10-Day Chefchaouen to Sahara to Marrakech - Private Group
Grab some friends and see the highlights of Morocco with this incredible private 10-day tour, taking you through Casablanca, Chefchaouen, Fes, the Sahara Desert, Marrakech, and everything in between! With private transportation and guides to allow you to travel at your own pace, you will explore the charming blue medina of Chefchaouen, tour the historic Fes medina, camp in the Sahara, and so much more!
ItineraryDay 1: CASABLANCA, RABATStop At: Hassan II Mosque, Boulevard de la Corniche, Casablanca 20000 Morocco
Arrive in Casablanca and meet your driver outside the airport.
Begin with a visit to the stunning Hassan II Mosque, the largest in Morocco and the third largest mosque in the world that non-Muslims are allowed to enter. Able to accommodate up to 105,000 in prayer, this marvel of modern Moroccan architecture is the work of hundreds of expert craftsmen from around the country, many of them donating their work.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Hassan Tower, Boulevard Mohamed Lyazidi, Rabat 10030 Morocco
Continue on to Rabat (1.5 hour drive), where you will visit the Hassan Tower, which has sat unfinished since 1199. Commissioned by Abu Yusuf Yaqub al-Mansur, the tower was to be the minaret for the largest mosque in the world. Unfortunately, when the sultan passed away in 1199, the project was abandoned, leaving some partial outer walls, 348 columns, and a minaret only standing half-finished at 140 feet rather than the intended 260 feet.
Standing opposite the Hassan Tower is the Mohammed V Mausoleum, which contains the tombs of Mohammed V, the current king's grandfather, as well as the king's father, Hassan II, and his uncle, Prince Abdallah. It is considered a masterpiece of Alaouite architecture with its white walls and green tiled roof.
Duration: 1 hour
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight at a traditional riad in the Rabat Medina or a modern hotel in downtown Rabat.
Day 2: CHEFCHAOUENStop At: Chefchaouen Medina, Chefchaouen Morocco
Travel north to Chefchaouen, nestled high in the lush Rif Mountains. (4.5 hour drive)
Dive into the enchanting atmosphere of the idyllic blue-washed medina, a captivating labyrinth of winding alleys that has transformed the once sacred and closed city into the renowned Blue Pearl of Morocco. Today, this vibrant destination beckons travelers from across the globe, offering a visual feast for photographers and artists alike. The mesmerizing blue walls and steps create a picturesque canvas, adorned with the vivid hues of flower pots, cloths, and sacks of pigment found in the bustling souks. Immerse yourself in the kaleidoscope of colors and textures that define this unique cityscape, where every corner reveals a story and every step is a journey through the captivating Blue Pearl of Morocco.
Duration: 8 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast: Breakfast included at your hotel.
Accommodation included: Overnight in a traditional riad in Chefchaouen
Day 3: CHEFCHAOUEN TO FESStop At: Fes, Fes, Fes-Meknes
Spend the morning in Chefchaouen before making the journey back down the mountains to Fes (3.5 hour drive).
OPTIONAL: Get an early start to allow time to stop at Volubilis and/or the Imperial City of Meknes (entrance fees may be required).
Duration: 4 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast: Breakfast included at your riad.
Accommodation included: Overnight in a traditional riad in Fes.
Day 4: FES DAY TOURStop At: Fes, Fes, Fes-Meknes
Tour Fes with a private guide. (Walking tour with some transportation between sites.)
Begin at the royal palace, with its seven golden doors, and learn about the significance of the intricate decor.
Stroll through the Mellah, or Jewish quarter, which was built next to the palace to offer protection.
Take in the view of the city from Borj Sud, a former fortress and one of the lookouts on a hill where you can see all of Fes laid out, allowing you to spot landmarks otherwise hidden by the skyline-obscuring buildings.
Visit a pottery co-op to see how they make the unique Fes pottery, as well as handcrafting the intricate mosaics adorning half of Morocco.
Head into the ancient medina and step into a sort of living museum.
Stop by the Al-Quaraouiyine University, the oldest degree-granting university still in operation, having been founded in 859CE by a woman.
Visit handicraft workshops, such as the silk weavers, the wood carvers, the metal workers, and the famous Fes tannery.
Duration: 6 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast: Breakfast included at your riad.
• Lunch: During your tour of the medina, you will stop for lunch in a local restaurant.
Accommodation included: Overnight in a traditional riad in Fes.
Day 5: ATLAS MOUNTAINS, MERZOUGAStop At: Merzouga Desert, Merzouga Morocco
Depart Fes after breakfast and begin your journey south.
Make a coffee stop in Ifrane, a small ski resort town that is also known as the Swiss village due to its alpine-style architecture.
Visit the wild monkeys in the cedar forests outside of Azrou, where they are happy to be fed but surprisingly well mannered.
Stop in Zayda for lunch, enjoying fresh barbecue in one of the many streetside restaurants (lunch not included).
Take in the scenery as you cross the Atlas Mountains.
View the lush green date and almond trees filling the gorge in Errachidia.
Arrive in Merzouga in the evening and check in to your riad in time for dinner
Duration: 7 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast: Breakfast included at your riad.
• Dinner: Dinner included at your riad.
Accommodation included: Overnight in a riad on the edge of the sand in Merzouga.
Day 6: SAHARA DESERTStop At: Erg Chebbi Dunes, Morocco
Begin the day with an SUV excursion through the Sahara Desert.
Visit the Gnawa Village to listen to their entrancing music. The rhythmic, hypnotic music has long been part of their ceremonies, from the time their ancestors were brought to the area as slaves. The music has influenced an entire genre that is performed all across Morocco and has even inspired several music festivals.
Hunt for fossils of aquatic critters in the desert. The Sahara was once an ocean 7 million years ago, and there are countless fossils remaining.
In the late afternoon, meet your camels for your trek into your desert camp. You will journey through the dunes, and your camel guide will be able to get some great pictures for you as well!
Arrive at your camp and enjoy a welcome glass of Moroccan mint tea and Moroccan cookies. Take some time to relax before dinner.
After dinner, enjoy live music around the bonfire.
Duration: 6 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast: Breakfast included at your riad.
• Dinner: Dinner included at the camp.
Accommodation included: A luxury camp in the Sahara Desert. Each private tent has its own bathroom.
Day 7: BOUMALNE DADES, OUARZAZATEStop At: Dades Gorges, R704 Atlas Mountains, Boumalne Dades 45350 Morocco
OPTIONAL: Wake up early to watch the sunrise over the dunes. Remember it gets cold in the desert overnight, so don't forget your jacket!
Enjoy a traditional Moroccan breakfast at the camp.
Depart camp via SUV.
Meet up with your driver once more, and begin your journey west.
Make a stop Tinerhir to see the stunning Todra Gorge, carved from the red rocks of the landscape by a river.
Complete your journey to Ouarzazate, with an optional stop in Kalaat M'Gouna, famous for its production of rose water.
Duration: 6 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast: Breakfast included at the camp.
Accommodation included: Overnight in a hotel or riad in Ouarzazate.
Day 8: TICHKA PASS, MARRAKECHStop At: Ait Ben Haddou, Ait Ben Haddou, Souss-Massa
Stop at Ait Ben-Haddou, an ancient Ksar that has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located along the former trade caravan route between the Sahara Desert and Marrakech, the Ksar is now often used as a filming location for movies including The Jewel of the Nile, The Mummy, Gladiator, and Kingdom of Heaven.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Tizi n Tichka, Imlil Village, Ouarzazate 45000 Morocco
Cross the Atlas Mountains via the winding Tichka Pass to reach Marrakech.
Duration: 5 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast: Breakfast included at your hotel.
Accommodation included: Overnight in a traditional riad in the Marrakech medina.
Day 9: DAY TOUR OF MARRAKECHStop At: Jemaa el-Fnaa, 38 Jemaa el-Fna, Rue El Ksour, Marrakech Morocco
Tour Marrakech with a private guide.
Visit the Koutoubia minaret, the tallest in Marrakech. The minaret is part of the largest mosque in Marrakech, which was completed in 1199.
Stop at a Berber Apothecary shop, learning of the medicinal uses of many of the common spices and herbs that are still used across Morocco to treat common illnesses.
Tour the Bahia Palace, a late 19th-century palace built for the grand vizier and named for his favorite wife. The rooms, set in a 2-acre garden, include the rooms that housed his harem, an often political position.
Explore Jemaa el Fna, the primary square in the medina and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Though now filled with street performers, snake charmers, merchants, and orange juice stalls, when it was created in 1050, it was used for public executions, perhaps leading to its name which can be translated as "assembly of death".
Head into the souks surrounding Jemaa el Fna to several workshops, including shoemakers and bakers.
Duration: 6 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast: Breakfast included at your riad.
Accommodation included: Overnight in a traditional riad in the Marrakech medina.
Day 10: DEPARTUREStop At: Casablanca, Casablanca, Casablanca-Settat
After breakfast, return to Casablance for your departure flight.
Duration: 3 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast: Breakfast included at your riad.
No accommodation included on this day.
Informacion Adicional
"Not wheelchair accessible"
"Most travelers can participate"
"Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking"
"Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required"
"This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate"
"Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability"
Start Time:
09:00 AM
Duration: 10 Days
Start location: Traveler pickup is offered
Your driver's name and phone number will be provided prior to your pickup. Your driver will meet you with a sign bearing your name and the Wanderlust Voyages logo.
Airports- Mohamed V Airport, Casablanca Morocco
Cancellations and refunds:
If you cancel at least 4 day(s) in advance of the scheduled departure, there is no cancellation fee.
If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, there is a 100 percent cancellation fee.
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