Grand Tour of Morocco

Trip Description

Accomodation

Stay program

• day 1

  Casablanca - Rabat 3h 30min (342 km)

  

  In the morning, we will pick you up in Casablanca, the largest economic city of the kingdom. We will visit the Hassan II Grand Mosque, then we will continue to Rabat, the administrative and political capital of Morocco. After lunch, we will start the city tour with the Hassan Tower and the Mohammed V Mausoleum, the Kasbah of the Oudayas (the old medina of the Moors), and the famous Chellah Kasbah. Dinner and overnight in a riad in Rabat

• day 2

  Rabat - Assilah - Tangier 2h 48min (246 km)

  

  

  

  After breakfast, departure for Tangier along the beautiful coastal road. Visit the city of Asilah, a beautiful coastal town with its whitewashed houses, blue walls, doors, and murals. Arrival in Tangier, at the gateway to Africa and Europe, which has always been an international melting pot. You can take a city tour to explore the lively medina and the surroundings of the city, in order to enjoy the amazing view where the Mediterranean and the Atlantic meet. Dinner and overnight in a riad in Tangier.

• day 3

  TANGIER - TETOUAN - CHEFCHAOUEN 2h 11min (112 km)

  

  

  Departure from Tangier heading north, towards the Rif mountains. Arrival in Tetouan after about an hour's drive. The city of Tetouan has one of the most authentic medinas in Morocco. The colorful houses, richly decorated with wrought iron grilles, offer a beautiful example of medieval Andalusian architecture. After the visit, continue to Chefchaouen, the center of the western Rif, which also has a medina. The city was conquered in 1920 by the Spanish and later became a holy city, forbidden to non-Muslims. Dinner and overnight in a riad in Chefchaouen.

• day 4

  Free day in Chefchaouen

  

  

  Chefchaouen, a renowned holy city where there are more than twenty mosques or sanctuaries, was long forbidden to Christians, even though Jews were numerous there. Founded in 1471 by Moulay Ali Ben Rachid to serve as a base for his attacks against the Portuguese, Chefchaouen embodies simplicity with its tiled roofs and windows protected by wrought iron grilles. It is a pleasure to stroll along Avenue Hassan II, Uta el Hammam square, the kasbah, the medina… Dinner and overnight in a riad in Chefchaouen.

• day 5

  CHEFCHAOUEN - VOLUBILIS - MEKNÈS 3h 35min (195 km)

  

  Departing from Chefchaouen, you take the road towards Volubilis, the ancient Berber then Roman city, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. This exceptional archaeological site, which was the capital of the Kingdom of Mauretania, reveals impressive ruins: beautifully preserved mosaics, a forum, basilica, triumphal arch, and imposing columns, all in the heart of a hilly landscape dotted with olive groves. A captivating immersion into the heritage of the Roman Empire in Morocco. After this enriching visit, you will have the opportunity to share a traditional lunch with a local family, a wonderful way to discover local flavors and Moroccan hospitality. In the afternoon, head to Meknes, one of Morocco's four former imperial capitals. Your discovery begins with Bab El Mansour, a monumental gate famous for its architectural majesty. You then continue to El Hedim Square, once linked to the royal palace, and the royal granaries of Moulay Ismaïl, impressive for their scale and engineering, bearing witness to the power of this builder king. Optionally, a visit and wine tasting in the renowned vineyards of Meknes can be organized. Dinner and overnight in a Riad in Meknes.

• day 6

  MEKNÈS - Fès 48 min (62.3 km)

  

  Fes, the oldest of the imperial cities, is a true journey through time. Today, the medina of Fes, a UNESCO World Heritage site, will be your playground. Considered one of the largest surviving urban complexes from the Middle Ages, it is full of architectural treasures. Your local guide, passionate about the history of this mythical city, will show you the Bou Inania madrasa, a masterpiece of Marinid architecture, with its courtyard adorned with mosaics and carved wood. Continue your exploration with Nejjarine Square and its ornate fountain, a symbol of Fes's refined craftsmanship. The tanners' quarter, where hides are dyed in colorful vats, is a unique sensory experience. The smell, the colors, and the ancestral work combine to offer a fascinating visual spectacle. Later, you will visit the Marinid tombs, offering a breathtaking view of the city of Fes, where minarets stand out on the horizon in a striking contrast. If you have the time and desire, a stop at the Batha Museum of Folk Art, in a former palace, will allow you to discover the traditional crafts of Morocco in all their diversity. Fes enchants you with its unique atmosphere, vibrant soul, and rich history. Dinner and overnight in a Riad in Fes.

• day 7

  Fès - Ifrane 1h 14min (64.1 km)

  

  Departure after breakfast, you will take a pleasant road through the magnificent landscapes of the Middle Atlas, nicknamed the granary of Morocco. 65 km south of Fez, you will reach Ifrane. Founded in 1929 under the French protectorate, this town resembles a small Swiss village with its chalets and immaculate streets. It is located in the heart of the Michlifen massif, an ancient volcanic crater. The small ski resort of the same name, perched at 2000 m altitude, is found in a clear undergrowth. About twenty kilometers south of Ifrane, you will discover Azrou, surrounded by a splendid cedar forest. Do not miss the famous Gouraud cedar, over nine centuries old. For nature and hiking lovers, an extra stop is recommended to fully enjoy the superb panoramas. Dinner and overnight in a riad in Ifrane.

• day 8

  Ifrane - Midelt 2h 10min (136 km)

  

  After breakfast, departure from Ifrane towards Midelt. You will cross the lush landscapes of the Middle Atlas, passing through Azrou and the famous cedar forest, the largest in North Africa. It is in this region that Barbary macaques live, which you may be able to observe in the wild. The road continues through magnificent valleys and mountain plateaus, offering a beautiful immersion in the unspoiled nature of central Morocco. Arrival in Midelt at the end of the day, a charming high-altitude town nestled at 1,500 meters, between the Middle and High Atlas. Check-in at a comfortable riad and overnight stay with half board. Dinner and overnight in a riad in Midelt.

• day 9

  Midelt - Erfoud - Merzouga 4h 0min (263 km)

  

  

  We drive through the bare landscapes of the eastern High Atlas. Once we have crossed to the southern slope, we find the Ziz valley and the famous Tafillalet palm grove. Arrival in Erfoud, then continuation to Merzouga, the desert oasis, a large dune area after those of Chegaga, in the southeast of Morocco, surrounded by the reddish and golden sand dunes of the Erg Chebbi. Then, arrival at the hotel for a glass of tea. You ride a dromedary to cross the depths of the Sahara dunes. Enjoy the peace, the vastness of the fantastic dunes, and the romantic sunset on one of the huge dune summits. Dinner and overnight in a typical desert environment. Dinner and overnight in Merzouga in a Berber tent at Erg Chebbi Merzouga.

• day 10

  Merzouga - Rissani - Todra Gorges - Boumalne Dades 3h 39min (253 km)

  

  

  After breakfast, departure from Merzouga towards the superb valleys of southeastern Morocco. First stop in Rissani, former Alaouite capital, known for its traditional market, lively alleys, and its famous Berber bread. We continue the road through desert and then lush landscapes to the Dades Valley, where the river of the same name gives life to vast palm groves dotted with traditional kasbahs. Stop in Tinghir, a charming oasis surrounded by mountains, before heading towards the Todra Gorges, impressive for their steep cliffs reaching 200 meters high. At the end of the day, arrival in Boumalne Dades, in the heart of the Valley of Roses. Dinner and overnight in a riad in Dades.

• day 11

  Dadès Gorges - Valley of the Roses - Skoura - Ouarzazate 1h 42 min (123 km)

  On the 11th day of the tour, you will discover the riches of Berber architecture in southern Morocco. The day begins with a departure from the Dades Valley, famous for its rose bushes that the locals carefully protect, both for their use in the cosmetics industry and for their growing tourist appeal. You will then continue towards El Kelaa M’Gouna, known for its fragrant roses. You will visit a local cooperative where rose-based products are handcrafted: floral waters, essential oils, and natural cosmetics, an unmissable stop in the heart of this region that celebrates the annual rose festival. The road continues towards the magnificent Skoura palm grove. You will take a track crossing fields of palm trees and earthen kasbahs, among which is the famous Kasbah Amridil, a perfect example of traditional southern Moroccan architecture. You will arrive in Ouarzazate at the end of the afternoon at your Riad. Dinner and overnight in Ouarzazate.

• day 12

  Ouarzazate - Aït Ben Haddou - Telouet - Marrakech 3h 23min (193 km)

  After visiting the ksar of Aït Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site and filming location for many movies, you will take the old caravan route to reach the kasbah of Telouet, then the Tizi-n-Tichka pass, crossing magnificent mountain landscapes. Arrival in Marrakech at the end of the day. Dinner and overnight stay in Marrakech.

• day 13

  Marrakech – One-day excursion to Essaouira 2h 44min (182 km)

  Join us for an exciting day trip from Marrakech to Essaouira, a hidden gem on the Moroccan Atlantic coast! Also known as Mogador, this charming town features medieval fortifications, a lively fishing port, an easy-to-explore medina, and beautiful sandy beaches. With its artistic and bohemian vibe and relaxed atmosphere, Essaouira enjoys a pleasant climate and is one of the most popular day trips from Marrakech. Located just two and a half hours from Marrakech, it offers an accessible and inspiring experience. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure filled with beauty and discovery. Dinner and overnight in Marrakech.

• day 14

  Marrakech Airport

  Transfer to the airport scheduled according to your flight time, to ensure a smooth departure.