This 11-day journey from Casablanca offers a complete immersion into Morocco’s diverse landscapes and cultural treasures. Begin with the grandeur of the Hassan II Mosque, wander the blue streets of Chefchaouen, and explore the Roman ruins of Volubilis. Traverse the Middle Atlas to sleep among the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi, cross the High Atlas to vibrant Marrakech, and conclude with coastal relaxation in Essaouira. This is Morocco in its full splendor.
Arrive at Mohammed V Airport in Casablanca. Our driver-guide will welcome you and assist with your transfer. A short drive brings us to Casablanca itself, Morocco’s largest city and economic hub.
Our first stop is the magnificent Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world. We explore its beautiful Andalusian architecture, with intricate tile work and a towering minaret overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Finally, we take you to your hotel to rest and prepare for the adventures ahead. Overnight in Casablanca.
After breakfast, we drive shortly to Rabat, the political capital of Morocco. A stop allows time to visit the Hassan Tower, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, and the historic Oudayas Kasbah. These landmarks showcase the capital’s rich heritage.
We then drive straight to the blue town of Chefchaouen, passing through several villages and towns along the way. Lunch is taken in Ouazzane. From Ouazzane, we cross the Rif Mountains for an hour and a half, the landscape gradually transforming as we approach our destination. Arrival in Chefchaouen, the blue pearl of Morocco, comes in the late afternoon. Overnight in Chefchaouen.
Your 11-day tour continues with a visit to Volubilis, an ancient Roman-Berber settlement. These remarkably preserved ruins feature stunning mosaics and offer a window into Morocco’s classical past.
Next, we stop in Meknes, another of Morocco’s imperial cities. Here, we see the monumental Bab Mansour gate, a masterpiece of Moroccan architecture. The gate stands as a testament to the ambition of Sultan Moulay Ismail.
Afterward, we head to Fes, the spiritual capital of Morocco. You’ll check into a traditional Riad in the heart of the medina. Overnight in Fes.
Our private 11-day tour continues today with a guided exploration of Fes’s old city. We discover Fes by walking through the medina with our local guide. Fes is the oldest imperial city, founded by Idriss II, and remains the traditional center of Arab-Muslim culture in Morocco.
Exploration includes the Mosque of the Andalusians, the famous tanneries with their vibrant dyeing pits, and the historic Medersas (Koranic schools). We also visit the new part of the city, including the ornate Royal Palace gate and a panoramic viewpoint overlooking all of Fes. Dinner and breakfast are included at your hotel or riad. Overnight in Fes.
In the morning, we head south toward the Merzouga Desert. Several stops break up the journey. First is Ifrane, known as the Switzerland of Morocco for its alpine-style architecture. Next, we visit the cedar forest to see the playful Barbary apes that inhabit the area.
After lunch in Midelt, we continue through the scenic Ziz Valley, with its vast palm groves stretching along the river. The landscape gradually transforms as we approach the desert. By late afternoon, we reach the Erg Chebbi dunes in Merzouga. You’ll check into a hotel with a stunning view of the Sahara’s golden sands. Overnight in Merzouga.
Today marks an amazing day on your 11-day journey. Wake up early to enjoy the sunrise over the dunes, a magical moment as the first light transforms the sand into waves of gold and orange. Experience sandboarding on the dune slopes before returning to camp for a delicious breakfast.
After breakfast, we continue toward the Dades Valley. The route makes stops in the Todra Valley and Todra Gorges, where towering red cliffs create a dramatic canyon. Time is allotted for photos and enjoying the views along the way.
You’ll spend the night in a hotel in the Dades Valley, a beautiful green valley nestled between towering rock formations. Overnight in Dades.
After breakfast, we depart for Marrakech via the High Atlas Mountains. The first major stop is the Ait Benhaddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site built in the 17th century. This stunning fortified village has served as a backdrop for countless films.
We cross the Tizi n’Tichka Pass at an altitude of 2,260 meters, winding through the High Atlas Mountains. In the heart of the mountains, we stop to visit a women’s cooperative for argan oil. Here, you’ll learn about this magical local product and the traditional methods of production.
The descent continues toward Marrakech, with arrival in the late afternoon. Overnight in Marrakech.
After breakfast, you’ll start a guided tour of Marrakech’s medina. Exploration covers the Koutoubia Mosque, the Ben Youssef Koranic School, the intricate Bahia Palace, and the serene Majorelle Gardens. These landmarks showcase the city’s rich architectural and cultural heritage.
In the afternoon, you can explore the medina on your own. Jemaa El Fna is the main square in the heart of Marrakech. As evening falls, around 6:00 PM, the square transforms into a vibrant night market. Storytellers, musicians, and food stalls create an unforgettable atmosphere. Overnight in Marrakech.
Today, we drive from Marrakech to Essaouira after breakfast at 10:00 AM. Arrival comes around lunchtime. After checking into a hotel with views of the ocean and Mogador Island, we have lunch.
The afternoon offers free time to relax on the beach, visit the medina, and explore the port. Essaouira’s port gained fame as a filming location for Game of Thrones in Morocco. Its blue fishing boats and historic ramparts create a picturesque scene. Tonight, we stay in Essaouira.
After breakfast in Essaouira, we drive back to Casablanca, where the tour began. Along the way, we pass through the beautiful coastal cities of Safi, Oualidia, and El Jadida. El Jadida, once a Portuguese village, features a historic cistern and fortified walls that speak to its European past.
We arrive in Casablanca and drop you at your hotel to rest. This evening offers a chance to reflect on the journey so far. Overnight in Casablanca.
It is the final day of your Morocco adventure tour. At the time of your flight, we transfer you from your hotel in Casablanca to Mohammed V Airport. This marks the end of your journey, leaving you with wonderful memories of your time in Morocco—from the Sahara’s golden dunes to the blue streets of Chefchaouen and the vibrant energy of Marrakech.
