Casablanca in 8 Days for Friends - Blue-painted streets of Chefchaouen
In Collaboration with Morocco Travel Shara. Updated on February 14, 2026.
8-day private road-trip from Tangier through northern Morocco to the Sahara and finishing in Marrakech. Daily private transport, local guided visits at key sites, desert camp overnight and camel trekking included per the original program.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Morocco Travel Shara, inspired by the tour Morocco Best 8 days Tour From tangier. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Blue-painted streets of Chefchaouen
- Roman ruins of Volubilis and imperial Meknes
- Full-day guided exploration of Fes el-Bali
- Cedar forests, Middle Atlas scenery
- Camel trek and overnight in the Erg Chebbi dunes (Merzouga/Hassi Labied campement )
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Tangier, short city visit then drive to Chefchaouen. Driver meets at Tangier airport and transfers to city viewpoint and Kasbah before continuing to Chefchaouen.
Pickup — Tangier arrival and meet driver
Meet your private driver at Tangier Ibn Battouta Airport; briefing and short orientation in Tangier before sightseeing and onward drive to Chefchaouen.
Tips from local experts:
- Have your arrival flight number ready for the driver; confirm local SIM or roaming coverage for last-minute coordination.
- Carry a light layer — coastal Tangier mornings can be cool in spring.
- Keep passport and any immigration documents handy for the pickup process.
Short visit — Tangier Kasbah and viewpoint
Short guided stop to see the Kasbah area and panoramic viewpoint over the Strait of Gibraltar before leaving Tangier.
Tips from local experts:
- Wear comfortable shoes for cobbled streets and short stair sections in the Kasbah.
- Bring a bottle of water — there are cafes nearby if you want a drink.
- If you plan to photograph, be mindful of private property and avoid photographing people without permission.
Drive to Chefchaouen — scenic mountain transfer
Private transfer from Tangier to Chefchaouen with a comfort stop en route; arrival and hotel/riad check-in in the late afternoon.
Tips from local experts:
- Expect a 3.5–5 hour drive depending on traffic; bring snacks for the road and motion-sickness aid if needed.
- Carry Euros or Moroccan dirham cash for small stops en route.
- Confirm your riad check-in time in advance; many riads welcome arrivals through the evening.
Day 2
Chefchaouen to Fes with stops at the Roman ruins of Volubilis and the imperial city of Meknes. Depart after breakfast; evening arrival in Fes.
Morning in Chefchaouen — short orientation walk
Brief morning stroll through Chefchaouen's medina to view the blue-and-white streets before departing for Volubilis.
Tips from local experts:
- Streets are narrow and uneven — small backpacks are easier than rolling suitcases.
- Local shops open mid-morning; bring small-denomination cash for purchases.
- If you want photos with fewer people, aim for an earlier start.
Visit Volubilis — Roman ruins
Guided stop at the archaeological site of Volubilis to walk among the Roman mosaics and ruins.
Tips from local experts:
- Bring sun protection and a hat — the site is exposed and has limited shade.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes; paths are uneven and partly unpaved.
- There is a small on-site kiosk and toilets; carry small change for refreshments.
Short visit — Meknes old medina & Bab Mansour
Drive to Meknes for a walk around the medina and the monumental gate Bab Mansour; brief lunch stop in Meknes.
Tips from local experts:
- Choose a restaurant with indoor seating if midday heat is strong.
- Keep an eye on personal belongings in busy medina streets.
- If you wish to enter specific monuments, check opening hours in advance.
Drive to Fes and hotel check-in
Private transfer to Fes with arrival and check-in at your riad or hotel in the evening.
Tips from local experts:
- Expect arrival in Fes in the late afternoon; bring a change of clothes in your day bag for freshening up.
- Notify your driver if you prefer a direct drop at the medina gate or at a hotel outside the medina.
- Keep the riad's address written in Arabic to ease navigation through narrow medina access streets.
Day 3
Full-day guided tour of Fes el-Bali: historic madrasas, tanneries, Nejjarine, Al-Qarawiyyin and panoramic viewpoint; afternoon in Fez Al-Jadid.
Guided medina walking tour — Bou Inania & Al-Attarine
Start with the major madrasas and historical sights in Fes el-Bali, including Bou Inania Madrasa and Al-Attarine Madrasa.
Tips from local experts:
- Wear modest clothing; shoulders and knees covered is respectful at religious sites.
- Be prepared for narrow alleys; leave large luggage at the riad.
- Carry local currency for small purchases and tips for local guides.
Nejjarine Fountain & Al-Qarawiyyin area
Visit the Nejjarine neighborhood, the historic fountain and the Al-Qarawiyyin area (external views where appropriate).
Tips from local experts:
- Some religious sites restrict non-Muslim entry; plan to view from approved areas if necessary.
- There are small artisan shops nearby for woodcrafts and souvenirs.
- Take short breaks at cafés to rest during the walking tour — many have shaded seating.
Lunch — local restaurant in Fes medina
Lunch at a local restaurant inside the medina (not included in the standard program).
Tips from local experts:
- Ask for tagine or a couscous dish prepared to local taste; specify any dietary restrictions clearly.
- Many medina restaurants accept cash only — have dirham on hand.
- If sensitive to spices, request milder preparation when ordering.
Panoramic viewpoint & Fez Al-Jadid
Short drive to a panoramic viewpoint over Fes followed by a brief visit to the newer quarter of Fes Al-Jadid.
Tips from local experts:
- Expect a short drive out of the medina to reach viewpoints; keep a light jacket for breezy overlooks.
- The viewpoint is a good place for wide-city photography; bring a wide-angle lens if you have one.
- Fez Al-Jadid has wider streets and cafés for a quieter break from the medina's narrow lanes.
Return to riad — evening check-in/rest
Return to your riad/hotel to rest; evening at leisure in Fes.
Tips from local experts:
- Plan an early night if you have a long transfer the next morning.
- Riad staff can arrange dinner recommendations in the medina — ask for quieter options if preferred.
- Keep valuables locked in your riad room; use provided safes where available.
Day 4
Drive across the Middle Atlas: Ifrane and Azrou cedar forests, continue through Erfoud to Merzouga. Evening camel trek into Erg Chebbi and overnight in desert camp.
Drive out of Fes — Ifrane & Azrou cedar forest
Depart Fes after breakfast, short stops in Ifrane and the cedar forests near Azrou for photos and brief walks.
Tips from local experts:
- Mountain mornings can be cool — bring a warm layer even in spring.
- Short walks on forest tracks may have tree roots and uneven ground; wear sturdy shoes.
- Respect wildlife and local shepherds; do not feed wild monkeys in cedar areas.
Continue to Erfoud — en route comfort & photo stops
Drive through the Ziz Valley toward Erfoud with comfort stops en route; short visit to Erfoud area.
Tips from local experts:
- Plan for a long drive segment; have water and snacks in your day bag.
- Roadside stops are brief and useful for leg-stretching; use facilities at larger towns.
- If prone to motion sickness, ask the driver for frequent short breaks.
Arrival Merzouga — camel trek to desert camp
Arrive Merzouga (Hassi Labied area), transfer to camels for late-afternoon trek into the dunes and sunset at the camp; traditional music and overnight in tents.
Tips from local experts:
- Bring a small overnight bag (driver will leave the main luggage at the riad); pack a warm layer for desert nights.
- Wear closed shoes or sandals suitable for sand; avoid dragging long garments in the dunes.
- If you want, tip camel guides and camp staff directly at the end of the experience (small notes appreciated).
Day 5
Sunrise in the dunes, return to Merzouga for breakfast and shower, then drive via Rissani, Tinghir to the Todra Gorges and onward to Dades Valley for overnight.
Sunrise camel ride — Erg Chebbi dunes
Early-morning camel ride to a dune crest to watch sunrise over the Sahara, then return to the camp for breakfast and shower.
Tips from local experts:
- Wake-up is very early (pre-dawn); bring a small headlamp if needed for the walk to camels.
- Desert mornings can be cold even in April — pack a warm sweater for sunrise.
- Keep a small tip envelope ready for camel handler and camp staff if you wish to acknowledge service.
Drive to Rissani and Tinghir — transit and lunch
Depart Merzouga after breakfast, brief stop in Rissani and continue through the Ziz valley towards Tinghir for lunch before visiting Todra Gorges.
Tips from local experts:
- Rissani market can be busy; keep valuables secure and stay with the group.
- Carry sun protection and refill water bottles when possible; distances between towns can be long.
- If you prefer shorter travel segments, notify the driver to add rest stops where feasible.
Visit Todra Gorges — walking and lunch in the gorge
Walk inside the Todra Gorges, enjoy the towering canyon walls and have lunch in the area before continuing to Dades Valley.
Tips from local experts:
- Gorge paths can be uneven and have steps; bring good walking shoes.
- Midday sun can be strong — a hat and sunscreen are recommended.
- Local cafés offer simple meals; carry cash for small purchases.
Drive to Dades Valley — evening arrival and rest
Short scenic drive into the Dades Valley, check-in at guest house overlooking the valley and dinner (as included for Dades night).
Tips from local experts:
- Evening temperatures drop in the valley; pack a light jacket for dinner on terraces.
- Guest houses typically provide bottled water and local hospitality; inform hosts of any dietary needs.
- If you want specific photography spots, ask the guest house for nearby viewpoints at check-in.
Day 6
Through the Dades Valley and the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs; stop at Kalaat M'Gouna (Valley of Roses), Ouarzazate and Aït Benhaddou; cross the High Atlas via the Tizi n'Tichka pass and continue to Marrakech.
Photo stops — Road of a Thousand Kasbahs & Kalaat M'Gouna
Drive through the Dades Valley with photographic stops at kasbahs and a visit to Kalaat M'Gouna (Valley of Roses) and a local rose cooperative.
Tips from local experts:
- If you plan to buy rose products, check packaging and ingredients; prefer sealed bottles for transport.
- Carry small change for cooperative purchases and support local producers directly.
- There are short walking sections at cooperatives—wear comfortable shoes.
Stop in Ouarzazate — quick city and film studio stop
Short stop in Ouarzazate to see the film-industry heart of southern Morocco and surrounding kasbahs.
Tips from local experts:
- Ouarzazate can be hot in April afternoons; stay hydrated during stops.
- If interested in studio visits, check opening hours — these can vary.
- Plan brief visits to conserve time for Aït Benhaddou and the mountain crossing.
Aït Benhaddou visit — UNESCO kasbah
Visit the fortified ksar of Aït Benhaddou; time for photos and a short walk through the site.
Tips from local experts:
- Aït Benhaddou has stepped terrain; wear sturdy shoes for the climb to viewpoints.
- Bring water and a hat for sun protection; limited shade inside the ksar.
- If you wish to enter certain houses, ask your guide for permission as many are privately owned.
Cross the High Atlas — Tizi n'Tichka pass and onward to Marrakech
Drive over the High Atlas via the Tizi n'Tichka pass with short stops at viewpoints and a visit to an argan cooperative if time allows, arriving in Marrakech in the evening.
Tips from local experts:
- Mountain roads are winding; if prone to motion sickness, take precautions before departure.
- Stops at cooperatives provide shade and rest — plan brief breaks there.
- Expect arrival in Marrakech in the early evening; confirm hotel arrival instructions for medina riads.
Day 7
Full day in Marrakech: Majorelle Garden, Koutoubia, Saadian Tombs, Bahia Palace, El Badi and the souks and Jemaa el-Fnaa. Evening free to enjoy the medina.
Majorelle Garden and Yves Saint Laurent area
Visit the Jardin Majorelle early to avoid crowds, and a short stop nearby for photos.
Tips from local experts:
- Book early entry times if you prefer smaller crowds; mornings are quieter.
- There are strict photography and bag rules in some gardens — follow staff instructions.
- Bring bottled water; garden paths are shaded but walking can be moderate.
Historic monuments — Koutoubia, Saadian Tombs, Bahia Palace
Visit the exterior and accessible areas of Koutoubia Mosque, the Saadian Tombs and Bahia Palace with guided commentary.
Tips from local experts:
- Some sites have entrance controls and security checks — keep personal items ready for inspection.
- Dress respectfully around religious sites; shoulders and knees covered is appreciated.
- Allow time for short queues at popular monuments, especially in high season.
Lunch and souks — Jemaa el-Fnaa and medina walking
Lunch in the square area, followed by guided walking through the souks to experience handicrafts and artisans.
Tips from local experts:
- Haggle respectfully in the souks and agree prices before accepting goods or services.
- Carry small change and smaller notes for purchases; many stalls are cash-only.
- If buying ceramics or fragile items, ask vendors about safe packaging for travel.
Evening — free time in the medina and panoramic views
Evening at leisure to explore restaurants, rooftop cafés or enjoy a panoramic view over Jemaa el-Fnaa.
Tips from local experts:
- Rooftop cafés are popular for evening views; confirm opening times with your riad.
- Keep noise and late-night activity preferences in mind if staying in a quiet riad.
- When walking at night, stay in well-lit and busier streets of the medina.
Day 8
End of program — private transfer to Casablanca (hotel) or direct transfer to airport per original activity note. Driver will coordinate final drop-off.
Transfer from Marrakech — to Casablanca hotel or Mohammed V Airport
Private transfer on request either to a hotel in Casablanca or directly to Mohammed V International Airport. Driver coordinates pickup time based on your departure schedule.
Tips from local experts:
- Confirm your preferred final destination (Casablanca hotel or airport) at least the evening before departure.
- Allow 3–4 hours for the transfer time to Casablanca including a short comfort stop.
- Have the full name and address of the Casablanca hotel or the flight details ready for the driver.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 8 |
| Highlights | 5 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Friends |
| Transfers | 8 |
| Restaurants | 1 |
| Total Activities | 20 |
| Total Places | 20 |
| Activities Types | Transfer, Attraction, Neighborhood, Culture, Meal, Break, Outdoor, Experience, Shopping, Nightlife |
