Itinerary Summary
The loop starts in Rabat, climbs north via Tetouan to Chefchaouen for the Spanish Mosque viewpoint and Ras el Ma spring, then drops south to Fes, into the Sahara at Merzouga for a camel-camp stargazin…
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1
Casablanca arrival, the mosque esplanade and a Rabat evening
10:00
1.5h
Hassan II Mosque esplanade at low tide
Walk out on the marble platform over the Atlantic, where the mosque appears to float at high tide. The esplanade is free outside prayer times; the sea wind is strong, so secure hats and keep bags away from the spray.
📍 Hassan II Mosque, Casablanca
13:30
1h
Train from Casablanca to Rabat Ville
Board the frequent express north and watch the Atlantic suburbs give way to Rabat's gardens. Buy the ticket at the machine; seats are unassigned in second class, and the luggage rack at the carriage end fills quickly.
📍 Casablanca to Rabat
16:00
2h
Rabat medina and Rue des Consuls walk
Wander the covered lanes of the old medina, where carpet and brass shops line Rue des Consuls, and end at the Grand Mosque. Bargaining is expected; keep to the main lanes after dark and carry small notes.
📍 Rabat medina
💡 Pro Tip: The train from the airport reaches Casa Voyageurs in about 45 minutes, and Rabat is a further hour north. Entry rules depend on your passport, so read the Morocco visa section rather than relying on second-hand advice. Morocco keeps UTC+1 all year and moves to UTC+0 during Ramadan, so check timetables against that shift.
Days 2-8 are member-only
Members get the complete day-by-day plan with timing, transport and on-the-ground tips.
Budget Breakdown
AccommodationUS$52035%
Riads and desert camp, 7 nights
Food & DiningUS$30020%
Msemen, tagine and desert lamb
Remaining cost categories are member-only
Members see the full breakdown for flights, hotels, food, tickets and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the easiest way to reach Chefchaouen from Fes or Casablanca?+
There is no train. From Fes, shared taxis and buses take about four hours; from Casablanca, travel via Rabat or Tangier first. Many travellers hire a private driver for the northern leg. Staying one night lets you walk the blue lanes in quiet early morning before day-trippers arrive.
When should I combine Chefchaouen with a Merzouga desert camp?+
March to May and September to October balance both: mild days in the Rif mountains and cool, clear nights at Merzouga. Summer is hot in the desert and crowded in the blue town; winter can bring rain in Chefchaouen and near-freezing nights at camp. Pack layers in any season.
What should I pack for a night at a Sahara desert camp in Merzouga?+
Nights drop sharply even in spring and autumn, so bring a warm fleece or jacket, a hat, sunglasses and a scarf for sand. A head torch, wet wipes and a power bank help at camp. Camps usually supply blankets and dinner; check whether yours has hot showers and charging points before relying on them.
How much does an 8-day Chefchaouen and Sahara trip cost?+
Budget roughly $1,200 to $1,790 per person at comfort level, excluding international flights. The total covers riads, a driver or small-group vehicle for the long northern and desert drives, the Merzouga camp and some meals. Add extra for guides and tips, and expect higher rates in spring and autumn.
Attractions in This Guide
Guide at a Glance
- Duration: 8 days
- Budget: Comfort · approx. $1,200–1,790 (≈ €1,040–1,560), excl. int'l flights
- Difficulty: moderate
- Best for: Hidden Gems
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