10 Days: The Highlights of Morocco

Arrive in Casablanca and meet your driver outside the airport. Transfer to downtown Casablanca.  Drive time: 45 minutes

Begin with a visit to the stunning Hassan II Mosque, the largest in Morocco and the third largest mosque in the world that non-muslims are allowed to enter. Able to accommodate up to 105,000 in prayer, this marvel of modern Moroccan architecture is the work of hundreds of expert craftsmen from around the country, many of them donating their work. 

Overnight in Casablanca.

After breakfast, continue to journey on to Rabat, Morocco’s current capital city. Drive time: 1.5 hours

Visit the Hassan Tower, which has sat unfinished since 1199. Commissioned by Abu Yusuf Yaqub al-Mansur, the tower was to be the minaret for the largest mosque in the world.  Unfortunately, when the sultan passed away in 1199, the project was abandoned, leaving some partial outer walls, 348 columns, and a minaret only standing half-finished at 140 feet rather than the intended 260 feet.

Standing opposite the Hassan Tower is the Mohammed V Mausoleum, which contains the tombs of Mohammed V, the current king’s grandfather, as well as the king’s father, Hassan II, and his uncle, Prince Abdallah. It is considered a masterpiece of Alaouite architecture with its white walls and green tiled roof. 

Continue on to Chefchaouen, nestled high in the lush Rif Mountains. Drive time: 4 hours

Spend the afternoon exploring the winding alleys of the idyllic blue-washed medina. While the city was once considered a sacred city that was closed to outsiders, the Blue Pearl of Morocco now draws travelers from all over the world.  Photographers and artists are particularly drawn to the stunning blue walls and steps, punctuated by brightly colored flower pots, cloths, and sacks of pigment sold by the souks.

Overnight in Chefchaouen.

Enjoy a leisurely morning in Chefchaouen.

Travel back down the mountains and head south to Fes. Drive time: 4 hours

Make a stop to see the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis. These ruins date back to 3 BCE, and was once the capital of the ancient kingdom of Mauretania. The ruins are still undergoing excavation, and several of the mosaic floors still shine with vivid colors when wet. (Extra fee required)

Check in to your riad in the medina.

Overnight in Fes.

Tour Fes with a private guide. The city of Fes is a place that will take your breath away with its intricate architecture and beautiful views.

You can begin at the Royal palace, which has seven golden doors decorated in an intricate manner, rich with symbolism.

Stroll through Mellah – Jewish quarters built next to the palace to protect inhabitants.

From the top of Borj Sud, you can see all of Fes laid out before your eyes and spot landmarks that would otherwise be hidden by its skyline-obstructing buildings.

The pottery of Fes is a unique and ancient art form that has been perfected over time by the locals. Visit a pottery co-op to see how they operate, as well as getting an up close look at some beautiful pieces from this cultural center!

Head into the ancient medina and step into a sort of living museum. This obscure gem is full of life, with people going about their daily business while you explore this bustling marketplace that dates back centuries ago. The Fes Medina has been continuously inhabited since 250 AD – so much history here! Be sure to watch out for those donkeys who are used to carry loads through the winding alleyways where motorized vehicles are not permitted.

The Al-Quaraouiyine University is the oldest degree-granting university still in operation, having been founded by a woman 859 years ago. Though you are not allowed to enter this Quoranic school, you can glimpse inside the stunning courtyard.

Your tour will pause for lunch in the medina. This unassuming restaurant has been serving up delicious food since 1680 and offers a surprise as you walk through its doors. It features an enticing tajine menu with options that are sure not only satisfy but also excite any appetite!  

The medina’s handicraft workshops offer a unique insight into the country’s ancient culture and history. Visitors can witness how traditional techniques are still being used today, such as those employed by silk weavers who produce beautifully colored fabrics from threads sourced exclusively within Morocco; or those used for animal hide tanning, a process which has been done for nearly 1,000 years.

Overnight in Fes.

Depart Fes after breakfast and begin your journey south. Drive time; 8 hours

Make a coffee stop in Ifrane, an adorable ski resort town that’s also known as the Swiss village due to its alpine-style architecture.

Visit the monkeys in their natural habitat outside of Azrou, where they are happy to be fed but surprisingly well-mannered.

Stop in Zaida for lunch, enjoying fresh barbecue in one of the many streetside restaurants.

Take in the scenery as you cross the Atlas Mountains.

View the lush green date and almond trees filling the gorge in Errachidia.

Arrive in Merzouga in the evening and check in to your riad in time for dinner. Dinner included.

Overnight in Merzouga.

OPTIONAL: Begin your day with a one-hour ATV or dune buggy excursion through the Sahara Desert. Enjoy the exhilaration of speeding through the sands and up the dunes, where you will stop to enjoy a peaceful moment with just sky and sand for as far as you can see.  You will have a professional guide to ensure you don’t get lost!  (Extra fee required)

Spend the day exploring the region. Far from the most populated cities, the Sahara region is unique, in some ways feeling like a step back in time. 

Visit a local artist studio, where a Berber artist makes incredible sculptures and paintings based on Berber writing, while his wife creates beautiful portraits of Berber men and women.

Head to the Rissani market, which serves as the primary shopping place for locals, as there are no grocery stores in the city. From the blacksmiths to the tent makers, from the butchers to the builders, the market offers a wide range of things to see.  On Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, you will even find the animal market, where people buy and sell sheep, chickens, donkeys, and more.

In the late afternoon, meet your camels for your trek into your desert camp. You will journey through the dunes, and your camel guide will be able to get some great pictures for you as well! 

Arrive at your camp and enjoy a welcome glass of Moroccan mint tea and Moroccan cookies. Take some time to relax before dinner. Dinner included.

After dinner, enjoy live music around the bonfire.

Overnight in the Sahara Desert.

OPTIONAL: Wake up early to watch the sunrise over the dunes.  Remember it gets cold in the desert overnight, so don’t forget your jacket!

Enjoy a traditional Moroccan breakfast at the camp.

Depart camp via SUV.

Meet up with your driver once more, and begin your journey west. Drive time: 6 hours

Make a stop in Tinghir to see the stunning Todra Gorge, carved from the red rocks of the landscape by a river.

OPTIONAL: stop as you pass through Kalaat M’Gouna, which is famous for its production of rose products. The area is known as the Rose Valley because it is where thousands of roses are grown each year to be distilled into rose water and rose oil, then used to make all manner of cosmetics.

In the afternoon, arrive in Ouarzazate, known as “Moroccan Hollywood” thanks to the Atlas Film Studio and other local spots used in filming.

Dinner included at your riad.

Overnight in Ouarzazate.

As you head out of Ouarzazate, make a stop at Ait Ben-Haddou, an ancient Ksar that has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located along the former trade caravan route between the Sahara Desert and Marrakech, the Ksar is now often used as a filming location for movies including The Jewel of the Nile, The Mummy, and Kingdom of Heaven.

Continue across the Atlas Mountains via the winding Tichka Pass to arrive in Marrakech in the late afternoon. Drive time: 4 hours

Overnight in Marrakech.

Tour Marrakech with a private guide.

Visit the Koutoubia minaret, the tallest in Marrakech. Within the city walls, no building is allowed to be taller than the Koutoubia’s 253 feet.  The minaret is part of the largest mosque in Marrakech, which was completed in 1199.

Stop at one of the iconic spice markets, learning of the medicinal uses of many of the common spices and herbs that are still used across Morocco to treat common illnesses.

Visit Dar Bacha, which houses the Museum of Confluences, offering a mixture of Berber, Arab, and Jewish artifacts from throughout Morocco’s history. While you are there, be sure to enjoy coffee in their coffee room, offering over 200 varieties of coffee from the world over, housed in a historic palace in Marrakech.

Explore Jemaa el Fna, the primary square in the medina and a UNESCO world heritage site. Though now filled with street performers, snake charmers, merchants, and orange juice stalls, when it was created in 1050, it was used for public executions, perhaps leading to its name which can be translated as “assembly of death”. 

Head into the souks surrounding Jemaa el Fna to several workshops, including shoemakers and bakers.

Overnight in Marrakech.

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and transfer north to the Casablanca airport for your departure flight. Drive time: 2.5 hours