Discover Morocco on an unforgettable 12-day journey starting from the heart of Fes to explore the country’s most iconic highlights. From the charm of ancient alleyways in Chefchaouen, Fes, and Marrakech to the rich history of historic Kasbahs and ancient ruins, you will experience authentic Moroccan heritage and browse vibrant souks. Adventure also awaits, with camel rides across the Sahara dunes and trekking along historic caravan routes.
Welcome to Morocco! Upon your arrival at Fes Saïss Airport or the train station, your private driver will greet you and transfer you to your charming traditional riad in the heart of the historic medina. After checking in, take the remainder of the day to unwind from your journey, absorb the tranquil atmosphere of the inner courtyard, or step out for an initial evening stroll through the winding alleyways to get your first taste of the vibrant spiritual capital.
You will meet your private tour guide to explore the historic city of Fes, the first imperial city of Morocco. The morning begins with a visit to the entrance of Morocco’s largest royal palace. Next, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the entire medina from the southern tower of Fes. Then, you’ll visit a pottery cooperative to see the creation of traditional Moroccan tiles and mosaics.
The tour continues with a visit to the famous Fes tanneries, where you can watch the locals working with goat, camel, and cow hides. Other stops include a Koranic school, the Nejjarine fountain, the Moulay Idriss mausoleum, and the Karaouine Mosque University. Enjoy a traditional Moroccan lunch in the medina before continuing to explore the narrow alleys lined with merchants and craftsmen selling an array of products, from dates and spices to copper urns and musical instruments.
Today, we depart Fes and drive to the city of Meknes for a guided tour. Our first stop is the impressive 18th century Bab Mansour, the ornamental gateway to the imperial city of Meknes, built by Sultan Moulay Ismail. Next, we visit the small but striking Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail. We then pass by the entrance to the Meknes Royal Palace and conclude at the gigantic Heri es Souani, Moulay Ismail’s personal stable and granary that could accommodate 12,000 horses.
After lunch, we make our way through the rolling hills to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Volubilis, home to the best-preserved Roman ruins in this part of North Africa. A certified local guide will share insights about life in the Roman Empire as you explore the old bathhouses, admire the intricate mosaic floors, and marvel at the towering marble columns. From Volubilis, we continue our drive towards the blue-hued town of Chefchaouen, where we’ll spend the night with dinner at a hotel or riad.
Today, you’ll enjoy a morning sightseeing tour of the picturesque blue city of Chefchaouen, nestled in the Rif Mountains. You’ll take a walking tour through the charming medina, where the streets, doors, and buildings are painted in brilliant shades of blue. The city has a relaxed atmosphere, especially in the main square and the cobblestone medina. Sit on the terrace of a café and take in the view of the grand mosque, whose octagonal minaret is inspired by the Torre de Oro in Seville.
This Andalusian architecture can also be found in the Kasbah and its gardens at the heart of the medina. The Kasbah’s walls and 11 crenelated towers now house an interesting ethnographic museum. The colorful souks are decorated with traditionally dressed inhabitants sporting straw hats. After lunch, you’ll depart for the northern city of Tangier. Upon arrival, you’ll marvel at the picturesque views of the Atlantic Ocean and the famous Strait of Gibraltar, a perfect photo opportunity. Wander through the narrow streets lined with colorful doors, both ancient and modern. This historically significant city has hosted a variety of famous artists, including Matisse, Camille Saint-Saëns, Paul Bowles, and William Burroughs, and was the birthplace of the renowned explorer Ibn Battuta.
After breakfast, your morning in Tangier begins with a scenic drive along the coast to visit Cape Spartel, the dramatic promontory where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Mediterranean Sea. Nearby, step into the legendary Hercules Caves to admire the sea-carved window shaped like the map of Africa. Afterward, take a stroll through the historic Kasbah of Tangier, offering breathtaking views over the Strait of Gibraltar.
In the afternoon, depart south along the Atlantic coastline towards Morocco’s elegant administrative capital, Rabat. Upon arrival, explore the historic heart of the city, starting with the iconic Hassan Tower—the majestic minaret of an unfinished 12th-century mosque—and the adjacent Mausoleum of Mohammed V, an architectural masterpiece of modern Alaouite design featuring intricate zellige and carved plaster. Finish your day wandering through the fortress walls of the 11th-century Kasbah of the Udayas, taking in its peaceful blue-and-white residential streets and scenic overlook of the Bou Regreg River and ocean. Dinner and overnight in a Rabat riad or hotel.
Today, depart Rabat and head south to Casablanca, Morocco’s economic center and largest city. Here, you will take a guided tour of the monumental Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest functioning mosques in the world, dramatically perched over the Atlantic waters. Marvel at its 210-meter minaret, hand-carved cedar ceilings, and intricate marble work that showcase the pinnacle of Moroccan craftsmanship.
After lunch along the seaside Corniche, continue your journey along the highway toward the vibrant “Red City” of Marrakech. Arrive in the late afternoon as the city begins to come alive. Check into your riad before stepping out to experience the energetic atmosphere of the famous Jemaa el-Fnaa square, filled with storytellers, musicians, snake charmers, and aromatic food stalls under the evening lights.
Set out on a full-day guided tour of Marrakech’s rich heritage and vivid landscapes. Begin your morning with a visit to the grand Bahia Palace, built in the late 19th century to capture the essence of Islamic and Moroccan architectural styles with its expansive courtyards and painted ceilings. Next, visit the nearby Saadian Tombs, a restored 16th-century royal burial site hidden for centuries, and admire the majestic minaret of the Koutoubia Mosque, the city’s iconic landmark.
After lunch, escape the medina’s hustle to wander through the peaceful Majorelle Garden, a botanical oasis filled with exotic plants, cobalt-blue structures, and shaded paths, originally created by French painter Jacques Majorelle and later restored by Yves Saint Laurent. Conclude your day navigating the labyrinthine souks of Marrakech, where local artisans forge brass lamps, weave rugs, and craft leather goods.
Depart Marrakech early in the morning and begin your journey toward the Sahara, climbing into the High Atlas Mountains via the dramatic Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260 meters above sea level). Enjoy sweeping panoramic views of winding roads and traditional Berber villages clinging to the mountainsides. Descend toward the ancient mud-brick village of Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site and famous filming location for classics like Gladiator and Game of Thrones. Take a guided walk through its fortified towers and narrow passageways.
After lunch near the Kasbah, continue past Ouarzazate—the “Hollywood of Africa”—and drive through Kelaat M’Gouna, the heart of the Rose Valley, famous for its seasonal rose water distillation and floral products. Arrive in the evening at the scenic Dades Valley (Boumalne) for dinner and a restful night at your hotel overlooking the canyon walls.
Start the day exploring the dramatic rock formations of the Dades Gorges before heading toward Tinghir to visit the spectacular Todra Gorges. Walk beneath the towering 300-meter-high red limestone canyon walls carved out by the Todra River, a favorite spot for rock climbers and nature lovers.
Continue eastward through palm groves and arid plains, stopping in Erfoud, a town renowned for its fossil workshops and high-quality dates. From Erfoud, head straight into the desert settlement of Merzouga at the edge of the Erg Chebbi sand dunes. Here, mount your camel for an unforgettable trek across the golden sea of sand as the sun sets over the horizon. Reach your desert camp in time for a traditional dinner, live Berber drum music around a campfire, and a night sleeping under a star-filled Saharan sky.
Wake up early to witness the sunrise casting warm golden hues across the vast Erg Chebbi dunes. After breakfast at the camp, ride your camel back to Merzouga (or transfer by 4×4) and meet your driver to begin the journey back north toward Fes.
Drive through the sweeping palmeries and dramatic red cliffs of the Ziz Valley, stopping at scenic overlooks for photos. Continue through the Middle Atlas Mountains, passing through the cedar forests of Azrou, where you may spot native Barbary macaques living among the trees. Make a final stop in Ifrane, often called the “Switzerland of Morocco” due to its alpine architecture, clean avenues, and cool mountain climate. Arrive back in Fes by early evening and check into your riad.
Enjoy a fully flexible, relaxed day in Fes to explore the city at your own pace. You may return to your favorite spots in the medina for souvenir shopping—selecting handmade leather goods, brassware, ceramics, or local spices—or simply relax at a rooftop café overlooking the sprawling cityscape. For a authentic local experience, schedule a traditional Moroccan hammam and massage session to rejuvenate after your desert journey.
Enjoy a final Moroccan breakfast at your riad. Depending on your flight schedule, take some last-minute moments for photos or relaxation before your private driver transfers you directly to Fes Saïss Airport for your departure home, marking the conclusion of your journey.
