Embark on an immersive 11-day adventure through Morocco, a country renowned for its vibrant culture, rich history, and diverse landscapes. From the bustling streets of Marrakech to the tranquil sands of the Sahara Desert, this itinerary will take you on an unforgettable journey, exploring ancient medinas, picturesque coastal towns, and breathtaking natural wonders. With experienced guides and comfortable accommodations, you’ll discover the highlights of Morocco while immersing yourself in its captivating atmosphere.
Marrakech,Morocco (Google Map)
Depending on Arrival Time
Upon your arrival at Marrakech Airport, our team will be there to greet you and provide a comfortable transfer to your riad located within the old medina. You’ll have the rest of the day to relax and settle in. Overnight stay at the riad with breakfast included.
After breakfast at the riad, embark on a guided tour of Marrakech, often referred to as “the red city of Morocco.” Accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide, you’ll visit the city’s most significant historical and cultural sites. Explore the enchanting Majorelle Gardens, admire the iconic Koutoubia Tower, discover the fascinating Saadian Tombs, and wander through the opulent Bahia Palace. Enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant before immersing yourself in the bustling souks (markets) of Marrakech. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. Overnight stay at the riad.
After breakfast, we’ll pick you up from the riad and drive to Essaouira, passing through the scenic Argan tree forest along the way. In Essaouira, you’ll have free time to explore the charming harbor, beautiful beach, and vibrant medina. Take a stroll through the narrow streets of the 15th-century town, known for its Thuya wood carvings and Portuguese-style boat building. Don’t miss the opportunity to capture photos of the blue fishing boats. Overnight stay at a riad in Essaouira.
Leaving Essaouira behind, we’ll embark on a coastal journey towards Casablanca. Enjoy breathtaking views of the sea and beaches as we make stops along the way. Visit the serene fishing village of El Oualidia, known for its natural seawater lagoon and picturesque kasbah. Indulge in a delightful lunch while admiring the coastal scenery. Continuing our drive, we reach El Jadida, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a fascinating history as a former Portuguese colony. Explore the fortified medina, and underground cisterns, and enjoy the beach before heading to Casablanca for an overnight stay at a riad.
After breakfast, we’ll visit the iconic Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, known for its stunning architecture. Then, we’ll drive to Rabat, the capital city of Morocco, to explore its major attractions including the Hassan Tower, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, and the 12th-century Kasbah Udayah. Continuing our journey, we’ll drive through the scenic Rif Mountains, reaching Chefchaouen in the evening. Known as the “blue city,” Chefchaouen is famous for its picturesque blue-washed streets and traditional charm. Overnight stay at a riad in Chefchaouen.
After enjoying a traditional Moroccan breakfast, we’ll drive to the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis. Explore the archaeological site, which offers a glimpse into Morocco’s rich history and cultural traditions. Continuing our journey, we’ll visit Meknes, once the home of the Moroccan sultanate Moulay Ismail. Discover the city’s ancient medina and immerse yourself in its fascinating atmosphere. In the evening, we’ll arrive in Fes, the oldest imperial city of Morocco. Overnight stay at a riad in Fes.
Dedicate this day to exploring Fes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s largest car-free urban areas. Accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide, you’ll delve into the city’s rich history and cultural heritage. Visit Fes el Bali, the larger of the two old medinas, and wander through its labyrinthine alleys. Explore Al-Qarawiyyin, the oldest continuously functioning madrasa in the world, and discover the city’s vibrant souks and historical landmarks. In the evening, return to the Riad for an overnight stay.
After breakfast, we’ll depart from Fes and drive through the scenic Middle Atlas Mountains. Enjoy the picturesque landscapes and pass through Berber villages along the way. Our journey leads us to the magnificent Sahara Desert, specifically the Erg Chebbi dunes near Merzouga. Experience the thrill of a camel ride through the golden sands, witnessing a breathtaking sunset along the way. Arrive at the desert camp where you’ll spend a magical evening under a blanket of stars. Enjoy a delicious Berber dinner and immerse yourself in the tranquility of the desert. Overnight stay at a desert camp in Merzouga.
Wake up early to witness the mesmerizing sunrise over the Sahara Desert. After breakfast at the camp, we’ll depart for Ouarzazate, known as the “Hollywood of Africa” due to its role as a filming location for many movies. En route, we’ll pass through the scenic Draa Valley, famous for its lush palm groves and ancient kasbahs. Visit the Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a well-preserved fortified village. Explore its narrow alleys and admire the traditional mud-brick architecture. Overnight stay at a riad in Ouarzazate.
Enjoy breakfast at the riad before departing for Marrakech. Along the way, we’ll have the opportunity to visit the Atlas Film Studios, where famous movies and TV shows were filmed. We’ll also pass through the High Atlas Mountains, crossing the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, which offers breathtaking panoramic views. Arrive in Marrakech and have the rest of the day at your leisure to explore the city or indulge in some last-minute shopping. Overnight stay at the riad in Marrakech.
After breakfast, check out from the riad. Our team will assist with your transfer to Marrakech Airport based on your departure flight schedule. Say farewell to Morocco with unforgettable memories of your journey through this captivating country.
It is advisable to pack comfortable and lightweight clothing, as well as layers for cooler evenings. Don’t forget to pack sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and sturdy walking shoes. If you plan on participating in activities like sandboarding, bring appropriate gear. Also, carrying a small backpack and a refillable water bottle is recommended.
Traditional Kasbahs: These are fortified structures made of clay or stone, often reflecting the traditional architecture and heritage of Morocco. Staying in a Kasbah provides a unique cultural experience, allowing you to immerse yourself in the local ambiance. The rooms are typically decorated with traditional elements, offering a blend of authenticity and comfort.
Hotels: Along the route, you may also stay in comfortable hotels that cater to travelers. These hotels offer modern amenities and services to ensure a comfortable stay. They provide comfortable rooms, private bathrooms, and facilities such as restaurants, lounges, and sometimes even swimming pools.
It is advisable to pack comfortable and lightweight clothing, as well as layers for cooler evenings. Don’t forget to pack sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and sturdy walking shoes. If you plan on participating in activities like sandboarding, bring appropriate gear. Also, carrying a small backpack and a refillable water bottle is recommended.
The desert can get quite hot, with daytime temperatures averaging 15 – 40°C from March to October, and 5 – 20°C from November to February. Nighttime temperatures drop significantly and can even approach freezing in the winter. As much as 10mm of rain can fall in any month, particularly from October to January, but generally the desert is dry.
In the summer (June, July, August), daytime temperatures have been known to approach 45°C on occasions in the desert and in the towns and cities on this trip, so please ensure that you come prepared with sun protection, light and airy clothing and electrolytes/rehydration solutions if travelling at this time of year. If it becomes unsafe to camp in the desert due to extreme summer temperatures, your host will accommodate you in a nearby hotel instead.
This trip involves some walking and optional activities like camel trekking and sandboarding. While the physical demands are generally not excessive, a moderate level of fitness is recommended to fully enjoy the experience. If you have any specific concerns, it’s best to consult with your tour operator.
Most tour operators do not have specific age restrictions, and the trip can be enjoyed by people of various age groups. However, certain activities like sandboarding or camel trekking may have age restrictions or require participants to meet certain physical requirements. It’s advisable to check with your tour operator for any specific guidelines.
It is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and personal belongings. Check with your insurance provider to ensure you have adequate coverage for the duration of your trip.
