This 13-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 before returning to Casablanca. This is Morocco in all its splendor.
Welcome to Mohammed V Airport in Casablanca. If you arrive early enough, we can visit the Hassan II Grand Mosque of Morocco, the only mosque in the country that tourists can enter. This architectural masterpiece stands as one of the largest mosques in the world, with its towering minaret overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
After the mosque, we take a look at the iconic Rick’s Café, a recreation of the famous bar from the classic film, and drive along the Corniche of Casablanca. We then drop you off at your hotel for the night. Overnight in Casablanca.
After breakfast, we drive shortly to Rabat, the political capital of Morocco. A short 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, 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.
Today is your free time to relax and fully enjoy the blue town of Chefchaouen. Wander through the blue streets of the medina, a labyrinth of photogenic alleyways that change with the light throughout the day. Visit the water source called Rass El Maa, a peaceful spot where a natural spring flows from the mountains.
Lunch can be taken in one of the beautiful local restaurants in Outa Hammam Square in the medina, or on one of the rooftops around the Kasbah, offering views of the surrounding mountains. In the evening, walk up to the Spanish Mosque to enjoy a beautiful sunset over the blue-washed city. Overnight in Chefchaouen.
Your 13-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, you’ll stop in the walled city of Meknes, another imperial city of Morocco. Here, we see the monumental Bab Mansour gate, a masterpiece of Moroccan architecture that reflects 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 Morocco tour continues today with a guided exploration of Fes. We discover the city 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 and clean streets. Next, we visit the cedar forest to see the playful Barbary apes that inhabit the area.
After lunch in Midelt, nestled between mountain ranges, we continue through the scenic Ziz Valley. Vast palm groves stretch along the river as the landscape gradually transforms. 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.
Around 10:00 AM, we embark on a 4×4 tour around the dunes. Exploration includes visiting the mining areas in the desert, remnants of past industrial activity. We visit Khamlia village to enjoy traditional Gnawa music, a spiritual and rhythmic art form brought by descendants of sub-Saharan slaves.
A visit to one of the nomad families offers insight into traditional desert life. Sharing tea in their tent, you’ll learn about their customs and challenges.
In the afternoon, you’ll take a camel ride and cross the sand dunes to the desert camp. On the way, in the middle of the golden sands, you’ll enjoy a beautiful sunset that paints the dunes in warm hues. Berber music begins just after a delicious dinner at the desert camp, where you’ll stay overnight.
It will be an amazing moment if you can wake up early to enjoy the sunrise over the dunes. The first light transforms the landscape into waves of gold and orange. After breakfast, you’ll ride camels or take a Jeep back to Merzouga village.
We continue our journey to the Dades Valley, making stops in the Todra Valley and Todra Gorges for photos along the way. Towering red cliffs create dramatic canyon views. You’ll spend the night in a hotel in the Dades Valley, surrounded by stunning rock formations. Overnight in Dades.
After breakfast, we drive to Marrakech via the High Atlas Mountains. The first major stop is the Ait Benhaddou Kasbah, a local Kasbah built by Thami El Glaoui 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. Here, we visit a women’s cooperative for argan oil to see how they work and learn about its many benefits, from culinary uses to cosmetics.
The descent continues toward Marrakech, with arrival in the late afternoon. Overnight in Marrakech.
After breakfast, you’ll have a guided tour of Marrakech. Exploration covers the Koutoubia Mosque, the Ben Youssef Koranic School, the Saadian Tombs, 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, wandering through souks and discovering hidden corners at your own pace. You’ll spend the night in a traditional riad or hotel. Overnight in Marrakech.
Today we drive from Marrakech to Essaouira after a late breakfast around 10:00 AM. We arrive in Essaouira around lunchtime. After lunch, we check into a hotel with a view of the ocean and Mogador Island.
You can enjoy the beach, visit the medina of Essaouira, and explore the port. The port gained fame as the location where part of Game of Thrones was filmed in Morocco. Its blue fishing boats and historic ramparts create a picturesque scene. Overnight in Essaouira.
After breakfast in Essaouira, we drive to Casablanca, where our tour began. The route passes through Safi, known for its pottery, Oualidia, famous for its oysters and lagoon, and El Jadida, the Portuguese village of the past with its historic cistern and fortifications.
We stay the night in Casablanca city by the sea, reflecting on the journey through Morocco’s diverse landscapes. Overnight in Casablanca.
Transfer from your Casablanca hotel to Mohammed V Airport for your departure. This marks the end of your 13-day tour, leaving you with wonderful memories of Morocco’s imperial cities, Saharan dunes, blue-washed streets, and Atlantic coast.
