Arrive in Casablanca and meet your driver outside the airport. Transfer to downtown Casablanca.
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
Continue to Rabat, Morocco’s capital (1.5 hrs). Visit the unfinished Hassan Tower, commissioned in 1199, originally intended to be the tallest minaret in the world. Due to the sultan’s death, it remains at 140 feet, incomplete but still impressive.
Opposite the tower, visit the Mohammed V Mausoleum, a stunning example of Alaouite architecture, housing the tombs of the late king and his family.
Travel north to Asilah, a charming coastal town known for its whitewashed medina and preserved Portuguese fortifications. Stroll the ramparts and enjoy ocean views. Continue to Tangier, where you’ll have the evening at leisure.
Overnight in Tangier.
Spend the day exploring Tangier with a private guide. Located on the Strait of Gibraltar, this historic city has been shaped by many civilizations over the centuries, making it a fascinating destination.
Visit the Cave of Hercules, where the hero is said to have rested after his twelve labors, and climb to the top for panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. Explore Cap Spartel, the northernmost point of Africa, where the Rif mountains meet the sea and, on clear days, Spain can be seen across the water.
Tour the Kasbah, Tangier’s ancient fortification, now home to the city’s museum, showcasing artifacts from its rich history.
Travel on to Chefchaouen and enjoy the evening at your leisure.
Overnight in Chefchaouen.
In the morning, head to Chefchaouen, nestled high in the lush Rif Mountains.
Spend some time 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.
OPTIONAL: a trip to Akchour waterfall, one of the hidden gems of Chefchaouen. The hike along the river with many small waterfalls through the vigorous green forest is like a fairy tale. Surrounded by the majestic Rif Mountains, you will pass rocks and tree stumps wrapped in green moss, turning into a thick, unbridled jungle, with birdsong and water flowing in small cascades along the valley floor.
Overnight in Chefchaouen.
Depart Chefchaouen in the morning to travel to Volubilis. Drive time: 2 hours
Tour the site with a guide. The site of the ancient Roman ruins dates back to 3 BCE, when it was the capital of the kingdom of Mauretania. The Roman rule began in the 1st century CE, and continued until it fell to local tribes in 285. The remains of many ancient structures are still being excavated, as well as the triumphal arch still standing. There are several large mosaic floors still fully intact, and they will still reveal vibrant colors when wet.
Continue on to Meknes, which was the capital of Morocco from 1672 to 1727 under sultan Moulay Ismail. Drive time: 1 hour
Complete your journey to Fes, where you will check in to your riad. Drive time: 1 hour
Overnight in Fes.
Tour Fes with a private guide and discover its breathtaking architecture and rich history.
Start at the Royal Palace, known for its seven golden doors, rich in symbolism. Explore the Mellah, the Jewish quarter built beside the palace for protection. Head to Borj Sud for panoramic views of Fes, where landmarks emerge amidst the city’s skyline. Visit a pottery co-op to see ancient craftsmanship in action and admire the beautiful works of art. Wander through the Fes Medina, a vibrant, living museum with a bustling marketplace dating back to 250 AD. Watch out for donkeys navigating its narrow, vehicle-free alleys!
Visit Al-Quaraouiyine University, the world’s oldest degree-granting university, and glimpse its stunning courtyard. Pause for lunch at a charming 1680 restaurant, offering flavorful tajines that will excite your taste buds. Explore the medina’s handicraft workshops, where traditional techniques, such as silk weaving and leather tanning, are still practiced.
Overnight in Fes.
Depart Fes after breakfast and begin your journey south. 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.
Overnight in Merzouga.
Optional: Start your day with a thrilling one-hour ATV or dune buggy ride through the Sahara Desert. Speed across the sands, climbing dunes and stopping to enjoy the serene, endless landscape. A professional guide ensures you stay on track (extra fee required).
Spend the day exploring the unique Sahara region, where time seems to stand still. Visit a local artist’s studio, where a talented Berber artist creates sculptures and paintings inspired by Berber writing, while his wife crafts stunning portraits. Next, head to the Rissani market, a lively hub for locals. With no grocery stores in the city, the market is a bustling scene of blacksmiths, butchers, tent makers, and even an animal market on select days.
In the late afternoon, meet your camels for a trek into the desert camp. As you journey through the dunes, your guide will capture beautiful moments along the way. Arrive at your camp, where you’ll be welcomed with Moroccan mint tea and cookies. Relax before dinner. After dinner, enjoy live music around the bonfire.
Overnight in the Sahara Desert.”
After enjoying a hearty breakfast, our journey takes us from the serene desert to the historic city of Rissani, once the capital of Tafilalet. Rissani remains a bustling trading hub, with a vibrant souk that comes alive on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. As we explore the lively Rissani souk, our adventure continues to Erfoud, where we’ll have the opportunity to visit a fascinating fossilized marble workshop.
Next, we’ll venture through the enchanting palm groves of Touroug and Tinjdad, eventually arriving at the awe-inspiring Todra Gorges. Carved by the course of the Todra River, these imposing red cliffs create a dramatic canyon, beloved by climbers. You’ll have some free time to wander amidst the captivating beauty of the gorges before we pause for a delightful lunch at a nearby restaurant.
Our journey then leads us to the picturesque Dades Valley, passing through Boumalne Dades. Along the way, we’ll make memorable stops at the unique “monkey fingers” rock formation and a scenic viewpoint atop a mountain, offering breathtaking vistas of the Dades Valley.
Dinner included at your riad.
Overnight in Dades.
After savoring a delicious breakfast, you’ll set off on a captivating journey to Ouarzazate. As you travel along the rugged ‘Road of a Thousand Kasbahs,’ you’ll witness the mesmerizing sight of these turreted sandcastles that once served as vital trade outposts along this historic caravan route. The central region, known for its enchanting valleys, swaying palm trees, and the charming allure of burnished mud brick houses adorned in vibrant hues against the backdrop of the endless blue desert sky, is one of Morocco’s most captivating and romantic destinations
Your scenic drive will take you through the fragrant Rose Valley, where blooms and roses paint the landscape in an array of colors. After a leisurely walk through this picturesque valley, you’ll pause for a delightful lunch at a local restaurant in one of the charming villages along the way. Continuing your journey towards Ouarzazate, you’ll encounter the striking Amridhile Kasbah, a must-visit attraction. You’ll have the opportunity to explore this famous site before retiring for the night in a comfortable hotel in Ouarzazate
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. Check into your riad in the medina.
OPTIONAL: Explore Jemaa el Fna, which comes to life with street performers as the sun goes down.
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, travel to the coastal city of Essaouira. Along the way, hopefully, you will spot the goats that climb the argan trees! Explore the charming and historic city of Essaouira with a private guide. This small city on the Atlantic coast is home to a laid-back historic Medina (old town). The city has a long history of different influences, including indigenous Berbers, Phoenicians, and Romans. The Portuguese occupied the city from the 15th century and built its fortress and ramparts in 1506 CE.
With its blue and white buildings, Essaouira hosts an art-centric population, attracting a large bohemian crowd for the Gnaoua and World Music Festival every summer.
You will visit the ancient ramparts from when the Portuguese established a military bridgehead, the historic Jewish mellah, see the iconic blue fishing boats, and learn about the wood carving the artisans of the city are known for.
Overnight in Marrakech.
After breakfast, check out of your hotel and transfer to the airport for your departure flight.
