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, head to Rabat, Morocco’s capital (1.5-hour drive). Visit the unfinished Hassan Tower, intended as the tallest minaret in the world in 1199, alongside the Mohammed V Mausoleum, a striking example of Alaouite architecture.
Next, journey to Chefchaouen in the Rif Mountains (4-hour drive). Spend the afternoon wandering its blue-washed medina, renowned for vibrant alleys, colorful flower pots, and scenic views.
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.
Explore Fes with a private guide, beginning at the Royal Palace with its seven golden, intricately decorated doors. Walk through the historic Mellah (Jewish Quarter) and take in panoramic views from Borj Sud.
Visit a pottery co-op to see Fes’s renowned craftsmanship, then delve into the bustling, ancient medina, a living museum dating back to 250 AD. Explore Al-Quaraouiyine University, the oldest degree-granting university in the world, founded by a woman in 859 AD, with a view of its stunning courtyard.
Pause for lunch at a historic medina restaurant, known for its tajines. Visit handicraft workshops, where silk weaving and traditional leather tanning have thrived for centuries.
Overnight in Fes.
After breakfast, depart Fes and head south. Stop in Ifrane, known as the “Swiss village” for its alpine-style architecture, and visit the wild monkeys near Azrou. Enjoy a barbecue lunch in Zaida before crossing the scenic Atlas Mountains. Pass through Errachidia’s lush date and almond groves, arriving in Merzouga by evening for dinner at your riad.
Overnight in Merzouga.
Start the day with an optional one-hour ATV or dune buggy ride through the Sahara, guided by a professional (extra fee).
Explore the unique Sahara region, visiting a local artist studio where a Berber artist and his wife create beautiful sculptures, paintings, and portraits. At Rissani market, experience the lively local trade, including blacksmiths, tent makers, and the animal market on specific days.
In the afternoon, embark on a camel trek to your desert camp, capturing memorable photos along the way. Enjoy Moroccan mint tea, cookies, and some relaxation before dinner. Afterward, gather around the bonfire for live music.
Overnight in the Sahara Desert.
Start the day with an optional sunrise over the dunes (bring a jacket for the chilly morning). Enjoy a traditional Moroccan breakfast at camp, then meet your driver to head west.
Stop in Tinghir to marvel at the dramatic red-rock Todra Gorge. Optionally, visit Kalaat M’Gouna, or “Rose Valley,” renowned for its rose products and annual rose harvest.
Arrive in Ouarzazate in the afternoon, known as “Moroccan Hollywood” for its Atlas Film Studio and filming locations.
Dinner 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.
Explore Marrakech with a private guide. Begin at the 253-foot Koutoubia minaret, Marrakech’s tallest structure, part of the city’s largest mosque since 1199.
Visit a spice market to learn about Morocco’s medicinal herbs, then head to Dar Bacha’s Museum of Confluences, showcasing Berber, Arab, and Jewish artifacts. Enjoy a coffee in its historic setting, featuring over 200 varieties from around the world.
Experience the vibrant Jemaa el Fna square, a UNESCO site filled with performers, vendors, and history. Wander through the surrounding souks, stopping at traditional workshops like shoemakers and bakers.
Overnight in Marrakech.
After breakfast, check out of your hotel and transfer north to the Casablanca airport (or Marrakech airport) for your departure flight.
