This comprehensive 12-day circuit offers a perfect blend of Morocco’s imperial history, mountain scenery, and desert adventure. Starting and ending in Tangier, the journey takes you through the blue hues of Chefchaouen, the ancient medina of Fes, and across the Atlas Mountains to the Sahara Desert. After a night in a Berber camp, you’ll explore dramatic gorges, visit Hollywood film sites, and experience the vibrant energy of Marrakech before discovering the coastal capitals of Casablanca and Rabat on your return north.
Your Moroccan adventure begins upon arrival in the historic port city of Tangier. After being greeted, you will be transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to relax and soak up the unique, cosmopolitan atmosphere of this legendary gateway.
After breakfast, we journey south into the majestic Rif Mountains. The scenic drive offers breathtaking panoramas before arriving at our destination: the breathtaking “Blue Pearl” of Chefchaouen. The afternoon is free for you to begin exploring its iconic blue-washed alleyways and serene atmosphere at your own pace.
We depart for Fes, but not before two significant historical stops. First, we explore the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Next, we visit the imperial city of Meknes to see the colossal Bab el-Mansour gate. We arrive in Fes by evening.
An expert local guide unlocks the secrets of Fes, Morocco’s spiritual and cultural capital. You will navigate the labyrinthine medina, a UNESCO site, visiting the Royal Palace gate, the historic Jewish Mellah, the famous Chouara Tanneries, and the ancient Al-Qarawiyyin University.
We journey south, crossing the Middle Atlas Mountains. We pass through the alpine-style town of Ifrane and stop in the Cedar Forest to see Barbary macaques. After lunch in Midelt, the landscape transforms as we descend through the vast palm oasis of the Ziz Valley, arriving at the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes in Merzouga.
Today is dedicated to the magic of the Sahara. We visit the village of Khamlia for a performance of hypnotic Gnawa music and share tea with a nomadic Berber family. The highlight is a late-afternoon camel trek into the heart of the dunes for a breathtaking sunset. You’ll spend the night in a desert camp under a blanket of stars.
After a magical desert sunrise, we travel west. We explore the stunning Todra Gorge, walking between its towering 300-meter-high canyon walls. We then continue into the dramatic Dades Valley, famous for its surreal “monkey fingers” rock formations, where we will spend the night.
We drive along the scenic “Road of a Thousand Kasbahs” to the legendary Ksar of Ait Benhaddou. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a famed film location. After exploring, we cross the breathtaking High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka pass, arriving by evening in vibrant Marrakech.
Enjoy a day trip to the charming coastal town of Essaouira. Explore its UNESCO-listed medina, walk its historic sea ramparts, and watch the activity in the vibrant fishing port. Soak in the relaxed, bohemian atmosphere before returning to Marrakech in the evening.
A guided tour introduces you to the wonders of Marrakech. Discover the electric energy of Djemaa el-Fna square, delve into the labyrinthine souks, and visit architectural gems like the Bahia Palace, the Saadian Tombs, and the Koutoubia Mosque.
We journey north to Morocco’s capital. A stop in Casablanca reveals the architectural masterpiece of the Hassan II Mosque, perched dramatically on the Atlantic. We then continue to the elegant and imperial city of Rabat for the night.
We explore the highlights of Rabat, including the serene Kasbah of the Udayas and the grand Hassan Tower. Our journey up the coast includes a stop in the beautiful, art-filled whitewashed town of Asilah before completing our circuit back to Tangier for your departure.
Every traveler is unique. If this itinerary doesn’t perfectly fit your interests, schedule, or travel style, please contact Best Moroccan Tour. We specialize in crafting bespoke journeys. Let us know your dreams, and we will design a personalized tour just for you.
