Morocco Grand Tour in 9 Days
Morocco
Overview
This loop covers Morocco's strongest highlights: Marrakech's medina, a two-day crossing of the High Atlas and Dades Gorge to a Sahara desert camp near Merzouga, the ancient medina of Fes, and the blue streets of Chefchaouen, finishing in Casablanca. A private driver (shared or solo) is the standard way to cover this route.
- Duration
- 9 days
- Pace
- Fast-paced
- Transport
- Mixed
- Estimated budget (comfortable)
- €750–€950
Route
1. Marrakech2. Dades Gorge3. Merzouga (desert camp)4. Fes5. Chefchaouen6. Casablanca
Highlights
- Camel trek and overnight desert camp near Merzouga
- Fes el Bali, one of the world's largest car-free urban areas
- Chefchaouen's blue-washed old town
- Crossing the High Atlas via the Dades Gorge
Worth knowing
- Long driving days, especially Merzouga to Fes
- Desert nights are cold outside summer — pack layers
- Persistent bargaining is expected in the souks, which can feel tiring at first
Day by day
Day 1
MarrakechMain activities
- Arrive
- Jemaa el-Fnaa square at night
Overnight: Marrakech
Day 2
MarrakechMain activities
- Jardin Majorelle
- Bahia Palace and the souks
Overnight: Marrakech
Day 3
Marrakech → Dades GorgeMain activities
- Cross the High Atlas via Tizi n'Tichka pass
- Ait Ben Haddou kasbah (UNESCO)
~7 hours with stops · Private driver, mountain roadOvernight: Dades Gorge
Day 4
Dades Gorge → MerzougaMain activities
- Todra Gorge en route
- Camel trek into the Erg Chebbi dunes at sunset
~4 hoursOvernight: Merzouga (desert camp)
Day 5
Merzouga → FesMain activities
- Sunrise over the dunes
- Long drive north via Ziz Valley and Midelt
~7 hoursOvernight: Fes
Day 6
FesMain activities
- Fes el Bali medina and tanneries
- Al-Qarawiyyin, the world's oldest university
Overnight: Fes
Day 7
Fes → ChefchaouenMain activities
- Drive north (~4h)
- Blue-washed medina walk
~4 hoursOvernight: Chefchaouen
Day 8
Chefchaouen → CasablancaMain activities
- Free morning in Chefchaouen
- Drive to Casablanca (~5.5h)
Optional additions
- Hassan II Mosque on arrival
~5.5 hoursOvernight: Casablanca
Day 9
CasablancaMain activities
- Final sightseeing
- Departure
Overnight: Casablanca
Alternatives
Shorter version · 6 days
Drop Chefchaouen and fly back to Marrakech directly from Fes.
Longer extension · 12 days
Add 2–3 days hiking in the High Atlas around Imlil before or after Marrakech.