Morocco has long captivated the hearts of travelers. Its cities hum with ancient energy, its deserts stretch beyond the horizon, and its coastal towns offer tranquility in a world moving too fast. But for those unfamiliar with the country, one question arises: where should the journey begin? Not just Morocco’s commercial capital, but the gateway to a nation defined by its contrasts and cultural complexity. Today, more travelers are realizing the value of beginning their adventure with curated tours from Casablanca, using the city as a launchpad to explore everything from mountains to medinas and beyond. Casablanca isn’t always the top of everyone’s bucket list when thinking of Morocco, but its significance is profound. With the largest international airport in the country and a web of railways and highways that extend across Morocco, the city is perfectly positioned for onward travel. Yet, those who simply pass through miss the opportunity to experience a vibrant, modern metropolis that offers a unique introduction to Morocco’s evolving identity.
The city’s architecture reflects its 20th-century French colonial past and its vision for the future. In one moment, you could be sipping espresso in a European-style café and in the next, admiring intricate Moroccan tilework inside the majestic Hassan II Mosque. Unlike most mosques in Morocco, it’s open to non-Muslims, allowing visitors a rare glimpse inside an Islamic place of worship filled with carved stone, cedar ceilings, and a toweringOnce you've explored Casablanca’s cosmopolitan flair, the possibilities are nearly endless. The true benefit of choosing tours from Casablanca lies in how flexible they are from a weekend getaway to a comprehensive 14-day exploration, the routes can be molded to fit both time and interest.
One of the most popular and culturally enriching tours begins with a northern loop. This route leads travelers through Rabat, the current capital of Morocco. The city is far more peaceful than Casablanca but equally significant. Its neatly kept boulevards, wide gardens, and historic kasbahs give it a refined charm. Continuing inland, Meknes offers an impressive introduction to Morocco’s imperial past. Though less famous than Fes or Marrakech, Meknes holds its own with sprawling walls, elaborate gates, and quiet medinas. The city once served as the capital under Sultan Moulay Ismail, and his influence is evident in its massive granaries and stables. Meknes also sits close to Volubilis, an archaeological gem that preserves ancient Roman ruins, columns, and mosaics, a testament to Morocco’s diverse history.Fes is typically next on the itinerary. This city doesn’t just transport you back in time, it immerses you in a world that has functioned for centuries with barely any change. Donkey carts haul goods through labyrinthine alleys, tanners cure hides in vast vats of dye, and students study at the University of Al Quaraouiyine, the oldest continually operating university in the world. Fes is less polished than Marrakesh but arguably more authentic, with fewer tourists and more locals going about their daily lives.
After absorbing the urban energy of Morocco’s northern cities, many tours from Casablanca venture south into the geographical heart of the country. This transition marks a dramatic change in landscape from bustling medinas to expansive cedar forests and rocky plateaus.Towns like Ifrane and Azrou provide a refreshing stop along the way. In nearby Azrou, you might encounter wild Barbary macaques in the surrounding cedar forests.The ultimate goal for many at this stage is the Sahara Desert. Reaching Merzouga, the desert outpost near the Erg Chebbi dunes, is the culmination of a journey that unfolds like a storybook. Here, the golden sands rise and fall like waves, and the sky turns to fire at sunset. Camel treks through the dunes are not just tourist activities; they’re echoes of the nomadic way of life that has persisted for centuries. Spending the night in a Berber tent, under stars that illuminate the heavens like nowhere else, leaves a lasting impression on every traveler.
But the Sahara is just one chapter. Heading westward, most tours include the dramatic Todra and Dades Gorges. These natural wonders offer steep cliffs, deep canyons, and river valleys lined with palm groves and mud-brick villages. The road winds through the High Atlas Mountains toward Ouarzazate, a city famous not only for its kasbahs but for its reputation as a film capital. Hollywood blockbusters like Gladiator, Babel, and Game of Thrones have been filmed in the area, particularly at Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO-listed fortified village that looks unchanged since medieval times.From here, many tours descend into Marrakech, a city of contrasts and color. The famous square, Jemaa el-Fnaa, explodes into life every evening with storytellers, snake charmers, food vendors, and acrobats. The souks are an organized chaos of spices, textiles, pottery, and jewelry. Yet, just steps away are peaceful courtyards, elegant palaces, and the tranquil Jardin Majorelle, a garden once owned by fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent. Marrakesh captures Morocco’s energy and elegance in equal measure, and it often serves as the emotional highlight of a traveler’s journey.
Alternatively, some tours from Casablanca take the Atlantic route instead of heading inland. These coastal circuits are ideal for travelers looking for a mix of history and seaside relaxation. El Jadida, a former Portuguese colony, is known for its old fortress and underground cistern. Oualidia, farther down the coast, offers a serene beach experience with a lagoon that is perfect for kayaking or enjoying freshly harvested oysters.With its whitewashed buildings, laid-back atmosphere, and strong cultural scene, it attracts artists, musicians, and surfers from around the world. The windswept beach, historic ramparts, and colorful fishing boats create a perfect escape from the bustle of bigger cities. The medina in Essaouira is easier to navigate, and the absence of aggressive touts makes shopping or strolling a more enjoyable experience.
Nature lovers may also choose tours that pass through the Ourika Valley or lead up into the Atlas Mountains. Trekking in this region introduces travelers to a completely different Morocco, one defined by quiet, rugged terrain, family-run guesthouses, and mountain hospitality. The village of Imlil, located at the base of Mount Toubkal, offers trekking access to the tallest peak in North Africa. Whether you're an experienced climber or a casual hiker, the views and cultural encounters in this area are unlike anywhere else in the country. Today’s travelers are not just seeking sights, they want meaning, connection, and sustainability. Many tours from Casablanca are now thoughtfully designed to include ethical experiences. This could involve visiting women-led cooperatives that produce argan oil, supporting artisan communities in rural areas, or dining with local families for a true taste of Moroccan hospitality. These moments of genuine interaction are what make travel truly memorable. Flexibility is another reason Casablanca is an ideal starting point. Whether you have one week or three, your journey can be customized. You can travel in a private car with a dedicated guide, join a small group, or even opt for luxury tours with five-star accommodations and gourmet meals. Language is rarely a barrier, as most guides speak fluent English, French, and often Spanish or German as well. In the end, what defines Morocco is its diversity in terrain, tradition, architecture, and atmosphere. A country where you can sip mint tea in a mountaintop village one day and listen to drumming around a desert fire the next. A country where every region offers a different face, yet together they form a cohesive, unforgettable whole.
Starting your journey with tours from Casablanca gives you a head start not just in geography, but in understanding Morocco’s soul. It’s the doorway through which a thousand different experiences unfold. Whether you're driven by curiosity, adventure, or a desire to reconnect with the world, Morocco is waiting and Casablanca is where the story begins.
If you are looking a trip to the Sahara Desert from Marrakesh or Fez, Merzouga Treks Offering, Sahara Desert Tours and Package holidays to Morocco.
Which Desert should you visit in Morocco?Most people choose to visit the edge of the Sahara desert from Merzouga, Morocco’s largest desert city.
Here you can access the Erg Chebbi dunes, some of the largest, most vivid and most impressive in Morocco.However, there is another option 3 hours closer to Marrakech and only 2.5 hours from Ouarzazate.
Here you can visit the desert from Zagora.
However, it is more of a rocky desert rather than a sand desert and I’d encourage you to travel the full distance and see the deserts near Merzouga for the best desert experience in Morocco.
