Itinerary Summary
The trip opens in Casablanca for the Hassan II Mosque, then the ONCF train links Rabats royal palace and Marrakech for the medina, Bahia Palace and Jemaa el-Fnaa. AATouring drive south crosses the Atl…
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1
Casablanca arrival, Hassan II Mosque and the Ain Diab corniche
11:00
2h
Hassan II Mosque guided interior tour
Join a set-time tour that leads non-Muslims through the prayer hall and the ocean-side esplanade in 45 minutes. Buy tickets at the office by the gate, arrive early, remove shoes and cover arms and legs.
📍 Hassan II Mosque, Casablanca
19:00
2h
Seafood dinner above the Ain Diab corniche
Pick a first-floor restaurant above the beach clubs for grilled sardines, prawns and a bottle of local wine. Portions are large, so share two mains between three, and confirm the price per kilo before grilling.
📍 Ain Diab, Casablanca
💡 Pro Tip: Mohammed V Airport (CMN) sits about 30 km from the centre; the ONCF train to Casa Voyageurs takes roughly 45 minutes and runs every hour. Entry rules depend on your passport, so read the Morocco visa section before booking. Morocco keeps UTC+1 all year and drops to UTC+0 during Ramadan. The dirham is a closed currency, so bring euros or US dollars and change at the airport or a bank.
Days 2-12 are member-only
Members get the complete day-by-day plan with timing, transport and on-the-ground tips.
Budget Breakdown
AccommodationUS$60035%
Riads and desert camp, 11 nights
Food & DiningUS$34020%
Tagine, harira, pastilla and mint tea
Remaining cost categories are member-only
Members see the full breakdown for flights, hotels, food, tickets and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa for a 12-day Morocco trip from Casablanca?+
Visa rules depend on your passport. US, EU, UK, Canadian, Australian and Japanese travellers generally enter visa-free for up to 90 days, as do mainland Chinese ordinary passports for short tourism stays. Carry a return ticket and accommodation details, and confirm current rules on the Moroccan Ministry of Foreign Affairs site before booking.
What is the best time of year for a Morocco grand loop through the Sahara?+
March to May and September to October give roughly 18-28 C across the cities and desert, the most comfortable window for camel treks, the Todgha Gorge and Atlas passes. July and August push the south past 40 C, while December to February brings cold desert nights and possible snow on the Atlas. Book camps early in spring and autumn.
How much does a 12-day Morocco tour with a Sahara camp cost?+
Expect around $1,350 to $2,090 per person at comfort level, excluding international flights. That covers riads, a private driver or tour vehicle for the Atlas and desert legs, the Merzouga camp, some meals and site entries. Guides, tips and alcohol are extra. Departures in midsummer can cost less.
Can the 12-day Morocco loop be done by train instead of hiring a car?+
Partly. ONCF trains work well between Casablanca, Rabat, Marrakech and Fes, but Merzouga, the Todgha Gorge, Ait Benhaddou and Chefchaouen need road transport. Most travellers hire a driver or join a small-group tour for the desert section, then rejoin the rail line for the imperial cities.
Attractions in This Guide
Guide at a Glance
- Duration: 12 days
- Budget: Comfort · approx. $1,350–2,090 (≈ €1,170–1,820), excl. int'l flights
- Difficulty: moderate
- Best for: City Explorers
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