Itinerary
- Day 1
Tangier to Chefchaouen
Starting with a pickup at Tangier port, you'll spend the morning walking through the city's historic sites. The whitewashed medina comes first, followed by the Dar el Makhzen palace museum to see royal artifacts and learn about the region's past. After that, you'll check out the American Legation Museum, which offers an interesting perspective on Morocco's diplomatic history. Later in the afternoon, head to the Hercules Caves perched above the Strait of Gibraltar for views across to Spain. From there, it's a drive south to Chefchaouen, arriving by evening to explore the blue-painted old town and main square on foot. Plan for dinner somewhere in town before settling in for the night.
- Start point
- Tangier, Tanger-Tétouan-Al Hoceïma, Morocco (Pickup from Tangier port, airport or your accommodation)
Included Activities
- Visit Dar el Makhzen palace museum
- Visit American Legation Museum
- Explore Hercules Caves
- Visit Kasbah Museum
- Explore Chefchaouen old town
- Visit Place Outa el Hammam and Kasbah
Optional Activities
- Visit Ethnographic Museum in Chefchaouen
- Explore octagonal minaret in Chefchaouen
Landmarks Dar el Makhzen American Legation Museum Hercules Caves Kasbah Museum Place Outa el Hammam Kasbah of Chefchaouen - Day 2
Chefchaouen to Fes
This morning begins with a drive eastward, and you'll stop at Volubilis first to walk around the ancient Roman ruins that once served as the capital of Mauretania. The setting among olive groves makes it a worthwhile stop before heading to Meknes. Once there, you'll see the Bab Mansour gate with its impressive arches and intricate mosaic work, then explore other imperial structures showing the city's former importance. Later, continue on to Fes for the night, giving yourself time to rest before tomorrow's exploration of the medina.
Included Activities
- Visit Volubilis ancient city
- Visit Bab Mansour in Meknes
Optional Activities
- Explore Meknes imperial sites
- Wander Meknes medina
Landmarks Volubilis Bab Mansour - Day 3
Fes
Today is devoted to Fes, and there's quite a bit to take in. Start early at the Madrasa El Bouinania to see the Marinid architectural style up close, then head to the El Quaraoiyin mosque and university complex, which holds the distinction of being the world's oldest continuously operating higher educational institution according to UNESCO. Wander through the pottery village to see artisans at work, then make your way to Nejjarine square and check out the king's residence. After lunch somewhere in the medina, you'll have free time to walk around the winding streets, shop at souks, or just sit at a café and watch the day unfold. Another night in Fes.
Included Activities
- Visit Madrasa El Bouinania
- Visit El Quaraoiyin mosque and university
- Visit South tower
- Visit pottery village
- Visit Nejjarine square
- Visit residence of the king
Landmarks Madrasa El Bouinania El Quaraoiyin Mosque and University Nejjarine Square - Day 4
Fes to Merzouga
An early start means leaving before sunrise to make good time through the mountainous terrain. You'll drive through Ifran with its alpine-style buildings and pine forests, then pass through cedar forests where Barbary macaques live in the trees. The route continues across agricultural land near Midelt, then through Errachida into the Ziz Valley, which winds through dramatic rocky passages. By late afternoon, you're in Erfoud and then heading into the Merzouga desert. Later, as the sun gets lower, you'll ride camels out into the dunes to reach the desert camp. Dinner happens under stars with local musicians performing, and you'll sleep in a private tent with the desert silence all around.
- Meals
- Dinner (Dinner in desert camp with campfire and local music)
Included Activities
- Camel riding by sunset to desert camp
- Overnight in desert camp tent
Optional Activities
- Explore Ifran alpine architecture
- Visit Ifran ski slopes and forests
- See Ifran lion statue
- Explore Cedar forests
- Visit Midelt
- Travel through Ziz Valley
Landmarks Ifran Cedar Forests Ziz Valley - Day 5
Merzouga to Boumalne Dades
Wake up early to catch the sunrise painting the desert in reds and oranges, have breakfast, and then begin traveling west. You'll pass through Errissani, the ancient Sijilmasa, which was once Morocco's largest oasis city and an important trading hub. Later, reach Tinghir to see its palm grove and the famous limestone canyons cut by the river in the High Atlas. Continue on to Boumalne Dades, known for the dramatic Todgha gorge nearby and the scenic valley views that surround it. You'll stay the night here, with the possibility of hiking or exploring the gorge if you have energy left.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Watch sunrise over desert
- Visit Tinghir palm grove
- Visit Todgha gorge
Optional Activities
- Explore Skoura
- Explore Errissani
Landmarks Errissani Tinghir Todgha Gorge - Day 6
Boumalne Dades to Marrakech
After breakfast, you're heading west toward Marrakech. Along the way, stop at Ouarzazate to visit Atlas Studio and see where famous films have been made, including some Hollywood productions. Continue on to Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1987, where you can walk through the old kasbah and see the earthen clay architecture that's been preserved for centuries. This settlement was a major rest stop for caravans traveling between the desert and the coast. From there, cross the Tishka pass at 2260m altitude and descend into Marrakech, arriving with time to settle in and start exploring the city on your own before nightfall.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Atlas Studio
- Visit Ait Ben Haddou kasbah
Optional Activities
- Explore Ouarzazate
Landmarks Atlas Studio Ait Ben Haddou Tishka Pass - Day 7
Marrakech to Airport
A transfer will take you to either Casablanca or Marrakech airport depending on which city you prefer for your departure. Check with your tour operator the night before about pickup time and which airport you're heading to.
- End point
- Casablanca, Casablanca-Settat, Morocco (Drop off in Casablanca airport)
