12-Day Morocco Tour: Coast, Imperial Cities & Sahara Desert

ARRIVAL AT CASABLANCA AIRPORT (CMN)

Welcome to Morocco! You will be picked up from the airport CMN and taken to your hotel in Casablanca.

CASABLANCA ⤍ RABAT

Casablanca, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, is known as a major center for industry, business, and finance. In the morning, we'll pick you up from your hotel and head to the spectacular Hassan II Mosque, situated directly on the Atlantic Ocean. It is the largest mosque in Africa and one of the most impressive religious landmarks of the modern era.

Next, enjoy a leisurely walk along the Corniche Boulevard, a scenic promenade lined with palm trees and offering breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. Afterwards, we'll visit the Habous Quarter, a charming neighborhood known for its traditional Moroccan architecture, lively souks, artisan shops, and elegant arcades. It offers a unique blend of traditional Moroccan and French colonial influences.

Afterwards, we'll drive towards Rabat. Once we arrive, we'll visit several historical monuments, including the magnificent Mausoleum of Mohammed V, Hassan Tower, the Kasbah of the Udayas, and the Royal Palace.

Overnight in a riad/hotel in Rabat.

RABAT ⤍ ASILAH ⤍ TANGIER

Today, you will be able to enjoy lots of time discovering the old Portuguese ramparts and gates of Asilah, which represent its legacy as a fortified town. Stroll around the medina, which is composed of a network of small streets surrounded by whitewashed houses and colorful murals.

From there, we will go to Tangier, where we will visit the Caves of Hercules, an interesting archaeological site about 14 km away from the city. After that, we will proceed to Cape Spartel, which is an amazing natural place where the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea meet at the entrance of the Strait of Gibraltar.

Overnight at your riad/hotel in Tangier.

TANGIER ⤍ TETOUAN ⤍ CHEFCHAOUEN

Firstly, we will take you from your hotel in Tangier to Tetouan, referred to as the “White Dove of Morocco”. This city is famed for its rich Andalusian heritage and white medina. Explore the medina with its narrow streets, traditional souks, historic buildings and local vibe. Finally, we will travel to Chefchaouen which is distinguished by the blue painted buildings giving it an unmistakable character.

Chefchaouen is a laid back town featuring many coffee shops where you can sample traditional Moroccan food. In addition, there are many historic sites such as the Grand Mosque, the Kasbah and the Ethnographic Museum.

Take some time to explore the alleys and blue-painted streets of the town. Walk around the medina and appreciate the unique atmosphere created by the blue washed buildings.

Overnight at riad/hotel in Chefchaouen.

CHEFCHAOUEN ⤍ VOLUBILIS ⤍ MEKNES ⤍ FEZ

Today, you'll leave Chefchaouen and head to Fez. Our first stop of the day will be Volubilis, an impressive archaeological site featuring the ruins of the ancient Roman Empire. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with origins dating back to the 3rd century BC. You'll have plenty of time to explore the fascinating ruins and discover the history of this remarkable site.

The next stop will be Meknes, which was once the capital of Morocco during the reign of Sultan Moulay Ismail. The Sultan left a lasting mark on the city's architecture and development, with impressive monuments and historic sites reflecting its glorious past.

Overnight in a riad/hotel in Fez.

FEZ GUIDED TOUR WITH A LICENSED LOCAL GUIDE

Today, you will visit one of Morocco’s imperial cities which is widely known all over the world. In the morning, you will be picked up from the hotel by the local guide and go to the Royal Palace which was built in 1276 by Abu Yusuf Yaqub. Then, you will drive to a panoramic viewpoint of Fes where you can have an amazing panoramic view of Medina and the city itself. After that, you will visit the potter’s quarter, Bab Bou Jeloud, and the famous Chouara Tannery.

Then, your guide will take you to a walking tour of the Medina where you will see the famous historical landmarks of the Medina. Established in the 9th century, the Medina of Fes was listed as UNESCO World Heritage site in 1981. The Medina of Fes is also well-known for being the birthplace of the Al-Qarawiyyin University – one of the oldest universities in the world.

Enjoy seeing the historical buildings and houses while learning their interesting history and cultural heritage.

FEZ ⤍ IFRANE ⤍ CEDAR FOREST ⤍ ZIZ VALLEY ⤍ MERZOUGA DESERT

After breakfast, we’ll pick you up from your riad/hotel in Fez and begin our journey towards the Sahara. Our first stop will be Ifrane, a charming mountain town known for its green surroundings, clean streets, and European-style architecture. We’ll then continue through the Cedar Forest, where you may have the chance to see Barbary macaques in their natural surroundings. Afterward, we’ll stop for lunch in Midelt.

In the afternoon, the scenery gradually changes as we travel through the mountains and along the beautiful Ziz Valley. We’ll make a short stop at a panoramic viewpoint to enjoy a coffee and take in the views before continuing to Merzouga. Here, you’ll enjoy a camel ride through the golden dunes, taking in the desert landscape and watching the sunset along the way. At the camp, settle in and enjoy a traditional dinner under the stars, followed by local music, folk songs, and dancing around the campfire.

MERZOUGA DESERT ⤍ NOMAD FAMILY ⤍ TOUR OF THE DUNES ⤍ KHAMLIA ⤍ HASSI LABIED OASIS

Today, we’ll set out by 4×4 to discover the desert and experience a more authentic side of the Sahara. Our first stop will be a visit to a nomadic family, where you’ll have the chance to meet them, learn about their traditional way of life, and hear about life in the desert.

We’ll then continue on an off-road adventure around the dunes, exploring the changing desert landscapes and stopping along the way to enjoy the views and take photos. From there, we’ll visit Khamlia, a small village famous for its Gnawa music and African heritage. After enjoying the local atmosphere, we’ll stop for lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, we’ll visit the peaceful Hassi Labied Oasis, a green oasis surrounded by the desert, where palm trees and traditional agriculture create a beautiful contrast with the golden dunes. After some time to explore and enjoy the scenery, we’ll return to Merzouga.

Overnight at your riad/hotel in Merzouga

MERZOUGA DESERT ⤍ RISSANI ⤍ TODRA GORGES ⤍ DADES VALLEY

In the early morning, you can climb the dunes and watch the sunrise over the Sahara (optional). Afterward, return to the camp for a warm traditional breakfast before we continue our journey through the authentic south of Morocco.

The first stop of the day will be Rissani, where you’ll have time to explore the traditional souk and experience the lively atmosphere of the local market. It’s a great place to see everyday life, browse local products, and get a feel for the traditions of this desert region.

We’ll then continue to the Todra Gorge, where huge limestone cliffs rise on both sides of the valley. Take some time to walk around, enjoy the scenery, and capture a few photos before stopping for lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, we’ll continue towards the Dades Valley and visit the impressive Monkey Fingers, a unique rock formation shaped by nature over thousands of years. We’ll then stop at the famous winding road, where you can enjoy beautiful views over the valley and surrounding mountains before heading to your riad/hotel for a relaxing evening.

DADES VALLEY ⤍ ROSES VALLEY ⤍ ATLAS STUDIOS ⤍ AÏT BENHADDOU KASBAH ⤍ HIGH ATLAS MOUNTAINS ⤍ MARRAKECH

Following the morning breakfast, we will move towards Marrakech with lots of interesting stops en-route. First, we will visit Kalaat M’Gouna, otherwise known as the Valley of Roses. This is a small town well-known for the cultivation of roses and production of their products. Kalaat M’Gouna is also rich in the local Berber culture and traditional way of life. The town holds the Rose Festival each May where the rose harvest takes place.

Next, we will visit the city of Ouarzazate to view the Atlas Studios, which is a very famous movie studio in Morocco. These studios have been used in filming many international award-winning movies and TV productions. You will have a chance to tour the vast film sets and learn about the amazing relationship between Ouarzazate and the movie industry.

We will then proceed to the outstanding Kasbah of Aït Benhaddou, which has been classified as a World Heritage site by UNESCO since 1987. After arriving at this destination, we will have a lunch break and after that, begin the exploration of this amazing fortress.

Aït Benhaddou was an important stop-over point in the olden times on the caravan route connecting Marrakech to the Sahara Desert. Its unique architecture and setting have also made it popular in making of many famous international movies such as Gladiator, Black Hawk Down, The Message and Game of Thrones series.

We will proceed to Marrakech and pass through the amazing Tizi n’Tichka Mountain Pass, located at an altitude of approximately 2,260m. There will be a short stop along the way to enjoy the beautiful mountain views and take some photos.

Overnight in your hotel/riad in Marrakech.

MARRAKECH GUIDED TOUR WITH A LICENSED LOCAL GUIDE

This guided day tour offers the opportunity to explore Marrakech’s most important historical and cultural sites with a local guide. We’ll begin with a visit to the magnificent Bahia Palace, one of Marrakech’s most beautiful palaces, built in the late 19th century. We’ll then visit the Saadian Tombs, dating back to the late 16th century and renowned for their exquisite architecture and intricate decoration.

Next, we’ll visit Ben Youssef Madrasa, a historic Islamic school founded in the 14th century during the Marinid period. The madrasa is celebrated for its beautiful Moroccan architecture, intricate zellige tilework, carved stucco, and cedarwood details.

Afterwards, we’ll explore the winding alleyways of the Medina on foot, making our way towards the famous Jemaa el-Fnaa Square. Along the way, you’ll discover bustling souks filled with traditional handicrafts, handmade goods, textiles, spices, and jewelry.

Jemaa el-Fnaa is the vibrant heart of Marrakech and the main gateway to the souks. The square comes alive with local merchants, artisans, food stalls, and performers, creating a unique atmosphere that has made it one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. When you feel hungry, we’ll take a break for lunch, giving you the opportunity to taste delicious traditional Moroccan cuisine and enjoy a memorable dining experience.

Afterwards, we’ll head to the famous Majorelle Garden, a beautiful botanical garden originally designed by French painter Jacques Majorelle in the early 20th century. The garden is renowned for its striking blue accents, exotic plants, and peaceful atmosphere. It was later acquired by fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent and his partner, Pierre Bergé, who helped preserve and restore the garden.

MARRAKECH ⤍ AIRPORT (RAK)

Today, there is free time until the transfer to the Marrakesh Airport for the flight to the next destination.