Itinerary
- Day 1
Casablanca to Rabat
You'll arrive in Casablanca and head to Rabat, where you're settling into your luxury accommodation. From there, your driver and guide take you through the city to see the Kasbah of the Oudayas with its Andalusian gardens, then on to Hassan Tower and the Mausoleum of Mohamed V (all UNESCO-listed sites). You'll have lunch and dinner at local restaurants your team recommends.
- Start point
- Rabat, Rabat-Salé-Kénitra, Morocco (HOTEL)
- Meals
- Lunch (At restaurant recommended by guide, cuisine choice per traveler preference), Dinner (At restaurant in embassy quarter or elsewhere in city, per traveler preference)
Included Activities
- Guided exploration of Rabat with driver and guide
- Visit Kasbah of the Oudayas (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Explore Andalusian gardens
- Sunset viewing at ramparts
- Visit Hassan Tower
- Visit Mausoleum of Mohamed V
Optional Activities
- Traditional Moroccan lunch at local restaurant
- Fine dining at French or Italian restaurants in embassy quarter
Landmarks/POIs Kasbah of the Oudayas Hassan Tower Mausoleum of Mohamed V Oudaya Neighborhood - Day 2
Rabat to Chefchaouen
The drive takes you to Chefchaouen in the Rif Mountains, known for its blue-painted buildings. After checking into your luxury riad, you can explore at your own pace. The main square Outa el-Hammam is worth a walk through, and you'll find local artisan shops selling wool garments and traditional crafts. It's a chance to see everyday Moroccan life outside the typical tourist routes.
Included Activities
- Transfer to Chefchaouen
- Self-guided exploration of Chefchaouen
Optional Activities
- Explore Outa el-Hammam (main square)
- Shopping for handcrafted wool garments, woven blankets, cedarwood furniture
- Order Maqlouba (upside-down) coffee at local café
- Dinner at restaurant recommended by driver or specialist
Landmarks/POIs Outa el-Hammam Chefchaouen Medina - Day 3
Meknes - Moulay Idriss - Volubilis - Fes
Starting with breakfast in Chefchaouen, you journey through imperial cities with your driver. In Meknes, you'll walk through the medina and souks. Later you reach the holy city of Moulay Idriss (founded in the 8th century), where you can see its distinctive round green minaret before grabbing lunch. Next, you'll explore the Roman ruins at Volubilis, then drive to Fes and check into your five-star riad. Optional spa or massage available.
- Meals
- Breakfast (In Chefchaouen)
Included Activities
- Breakfast in Chefchaouen
- Guided exploration of Meknes medina and souks
- Visit Ville Impériale area in Meknes
- Visit Moulay Idriss holy city
- View round green minaret in Moulay Idriss
- Exploration of Volubilis (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Visit Roman ruins at Volubilis including merchant homes, mosaics, and temples
Optional Activities
- Extended private guided tour at Volubilis with tailored focus
- Lunch at recommended restaurant in Moulay Idriss
- Spa massage at hammam in Fes
- Dinner at luxury riad or top-rated restaurant in Fes
Landmarks/POIs Meknes Medina Ville Impériale Moulay Idriss Volubilis - Day 4
Fes
A local guide takes you through the UNESCO-protected Fes medina, showing you hidden alleyways, madrasas, and palaces while explaining daily life details. You'll stop at tanneries and mosaic workshops to see how traditional craftspeople work. After returning to your riad to rest, you can explore more if you'd like. There's an optional private cooking class available with an English-speaking chef teaching traditional Moroccan cuisine.
- Meals
- Breakfast (At riad)
Included Activities
- Guided exploration of Fes medina (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Visit tanneries
- Visit mosaic workshops
- Observation of traditional crafting methods
Optional Activities
- Lunch at guide-recommended restaurant
- Dinner at guide-recommended restaurant
- Private cooking class with English-speaking chef (learn about preserved lemons, Ras el Hanout spice blend, couscous, and prepare/feast on creations)
Landmarks/POIs Fes Medina Fes Tanneries Fes Mosaic Workshops - Day 5
Fes to Guerrouane Wine Region
This day trip heads to the Guerrouane agricultural region near Fes. You'll tour a winery and taste different wines including red blends, Rosé, Vin Gris, and local brandies called Mahia. The region has wine heritage dating to Roman times, later expanded by Jewish communities and French settlers. You'll learn about Morocco's only AOC wine, Coteaux de l'Atlas 1er Cru, then return to Fes for the evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast (At riad)
Included Activities
- Winery tour in Guerrouane region
- Wine tasting flights featuring local red blends, Rosé, Vin Gris, and Mahia brandy
- Learning about region's crops, history, traditions, and flavors
Landmarks/POIs Guerrouane Wine Region - Day 6
Fes to Erg Chebbi (Sahara Desert)
After an early breakfast, you cross the Middle Atlas Mountains through Azrou and Cèdre Gouraud Forest where Barbary macaque monkeys live. You'll stop for lunch in Midelt on a high desert plateau, then pass through mountain ranges and canyon passes. Driving through Ziz Valley (part of the ancient Saharan Trade Route), you see views of ksars before reaching Erfoud, known for dates and fossils. By evening you arrive at Erg Chebbi dunes (35 sq km with dunes over 200m high), take a camel ride at sunset, and stay overnight at a luxury glamping camp with Berber-prepared dinner and live music.
- Meals
- Breakfast (In Fes), Dinner (Prepared by local Berber tribesmen at camp)
Included Activities
- Breakfast in Fes
- Journey through Middle Atlas Mountains and Cèdre Gouraud Forest
- Stop in Midelt
- Drive through Ziz Valley
- Stop in Erfoud
- Camel ride across Erg Chebbi dunes at sunset
- Dinner prepared by local Berber tribesmen
- Live music entertainment by fire at camp
Optional Activities
- Stop at local artisan collective in Erfoud to learn about fossils and products
- Stargazing from romantic spot or atop dunes
Landmarks/POIs Cèdre Gouraud Forest Midelt Ziz Valley Erfoud Erg Chebbi - Day 7
Sahara Desert to Todra Gorge
You rise early to watch the sunrise over the dunes, then have breakfast in camp. After traveling back to Merzouga, you meet your private driver for the journey to Tinghir. There's an option to stop in Rissani to explore the traditional market and see the 'donkey parking lot'. At Tinghir oasis beneath the Atlas Mountains, you explore Todra Gorge on rustic trails through the canyon, then settle into a luxurious kasbah in the Todra oasis. Local restaurants offer good dining options.
- Meals
- Breakfast (At camp in Sahara)
Included Activities
- Breakfast at camp
- Transfer from Erg Chebbi to Merzouga
- Travel to Tinghir
- Explore Tinghir oasis
- Explore Todra Gorge trails
- Camel ride accompanied by Camel guide
Optional Activities
- Stop in Rissani to visit traditional market and 'donkey parking lot'
- Lunch in Tinghir
- Explore Todra oasis after dinner
- Dinner at local restaurant in Todra
Landmarks/POIs Rissani Tinghir Todra Gorge - Day 8
Todra Gorge to Ouarzazate
You travel along ancient trade routes through the Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs, viewing many iconic fortified towns. In Boumalne Dadès, an oasis town at the valley's mouth, there's an option to visit Dadès Gorge with its rust and mauve-striped mountains. After lunch, you head south through the Valley of Roses (Morocco's rose oil production center, spectacular during spring harvest). By evening you arrive in Ouarzazate (famous for film industry) and visit the iconic ksar of Aït Benhaddou. You'll stay at a kasbah across the dry riverbed from Aït Benhaddou.
Included Activities
- Travel through Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs
- Stop in Boumalne Dadès
- Travel through Valley of Roses
- Visit Aït Benhaddou ksar
Optional Activities
- Visit Dadès Gorge near Boumalne Dadès
- Lunch in Boumalne Dadès
- Nighttime stroll from kasbah (moonlight viewing of valley)
Landmarks/POIs Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs Boumalne Dadès Dadès Gorge Valley of Roses Ouarzazate Aït Benhaddou - Day 9
Aït Benhaddou to Marrakech
You explore Aït Benhaddou once more in morning light before heading into the High Atlas Mountains via the towering Tizi n'Tichka Pass, where panoramic views include the Marrakech plains below and Mount Toubkal (North Africa's highest peak) to the west. Descending the north-facing slopes through deep river valleys with abundant almond and walnut orchards, you eventually reach Marrakech. After checking into your luxury riad, you can relax by the pool or in jasmine-filled shade. Evening options include watching Jemaa el-Fna square come alive with food stalls and performers, or exploring the modern food scene in the new city.
Included Activities
- Morning exploration of Aït Benhaddou
- Journey through High Atlas Mountains and Tizi n'Tichka Pass
Optional Activities
- Evening visit to Jemaa el-Fna main square for food and entertainment
- Dinner at café overlooking main square or at modern restaurant in new city
Landmarks/POIs Tizi n'Tichka Pass Mount Toubkal Jemaa el-Fna - Day 10
Marrakech
Your private local guide takes you through Marrakech's UNESCO World Heritage medina. You'll wander through lively souks and maze-like alleys filled with djellabas, colorful babouches, intricately-pierced lanterns, and exotic spices while learning stories of the Medina, Souk, and Mellah neighborhoods. In the afternoon, you visit Bahia Palace, El Badii Palace, Saadian Tombs, and Majorelle Gardens. At Majorelle, you stroll through peaceful water gardens, visit the museum dedicated to Berber art and culture, and explore Yves Saint Laurent's gallery.
- Meals
- Breakfast (At riad)
Included Activities
- Breakfast at riad
- Private guided tour of Marrakech medina (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Explore lively souks and alleys
- Visit Bahia Palace
- Visit El Badii Palace
- Visit Saadian Tombs
- Visit Majorelle Gardens
- Visit Berber art and culture museum in Majorelle Gardens
- Explore Yves Saint Laurent gallery
Optional Activities
- Lunch at guide-recommended restaurant
Landmarks/POIs Marrakech Medina Bahia Palace El Badii Palace Saadian Tombs Majorelle Gardens - Day 11
Marrakech
An early pre-dawn transfer takes you to the mountains for a hot air balloon ride over Marrakech at sunrise. You'll watch the sun climb over North Africa's highest peaks and illuminate the Red City below. After landing, you enjoy a scenic Berber breakfast. The rest of your day is flexible: consider an optional private cooking class, self-guided exploring, market shopping, or arrange other private tours with your specialist. Your driver is available for any location in the city. Dinner is at your luxury riad or a top-rated restaurant.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Berber breakfast after hot air balloon flight)
Included Activities
- Hot air balloon ride over Marrakech at sunrise
- Berber breakfast after balloon flight
Optional Activities
- Private cooking class with culinary master
- Self-guided exploring
- Market shopping
- Private tours or bespoke experiences (to be arranged with specialist)
- Dinner at luxury riad or city restaurant
Landmarks/POIs Marrakech - Day 12
Marrakech to Essaouira
A 3-hour drive from Marrakech takes you to Essaouira over rolling plains, passing through the unique argan tree forest (the only ecosystem where argan trees grow). You'll visit an association of local women making the region's famed argan oil and possibly see goats grazing on argan tree fruits high in branches. Once in Essaouira, you explore the seawalls and Old Medina, visit the well-preserved Jewish quarter, check out the harbor and market, and watch fishers haul catches ashore. Fresh grilled and fried fish at stalls can be ordered directly or bought at the market and prepared by a grillmaster.
Included Activities
- Transfer to Essaouira
- Visit argan oil association of local women
- Explore seawalls
- Explore Old Medina and Jewish quarter
Optional Activities
- Explore Essaouira harbor and fish market
- Lunch/dinner of fresh grilled and fried fish at market stalls
Landmarks/POIs Argan Tree Forest Essaouira Harbor Essaouira Medina Essaouira Jewish Quarter - Day 13
Essaouira
You spend the day enjoying Essaouira's beach (Atlantic waters can be cold for swimming, so other activities are available). Walking south along the bay, you'll find a ruined fortress in the sand that's climbable at low tide. Cross a nearby stream and climb the hill to discover a larger fortress complex, great for families. Return to town for lunch. Optional afternoon activities include surfing or kitesurfing lessons (wetsuits and gear provided), a camel ride across sand, or a horseback ride through coastal forests. Relax at your riad with Moroccan mint tea while watching the sunset, then enjoy fresh local seafood prepared by warm locals.
Optional Activities
- Beach time and swimming in Atlantic Ocean
- Walk to ruined fortress in sand
- Explore fortress complex on hill
- Lunch in town
- Surfing lesson (wetsuits and gear provided)
- Kitesurfing lesson (wetsuits and gear provided)
- Camel ride across sand
- Horseback ride through coastal forests
- Moroccan mint tea at riad while watching sunset
- Dinner of fresh local seafood
Landmarks/POIs Essaouira Beach Essaouira Ruined Fortress - Day 14
Essaouira to Casablanca
Traveling early to Casablanca via the coastal route, you'll make interesting stops in seaside cities. First is Safi, known for excellent surfing beaches and Atlantic Ocean views. Next comes El Jadida, where you tour the striking Portuguese cistern, walk the ramparts, and visit the Church of the Assumption before lunch. In Azemour, which inspired many Moroccan artists, you explore the crumbling 16th-century medina squeezed between Oud Er-Rbia (Mother of Spring River) and the ocean. You arrive in Casablanca, check into your hotel, and relax before dinner and evening city exploration.
Included Activities
- Stop in Safi
- Stop in El Jadida
- Tour Portuguese cistern in El Jadida
- Visit Church of the Assumption in El Jadida
- Stop in Azemour
- Explore 16th-century medina in Azemour
Optional Activities
- Lunch in El Jadida
- Dinner and evening exploration in Casablanca
Landmarks/POIs Safi El Jadida Portuguese Cistern Church of the Assumption (El Jadida) Azemour - Day 15
Casablanca
Your final day depends on your departure flight time. You might have an opportunity for last-minute sightseeing in Casablanca or enjoy tea at a traditional café. When you're ready, you transfer to Mohammed V International Airport for your flight home.
Optional Activities
- Last-minute sightseeing in Casablanca
- Tea at traditional café
