Overview
This 16-day journey through Morocco begins in Casablanca, exploring its iconic landmarks before heading to the coastal charm of Essaouira. In Marrakesh, immerse yourself in vibrant markets, historic sites, and nearby Atlas Mountain landscapes. Travel through the dramatic High Atlas Mountains to the Dades Valley and the breathtaking Sahara Desert, where you’ll enjoy camel rides and starry nights in a luxury camp. Continue to Fes, the cultural heart of Morocco, before heading to the enchanting blue town of Chefchaouen. The tour concludes in Tangier, where history meets modern charm, offering a perfect blend of culture, adventure, and relaxation.
Trip Highlights
- Explore Casablanca with a half-day guided tour
- Discover Essaouira's UNESCO-listed medina
- Experience Marrakesh's vibrant Jemaa el-Fnaa Square
- Ride camels and explore Berber villages in Merzouga
- Tour the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis
Itinerary
Arrive at Casablanca airport, where you'll be warmly welcomed and transferred to your hotel. After settling in, you can explore the city at your leisure or rest up for the journey ahead. Spend the night in Casablanca.
Experience the best of Casablanca in just half a day on a guided tour that covers the city's highlights. Visit iconic spots like the Hassan II Mosque and Rick's Café, and explore the charming colonial-era streets. Travel comfortably by vehicle, ensuring a safe and enjoyable sightseeing experience. You'll have the flexibility to customize the tour to your interests, with the option to choose between morning and afternoon departure times. This tour offers a cultural immersion, providing insights into the history, religion, and royal family of Morocco. The package includes entrance fees and transport, so there are no hidden costs. Enjoy door-to-door transport from centrally located Casablanca hotels for added convenience.
Depart early for Essaouira (about 5 hours). On arrival, explore the charming medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its vibrant souks and historic ramparts. Enjoy fresh seafood at the harbor and relax in your riad.
Travel to Marrakesh (about 3 hours). After checking in, take a stroll through the lively Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, watching street performers and enjoying the buzzing atmosphere.
Breakfast will be served at your Riad, after which a knowledgeable local guide will lead you through the labyrinth of Marrakech's winding alleyways, hidden gardens, and secret souks. You will continue to the Djemaa el Fna, the principal cultural space in Marrakech and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, beside which the minaret of the Koutoubia Mosque can be seen towering into the sky. In the evening this square overflows with food stalls, dancers, acrobats, fortune tellers, musicians, and henna artists. Following your tour you will have the full day to spend at your leisure, whether its pampering yourself at a local spa with massage or further exploring the souks of the medina. We will spend the night at our hotel in Marrakech.
The day trip begins with your pick up at 8am from your hotel or Riad in Marrakech. Firstly, the tour begins a travel through Ourika valley on the foothills of the Atlas Mountains. As you enter the valley, you will visit the beautiful Amina Garden, one of the most beautiful gardens in Marrakesh. Then you will be served breakfast in a traditional Berber house. Here, there is a chance to sit and enjoy the traditional food and mint tea of the local families. Also, there is a chance to learn about the lives of these indigenous people of North Africa. Dialogue begins about the life of these people as you have an opportunity to learn how to make tea in the best traditional way.After a nourishing and delightful breakfast, the journey continues with the experience of camel riding. To enjoy the views of the beautiful landscape as we approach the mountains. As you travel, the beautiful landscape it will capture you as you wander through authentic historical development of the Berber villages. The journey continues and will take us to Imlil, Thousands meters above sea level and a village that attracts many travellers due to trekking activities. The most famous one being the trek to the highest peak in North Africa; Jebel Toubkal (4167m altitude). Here, the mules and local guide will meet and greet you. The traditional mint tea is served after lunch. The mules are await you to embark your trek through the stunning views of the mountain range. The final destination of your trek will take you to the famous waterfalls in the region. Lunch will be served in a traditional local berebr house amount a berber Family. After a fun and exciting afternoon in Imlil, the journey continues to visit Lalla Takarkoust. Here you will enjoy quad biking activity, or if you are fan of extreme sports, Paragliding is another option to end your day. then After a fun and enjoyable day out, your return to Marrakech is planned for the early evening.
After breakfast, we will begin our journey by traversing the High Atlas Mountains of Morocco and reaching the historic village of Ait Benhaddou. This village served as a crucial stop for caravans in ancient times, leading to its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Additionally, it has been featured as a backdrop in numerous international films, including "Gladiator," "Prince of Persia," and "Game of Thrones." Not far from Ait Benhaddou lies Ouarzazate, a city in southern Morocco often referred to as the "Hollywood of North Africa" due to the many movies filmed in its studios. En route to Skoura, our overnight stop, we will pass through the 1000 Kasbah Valley. a stunning and lush valley renowned for its Damaskina Roses and Palm trees. quick visit to one of the main Kasbahs in the valley. We will spend the night at a hotel in Skoura.
We will leave the bustling southern city of Ouarzazate in the morning for the Todra Gorge. On the way we will pass the Skoura Oasis, where numerous ancient kasbahs, some sadly in ruin, stand among the palm trees. From here our route will take us through Kelaa M'gouna, the Valley of Roses, where we will stop to see locally-made cosmetics and scents made from the valley's abundant roses. These products are famous and highly valued throughout Morocco. From there we will go off-road along the Boutaghrar piste to visit Berber nomads in their caves and join them for a glass of tea. Afterwards there will be plenty of time to stroll along the banks of the river before continuing to the Todra Gorge. We will stay overnight in the Dades Valley.
We’ll continue our journey to visit Todra Gorge, a stunning and colorful narrow canyon that will leave you in awe. From there, we’ll drive through the Ziz Valley to reach Erfoud, an oasis town known as the gateway to the Sahara Desert and famous for its unique fossils. In Erfoud, we can stop by a local factory where handcrafted home decor items made from fossils are produced, with the opportunity to purchase souvenirs if you wish. Next, we’ll head to Rissani to explore the vibrant local souk before continuing our drive toward the desert edge and arriving in Merzouga. Upon arrival, you’ll have time to settle in at a local guest house where you’ll spend the night. Dinner will be a special experience, with a traditional Berber meal, followed by lively tribal music under the starlit sky.
If you would like to wake up early so that you can watch the spectacle of sunrise, when the color of the sand contrasts beautifully with the play of shadows on the dunes - after which you might want to try your hand at sand-boarding down them. After a refreshing shower and breakfast, we will ride the camels or fun 4X4 off-road drive through the dunes back to the kasbah in Merzouga town, we will be able to relax for a couple hours before taking a 4WD off-road tour around the dunes. On the tour we will visit the oasis of Merzouga, the nomadic depository, and Khamlia Village, where we will be able to hear gnawa music from the local people who are descendants of ex-slaves that found their way to Morocco from Senegal via the Salt Route. We will continue on to meet desert nomads in their tents and discover their way of life. We will also visit the nearby Lake of Merzouga, with its diverse population of birds. Afterwards we will leave for Rissani. Once called Sijilmassa, this was the meeting place for the salt caravans coming from Timbuktu, Mali. Here you'll be able to walk through the souk, where you will be able to find spices, vegetables, and clothes. After having a pizza lunch in Rissani we will drive back to our Kasbah, where we will be greeted with a glass of tea or glass of wine and have some time to relax by the pool if available watching the sunset. In the evening we will dine on Moroccan cuisine and enjoy traditional live music, sit down and chat with locals, or enjoy some drumming lessons
Following breakfast and a refreshing shower at the Berber camp, we will journey through Errachidia and the ZIZ valley, renowned for its abundant date palms. Our route will then take us through the High and Middle Atlas Mountains, which act as a natural barrier between the Sahara Desert and the interior regions of the country. Finally, we will arrive in Fes, the oldest capital of Morocco, where we will spend the night at a hotel.
Today, we embark on a guided tour of Fes, which is recognized as the oldest and largest medieval city globally. Its bustling medina, inhabited by 400,000 residents and accessible only by donkeys and bikes, offers a captivating blend of scents, sights, and sounds. There are numerous mosques and palaces to explore. After immersing ourselves in the vibrant atmosphere of the dye-pits, tanneries, pottery shops, and local eateries, we will return to our hotel to freshen up for the evening. Tonight, we have the opportunity to enjoy a traditional meal and entertainment in the city, featuring live Moroccan performances such as traditional dancing, belly dancing, and magic shows. We will spend the night at a hotel.
Begin your journey from Fes to Chefchaouen with a visit to the remarkable Roman ruins of Volubilis. Departing early, travel through scenic landscapes to explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site, where ancient mosaics and grand architectural remains tell stories of a bygone era. Afterward, continue through the picturesque Rif Mountains, arriving in the blue-washed town of Chefchaouen. Spend the rest of the day wandering its serene medina, admiring its unique charm, and soaking in its tranquil atmosphere.
After breakfast you may choose a guided tour through the weaving Medina, or have a free day walking through the local markets where you can take in the unique offerings of the Moroccan highlands. Should you so choose, we can arrange a half-day (4 hours) trekking trip to Akchour waterfall.
Begin your day with a leisurely breakfast in Chefchaouen before exploring its vibrant blue streets one last time. Depart mid-morning for Tangier, enjoying scenic views of the Rif Mountains along the way. Upon arrival in Tangier, visit landmarks such as the Kasbah, the historic Medina, and the bustling Grand Socco. Take time to explore the city's cultural charm and enjoy a seaside lunch before concluding your journey.
As we bid you farewell, we will help you with any departure formalities and arrange for your transfers to the airport or the port. We hope you enjoyed your journey with us, and hope to see you again soon.
Includes/Excludes
What's Included
- Accommodation: Carefully selected hotels, Kasbahs, and Riads plus one night in a luxury Sahara Camp.
- Fully Guided: Local guides in Casablanca, Tangier, Chefchaoune, Fes and Marrakech
- Meals: All breakfast Four dinners on the 7th, 8th, 9th, and the 10th days. Two lunches on the 5th and the 10th days.
- Additional Services: One bottle of mineral water per person per day, Camel Ride: One camel each, Sand boarding, Free eSIM
- Transport: Air-conditioned private vehicle with English, Spanish or French speaking driver.
What's Not Included
- Flights: International flight tickets are not Included.
- Optional: Food Tour, Cooking Class, Hammam, Hot Air Balloon, Quad Biking
- Additional Services: Lunches and beverages, Dinners in Casablanca, Essaouira, Marrakesh, Fes, Chefchaoune, and Tangier.
- Historical landmarks fees ( Extra 50 USD per person)
- Tips and gratuities.