This 12-day journey from Tangier traces a magnificent loop through Morocco’s northern coast, Rif Mountains, imperial cities, Saharan dunes, and Atlantic shores. Begin with a guided tour of historic Tangier, wander the blue-washed streets of Chefchaouen, and explore Roman ruins at Volubilis. Discover the spiritual capital of Fes, sleep among the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi, and cross the High Atlas to vibrant Marrakech. Conclude with coastal exploration in Essaouira, Casablanca, Rabat, and Asilah before returning to Tangier. This is Morocco in all its splendor.
Upon arriving in Tangier—either at the port of Tangier-Med or the airport—you will find our team waiting for you. We will pick you up and transfer you to your place of stay for a brief rest.
Later, you will have a guided tour of the city with an official guide who will take you to important places. Visit the Kasbah of Tangier, the former Sultan’s palace (Dar El Makhzen), and if time allows, the Antiquities Museum and Moroccan Art Museum. These sites offer insight into Tangier’s rich history as a crossroads of cultures.
In the evening, dinner is served at the hotel. Overnight in Tangier.
Following breakfast, the drive takes us via the city of Tetouan to the city of Chefchaouen, named the Blue Pearl of Morocco. Along the way, we pass through Nexus, an old Roman site that hints at the region’s ancient history.
Arriving in Chefchaouen in the afternoon, you will be amazed by its blue walls and beautiful doors. You’ll check into your accommodation and have lunch before going for a walk in the city. Explore its amazing river and Plaza Uta El Hammam, the main square where many shops and restaurants cluster.
The tour through the medina takes us to tiny squares, each offering unique photo opportunities. Then you return to your place of stay to enjoy dinner. Overnight in Chefchaouen.
After breakfast in the blue city, we depart for Volubilis. This ancient Roman site represents the southernmost presence of the Roman Empire. Its remarkably preserved ruins feature stunning mosaics and classical architecture.
Later, we stop for lunch in the city of Meknes, created by Sultan Moulay Ismail, one of the early monarchs of Morocco. After lunch, we visit many places, including Bab Mansour, a monumental gate on the old city wall. Passing through leads us directly to the area of Moulay Ismail’s palace. We also visit Herri Es-Souani, an old horses’ stable and granary complex with its large pool.
After exploring Meknes, we continue toward Fes, the old capital of Morocco. Known as the scientific capital of the country, Fes is home to the ancient Al Quaraouiyine University, the oldest university in the world. The city was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981. Overnight in Fes.
The fourth day is devoted entirely to visiting the city of Fes. After breakfast, you will explore the oldest still-living medieval city in the world with an official local guide. The guide will take you through the traditional markets of the city, stopping at the Royal Palace gate.
The visit takes you to the oldest university in the world: the mosque and madrassa of Al Quaraouiyine, built by Fatima El Fehria in the 9th century. Your guide will also take you to visit the tomb of the city’s founder, Moulay Idriss II.
Lunch is served in a well-known traditional restaurant in the Medina. In the afternoon, continue to the Nejjarine Fountain, the old harem garden, and the Batha Museum. On your way back to the hotel, the guide will invite you to a panoramic viewpoint overlooking the city for photos. Overnight in Fes.
Today we have breakfast early as we travel across the Middle Atlas Mountains on our way to Merzouga. We pass through beautiful forests, spacious plains, and Berber villages on the slopes of the Atlas Mountains.
A stop in Ifrane, known as Little Switzerland, reveals European-style architecture surrounded by cedar forest. Here, we can stop to feed the monkeys living in that forest and enjoy the fresh mountain air. We continue to Midelt, the apple capital, for lunch.
After lunch, we navigate snaky roads overlooking the wide-flowing Oued Ziz from above. We pass kasbahs and palm groves, traveling across the colored city of Errachidia until we arrive in the stunning little town of Merzouga, the pearl of the Sahara Desert.
In the late afternoon, you’ll ride a camel through the desert to witness a beautiful sunset. The caravan carries you to the camp, where we spend the night in a bivouac with delicious food. Overnight in the desert camp.
Today offers deeper exploration of the Merzouga area. After breakfast, we embark on a 4×4 tour of the desert surroundings. We visit Khamlia village to enjoy traditional Gnawa music, a spiritual art form brought by descendants of sub-Saharan slaves.
A visit to nomad families offers insight into their traditional lifestyle, with tea shared in their tents. We explore the mining areas and other hidden corners of the desert landscape.
In the afternoon, you’ll take another camel ride across the Erg Chebbi dunes to the desert camp. Upon arrival, you can try sandboarding while enjoying the sunset. The evening features dinner, drum music around the campfire, and stargazing. Overnight in the desert camp.
Wake up early to admire the sunrise shining on the golden sand. After this magical moment, ride camels back to the auberge. A refreshing shower and hearty breakfast prepare you for the day ahead.
We drive toward Marrakech, passing through Rissani, the former capital of the Tafilalt region and a crossroads between northern and southern Morocco. Continue to the Todra Gorges, a series of limestone river canyons near Tinghir. The large palm forest and agricultural areas showcase Moroccan desert handicrafts along the way.
Shaped thousands of years ago by the power of water, the gorge offers amazing views. We drive through the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs in the great palm grove of Skoura toward the Dades Valley. This valley features spectacular landscapes similar to Todra, decorated with hundreds of Kasbahs. Take the narrow road into the valley, stop to enjoy the views, have dinner, and spend the night.
After breakfast, we begin the trip, passing through the Skoura oasis and the Valley of Roses. This valley is cultivated with hectares of roses; their beauty and fragrance can be experienced in May during the annual festival.
The drive takes us to the Ighram (fortified village) of Ait Benhaddou, where we have lunch. This Ksar of Ait Benhaddou is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (designated in 1987). Famous films shot here include Lawrence of Arabia, Gladiator, and The Mummy.
Tizi n’Tichka is our next stop—a winding mountain road we climb to the top, taking pictures of the amazing views. At the end of the road lies Marrakech, known in Tamazight as “Amour N Akouch” or the land of God. Overnight in Marrakech.
Following breakfast, the tour takes you on a day visit to the city of Essaouira, returning to Marrakech for the night. Essaouira is called the “wind city” and is known for its wonderful seaside, where many surfers come to practice their favorite sport.
Along the beach, you can see many merchants selling different types of fresh fish. Lunch offers an opportunity to sample the local catch. Afterward, we go for a walk to discover the ancient walls of the medina and take photos of the blue fishing boats and historic ramparts. At the end, we drive back to Marrakech. Overnight in Marrakech.
This day is devoted to visiting the famous places of Marrakech. Start with the Menara Gardens, an old pool surrounded by beautiful gardens and fields irrigated using an ancient system established in the 12th century.
The tour considers several important places: the Koutoubia Mosque, the serene Majorelle Gardens, the intricate Bahia Palace, and the Dar Si Said Museum of Jewellery. These landmarks showcase the city’s rich architectural and cultural heritage.
Your guide will invite you for an optional lunch in the Medina, after which you’ll walk through the colorful souks of Marrakech. At sunset, enjoy an overlook from a café terrace onto Jemaa El Fna Square, watching the square come alive with performers and food stalls. The day ends with a special dinner served at the hotel. Overnight in Marrakech.
Today is a travel day from Marrakech toward the city of Asilah in northern Morocco. The trip takes us first to Casablanca, where you can be amazed by its giant minaret—the tallest in Africa—that of the Hassan II Mosque. This architectural masterpiece stands partially over the Atlantic Ocean.
Afterward, we move to the capital, Rabat. Here, you’ll have lunch and visit important historical sites: the incomplete Hassan Tower and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, where the late king and his sons rest.
The voyage then takes us via the coastal route to the city of Asilah. We arrive at this charming town with its blue-colored walls, take dinner, and stay overnight. Asilah’s medina features murals painted by international artists during its annual arts festival. Overnight in Asilah.
On the last day of your tour, we return to Tangier. Depending on your flight or port departure time, you can enjoy a final tour of some of the city’s landmarks—perhaps the Kasbah, the Medina, or the famous Caves of Hercules.
Here comes the end of our services, marking the conclusion of your 12-day journey through Morocco’s imperial cities, Saharan dunes, and Atlantic coast. You will be transferred to Tangier airport or port for your departure, leaving with wonderful memories of your Moroccan adventure.
