9-Day Morocco's Great Desert (The route of the Kasbahs) from Costa del Sol (C-590)

About this experience

Embark on an unforgettable 9-day journey from Spain’s Costa del Sol across the Strait of Gibraltar to the heart of Morocco. Begin in Tangier and travel through a fascinating mosaic of landscapes and cultures—from the Atlantic coast to the sands of the Sahara. Explore the capital city Rabat and dynamic Casablanca, home to the impressive Hassan II Mosque. Continue to Marrakesh, the “Red City,” where ancient palaces, vibrant souks, and the legendary Jemaa el-Fna Square reveal Morocco’s living heritage. Venture through the High Atlas Mountains to Ouarzazate and Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its cinematic scenery. Experience the breathtaking Todra Gorges and the tranquility of Erfoud before a once-in-a-lifetime evening under the stars in the Merzouga desert, complete with camel rides and traditional Berber hospitality. Your journey continues through the Middle Atlas to the cultural capital of Fes, a labyrinth of artisan workshops and medieval alleys. Conclude in Chefchaouen, the enchanting “Blue Pearl” nestled in the Rif Mountains. Blending guided exploration, cultural immersion, and spectacular natural beauty, this itinerary captures the very essence of Morocco—an experience of colors, flavors, and traditions you’ll never forget.

Experience type

Multi day tour

Duration

9 days

Booking in advance

Book at least 2 weeks in advance.

Live tour guide

English, Spanish

Categories

Arts and culture · Bus or minivan tour · Bus tour · Multiday

What's included

• Accommodation and daily buffet breakfast. • 1 lunches, 7 dinners. • Transportation from/to Costa del Sol. • Fast-ferry tickets. • Bus transportation with multilingual tour escort. • Sightseeing tour with local guide in Casablanca, Marrakesh, Ait Ben Haddou and Fes. • Travel Insurance. • Local taxes Accommodation (Selected Hotels or similar) Casablanca • Oum Palace / Kenzi Basma (B) • Double Tree by Hilton / New Hotel (A) Marrakesh • Zalagh Kasbah / Al Andalous (B) • Adam Park / Palm Plaza (A) Ouarzazate • Karam Palace (B) • Le Berbere Palace (A) Erfoud • Chergui (B) • Xaluca Kasbah Maadid (A) Merzouga • Campamento Ideal Camp (B) • Campamento Ideal Luxury Camp (A) Fes • Royal Mirage / Menzeh Zalagh (B) • Heritage Fes Boutique / Zalagh Parc Palace (A) Tangier • Hilton Garden Inn / Kenzi Solazur (B) • Hilton City Center (A)

Please note

Notes: • Passengers are required to clear customs with their own luggage. • Only one piece of luggage allowed per person. • Passport details are required 72 hours in advance to departure. • The itinerary can be modified without substantial variation of services

Itinerary

1. 1
   Day 1

   (Friday) COSTA DEL SOL – TANGIER – RABAT – CASABLANCA (Ferry) (560 km

   Departure from the Costa del Sol to embark for Tangier, crossing the Strait of Gibraltar. Arrival in Morocco and continuation to Rabat, the current capital of the Kingdom. Proceed to Casablanca, the country’s economic metropolis. Dinner and accommodations

2. 2
   Day 2

   (Saturday) CASABLANCA – MARRAKESH (245 km)

   Breakfast. Panoramic tour of Casablanca: Hassan II Avenue, United Nations Square and the exterior of the Royal Palace, surrounded by manicured gardens that reflect the sobriety of power in this metropolis. The highlight is the imposing Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest in the world, built on the waters of the Atlantic; its 210-metre minaret dominates the horizon. We recommend the optional interior visit. Free time for lunch in Casablanca, with the chance to enjoy fresh fish, seafood pastilla or a delicious harira in one of its modern cafés. Departure for Marrakesh, jewel of the south. Afternoon arrival and hotel check-in. Optional excursion: “Marrakesh by Night” by horse-drawn carriage, touring the illuminated city to reach Jemaa el-Fna Square, where nightfall transforms it into a living legend. Dinner and accommodations

3. 3
   Day 3

   (Sunday) MARRAKESH – AIT BEN HADDOU – OUARZAZATE (210 km)

   Breakfast. Guided tour of Marrakesh: the Menara Basin, symbol of the city since the 12th century, surrounded by olive groves; Bahia Palace, a masterpiece of Moroccan architecture with ornate courtyards, mosaics and orange gardens; stroll through the traditional souks ending at Jemaa el-Fna Square, declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, where snake charmers, storytellers and Gnawa musicians bring the city’s spirit to life. Departure towards the High Atlas via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260 m). Free time for lunch in route. In the afternoon, visit Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah (UNESCO World Heritage), walk through the fortified ksar – filming location of many international productions – and continue to Ouarzazate, the “cinema city”. Dinner and accommodations.

4. 4
   Day 4

   (Monday) OUARZAZATE – TODRA GORGES – ERFOUD (342 km)

   Breakfast. Departure through the Drâa Valley with a stop at Kelaa M’Gouna, known for its rose cultivation and spring festival. Continue via Boumalne du Dadès, gateway to the gorges, and visit the magnificent Todra Gorges, a canyon with sheer cliffs rising over 300 metres. Free time for lunch. Continue to Erfoud, a Saharan town famous for its fossil quarries and date markets, an ideal gateway to the desert. Dinner and accommodations.

5. 5
   Day 5

   (Tuesday) ERFOUD – MERZOUGA (65 km)

   Breakfast. Transfer to the Erg Chebbi dunes in the Merzouga area, where the silence of the desert embraces the senses. Optional 4x4 excursions to Berber villages, hidden oases and the village of Khamlia to hear Gnawa music performed by descendants of Saharan slaves. In the afternoon, camel ride at sunset over the dunes to the camp among the sands; an unforgettable sunset experience. Traditional dinner under the stars and evening with Berber drums. Overnight stay in the desert.

6. 6
   Day 6

   (Wednesday) MERZOUGA – IFRANE – FES (470 km)

   Early breakfast. Departure northwards across the Middle Atlas, passing through Midelt, land of apple orchards, and the forests of Azrou, habitat of the Barbary macaque. Stop in Ifrane, a distinctive Alpine-style town known as the “Switzerland of Morocco” for its order and cleanliness. Continue to Fes, arriving in the afternoon. Dinner and accommodations.

7. 7
   Day 7

   (Thursday) FES

   Breakfast. Morning at leisure for personal activities (a traditional Fes hammam is highly recommended). In the afternoon, visit of Fes el-Bali: exterior of the Royal Palace (Dar al-Makhzen) with its seven bronze gates, entrance through the iconic Bab Boujloud, visit to the Bou Inania Madrasa, strolls through souks and artisan workshops (Chouara Tanneries, Seffarine Square) and exterior visit of Al Quaraouiyine University (founded in 859). Lunch included in a traditional riad in the medina, featuring local specialities such as lamb couscous, tagine, harira and mint tea. Afternoon at leisure to explore, rest or enjoy a massage. Accommodations.

8. 8
   Day 8

   (Friday) FES – CHEFCHAOUEN – TANGIER (305 km)

   Breakfast. Departure for the Rif Mountains and arrival in Chefchaouen, the Blue Pearl of Morocco. Stroll through its sky-blue and indigo-painted medina, explore Outta el Hammam Square, visit artisan workshops and enjoy free time for lunch (not included). Continue to Tangier. Dinner and accommodations.

9. 9
   Day 9

   (Saturday) TANGIER – COSTA DEL SOL (Ferry) (230 km)

   Breakfast. Transfer to the port for ferry crossing to the Costa del Sol. End of services.

Meeting point

Costa del Sol Occidental, Spain

Pick up

Pickup is not provided.

Cancellation policy · Twin Room (B)

VPT 2025 -27

• Cancellation 0–24 hours before departure: 100% cancellation fee.
• Cancellation 24–48 hours before departure: 40% cancellation fee.
• Cancellation 48–216 hours before departure: 35% cancellation fee.
• Cancellation 216–336 hours before departure: 25% cancellation fee.
• Cancellation 336–600 hours before departure: 15% cancellation fee.

Cancellation policy · Single Room ( B)

VPT 2025 -27

• Cancellation 0–24 hours before departure: 100% cancellation fee.
• Cancellation 24–48 hours before departure: 40% cancellation fee.
• Cancellation 48–216 hours before departure: 35% cancellation fee.
• Cancellation 216–336 hours before departure: 25% cancellation fee.
• Cancellation 336–600 hours before departure: 15% cancellation fee.

Cancellation policy · Twin Room (A)

VPT 2025 -27

• Cancellation 0–24 hours before departure: 100% cancellation fee.
• Cancellation 24–48 hours before departure: 40% cancellation fee.
• Cancellation 48–216 hours before departure: 35% cancellation fee.
• Cancellation 216–336 hours before departure: 25% cancellation fee.
• Cancellation 336–600 hours before departure: 15% cancellation fee.

Cancellation policy · Single Room (A)

VPT 2025 -27

• Cancellation 0–24 hours before departure: 100% cancellation fee.
• Cancellation 24–48 hours before departure: 40% cancellation fee.
• Cancellation 48–216 hours before departure: 35% cancellation fee.
• Cancellation 216–336 hours before departure: 25% cancellation fee.
• Cancellation 336–600 hours before departure: 15% cancellation fee.

Good to know

Operated by VPT Tours and sold by AGORA. Your voucher and booking reference arrive by email straight after payment.