Embark on an exciting 15-day journey through Morocco, exploring the imperial cities and the South Desert. Discover the vibrant culture, stunning architecture, delicious cuisine, and bustling souks of this enchanting country.
Embark on an exciting 15-day journey through Morocco, exploring the imperial cities and the South Desert. Discover the vibrant culture, stunning architecture, delicious cuisine, and bustling souks of this enchanting country.
We Meet You at a Starting Point - Casablanca Mohamed V Airport or Ferry in Morocco
Hassan II Mosque - Depending on your arrival point, the first day’s activities may vary, but the overall itinerary remains consistent. Upon your arrival at Casablanca’s Mohammed V airport, we will welcome you and transport you to the heart of Morocco’s economic…
We Meet You at a Starting Point - Casablanca Mohamed V Airport or Ferry in Morocco
Hassan II Mosque - Depending on your arrival point, the first day’s activities may vary, but the overall itinerary remains consistent. Upon your arrival at Casablanca’s Mohammed V airport, we will welcome you and transport you to the heart of Morocco’s economic capital. Welcome to the modern coastal city of Casablanca. The city’s main attraction is the relatively modern and monumental Hassan II Mosque. Inaugurated in 1993, it sits on a promontory extending into the Atlantic Ocean, offering breathtaking views. Its minaret stands at 690 feet (210 meters), making it the tallest structure in Morocco and the tallest minaret in the world. This mosque is also unique as it is one of the few in the country that non-Muslims are allowed to enter. Join a guided tour to appreciate the fine examples of Moroccan and Islamic craftsmanship.
Overnight at Hotel,
Casablanca ⇨ Rabat ⇨ Asilah ⇨ Tangier
Hassan Tower - After breakfast, head north to the imperial city and current capital of Rabat (along with Meknes, Fes, and Marrakech, which are the other imperial cities). Explore the medieval fortifications of the Chellah Necropolis and wander through the Roman and Islamic ruins. Enter Rabat’s original city center through the grand door of the Kasbah des Oudaias. From there, visit the 20th-century Andalusian Gardens and enjoy the peaceful space away from the crowds. Discover the Hassan Tower, a minaret of the incomplete mosque and Mausoleum of Mohamed V, a 12th-century project that was abandoned shortly after construction began.
Asilah Medina - After visiting Rabat, we will drive to Asilah. Once there, we will explore the medina of Asilah to uncover its significant historical and monumental heritage. This fortified area next to the Atlantic still retains vestiges of Portuguese domination from the 15th century, visible in the old ramparts and the Raisuni Palace, a key witness to the city’s historical events.
Overnight in a Hotel or Traditional Riad
Tangier ⇨ Sightseeing
Medina of Tangier - After breakfast, explore Tangier, a major entry point from Europe to Morocco, with many recent additions to enhance its appeal as a tourist destination, including a new marina area and the Medina. The Tangier Kasbah (fortified castle) is small and compact, allowing for an easy self-guided walk by following various signs. Enter through Bab Haha and proceed to Place du Mechouar. If you prefer, you can hire a guide for a more detailed tour. About 15-20 minutes from the city, you can visit Cap Spartel and the Cave of Hercules, which takes about an hour to fully appreciate. The cave’s outline, when viewed against the Atlantic skyline, is said to resemble the African continent. Find a café in the trendy Zoco Chico square for a bite to eat and some people-watching, and end the day with a late afternoon stroll along the seafront promenade of the bustling corniche.
Overnight in Tangier
Tangier ⇨ Tetouan ⇨ Chefchaouen
Tetouan - In the morning, have breakfast and then head towards Chefchaouen. On the way, you’ll pass through Tetouan, a gem of a town located at the foot of the Rif Mountains, just a few kilometers from the sea. The ancient medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, appears unchanged for centuries. You can tour this town on your own with recommendations from your driver. Lunch will be at your leisure.
Chefchaouen Medina - Continuing on, you will arrive in Chefchaouen, a visual delight with its blue walls, doors, windows, stairways, alleyways, and archways—all in shades of soft, pastel sky blue and deeper, more vibrant hues. After checking in at your riad, you are free to explore the town at your own pace or simply relax. Outa el Hammam is the main square and a great place to watch the world go by. Wander up the tiny, winding alleys away from the more tourist-oriented areas to experience the everyday life of the town. Ask your driver for recommendations if needed. Dinner will be on your own.
Overnight in a Hotel or Traditional Riad
Tour Chefchaouen and hiking in the Rif Mountains
Chefchaouen - After breakfast, take note of Chefchaouen’s blue buildings, which glow in the morning light. Wake up early to watch the sunrise over the mountains from the nearby Spanish mosque. Since many shops don’t open until 10 am, you can use this time to wander the serene town.
Cascades d’Akchour - Then, depart for a hike in the Rif Mountains. Here, you’ll explore the wilderness among the cedar trees and hike to the Cascades d’Akchour, a stunning waterfall perfect for photos. You’ll also encounter smaller waterfalls along the way, and depending on the weather, you can take a refreshing dip. On the other side of the river, you can take the steep path to God’s Bridge, a natural rock formation, or follow the canyon to view the bridge from below. Once back in Chefchaouen, visit the medina and immerse yourself in the town’s beauty. Walk to the market to buy fresh fruit and enjoy people-watching as locals in bright traditional attire pass by. Dinner is at your leisure, and you will have the rest of the evening to relax before your next tour tomorrow.
Chefchaouen ⇨ Volubilis ⇨ Meknes ⇨ Fes
Volubilis - Today, say goodbye to Chefchaouen and travel south to Fes. On the way, visit Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that contains Morocco’s best-preserved Roman ruins. Take a break from driving to explore the massive complex, including large merchant homes with visible heating systems, temples, and many well-preserved mosaics. Guides are usually available for hire, and your driver can assist you with this.
Moulay Idriss - Next, head to Moulay Idriss, which from a distance, resembles a sitting camel. Founded in 789 CE by Moulay Idriss after fleeing religious and tribal conflicts in Mecca, it became Morocco’s first Islamic capital and remains culturally significant. The city also features the only round minaret in Morocco. You can have lunch here or wait until the next stop.
Meknes Medina - The last stop before Fes is the prosperous city of Meknes. Its medina is smaller than Fes’s, allowing for a more leisurely exploration without aggressive shopkeepers. Your driver will guide you through the Ville Impériale area, where you can see gardens, palaces, the impressive gate of Bab al-Mansour, the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, and the Royal Stables. Many of these palaces were constructed with materials taken from Volubilis, so look out for Roman columns in unexpected places! You’ll end the day in Fes, one of Morocco’s four imperial cities. Founded by Moulay Idriss I and made the capital of the Idrisid dynasty by his successor, Moulay Idriss II, Fes will be your home for the night. You’ll be taken to your riad in the Fes medina, and the late afternoon and evening will be yours to enjoy.
Fes ⇨ Sightseeing
Fes el-Bali - Fes is home to the most complete medina, with much of the city remaining untouched over the centuries, offering an authentic medieval experience. Divided into three main areas of interest, you will explore two medina quarters: the older Fes el Bali and the newer Fes el Jdid. Meet your guide and begin your tour at Riad, working your way along the main thoroughfare, Talâa Kebira. Navigate the narrow, winding streets to find the Chouara Tannery. Climb to the rooftop of a nearby leather shop for a comprehensive view of the men at work—a practice that has changed little over hundreds of years. Discover the 9th-century Al-Qarawiyyin University, one of the oldest universities in the world. Visit the Al Attarine Madrasa to see examples of Moroccan craftsmanship. Head to Fes el Jdid to explore the Mellah (Jewish quarter and cemetery) and take advantage of its location for an overview of the city. You will also visit the ceramics cooperative to see traditional Moroccan crafts.
Fes ⇨ Ifran ⇨ Cedar Forest ⇨ Midelt ⇨ Ziz Valley ⇨ Sahara Desert
Ifrane - Get an early start today, as you’ll be covering a lot of ground to reach the Sahara Desert! Begin by crossing the Middle Atlas Mountains through the town of Azrou and its majestic cedar forests. Take a brief detour to the scenic Cèdre Gouraud Forest, where troops of Barbary Macaque monkeys lounge in ancient cedar trees near the road. Stop for lunch in Midelt, which sits on a cold, high desert plateau. Despite the harsh landscape, Midelt is known as Morocco’s “Apple City” for its productive orchards, made possible by the Moulouya River, which provides year-round water as it flows to the Mediterranean Sea.
Midelt - Continue across a landscape of steep mountain ranges, wide valleys, and narrow canyon passes. Follow the Ziz Valley, an important branch of the ancient Saharan Trade Route. You’ll start to see many fortified houses (ksars) built by merchants to protect the gold, salt, and spices that passed this way.
Erg Chebbi - After crossing the incredible Ziz Gorge, you’ll begin to see early signs of Saharan sand dunes. These wind-blown dunes are in constant motion, often encroaching upon farms, roads, and buildings. You can also see an ancient method of water “mining” here, an ingenious way to transfer water from the mountains to farmland before modern pumps were invented. Along the way, you’ll notice nomadic shepherds and some tents in the area. Near Merzouga, take a short break as you prepare for the trip to your desert camp. If you ride a camel, you’ll arrive at camp just before sunset. Climb up to watch the colorful sunset reflecting on the sand dunes. Head back to camp for dinner and a night of traditional Berber music by the fire. With almost no light pollution in this region, be sure to gaze at the starry night sky before heading to bed.
Tour of The Dunes ⇨ Visit Nomad Families ⇨ Merzouga Desert
Merzouga Desert - If you’re an early riser, you’ll be rewarded with a sunrise over the sand dunes. After breakfast, begin your desert excursion in the Sahara to explore different parts of the desert. First, visit the lake of Merzouga, home to exotic birds, then head to the middle of the Sahara, where nomads with their animals still live a traditional life. Sip a cup of tea with them and see how they live. Next, take the route where the Paris-Dakar Rally used to race, then visit the Mifis mines, once exploited by France. Continue to Khamlia village, inhabited by black Berber people originally from Mali and Niger. Enjoy their music and dance, and have lunch in the village (Berber Pizza). Finally, visit an impressive oasis on the edge of the sand dunes before ending your day at your hotel.
Merzouga ⇨ Rissani ⇨ Arfoud ⇨ Todra Gorges ⇨ Dades Valley
Rissani Market - After breakfast at your hotel, leave the vast desert and travel towards Rissani, once a major stop on the Saharan caravan route. If your visit coincides with the market days (Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays), you’ll have the opportunity to visit the souk, the largest in the region.
Fossiles d’Erfoud - Next, continue to Erfoud, known for its date festival and famous for its fossil mining and artisan factories. You may have already seen some fossils in the markets. En route, you can see hillside mines where large rocks are extracted. In town, stop at a local artisan collective to learn about the types of fossils found in the area and see the full process of transforming fossil-rich rock into beautiful objects, large and small.
Gargantas del Todra - Continue to Dades Valley, passing through villages like Millab, Tinjdad, and Toroug to reach Todra Valley, a green area surrounded by mud villages and mountains. After a 30-minute drive, arrive at Todra Gorges, a narrow vertical passage with 300-meter-high cliffs rising dramatically on each side, popular with climbing enthusiasts. In Dades Valley, you’ll see fascinating rock formations known locally as “monkey fingers” and beautiful mud kasbahs. Once your exploration is over for the day, enjoy dinner and rest.
Dades Valley ⇨ Rose Town ⇨ Ouarzazate ⇨ Ait Benhaddou ⇨ Marrakech
Ait Ben Haddou - Today, travel to El Kalaa Mgouna, or Rose Town, where over 400 tonnes of rose petals are picked every spring to be processed into rosewater or exported to perfume industries. The festival of roses is held here every May. As you travel from Rose Town to Skoura, you’ll see many kasbahs among the greenery of Dades Valley. The small town of Skoura is surrounded by thousands of palm groves, and the most beautiful kasbahs in southern Morocco are found here. Continue to Ouarzazate, known as the “Hollywood of Africa” for its large cinema studios, then to the famous, filmed, and photographed kasbah of Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site. You’ll have free time to visit and have lunch in the village. Afterward, head to Marrakech via the High Atlas Mountains (2260 meters), admiring the impressive mountain views and unique Berber villages on the mountainsides. Arrive in Marrakech in the evening.
Marrakech ⇨ Sightseeing
Bahia Palace - After breakfast, meet your local private guide who will lead you through the old city of Marrakech. As you explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site, you’ll encounter lively souks and maze-like alleys. Be dazzled by displays of djellabas, brightly colored babouches, intricately-pierced lanterns, conical mounds of exotic spices, and the intense hubbub of medina life. Along the way, your knowledgeable and energetic guide will share the history and stories of the Medina, the Souk, and the Mellah neighborhoods of the Red City.
Jemaa el-Fnaa - In the afternoon, continue your private tour, exploring places like the Bahia and El Badii Palaces, and the Saadian Tombs. Visit the Majorelle Gardens, an iconic retreat built over forty years by French painter Jacques Majorelle and later inhabited by famed designer Yves Saint Laurent. As evening approaches, Jemaa el-Fna comes alive with musicians, storytellers, acrobats, dancers, and even snake charmers. Wander the rows of food stalls offering everything from full meals to fruit drinks, dried dates, and small snacks. Grab a bite, or for a more relaxed experience, find one of the many cafés above the square to enjoy a meal while watching the show below.
Marrakech ⇨ Essaouira
Medina of Essaouira - Today, head west to the Atlantic coast and the laid-back beach town of Essaouira. The route takes you over extensive rolling plains and through endemic argan forests. If you’re lucky, you may see goats in the trees grazing on the argan fruit, a sight seen when grass pasture is limited. Along the way, you can stop at an Argan Oil Cooperative to see how the precious oil is extracted from the nut. Upon arrival in Essaouira, stroll around the busy harbor and see fishermen selling fresh fish from their traditional blue boats. Visit the fortified harbor Scala for amazing photos of the monumental Bab al Mersa (“Door of the Port”). Then, explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the old seaside medina. Wander the colorful souks and maze of alleys. After lunch, settle into your accommodation. Return to the medina quarter to enjoy Essaouira’s evening buzz and vibrant nightlife.
Essaouira ⇨ Safi ⇨ El Jadida ⇨ Casablanca
Safi - Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before departing for Casablanca. Break up the four to five-hour coastal drive with stops in seaside towns like Safi, known for its fishing industry and renowned for its pottery and ceramics. Start your visit with the famous Castle of the Sea (Ksar el Bahr, built in the 16th century), then climb the walkway for breathtaking views of the port and ocean.
El Jadida - Stop in El Jadida to tour the hauntingly beautiful Portuguese cistern. Walk the ramparts and visit the Church of the Assumption. Upon arriving in Casablanca, explore more of the Old Medina and stroll along the Boulevard de la Corniche to Rick’s Café, a bar, restaurant, and café inspired by the classic movie “Casablanca,” and grab a bite to eat.
Casablanca ⇨ Transfer to Airport
Casablanca - Today is departure day. We will drive you to Casablanca airport.
NOTE: If you’re interested in extending your trip, we can modify the itinerary to include more days, allowing you to delve deeper into the culture and beauty of the southern coastal cities of Taghazout, Agadir, Legzira, and more.
- Private transportation
- Local City guide in Fes and Marrakesh Medina
- Accommodation 14 Nights at the Hotels or Traditional Riads
- Fresh Bottled mineral of water on board while touring
- Desert adventure with Camel Ride and Luxury Night Camp (private tent with toilet & shower)
- Dinner
-
Airport Arrival And Departure or Hotel pickup and drop-off
-…
- Private transportation
- Local City guide in Fes and Marrakesh Medina
- Accommodation 14 Nights at the Hotels or Traditional Riads
- Fresh Bottled mineral of water on board while touring
- Desert adventure with Camel Ride and Luxury Night Camp (private tent with toilet & shower)
- Dinner
- Airport Arrival And Departure or Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Breakfast
- Transport by air-conditioned
- Fuel For The Vehicle
- Driver/Guide
- Tip to driver, local guides, hotel and restaurant staff
- Not listed meals on itinerary and all drinks
- Personal Expenses
- Tip to driver, local guides, hotel and restaurant staff
- Not listed meals on itinerary and all drinks
- Personal Expenses
Explore the highlights of Morocco on this comprehensive 15-day journey, which includes visits to the royal cities of Rabat, Meknes, Fes, and Marrakech, along with several days in the desert. Begin your adventure exploring the capital city, Rabat, watch a sunset over the beautifully blue Chefchaoeun, travel back to the Roman era at Volubilis, and explore…
Explore the highlights of Morocco on this comprehensive 15-day journey, which includes visits to the royal cities of Rabat, Meknes, Fes, and Marrakech, along with several days in the desert. Begin your adventure exploring the capital city, Rabat, watch a sunset over the beautifully blue Chefchaoeun, travel back to the Roman era at Volubilis, and explore the artisan workshops in Fes, the city known for its culture. Conclude your journey in the vibrant city of Marrakech and experience the buzz of Africa’s busiest square, Jemaa el-Fna. The unparalleled architecture, exquisite craftsmanship, flavorful cuisine, and lively marketplaces of Morocco are certain to captivate you.
This tour covers everything Morocco has to offer, from its historic Imperial cities and coastal towns to its Southern deserts.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.