The Grand Circuit
10-Day Morocco Tour from Casablanca
Ten days, Casablanca to Casablanca, the full loop closed
- 10 days · 9 nights
- Casablanca → Casablanca
- About 41 hours over 10 days. driving
Ten days lets the classic loop close on itself without cutting anything. North, imperial cities, Sahara, kasbah valleys, Marrakech with a guided day, Essaouira on the coast, and back up to Casablanca. Two nights each in Fes, the desert and Marrakech. It is the most complete version of the trip most people picture when they think of Morocco, and it is the one I run most often for groups of four to six.
Why I run it this wayEverything the eight-day covers, plus Marrakech properly and Essaouira, returning to Casablanca so you can book a simple return flight.
The things worth stopping for
- Two nights each in Fes, the desert and Marrakech
- Chefchaouen, Volubilis and the Roman north
- Erg Chebbi with a full free day
- Todra, Dades, Skoura, the Rose Valley and Ait Ben Haddou
- Guided days in both Fes and Marrakech
- Essaouira and the Atlantic before the run back to Casablanca
Where this trip takes you
Straight lines between stops, not the exact roads — the driving is the winding version of this.
How the trip goes
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Day 1: Arrive Casablanca
Driving: About 1 hourPickup, the Hassan II mosque and the corniche. An easy first evening.
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Day 2: Casablanca to Chefchaouen via Rabat
Driving: About 6 hoursRabat's Udayas and the Chellah, then north into the Rif.
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Day 3: Chefchaouen to Fes via Volubilis
Driving: About 4 hoursBlue lanes at dawn, Volubilis in the afternoon, Fes by evening.
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Day 4: Fes, guided
Driving: No drivingA full guided day in the medina. Evening free.
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Day 5: Fes to Merzouga
Driving: About 8 hoursIfrane, the cedars, Midelt, the Ziz gorges. 4x4 at the dunes, camel to camp.
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Day 6: The desert
Driving: About 2 hours localSunrise, the 4x4 morning to Khamlia and the nomad camps, second night at camp.
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Day 7: Merzouga to Dades
Driving: About 5 hoursRissani, Tinghir, Todra, up into the Dades.
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Day 8: Dades to Marrakech
Driving: About 7 hoursRose Valley, Skoura, Ouarzazate, Ait Ben Haddou in morning light, then the Tichka into Marrakech.
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Day 9: Marrakech guided, then Essaouira
Driving: About 3 hoursA guided morning: Bahia palace, the Saadian tombs, the souks. Afternoon west to the coast.
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Day 10: Essaouira to Casablanca
Driving: About 5 hoursPort and ramparts in the morning, then north up the coast to the airport.
I'll email you this itinerary — every day, what's included, what it costs — so you can think it over and share it.
One email with the itinerary. No account, and I don't pass your address to anyone — see the privacy policy.
What's included
Included
- Private van with me driving
- 4x4 and local desert driver for the dune days
- 9 nights including 2 desert
- Licensed guides in Fes and Marrakech
- Breakfast daily, half board outside cities
- Camel ride
- Casablanca airport transfers both ends
Not included
- Flights
- Most meals
- Entry fees
- Tips
Read more about where you'll be
A closer look
Other routes worth a look
2 Days · 1 Nights2-Day Zagora Desert Tour from Marrakech
Two Days to Zagora$230–$310 per person · accommodation included
3 Days · 2 Nights3-Day Merzouga Desert Tour from Marrakech
Three Days to the Dunes$390–$530 per person · accommodation included
3 Days · 2 Nights3-Day Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour via Merzouga
The High Atlas Crossing$420–$580 per person · accommodation includedTell me when you're coming
Every route bends: more time somewhere, a different start, a night added. Send your dates and I'll plan it around you.