This 12-day tour begins and ends in Tangier, offering a comprehensive exploration of Morocco’s diverse landscapes and cultural treasures. You will discover the blue-washed streets of Chefchaouen, the Roman ruins of Volubilis, and the imperial cities of Meknes and Fes. The journey includes a camel trek into the Sahara Desert, a night in a desert camp, and visits to the dramatic Todra Gorges and the UNESCO-listed Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah. You will cross the High Atlas Mountains, explore the coastal town of Essaouira, and conclude with guided tours of Marrakech and Casablanca’s iconic Hassan II Mosque.
Welcome to Morocco! Your tour driver-guide will meet you at the port or airport in Tangier. The journey begins as you cross the Rif Mountains and arrive in the charming city of Chefchaouen. Its Berber name means “horns,” referencing the mountain peaks above. White houses painted in shades of blue cascade down the hillsides. You will spend the night in a booked hotel or riad.
After breakfast, you depart towards Fes. Along the way, you visit the Roman ruins of Volubilis. You then continue to Meknes, a modern imperial city, to explore its old Medina surrounded by grand walls. By day’s end, you arrive at your accommodation in Fes for the night.
The whole day is dedicated to exploring Fes, the oldest imperial city in Morocco, founded in the 8th century by Moulay Idriss II. Your guided tour begins in the old Medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site. You wander through narrow streets lined with local shops and stalls, visiting cultural and historical landmarks including the Bou Inania Madrasa, Al-Attarine Madrasa, the Nejjarine Fountain, the Mausoleum of Moulay Idriss II, and Al-Qarawiyyin University, the oldest continually operating university in the world.
After lunch, you enjoy a panoramic view of the entire Medina and take a brief visit to the new part of the city, Fes El-Jadid. You then check into your hotel or riad for the evening.
In the morning, you leave Fes and drive through the Middle Atlas Mountains. You cross cedar forests, highly valued by woodworkers for various purposes. You continue towards Ifrane, known as the Switzerland of Morocco, and Azrou, a typical Berber village of the Middle Atlas. The journey proceeds through the Ziz Valley and the city of Erfoud before you finally reach Merzouga. You spend the night at a hotel, resting for the next day’s desert adventure.
Today is dedicated to exploring the desert area. You begin with a visit to Khamlia village, home to a community of Gnawa musicians. You will drink mint tea and enjoy their traditional music. Afterwards, you visit the desert lake before heading to Rissani, the most important oasis in southeastern Morocco, where fortified villages are surrounded by palm groves. In the afternoon, you return to the hotel.
The evening includes a camel ride at sunset across the dunes. You will then spend the night in a Berber tent within the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi, with drumming and music around the campfire.
Wake early to witness the gorgeous sunrise over the dunes. You ride camels back to the hotel for a shower and breakfast. You then travel through Berber villages to reach the Todra Gorges. After lunch, the journey continues to the Dades Valley. You arrive at your hotel by nightfall.
En route to Ouarzazate, you pass through fields and palm groves with stunning views. Highlights include the Rose Valley near Kalaat M’Gouna and the old Kasbah in Skoura. These oases contain hundreds of kasbah ruins, beautifully surrounded by nature. You arrive in Ouarzazate and spend the night in a riad or hotel.
Today you depart for the Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, a fortified village reflecting great Berber earthen architecture. Built hundreds of years ago, it has served as a backdrop for many international films. You then cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tichka Pass, stopping at panoramic viewpoints to see kasbah ruins that embody ancient Berber civilization. After lunch in Marrakech, you continue to Essaouira and spend the night at your hotel.
Today’s tour focuses on the ancient city of Essaouira. You may be accompanied by a local guide to explore its wonderful corners. Enjoy the fresh beach air, Moroccan cuisine, or a delicious fish meal. On the drive back to Marrakech, you stop at a women’s Argan oil cooperative to learn about the oil’s many medical and cosmetic uses. You arrive in Marrakech by afternoon.
This day features a guided tour of Marrakech. You will discover the Bahia Palace, Badi Palace, Saadian Tombs, the Menara basin, and other hidden treasures. After lunch at a fine restaurant, you visit the city’s vibrant center, where the magnificent Koutoubia Mosque and Jemaa el-Fna square come alive both day and night.
In the morning, you travel to Casablanca to visit the Hassan II Mosque. You then continue along the coastal road through Rabat before arriving in Asilah, where you spend a calm night at a hotel.
On the final day of your tour, you have time to wander through the quiet and cozy town of Asilah before driving back to Tangier. You will be transferred to the airport or ferry port, marking the end of your 12-day Moroccan journey.
