Marrakech: Day Trips and Tours from Casablanca

Marrakech is a great economic center of Western Morocco, filled with exquisite architecture, gardens, palaces and mosques. The focal point of the city is the medieval medina, a walled plaza overflowing with merchants selling their textiles and goods.

Marrakech is also known for the Koutoubia Mosque, a 12th-century Moorish tower that can be seen city-wide. A day trip from Casablanca to Marrakech is an ideal activity to get to know more of Morocco, since it's just a 3-hour drive.

Here's all you need to know about Marrakech, one of the most exciting day trips from Casablanca.

How to get to Marrakech from Casablanca?

From Casablanca to Marrakech by car

The journey from Casablanca to Marrakech by car takes about 2 hours and 40 minutes. Head south out of Casablanca on the A101 highway for about 10 minutes before merging onto the A3 highway. Continue on the A3 road for just over 2 hours before joining onto the N9 speedway for the last 30 minutes until you reach Marrakech.

Guided tour to Marrakech from Casablanca

Book a guided tour to Marrakech from Casablanca to add ease to your travels. These excursions last at least a full day and visit some of the most popular landmarks of Marrakech.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included in the price, as well as fun activities such as camel riding. Enjoy the luxury of an air-conditioned vehicle and an experienced guide to lead the way.

What is the typical itinerary?

The typical itinerary on a tour to Marrakech begins with a morning hotel pickup in Casablanca from where you’ll begin the 2.5-hour journey south.

Once you arrive in the former imperial city, you will usually kick the excursion off with a camel ride through Marrakesh's Palm Grove. From there, you will enjoy a traditional Moroccan meal and then head on a city tour with your expert guide.

Tours typically visit some of the city’s top sights, such as Koutoubia Mosque and Bahia Palace. You will have time to explore the walled medina on foot during free time and do some souvenir shopping before visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Jemaa El-Fnaa Square.

After exploring the best parts of Marrakech, you will usually board your van for the ride back to Casablanca and hotel drop-off.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Marrakech?

Guided tour to Marrakech from Casablanca

This 12-hour tour from Casablanca to Marrakech hits the top highlights of the city with the convenience of round-trip travel and a professional guide. The day begins with a morning hotel pickup from Casablanca from where you’ll begin the nearly 3-hour ride south to Marrakech.

On the way, you’ll pass by the Hassan II Mosque before arriving at La Palmeraie for an escorted camel ride through the palm groves. Back in the air-conditioned van, you’ll cruise past the Jardin Majorelle on the way to the iconic Koutoubia Mosque, the imposing tower that stands as a symbol of the city.

You’ll check out the Bab Agnaou gates of Marrakech before heading to the old Jewish quarter of Mellah. Marvel on a tour of the exquisite Bahia Palace and become immersed in Moroccan culture at the Jemaa el-Fnaa, a square filled with sellers, snake charmers and henna women.

You’ll peruse the Souk Semmarine market and the Medina of Marrakech before ending the tour with a pass-through of the French-inspired Gueliz ending back in Casablanca.

Private day tour to Marrakech from Casablanca

Book a private tour from Casablanca to Marrakech for a more customized experience with a personal guide. This excursion allows for more flexibility with the itinerary while also hitting the most important highlights. You’ll begin with a morning pickup by your private driver from where you’ll complete the 2.5-hour drive to Marrakech.

After you arrive, you’ll begin a 3.5-hour walking tour of the medina, exploring the medieval city with its stunning courtyards and artful mosaics. Visit the Jewish Quarter, hidden Saadian tombs, the Islamic college of Ben Youssef Madrasa, and various shops to purchase local spices and Morocco’s famous argan oil.

You’ll enjoy a private lunch on a beautiful terrace overlooking Jemaa el-Fnaa Square before returning to your chauffeur for the rest of the day. Visit the Majorelle Garden and enjoy free time in the oasis of the Berber Museum where you’ll be surrounded by lush botanical gardens before heading back to Casablanca around 8 PM.

Six-day tour to Marrakech from Casablanca

This extended multi-day trip from Casablanca to Marrakech visits most of Morocco’s most famous cities and landmarks. You’ll journey through the Sahara Desert touring Fez, Merzouga, Dades Valley, the High Atlas Mountains and close out the week in Marrakech.

This pre-planned adventure provides round-trip travel, a professional guide, five nights of hotel stay and all meals at the ticket price.

Day one begins with pickup in Casablanca, from where you’ll travel through Rabat and Meknes before arriving in Fez. On day two, you’ll enjoy a full-day tour of the World Heritage UNESCO-protected city.

For day three, you’ll depart Fez to travel through Ifrane, Azrou, Mildelt, Ziz Valley, Merzouga and end in the Erg Chebbi Desert. You’ll spend the night at the Kasbah Hotel among the Saharan desert dunes.

Day four begins with a 4x4 Safari tour through the desert dunes, including a camel trek and ends with camping under the stars. On day five, you’ll leave the Erg Chebbi to traverse through Tinejdad, Todra Gorges, Tinghir and Dades where you’ll close out the night in a guest house overlooking the monkey mountain paths.

On day six, you’ll depart Dades for Ouarzazate, Ait Benhaddou and Telouet. The multi-day excursion concludes in Marrakech, where you’ll explore the ancient city and its bustling neighborhoods.

Seven-day tour to Marrakech from Casablanca

Extend your Moroccan adventure to an entire week on this 7-day trip from Casablanca to Marrakech. This private tour includes a professional guide, accommodations with most meals and a luxury camel riding experience through the Sahara desert.

The trip begins with a morning pickup from Casablanca where you’ll depart to Chefchaouen, the “bleu city.” Spend the night in the Rif Mountains before heading to Fez for day two. Peruse the medina, visit all the city’s major landmarks and spend the night in the neighborhood of Riad.

On day three, you’ll leave Fez for Ifrane, otherwise known as the “Switzerland of Morocco.” Finish the night in the Merzouga Desert for a traditional Berber experience in the dunes. On day four, you’ll explore Todgha Gorge to see the Kasbahs before a lavish dinner in Dades Valley.

Day five begins the Marrakech programming with the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait-ben-Haddou Ksar. You’ll tour some of the top Hollywood filming destinations before ending the night in the city.

Day six is dedicated to exploring the city of Marrakech with your professional guide, while day seven closes out the trip with transportation back to Casablanca.

Eight-day tour to Marrakech from Casablanca

Choose an 8-day tour to Marrakech from Casablanca to see as much of Morocco as possible during your visit. On day one, you’ll begin with a pickup in Casablanca from where you’ll travel to see the sights of Rabat and then finish in the ancient city of Meknes.

On day two, you’ll explore more of Meknes before heading to the archaeological Roman site of Volubilis. Day three is dedicated to sightseeing in Fez, as you’ll be captivated by the labyrinthine streets and markets.

On day four, you’ll leave Fez and pass through Ifrane, Azrou and Midelt, ending the day in the Merzouga Desert. On day five, you’ll explore the Todra and Dades gorges before spending the night in the oasis Palm Groves of Skoura Ouarzazate.

Day six visits the cinematographic centers of Ait Ben Haddou and Telouet, closing out with a night among the red mountains and Berber villages outside of Marrakech.

On day seven, you’ll explore the economic city, examining the outstanding architecture and historical monuments. On day eight, you’ll journey back for drop-off in Casablanca.

How much does a day trip to Marrakech from Casablanca cost?

A group guided tour to Marrakech from Casablanca costs about US$170 per adult ages 12 and older, US$75 per child ages 3 to 11 and is free for infants. Private tours to Marrakech are priced at around US$500 for up to two people, increasing US$30 per additional person.

Six-day tours from Casablanca to Marrakech cost about US$2200 per adult and US$450 per child. Six-day tours without accommodations cost about US$1800 per adult and are free for children.

Seven-day luxury tours cost about US$2200 per adult between the ages of 23 and 45, US$1200 per senior over the age of 46, US$900 per youth between the ages of 15 to 22, US$600 per child between the ages of 5 and 14 and US$200 per infant.

Eight-day tours to Marrakech from Casablanca cost about US$2000 for all attendees except children under the age of 10 who are priced at around US$1000 per person.

What will you see and do?

Camel riding in La Palmeraie

The Palm Grove is just a short distance from the Marrakech city center. Most tours from Casablanca include an exciting camel ride through La Palmeraie where you’ll trek to the home of a local Berber family through the tall palm trees. You can enjoy a traditional Moroccan snack and tea in the oasis.

Koutoubia Mosque

Koutoubia is the largest mosque in Morocco and an important religious site for Moroccans. The imposing tower is known as a symbol of pride to residents of Marrakech and the architectural design is beautiful and impressive. Although you cannot enter the mosque itself, it's surrounding gardens are equally impressive.

Jemaa el-Fnaa

Jemaa el-Fnaa is a pivotal part of the Marrakech culture and has been a symbol of the city since the eleventh century. The square holds a combination of music, religion and art for visitors to explore, and has access to Marrakech's souks.

When is the best time to visit Marrakech?

Spring (March to May) is one of the best times to visit Marrakech. The temperatures are mild and nature is in full bloom, making it a perfect time for sightseeing.

June to August is the hottest time of the year, with temperatures often exceeding 35°C. If you plan to visit during this time, schedule outdoor activities for the early morning or late afternoon. The summer heat tends to deter some travelers, so you might find fewer crowds during these months.

If you wish to fully immerse yourself in the local culture, consider visiting during The Marrakech Popular Arts Festival in July. This festival showcases Moroccan traditional arts, including music, dance, and folklore from different regions of the country.

Are there any tours to Marrakech from other cities in Morocco?

Yes, there are tours to Marrakech departing from other cities in Morocco:

• Day trips to Marrakech from Agadir
• Day tours to Marrakech from Rabat

Travel tips

• Marrakech can be hotter and drier than Casablanca. Bring lightweight clothing, a sun hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
• While many places in Marrakech accept credit cards, it's advisable to have Moroccan Dirhams on hand, especially for small purchases, taxis, or in the souks.
• The heat, especially during the summer months, can be intense. Always carry a bottle of water with you.
• If you plan to spend the night in Marrakech it's advisable to book in advance, especially during peak seasons.
• Keep your valuables in a secure bag and be aware of pickpockets, especially in crowded areas like the medina or Jemaa el-Fnaa.
• Be cautious of overly persistent vendors or unofficial tour guides, mainly young and elderly men.
• Marrakech is more traditional than Casablanca so dress modestly. Wear clothes that cover the shoulders and knees.
• Non-Muslims can't go inside Koutoubia Mosque so if you wish to visit religious sites, consiver visiting other locations of Morocco.
• If you want to stay connected, consider getting a local SIM card. Maroc Telecom, Orange, and Inwi are the primary mobile providers.
• In the souks of Marrakech, bargaining is a norm. Start by offering half or even less of the initial price and negotiate from there.
• Remember to ask for permission before taking photos of people, and be aware that some may expect a small fee.
• The narrow streets of Marrakech's old city can be confusing so consider downloading an offline map on your phone or investing in a physical map.