A lone acacia tree on golden desert sand beneath a dramatic sky

8 days · from Casablanca

Sahara and Atlas Adventure

A 8-day private journey from Casablanca through Marrakech, Fez, the Sahara and the Atlas Mountains.

Length
8 days
Nights
7
Starts in
Casablanca
Style
Private

This 8-day itinerary begins in Casablanca and moves through Marrakech, Fez, the Sahara, the Atlas Mountains and Casablanca. Treat it as a starting point: dates, pace and stops can all be adjusted around you.

  • Desert
  • Mountains

A starting point, not a fixed package. Dates, pace, stops and experiences are adjusted with you. Prices, accommodation and inclusions are agreed in your tailored proposal.

Day by day

8 days · 7 nights

  1. 1

    Day 1Casablanca to Marrakech

    About 240 km · about 3 h driving

    Begin your journey with a scenic drive from Casablanca to Marrakech. After checking into your riad, take a guided evening tour of Jemaa el-Fnaa square, experiencing the lively street performers, storytellers, and aromatic food stalls. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant serving traditional Moroccan cuisine.

  2. 2

    Day 2Marrakech to Ouarzazate

    About 200 km · about 4 h driving

    Leave Marrakech in the morning and head toward Ouarzazate, crossing the majestic High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka pass. Along the way, stop at the famous Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site that has been featured in numerous films. Arrive in Ouarzazate, known as the "Gateway to the Sahara," and visit the Atlas Film Studios. Spend the evening relaxing in your hotel.

  3. 3

    Day 3Ouarzazate to Dades Valley

    About 130 km · about 2 h driving

    Travel to the breathtaking Dades Valley, often referred to as the “Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs.” En route, stop at Skoura to explore its ancient palm groves. Take a short hike through the dramatic landscapes of the Dades Gorges, where towering rock formations create a stunning backdrop. Check into your guesthouse and enjoy a home-cooked Moroccan meal.

  4. 4

    Day 4Dades Valley to Merzouga (Sahara Desert)

    About 255 km · about 4 h driving

    Continue your journey toward the Sahara Desert, passing through the Todra Gorges, a spectacular canyon carved by the Todra River. Arrive in Merzouga, where you’ll ride camels across the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi to reach your luxury desert camp. Spend the evening under the stars, enjoying traditional music and a delicious Moroccan feast.

  5. 5

    Day 5Full Day in the Sahara Desert

    Immerse yourself in the beauty of the Sahara with a day full of activities. Begin with a sunrise camel ride over the dunes, followed by breakfast at the camp. Visit a nearby nomadic village to learn about desert life and local traditions. After lunch, try sandboarding or quad biking on the dunes. Enjoy another magical evening around the campfire, sharing stories under the vast desert sky.

  6. 6

    Day 6Sahara to Fez

    About 455 km · about 7 h 30 min driving

    Leave the desert behind as you travel north to Fez. Along the way, stop in Midelt for lunch and admire the scenic landscapes of the Ziz Valley and cedar forests of the Middle Atlas Mountains. Arrive in Fez by evening and settle into your riad.

  7. 7

    Day 7Full Day in Fez

    Explore the ancient city of Fez, starting with a guided tour of the Medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit the Al-Qarawiyyin University, the tanneries, and artisan workshops. Pause for lunch in a hidden courtyard restaurant before exploring the Mellah (Jewish Quarter) and the Royal Palace. End your day with a relaxing rooftop dinner overlooking the city.

  8. 8

    Day 8Return to Casablanca

    About 295 km · about 4 h driving

    Conclude your adventure with a return journey to Casablanca. Use the day for last-minute sightseeing or shopping before a farewell dinner by the ocean.

Good to know

  • This day-by-day plan is a starting template and can be adjusted to your dates, interests and pace.
  • Some days involve long drives. We talk through the pacing with you before you decide.
  • Desert nights can be cold in winter and very hot in summer. We advise on timing when we plan your dates.
  • Prices, accommodation and inclusions are agreed in your tailored proposal.

Questions

Is this itinerary fixed?

No. It's a starting point. We adjust the route, length, pace and experiences to suit your dates and interests before anything is proposed.

Does sending an enquiry confirm a booking?

No. An enquiry starts a conversation. Nothing is reserved or charged until you've reviewed a tailored proposal and chosen to confirm.

What do prices and inclusions look like?

They depend on your dates, group size and choices, so they're set out in your proposal rather than listed here.

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Make this journey yours

Share your dates and ideas. We’ll shape the route around them.