0h30m

7:30am

Drive toward Merzouga (Erfoud/Erg Chebbi)

A scenic but long drive across the Middle Atlas and through Erfoud toward Merzouga — plan for roughly 6–8 hours with stops for photos and short breaks.
MAD900, 7h0m

3:00pm

Lunch in Erfoud or Rissani

Simple local meal (grilled chicken or tagine) in a town en route; eateries are generally open midday.
MAD80, 1h0m

4:30pm

Camel trek from Merzouga dunes (sunset)

Classic camel ride into the Erg Chebbi dunes timed to arrive at sunset for spectacular colors; most treks are 2–3 hours and finish at a desert camp for the night. Camel treks typically depart late afternoon to catch sunset.
MAD500, 3h0m

8:00pm

Dinner and music at the desert camp

Traditional Berber dinner and often live drumming under the stars — usually included with overnight camp packages. Confirm inclusions when booking.
MAD0, 1h30m

Day 5: Gorges & kasbahs

Dades Gorge / Aït Benhaddou, Morocco on September 5, 2025

7:00am

Sunrise on the dunes and breakfast

Short walk to the dune crest for sunrise, followed by breakfast at the camp — peaceful desert morning before the drive out.
MAD0, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Dades Gorge via Tinghir (Todgha Gorge optional)

Travel through palm oases and dramatic canyons; the drive includes photogenic landscapes and small towns — plan on several hours with stops.
MAD600, 4h0m

1:00pm

Lunch in Dades Valley

Eat at a valley guesthouse or roadside restaurant serving tagines and salads; perfect to sample local Berber cuisine.
MAD100, 1h0m

2:30pm

Walk and viewpoints in Dades Gorge

Short hikes and viewpoints reveal layered canyon walls and traditional terraced farms — great for photos and a moderate walk. Sites are open all day; wear sturdy shoes.
MAD0, 2h0m

5:00pm

Drive to Aït Benhaddou / Ouarzazate

Cross the dramatic 'Road of a Thousand Kasbahs' toward the famed ksar of Aït Benhaddou and the film studios of Ouarzazate; allow 1.5–2.5 hours depending on stops.
MAD200, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at a kasbah restaurant (e.g., local kasbah)

Sample regional specialties in a kasbah setting; many places open for dinner from about 7:00pm onward.
MAD140, 1h30m

Day 6: High Atlas to Marrakech

Marrakech, Morocco on September 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at your kasbah or hotel

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before visiting Aït Benhaddou or setting off over the High Atlas; many kasbahs serve breakfast from 7:30–9:30am.
MAD60, 0h45m

9:00am

Visit Aït Benhaddou (ksar)

Explore the UNESCO-listed fortified village where many films were shot; entrance and walking around the ksar are typically possible from early morning until late afternoon.
MAD10, 1h30m

11:00am

Drive over Tizi n'Tichka pass to Marrakech

Scenic drive descending from the High Atlas into the plains of Marrakech — expect around 3.5–4.5 hours depending on traffic and stops for photos.
MAD500, 4h0m

4:30pm

Check into Marrakech riad and mint tea

Settle into your riad and enjoy a welcome mint tea — most riads receive guests mid-afternoon for check-in.
MAD0, 0h30m

5:30pm

Jardin Majorelle & Yves Saint Laurent Museum

Visit the iconic blue garden and museum; popular site so arrive later afternoon if possible. Typical hours are roughly 8:00–6:00pm (verify current times) and entry has an admission fee.
MAD140, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Jemaa el-Fnaa food stalls

Experience the lively night market with countless stalls offering grilled meats, tagines, and street specialties; stalls are busiest after sunset and operate late into the evening.
MAD80, 1h30m

Day 7: Coastal day trip

Essaouira (day trip from Marrakech), Morocco on September 7, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at your Marrakech riad

Early breakfast before the drive west to Essaouira; riads typically serve breakfast from 7:00–9:30am.
MAD50, 0h30m

8:00am

Drive to Essaouira

Coastal drive of about 2.5–3 hours to a relaxed Atlantic port town known for seafood, windsurfing and a laid-back medina.
MAD300, 2h30m

11:00am

Explore Essaouira medina and Skala de la Ville

Stroll the UNESCO-listed medina, coastal ramparts and galleries; the ramparts and harbor are open all day and great for photos.
MAD0, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Taros Cafe or a harbor seafood restaurant

Try fresh grilled fish at the harbor stalls or a rooftop café like Taros for sea views and local flavors; most restaurants open by late morning.
MAD140, 1h0m

3:00pm

Beach walk and argan cooperative visit

Walk the wide sandy beach, shop local argan oil cooperatives to learn about production and buy gifts; cooperatives usually open during daytime hours (9:00–6:00).
MAD50, 1h30m

6:00pm

Drive back to Marrakech

Return to Marrakech for your final evening or onward travel — expect about 2.5–3 hours driving depending on traffic.
MAD300, 2h30m

8:30pm

Farewell dinner at Le Jardin or Café des Épices

Enjoy a final meal in a relaxed garden or rooftop setting showcasing Moroccan cuisine with a modern touch; typical dinner hours begin around 7:00pm.
MAD200, 1h30m
0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version