6-Day Casablanca to Marrakech Tour

6-Day Morocco Tour: From Casablanca’s Coast to Sahara’s Dunes

Morocco is a land of vibrant contrasts, where ancient medinas stand alongside modern metropolises, and lush mountains give way to golden deserts. Exploring this North African gem in just six days might seem ambitious, but with the right itinerary, you can experience the country’s diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage efficiently. This Morocco itinerary 6 days from Casablanca takes you through blue-washed mountain towns, medieval medinas, and the magnificent Sahara Desert, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Day 1: Casablanca to Chefchaouen

Your Moroccan adventure begins in Casablanca, the country’s largest city and economic hub. While many travelers rush through Casablanca, taking a few hours to explore its highlights is worthwhile before heading north.

Morning in Casablanca

Start your day with a visit to the magnificent Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world and one of few open to non-Muslim visitors. This architectural marvel sits dramatically on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, featuring intricate craftsmanship that showcases the best of Moroccan artistry.

“The Hassan II Mosque isn’t just a religious site; it’s a testament to Morocco’s artistic heritage and contemporary vision.” — Moroccan architectural guide

After touring the mosque, take a quick stroll along the Corniche waterfront before heading north toward Chefchaouen.

Afternoon Journey to Chefchaouen

The drive from Casablanca to Chefchaouen takes approximately 5-6 hours, passing through diverse landscapes:

• Rabat (the capital city)
• The Rif Mountains
• Picturesque countryside dotted with olive groves

Evening in Chefchaouen

As you arrive in Chefchaouen—Morocco’s famous “Blue City”—nestled in the Rif Mountains, you’ll immediately understand its nickname. The medina’s buildings are washed in various shades of blue, creating a dreamlike atmosphere that feels worlds away from Casablanca’s modernity.

Where to Stay: Consider accommodations like Dar Echchaouen or Lina Ryad & Spa or similar for authentic Moroccan hospitality with modern comforts.

Evening Activity: Enjoy a leisurely dinner at Plaza Uta el-Hammam, Chefchaouen’s main square, where you can sample local specialties like tagine while adjusting to the relaxed mountain atmosphere.

Day 2: Chefchaouen to Fes

Morning in Chefchaouen

Wake up early to experience Chefchaouen’s blue streets before the day-trippers arrive. This is the perfect time for photography as the morning light illuminates the azure walls.

Must-Do Activities:

• Wander through the winding blue alleyways of the medina
• Visit the Kasbah Museum in the town center
• Hike up to the Spanish Mosque for panoramic views of the blue city below
• Shop for handwoven blankets and other local handicrafts

Afternoon Journey to Fes

After lunch, begin your approximately 4-hour journey to Fes, Morocco’s cultural and spiritual capital. The landscape gradually changes as you leave the mountains behind and enter the fertile plains surrounding Fes.

Evening in Fes

Arrive in Fes in time for dinner. As one of Morocco’s four imperial cities, Fes boasts an intimidating but fascinating medina—considered the world’s largest car-free urban area.

Where to Stay: For an authentic experience, choose a riad within the medina such as Riad Laaroussa or Palais Amani or similar. These traditional Moroccan houses with interior courtyards offer a peaceful retreat from the bustling medina.

Evening Activity: Enjoy dinner at a traditional restaurant like The Ruined Garden, where you can sample Fassi cuisine, known for its sophisticated flavors and techniques.

Day 3: Fes Guided Tour

Morning Exploration

Fes deserves a full day of exploration with a knowledgeable guide who can navigate the medina’s 9,000+ alleyways and explain the city’s rich history. The Fes el-Bali (Old Fes) is a UNESCO World Heritage site and appears largely unchanged since the Middle Ages.

Morning Highlights:

• Bab Boujloud (The Blue Gate) – the main entrance to the old medina
• Al-Qarawiyyin University and Mosque – the world’s oldest continuously operating university
• Bou Inania Madrasa – an exquisite example of Marinid architecture
• The famous tanneries – where leather has been processed using medieval methods for centuries

Afternoon Discoveries

Afternoon Highlights:

• The Mellah (Jewish Quarter)
• Royal Palace (Dar el-Makhzen) – admire its impressive brass doors from outside
• Pottery and ceramic workshops in the outskirts of Fes

Cultural Immersion Experiences

Consider enhancing your Fes experience with:

• A traditional cooking class
• A visit to a hammam (traditional bathhouse)
• Guided shopping for authentic crafts including ceramics, textiles, and metalwork

Day 4: Fes to Merzouga

Today marks one of the longest but most scenic drives of your Morocco itinerary 6 days tour as you journey from Fes to the edge of the Sahara Desert.

Early Morning Departure

Leave Fes early to make the most of this travel day. The approximately 7-8 hour journey takes you through:

• The Middle Atlas Mountains
• Cedar forests near Ifrane (where you might spot Barbary macaques)
• The town of Midelt, known as the “Apple Capital”
• The dramatic Ziz Valley with its countless palm trees
• The desert gateway town of Erfoud

The Shifting Landscapes

This drive showcases Morocco’s incredible geographic diversity, transitioning from fertile plains to mountains to pre-desert landscapes, and finally to the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi near Merzouga.

Evening Desert Experience

Upon arrival in Merzouga, transfer to a camel caravan for a sunset ride into the desert. As the sun sets over the Sahara, the dunes transform with shifting colors from gold to orange to pink.

Desert Camp Experience:

• Traditional Berber camp with comfortable tents
• Dinner under the stars
• Evening entertainment with Berber music and drumming
• Stargazing in one of the clearest skies you’ll ever see

Where to Stay: A desert luxury camp like Merzouga Luxury Desert Camp or for more authentic experience, traditional Berber tents at camps like Desert Luxury Camp or similar.

Day 5: Merzouga to Ouarzazate

Desert Sunrise

Wake early to witness the spectacular sunrise over the Sahara dunes—an unforgettable experience as the desert awakens with golden light. After breakfast at your camp, return to Merzouga by camel or 4×4 vehicle.

Dades Valley and Todra Gorge

Your journey continues west through Morocco’s “Road of a Thousand Kasbahs,” featuring:

• Todra Gorge: Massive rock walls rising 300 meters create a spectacular natural canyon
• Dades Valley: Known for its peculiar rock formations and historic kasbahs
• Valley of Roses: Famous for rose cultivation (especially beautiful in April-May during harvest)

Arrival in Ouarzazate

By late afternoon, arrive in Ouarzazate, known as the “Hollywood of Morocco” due to its many film studios that have produced scenes for everything from “Game of Thrones” to “Gladiator.”

Key Sites in Ouarzazate:

• Taourirt Kasbah – a massive earthen citadel
• Atlas Film Studios (if time permits)
• Cinema Museum

Where to Stay: Comfortable options include Dar Chamaa or Le Berbère Palace or similar.

Day 6: Ouarzazate to Marrakech

Ait Ben Haddou

Begin your final day with a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Ben Haddou, an impressive ksar (fortified village) that has served as a backdrop for numerous films and TV shows. This well-preserved earthen city rises dramatically from the surrounding landscape, offering a glimpse into Morocco’s past.

Take time to climb to the top of the village for panoramic views of the surrounding area and explore the narrow alleyways between the ancient kasbahs.

Crossing the High Atlas

The drive from Ouarzazate to Marrakech takes you over the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, which at 2,260 meters is the highest major mountain pass in North Africa. This spectacular road offers breathtaking views with:

• Dramatic mountain scenery
• Traditional Berber villages clinging to mountainsides
• Switchback roads revealing new vistas around every turn

Arrival in Marrakech

As you descend from the mountains, the landscape transforms once again as you approach the bustling imperial city of Marrakech.

Evening in Marrakech:

• Visit the famous Jemaa el-Fna square as it comes alive at sunset
• Watch as food stalls, storytellers, musicians, and performers transform the square into a carnival atmosphere
• Enjoy a farewell dinner at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the medina

Where to Stay: For your final night, consider splurging on a luxurious riad like La Mamounia or Riad El Fenn, or choose a more moderate option like Riad Dar Anika or similar.

What’s Included in Your Morocco in 6 Days Tour

When booking this Morocco itinerary 6 days from Casablanca, most reputable tour operators include the following services:

Inclusions in the tour

• Pick-up & Drop-off at your Hotel or Airport
• Private transport in an A/C 4×4 or minivan
• Experienced English/Spanish-speaking driver
• Accommodation in excellent hotels and a luxury desert camp
• Camel ride in the Sahara Desert
• Meals: 2 Dinners and 5 Breakfasts

Exclusions in the tour

• Lunches & drinks
• Flights & visa fees
• Monument entrance fees
• Tips for guides and drivers

Knowing these inclusions and exclusions helps you budget appropriately for your Morocco adventure and avoid any unexpected expenses during your journey.

Practical Tips for Your 6-Day Morocco Tour

Best Time to Visit

• Spring (March-May) and Fall (September-November) offer the most pleasant temperatures
• Avoid summer months (June-August) when desert temperatures can exceed 100°F (38°C)
• Winter can be cold in the mountains and desert nights drop below freezing

What to Pack

• Lightweight, modest clothing (covering shoulders and knees)
• A warm layer for cool desert nights and mountain areas
• Comfortable walking shoes for medinas and hiking
• Sunglasses, sun hat, and sunscreen
• Small first aid kit including stomach remedies

Transportation Options

• Private Tour: Most convenient for this itinerary

Budget Considerations

• Budget: Start from $895 per person (basic accommodations, public transport where possible)
• Mid-range: Start from $1000-1500 per person (riads, private driver)
• Luxury: Start from $2000+ per person (luxury riads, desert camps, guides)

If you’re enchanted by this 6-day itinerary but wish for a more extensive experience, Book your 6 Days in Morocco with Morocco Travel 4×4, the best travel company in Morocco. Their extended tours allow you to discover additional regions and enjoy a more relaxed pace while benefiting from their expert local knowledge.

Conclusion

This Morocco itinerary 6 days from Casablanca provides an excellent introduction to the country’s diverse landscapes and cultural treasures. From the Atlantic coast to the Sahara Desert, from blue mountain towns to ancient medinas, you’ll experience the essence of Morocco in less than a week.

While this pace is relatively fast, the journey is designed to minimize backtracking while maximizing experiences. To truly get the most from your Morocco in 6 days tour, consider hiring a private driver or joining a small group tour, allowing you to focus on the experiences rather than the logistics.

Morocco’s magic lies not just in its monuments and landscapes but in its people, traditions, and warm hospitality. Even on this whirlwind tour, take time to sip mint tea with locals, wander through souks without a specific destination, and allow yourself to be enchanted by this remarkable corner of North Africa.