Casablanca in 12 Days for Couples - High Atlas crossing (Tizi n'Tichka)
In Collaboration with Starry Tours. Updated on March 27, 2026.
Private 12-day tour from Casablanca covering Marrakech, the High Atlas, Aït Ben Haddou, Ouarzazate, Dades & Todra valleys, the Erg Chebbi dunes at Merzouga and return to Marrakech. Private transport with an English- and French-speaking driver, selected local guides in Volubilis, Meknes, Fes and Marrakech, breakfast and dinner included on listed days. Pickup in Casablanca; the itinerary below uses,
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Starry Tours, inspired by the tour 12 Days/ 11 Nights Trip from Casablanca Over Morocco Private Tour. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- High Atlas crossing (Tizi n'Tichka)
- Aït Ben Haddou kasbah (UNESCO)
- Atlas Film Studios & Taourirt Kasbah in Ouarzazate
- Todra Gorge and Dades Valley drives
- Sunset camel ride and bivouac in Erg Chebbi (Merzouga)
Itinerary
Day 1
Pickup in Marrakech; cross the High Atlas via Tizi n'Tichka, visit Aït Ben Haddou, continue to Ouarzazate (Atlas Film Studios, Taourirt Kasbah), pass Skoura oasis and Kasbah Amridil, arrive in the Rose Valley / Dades area for overnight.
Hotel pickup in Marrakech and depart (start of route)
Pickup from your riad/hotel in Marrakech at the agreed time. Confirm luggage and guests before departure; begin the drive toward the High Atlas (Tizi n'Tichka) and Aït Ben Haddou.
Tips from local experts:
- Have passports and a printed or phone voucher ready for pickup; drivers will confirm the meeting point in advance.
- Pack a small day bag for the sites you’ll visit first (water, sunscreen, light jacket for the pass).
- Expect winding mountain roads; seatbelt use is mandatory and motion-sickness medication is recommended if sensitive.
Tizi n'Tichka pass — short scenic stop
Brief stop at the Tizi n'Tichka pass for photos and a short stretch. This is a standard driver-stop; restroom and snack options are limited, so plan accordingly.
Tips from local experts:
- Carry a lightweight jacket; the pass can be noticeably cooler and windy than Marrakech.
- Use this brief stop for photos; the driver will advise on safe areas to walk off the road.
- If you need a restroom stop, ask the driver — facilities are basic near the pass.
Visit Aït Benhaddou kasbah
Guided visit to the ksar of Aït Benhaddou. Walk the short paths around the kasbah, learn about its architecture and role in film productions; lunch is available nearby (own expense).
Tips from local experts:
- Wear comfortable shoes — paths are uneven and include steps and slopes.
- Lunch near the kasbah is usually café-style; bring cash for small vendors and cafés.
- Bring sunscreen and a hat — shade is limited around the kasbah walls.
Ouarzazate — Atlas Film Studios (short visit)
Drive to Ouarzazate and visit Atlas Film Studios to view sets and exteriors (time-permitting). If studios are closed, a drive-by and photo stop at the entrance is provided.
Tips from local experts:
- Studio opening hours may vary; the driver will adjust the stop if necessary.
- Photography is usually allowed in outdoor areas; ask on arrival about any indoor restrictions.
- Carry small local currency for drinks or small purchases at the site.
Taourirt Kasbah, Ouarzazate — walk outside and brief visit
Short visit to the historic Taourirt Kasbah to view its exterior and immediate courtyards. Time inside depends on opening hours and group pace.
Tips from local experts:
- Kasbah areas often have uneven stone floors and steps; take care with footwear.
- Local guides at the kasbah offer context; ask your driver to arrange a short local guide if desired.
- Keep valuables secure; busy tourist sites may have hawkers selling postcards and trinkets.
Skoura Oasis and Kasbah Amridil — short stop
Drive through the Skoura palm grove and stop to view Kasbah Amridil and oasis farmland — a classic southern Morocco oasis landscape.
Tips from local experts:
- This is a drive-and-short-walk stop; bring water and a sun hat for brief walks among the palms.
- If you want photos with the kasbah, ask the driver where to stop safely off the road.
- Local vendors sometimes sell dates and rose products nearby; carry cash for purchases.
Day 2
Explore the Dades Valley, visit Todra Gorge and Tinghir palm groves, then continue across the Anti-Atlas toward Erfoud and the Erg Chebbi dunes at Merzouga. Evening camel ride to bivouac and dinner under the stars.
Breakfast and depart Dades Valley
Morning breakfast at the guesthouse. Prepare for a day of short hikes and desert-drive stretches toward Merzouga.
Tips from local experts:
- Confirm pickup time with the driver the night before to avoid delays.
- Bring a small daypack with water, a scarf (for dust), and a camera battery bank.
- If you have mobility concerns, request assistance for transfers to/from the vehicle.
Todra Gorge — walk and mint tea stop
Short guided walk along the Todra Gorge riverbed and a traditional mint-tea stop in Tinghir; time to photograph the canyon walls and palms.
Tips from local experts:
- Walks in the gorge include uneven stones; closed-toe shoes are recommended.
- Bring insect repellent in warmer months; the riverside areas can have mosquitoes at dusk.
- Mint tea is often served in small glasses; notify hosts in advance if you require a decaffeinated option.
Drive across Anti-Atlas toward Merzouga (scenic stops en route)
Long scenic transfer with planned photo stops of desert and mountain landscapes en route to Erfoud and Merzouga. Expect brief roadside breaks.
Tips from local experts:
- There will be stretches without services—carry extra bottled water for the drive.
- Restroom stops are scheduled at villages or service stations; keep small change for facilities.
- If you prefer a quieter seat, request it at the start of the day; drivers can usually accommodate.
Arrive Merzouga / Erg Chebbi — prepare for camel ride
Arrive at the edge of Erg Chebbi dunes. Change into comfortable clothes for a late-afternoon camel ride to your desert bivouac.
Tips from local experts:
- Dress in layers: dune temperatures drop quickly after sunset.
- Bring a small flashlight for the bivouac path and a power bank to charge phones.
- If you have neck issues, request a padded saddle or alternate transport from the camel operator ahead of mounting.
Camel ride to bivouac and dinner under the stars
Camel ride into the dunes at sunset, arrival at a private tented bivouac (Bivouac Dar Tafouyte or similar) for dinner and local drumming.
Tips from local experts:
- Keep valuables with you or locked in the vehicle before mounting camels.
- Inform staff of any dietary restrictions at check-in so dinner can be arranged.
- For romantic photos, ask your driver or camp host to point you to a dune with a clear horizon before sunset.
Day 3
Early sunrise at the dunes, return by camel to a kasbah hotel for breakfast and a shower. Then start the return drive through Rissani, the Draa Valley and Anti-Atlas toward Marrakech, with drop-off at the original departure area in Marrakech in the evening. No accommodation included this day.
Sunrise in the dunes (early wake-up)
Wake for sunrise over Erg Chebbi dunes; short photo time and mint tea before returning to camp.
Tips from local experts:
- Sunrise can be early (around 05:30–06:30 depending on season); wear warm layers for the morning chill.
- Keep cameras ready the night before with batteries charged; sunrise light is brief.
- Follow camp staff instructions for safe walking on dunes and during camel mounting.
Camel return to kasbah hotel for breakfast and shower
Camel ride back to the desert-edge kasbah hotel where you can shower, change and have breakfast before departing toward Marrakech.
Tips from local experts:
- Bring toiletries and a change of clothes to the bivouac in a small bag for the morning transfer.
- Check-out time from the bivouac is coordinated with the driver; keep the host aware of your pickup time.
- If you prefer a vehicle transfer instead of a camel back, notify the operator in advance.
Stop in Rissani (short cultural/market stop)
Short stop in Rissani for photos and to see a regional market area (depending on day of week). Stretch legs and buy snacks if needed.
Tips from local experts:
- Markets have narrow alleys; keep belongings close and be prepared for short crowds.
- Bargaining is common at local stalls; keep transactions in small bills and count change carefully.
- If you need to use a restroom, ask your driver to point you to a café or service area.
Drive through the Draa Valley — photo stops and short walk
Scenic drive through the Draa Valley with scheduled photo stops at viewpoints of the palm-lined river and kasbahs.
Tips from local experts:
- Sun protection is important—bring sunscreen and a hat for exposed viewpoints.
- Restroom and café options may be limited; use facilities during scheduled stops.
- Ask the driver for a quieter viewpoint if you prefer private photos away from roadside stalls.
Return drive to Marrakech and drop-off (end of this portion)
Long transfer back to Marrakech across the Anti-Atlas and High Atlas. Drop-off at the original departure point in Marrakech; no accommodation included on this day per itinerary.
Tips from local experts:
- Expect a full day of driving; carry light snacks and water for the journey.
- Overnight arrangements in Marrakech are not included—confirm onward plans before arrival.
- If you need a later transfer to Casablanca or airport onward connections, arrange this separately in advance.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 12 |
| Highlights | 5 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Couples |
| Transfers | 3 |
| Restaurants | 2 |
| Total Activities | 13 |
| Total Places | 13 |
| Activities Types | Transfer, Outdoor, Culture, Attraction, Meal, Experience, Neighborhood |
