This 13-day tour begins and ends in Casablanca, offering an extensive journey through Morocco’s diverse landscapes and cultural treasures. You will explore imperial cities, the blue streets of Chefchaouen, Roman ruins, and the Sahara Desert. The route includes the coastal towns of Essaouira and El Jadida, adding an Atlantic dimension to your adventure. With guided tours of Fes and Marrakech, a camel trek into the Erg Chebbi dunes, and free time to soak in the atmosphere of each destination, this tour provides a comprehensive Moroccan experience.
Welcome to Morocco. Upon your arrival at Mohammed V Airport in Casablanca, you will be greeted and transferred for your first explorations. If you arrive early enough, you can visit the Hassan II Grand Mosque, the only mosque in Morocco open to non-Muslim visitors. Afterwards, you will see Rick’s Café and the Corniche coastline before being dropped off at your hotel for the night.
After breakfast, you drive shortly to Rabat, the political capital of Morocco. A short stop includes visits to the Hassan Tower, the Mohammed V Mausoleum, and the historic Oudayas Kasbah. The journey then continues towards the blue town of Chefchaouen. You will pass through several villages and towns, stopping for lunch in Ouazzane. From there, you cross the Riff Mountains for approximately one hour before arriving in Chefchaouen, where you will spend the night.
Today is yours to relax and enjoy the blue-washed streets of Chefchaouen at your own pace. You can wander through the old Medina, visit the freshwater source known as Rass El Maa, or enjoy lunch at one of the local restaurants in Outa Hammam Square. In the evening, you can walk up to the Spanish Mosque for a beautiful sunset view over the blue city.
Your 13-day journey continues with a visit to Volubilis, an ancient Roman-Berber settlement with well-preserved ruins. You will then stop in Meknes, another imperial city, to see the grand Bab Mansour gate. Afterwards, you head to Fes, where you will check into a traditional Riad within the Medina for the night.
Your private tour continues with a guided exploration of Fes. You will walk through the Medina with a local guide. Fes is the oldest imperial city, founded by Idriss II, and serves as the cultural center of Arab-Muslim heritage. Your visit includes the Mosque of the Andalusians, the famous tanneries, and historic Medersas. You will also explore the new part of the city, including the Royal Palace and a panoramic viewpoint. Overnight stay includes dinner and breakfast.
In the morning, you head south towards the Merzouga Desert. Along the way, you make several stops. First is Ifrane, known as the Switzerland of Morocco. Next is the cedar forest, where you can see Barbary apes in their natural habitat. After lunch in Midelt, you continue through the scenic Ziz Valley. You arrive at the Erg Chebbi dunes in Merzouga by late afternoon and check into a hotel with views of the Sahara.
Around 10:00 AM, you begin a 4×4 tour around the dunes. You will visit mining areas, explore Khamlia village to hear traditional Gnawa music, and meet with a nomadic family to learn about their lifestyle. In the afternoon, you start a camel ride across the sand dunes towards the desert camp. Along the way, you stop to watch the beautiful sunset. After dinner at the camp, Berber music and drumming will accompany your evening under the stars.
Wake early to witness a spectacular sunrise over the dunes. After breakfast, you ride camels or take a jeep back to Merzouga village. Your journey continues towards the Dades Valley. Along the way, you stop at the Todra Valley and its dramatic gorges for photos. You will spend the night at a hotel in the Dades Valley.
After breakfast, you drive towards Marrakech. The route includes a visit to the famous Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a fortified village built in the 17th century. You then cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka pass, reaching an altitude of 2,260 meters. Along the way, you visit a women’s argan oil cooperative to learn about its production and benefits. You continue to Marrakech, where you will spend the night.
After breakfast, you explore the best of Marrakech with a local guide. The tour covers the Koutoubia Mosque, the Ben Youssef Koranic School, the Saadian Tombs, the Bahia Palace, and the Majorelle Gardens. The afternoon is free for you to explore the Medina independently. You will spend the night in a traditional riad or hotel.
After a late breakfast around 10:00 AM, you depart from Marrakech and drive to the coastal city of Essaouira. You arrive around lunchtime and check into a hotel with views of the ocean and Mogador Island. The afternoon is free for you to enjoy the beach, explore the Essaouira Medina, and visit the port, which gained fame as a filming location for Game of Thrones. You will spend the night in Essaouira.
After breakfast in Essaouira, you begin the drive back to Casablanca. The coastal route passes through the towns of Safi, Oualidia, and El Jadida, the latter known as a former Portuguese settlement. You arrive in Casablanca and stay overnight at a hotel by the sea.
On your final day, you will be transferred from your Casablanca hotel to Mohammed V Airport for your departure flight. This marks the end of your 13-day Moroccan tour.
