Overview
The 12-day Morocco Discovery tour from Casablanca takes the 11-day Ultimate circuit and adds one more thing that most Sahara programs skip: a second full day in Merzouga to actually explore the desert rather than just arrive, sleep, and leave. It is designed for travelers who find one desert night satisfying but always a little too short.
Everything else follows the same well-tested route — the Atlantic cities, the north with Chefchaouen, the historic depth of Fes, the added imperial layer of Meknes and Volubilis, and the classic run south through the kasbah valleys to Marrakech. The extra Sahara day simply gives the desert section the weight it deserves within a longer, better-paced trip.
This is one of our most requested lengths for travelers who want a genuinely thorough first visit to Morocco without pushing into two full weeks.
Highlights
- Full grand circuit from Casablanca to Marrakech
- Rabat, Chefchaouen, Fes, Meknes, and Volubilis
- Two full days in the Merzouga desert, including a 4x4 excursion
- Todra Gorge, Dades Valley, and Ait Ben Haddou
- Roman ruins and stork nests at Volubilis
- Comfortable pacing for a genuinely deep Morocco experience
Casablanca is Morocco's largest city and its main international gateway, and it announces the trip on its own terms — modern, fast-moving, shaped by French colonial planning as much as by recent growth. The Hassan II Mosque sits on its own promontory over the Atlantic, its 210-metre minaret the tallest religious structure in the world, and the interior guided tours reveal zellij tilework, carved plaster, and cedar ceilings made by 10,000 artisans over six years. Afterward, the Corniche gives an easy stretch of ocean air, and the Art Deco quarter around Place Mohammed V and the small Old Medina hint at older layers beneath the modern skyline. Casablanca is not where Morocco's ancient history lives, and that contrast is exactly why it works as an opening chapter.
What Is Included
- Pick-up in Casablanca and transport throughout the route
- Eleven nights' accommodation
- Camel ride and two nights in the desert
- 4x4 excursion around Merzouga
- Driver-guide service
- Dinners and breakfasts as scheduled
What Is Not Included
- Lunches and drinks
- Entrance fees and local guides unless stated
- Tips and personal expenses
- Travel insurance
Practical Tips
- Explore early: Morocco's medinas are cooler and less crowded in the morning — aim to start sightseeing before 10:00 AM
- What to wear: Dress modestly in medinas and near mosques; avoid very short shorts or sleeveless tops out of respect for local culture
- Money: Carry Moroccan dirhams (MAD) for souks, entry fees, and tips; card payments are limited in traditional markets — ATMs are available in all major cities
- Bargaining: Haggling is expected in souks; start at roughly half the asking price and negotiate respectfully — it is part of the culture
- Guided visits: A licensed local guide significantly enriches the experience in large medinas like Fes or Marrakech; we can arrange this on request
- Security: Morocco's imperial cities are generally safe for tourists; keep standard urban awareness in busy markets and watch your belongings
FAQ
Why add a second day in Merzouga instead of somewhere else?
Most itineraries treat the desert as an overnight stop. A second day lets you actually explore it — nomad camps, fossil sites, and the Khamlia music village — rather than just arriving and leaving.
How is this different from the 11-day Casablanca tour?
It follows the same route through Meknes and Volubilis and adds one extra day of desert exploration in Merzouga.
Is 12 days a tiring length for a Morocco tour?
No. Compared with compressed one-week itineraries, the extra days make this one of the more comfortable ways to see this much of the country.
Can this be customized into a private luxury trip?
Yes. Upgraded accommodations, guides, and experiences can usually be arranged.
Do I need a local guide at each city?
Not strictly required, but a licensed local guide adds considerable depth — especially in complex medinas like Fes and at Volubilis. We can arrange guided visits if requested.
Is it safe to explore Moroccan cities independently?
Yes. Morocco's main cities are generally safe for tourists. Use standard urban awareness, keep valuables secure in busy souks, and you will have an enjoyable experience.
What currency should I use?
Moroccan dirhams (MAD). Exchange at official bureaux de change or banks — avoid street money changers. ATMs are available in all major cities.
