Itinerary
- Day 1
Tangier to Chefchaouen
You'll arrive in Tangier and get your first taste of Morocco's blend of European and African influences. From there, head into the medina to walk around Zoco Chico square before making the drive to Chefchaouen in the Rif Mountains. The journey includes a hike to Cascades d'Akchou, and once you reach the blue-washed city, you'll wander through the winding streets, check out the kasbah and gardens, then climb up to catch the sunset from panoramic viewpoints overlooking the Blue City.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit medina (old quarter) in Tangier
- Explore Zoco Chico square and enjoy a café
- Hike to Cascades d'Akchou (Waterfalls of Akchour)
- Explore Chefchaouen medina and narrow streets
- Visit Grand Mosque exterior (non-Muslims not permitted to enter)
- Explore kasbah (old fortification), garden, museum, and old prison cells
- Climb rooftop of Hotel Atlas for panoramic view of Blue City
- Hike to abandoned white Spanish Mosque with sunset views (20-30 minutes)
Optional Activities
- Paseo stroll along Tangier promenade
- Dine at Plaza Outa el Hammam restaurant or café in Chefchaouen
Landmarks/POIs Medina of Tangier Zoco Chico Cascades d'Akchou Chefchaouen Medina Grand Mosque of Chefchaouen Kasbah of Chefchaouen Plaza Outa el Hammam Spanish Mosque of Chefchaouen - Day 2
Volubilis - Meknes - Fes
Wake early to photograph Chefchaouen's quiet streets before they get busy, then travel to the Volubilis ruins to see Roman architecture, temples, and mosaics that show how people lived centuries ago. After that, you'll head to Meknes for the Imperial City and medina, including the impressive Bab al-Mansour gate and the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail. By evening, reach Fes and visit the Merenid Tombs for views of the city before settling into your riad.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Volubilis ruins - explore Roman merchant homes, temples, and mosaics
- Visit Bab al-Mansour gate in Meknes
- Visit Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail in Meknes
- Visit Royal Stables in Meknes
- Visit Merenid Tombs in Fes for panoramic city views
- Explore Fes medina
Optional Activities
- Explore Ville Impériale (Imperial City) in Meknes
- Explore medina in Meknes
- Venture into Fes medina on your own
Landmarks/POIs Volubilis Bab al-Mansour Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail Royal Stables of Meknes Merenid Tombs Fes Medina - Day 3
Fes
A certified guide will lead you through Fes's medieval medina, navigating the maze-like streets where you'll browse souks selling spices, leather goods, and pewter. You'll visit the historic Chouara Tannery, see the intricate zellij tilework at the 14th-century Al Attarine Madrasa, and visit Al-Qarawiyyin University, one of the world's oldest continuously operating universities. Later, explore the mellah (old Jewish quarter) in Fes el Jdid for panoramic city views.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Fes el Bali medina (established 789 CE)
- Browse Souk el Attarin (spices market)
- Browse Souk Haddadine (blacksmiths market)
- Browse Souk Smata (slippers market)
- Visit Souk des Teinturiers (dyers' souk)
- Visit Chouara Tannery and climb nearby shop roof for views
- Visit Al Attarine Madrasa (14th-century) with zellij tilework
- Visit Al-Qarawiyyin University (859 CE)
- Explore mellah (old Jewish quarter) in Fes el Jdid
- Explore Fes el Jdid (newer medina quarter)
Optional Activities
- Explore Ville Nouvelle (early 20th-century French-designed quarter)
- Additional independent exploration of medina
Landmarks/POIs Fes el Bali Fes el Jdid Souk el Attarin Souk Haddadine Souk Smata Souk des Teinturiers Chouara Tannery Al Attarine Madrasa Al-Qarawiyyin University Mellah (Jewish Quarter) - Day 4
Fes to Merzouga
Travel south through the Middle Atlas mountains over the Col du Zad pass, passing cedar forests where you might spot Barbary macaque monkeys. Stop in Midelt for lunch, then cross the Tizi n'Talremt pass into the Ziz Valley with its oases and palm clusters. You'll see fossils at Erfoud before reaching the vast Erg Chebbi dunes for a camel trek, sunset views, open-air dinner, and an evening around the campfire with traditional Berber music under the stars.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Dinner in the open air with traditional Berber music and campfire)
Included Activities
- Cross Col du Zad pass (7,146 feet / 2,178 m)
- Drive through cedar forests of Middle Atlas mountains
- View Barbary macaque monkeys
- Stop in Midelt (apple city)
- Cross Tizi n'Talremt pass
- Travel through Ziz Valley oases
- Visit Erfoud to explore fossil-decorated objects
- View Erg Chebbi dunes (35 square km with dunes rising over 200 m)
- Camel trek through dunes with camel guide
- Watch sunset from sand dune
- Dinner in open air at camp
- Evening by campfire with traditional Berber music
Optional Activities
- Meet nomadic Berber family and drink tea together
- Explore Erfoud mines
Landmarks/POIs Col du Zad Pass Middle Atlas Mountains Midelt Tizi n'Talremt Pass Ziz Valley Erfoud Erg Chebbi - Day 5
Merzouga to Todra Gorge
Start before sunrise to watch the desert light up, and you can try sandboarding if you want. Then choose between exploring the Erg Chebbi dunes on foot or by ATV, followed by a visit to Khemliya village for traditional drumming and dancing. Stop at Rissani market town to see the livestock auction, continue to Tinerhir to see the extensive river oasis, and finish at Todra Gorge where you'll walk through the 300-meter high canyon carved by the Todra River and cool off in the shallow waters.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Desert sunrise viewing
- Sandboarding
- Visit Khemliya traditional Saharan village
- Experience traditional drumming music and dancing at Khemliya
- Walk around Khemliya village
- Visit Rissani market town
- View livestock auction in Rissani
- Stop in Tinerhir for river oasis views
- Explore Todra Gorge
- Walk in and around Todra Gorge
- Relax in Todra River shallow waters
Optional Activities
- Erg Chebbi (sand dune) tour
- ATV tour
- Explore Rissani donkey parking lot
Landmarks/POIs Erg Chebbi Khemliya Rissani Tinerhir Todra Gorge - Day 6
Dades Valley - Ouarzazate - Aït Benhaddou
Travel through the Dades Valley and Boumalne Dades along the Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs, stopping in Kelaat M'Gouna to see rose bushes and visit a rose collective where petals become rose water and oil. Head to Ouarzazate for a movie studio tour and cinema museum, then arrive at the UNESCO-protected Aït Benhaddou ksar. Explore the 11th-century alleys in the quieter late afternoon, climb to the old granary for views, and have dinner overlooking the valley.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Quiet dinner overlooking the valley)
Included Activities
- Travel through Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs
- Travel through Dades Valley
- Stop in Boumalne Dades
- Admire rose bushes in Kelâat M'Gouna
- Visit rose collective - see rose petals processed into rose water and oil
- Movie studio tour in Ouarzazate
- Visit Musée du Cinema in Ouarzazate
- Explore Aït Benhaddou kasbah alleys
- Climb to old granary in Aït Benhaddou for panoramic views
- Explore old Granary vantage point
Optional Activities
- Visit Ouarzazate regions featured in movies (Lawrence of Arabia, Gladiator, Black Hawk Down)
- Trek to Game of Thrones gates at river near Aït Benhaddou
Landmarks/POIs Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs Dades Valley Boumalne Dades Kelâat M'Gouna Ouarzazate Aït Benhaddou - Day 7
Aït Benhaddou to Marrakech
You'll climb into the High Atlas mountains with views of Mount Toubkal at 13,671 feet (4,167 m), the highest peak in the range. Stop at a panoramic viewpoint to stretch, then visit Taddert to see an Argan Oil Cooperative and learn about olive processing. After descending into Marrakech and checking into your hotel, explore Jemaa el-Fna square in the early evening, where you'll find musicians, performers, snake charmers, and food stalls, or grab mint tea and eat at one of the surrounding cafés.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Ascend High Atlas mountains
- View Mount Toubkal (highest peak at 13,671 feet / 4,167 m)
- Panoramic viewpoint with leg-stretching stop near mountain top
- Visit Argan Oil Cooperative in Taddert
- Learn about olive processing at Argan Oil Cooperative
- Sample argan oil products
- Explore Jemaa el-Fna square in early evening
Optional Activities
- Enjoy entertainment at Jemaa el-Fna (musicians, performers, snake charmers, games, food stalls)
- Dine at restaurants or cafés surrounding Jemaa el-Fna square
- Enjoy mint tea at cafés overlooking Jemaa el-Fna
Landmarks/POIs High Atlas Mountains Mount Toubkal Taddert Jemaa el-Fna - Day 8
Marrakech
A certified guide will take you through Marrakech starting with its souks: Souk el Attarin for spices, Souk Haddadine for blacksmiths, and Souk Smata for slippers, plus the dyers' souk. You'll see the iconic Koutoubia Mosque with its 253-foot (77 m) minaret and relax in the adjoining gardens, then visit the 16th-century Ben Youssef Madrasa with its carved cedar and intricate zellij tiling. The day wraps up with museums showcasing traditional art, followed by the Saadian Tombs, El Badi Palace, Bahia Palace, and the Jewish Mellah.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Half-day guided tour of Marrakech
- Browse Souk el Attarin (spices)
- Browse Souk Haddadine (blacksmiths)
- Browse Souk Smata (slippers)
- Visit Souk des Teinturiers (dyers' souk)
- Visit Koutoubia Mosque
- Relax in Koutoubia Mosque gardens
- Visit Ben Youssef Madrasa (16th-century)
- Visit Marrakech Museum or Museum of Moroccan Arts
- View historical fondouks (medieval inns) along alleys
- Visit Saadian Tombs
- Visit El Badi Palace
- Visit Bahia Palace
- Visit Jewish Mellah and cemetery
Optional Activities
- Additional independent exploration of souks and medina
- Choose between Marrakech Museum or Museum of Moroccan Arts
Landmarks/POIs Souk el Attarin Souk Haddadine Souk Smata Souk des Teinturiers Koutoubia Mosque Ben Youssef Madrasa Marrakech Museum Museum of Moroccan Arts Saadian Tombs El Badi Palace Bahia Palace Jewish Mellah - Day 9
Marrakech to Essaouira
Head west toward Morocco's coast over rolling plains, passing through endemic argan tree forests where goats sometimes climb the branches. Visit an argan cooperative to see how argan oil is extracted and used in food and cosmetics. Arrive in laid-back Essaouira, which offers a different pace from frenetic Marrakech. Walk the 18th-century Skala de la Kasbah seafront ramparts with Atlantic views, explore the UNESCO-protected medina, and enjoy freshly caught seafood on the windswept beach.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Pass through argan tree forest
- Visit argan cooperative
- Learn about argan oil extraction
- Learn about argan oil uses in food and cosmetic industries
- Walk Skala de la Kasbah (18th-century seafront ramparts)
- View brass cannons and Atlantic vistas from ramparts
- Explore Essaouira UNESCO-protected medina
- Walk Essaouira windswept beach
Optional Activities
- See goats dining on argan fruit in tree branches
- Taxi ride to Diabat (where Jimi Hendrix reportedly spent time)
- Walk back to Essaouira from Diabat
- Dine on freshly caught seafood at local restaurants
- Additional medina exploration
Landmarks/POIs Argan Tree Forest Essaouira Skala de la Kasbah Essaouira Medina Essaouira Beach Diabat - Day 10
Essaouira to Marrakech
Stroll along Essaouira's beach or pick up any last-minute souvenirs before heading back to Marrakech. If there's time, the Majorelle Gardens just outside the medina offer a nice escape from afternoon heat with sub-tropical plants, bamboo, lilies, and palms, before you catch your return flight home.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Walk Essaouira beach
Optional Activities
- Pick up last-minute curios in Essaouira
- Visit Majorelle Gardens in Marrakech
Landmarks/POIs Essaouira Beach Majorelle Gardens
