Day-by-day itinerary

• Day

  01

  Casablanca

  Arrive in Casablanca, coastal city of mystical Morocco. After clearing customs and immigrations, you will receive a warm welcome from our local host who will escort you to your hotel. Settle in and get a good night’s sleep – the adventure begins in the morning!

  Dinner
• Day

  02

  Casablanca - Rabat

  Casablanca is one of the largest and best-known cities in Africa. The city goes back to the time of Antiquity and is considered the Royal city.
  
  After breakfast at the hotel, explore Casablanca with your private guide. Begin with an inside visit of the Hassan II Mosque, which is a stunning example of Islamic architecture. It is also the largest religious monument in the world, after Mecca, accommodating almost 25,000 people.
  
  Continue to the Ain Diab Corniche for a pleasant stroll along the coast, visit Mohammed V Square and the Habous Quarter - one of the oldest areas in Casablanca and a perfect depiction of the French influence on Moroccan infrastructure.
  
  Afterward, you'll be treated to lunch at one of Casablanca's local restaurants. Then continue with your guide on a 1-hour road transfer to Rabat, the capital city of Morocco.

  Breakfast / Lunch
• Day

  03

  Rabat - Chefchaouen

  Blue City

  Discover Rabat on a morning city tour with your private guide. Visit the Mohammed V Mausoleum, Hassan Tower, and finally the Kasbah of the Udayas in Rabat’s Medina.
  
  Journey through the beautiful Rif Mountains leading to the charming village of Chefchaouen. This is a land of twisted alleyways, houses built into the mountainside, and unique buildings painted in various shades of blue.
  
  Chefchaouen was built in the 15th century, but it wasn’t until the 1900s that it was painted blue. During that time, Morocco saw a large influx of Jews (and Moors) as the Second World War started. For the Jews, the color blue represents the sky, which reminded people of heaven and God.
  
  Explore Chefchaouen with your guide - its Medina, Bab el Ansar, and the famed Ras el Maa (waterfall).

  Breakfast / Dinner
• Day

  04

  Volubilis - Meknes - Fes

  Set out this morning to the ancient Roman city of Volubilis to explore its stunning ruins. Only about half of the 40-hectare UNESCO site of Volubilis has been excavated. The better-known monuments are in the northern part of the site, including the capitol dedicated to the Triad of Jupiter, Juno, and Minerva.
  
  Continue to the imperial city of Meknes, the one-time home of the Moroccan sultanate. Remnants of three sets of fortifications, ingeniously incorporated into the city's road network, emphasize its past importance and glory. The king's tomb sits at the heart of what remains of the original imperial city. Nearby is the impressive Bab el-Mansour- the most beautiful gate of Morocco.
  
  Complete today's journey with your arrival in Fes, often referred to as the "Mecca of the West" or "Athens of Africa."

  Breakfast / Dinner
• Day

  05

  Fes

  City Tour

  Step back in time to the Middle Ages with a visit to one of the most untouched cities in the world, the cultural heart of Morocco, Fes El Bali (Old Fes). Explore some of the 9,000 narrow lanes and alleys in the souks (open air markets) that make up the labyrinth of the city's old quarter, originally founded in the 8th century. The Imperial capital was a renowned medieval learning center and is home to the oldest university in the world.
  
  Your guide will show you many of the magnificent buildings and structures here that display Morocco's historical architecture, carpentry, artistry, and philosophies. Visit one of the famous leather tanneries, as well as a clay workshop, the artisan quarters, and other souks.
  
  You'll also visit Fes El Jdid (New Fes), built in the 13th Century with its Royal Palace, mosques, Koranic schools, and souks. New Fes is home to the Jewish quarter, offering insight into Jewish architecture. The medieval Medina is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

  Breakfast / Dinner
• Day

  06

  Ifrane - Midelt - Erfoud

  This morning, depart Fes with your guide on a 7-hour scenic road journey to Erfoud. Along the way, you'll pass through many amazing cities and villages, the first of which is Ifrane, also called “Morocco's Switzerland.” This charming ski town is sprinkled with European-style chalets.
  
  Travel to the mining town of Midelt in the high plains between the Middle Atlas and High Atlas mountain ranges. You will have some free time in Midelt before continuing through the dramatic Ziz Gorges to arrive in Erfoud. After your long but rewarding journey, settle in and have dinner at your hotel.

  Breakfast / Dinner
• Day

  07

  Erfoud - Sahara Desert - Merzouga

  Excitement and adventure lie ahead as you make your way with your guide to the dunes of Erg Chebbi, perhaps the largest dunes in the Sahara Desert. Along the way, visit various nomadic villages, a camel milk cooperative, and one of the best traditional markets in the Sahara - in the town of Rissani. Lunch is included in the village of El Khamlia.
  
  The dunes of Erg Chebbi are a strikingly strange natural formation. On the top of the flattest area you could imagine, a long mountain of sand suddenly arises, surrounded by flat and desolate nature on both sides.
  
  Hop onto your camel and traverse the golden desert sands of Merzouga until you reach the perfect spot to witness one of the most beautiful sunsets of your lifetime. As night falls, listen to intoxicating Berber drum music and songs during the traditional pouring of mint tea, followed by a delightful Moroccan feast. Sleep in a luxury tent and experience an unrivaled sense of tranquility in the serene desert.

  Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
• Day

  08

  Dades - Skoura - Ouarzazate

  Today's journey begins with a drive to Tinghir and Todra Gorges, the highest and narrowest gorges of Morocco, situated on the east side of the High Atlas Mountains. The gorge is popular for its hiking paths and a well-maintained dirt road for visitors to share with mules and donkeys.
  
  Your drive continues through the Dades Valley with its majestic sandcastles and incredible rock formations known as Monkey Toes. The route through Dades Valley is known as “the Road of One Thousand Kasbahs”. The sand-colored walls of the Kasbahs may all start to look the same, but each holds a special historical treasure within and offer innumerable opportunities for remarkable photos.
  
  Journey on to Skoura, a quiet little village speckled with palm tree groves. Here you will find Kasbah Amridil - one of Morocco’s most iconic museums that has withstood the test of time. Finally, arrive in Ouarzazate in time for dinner.

  Breakfast / Dinner
• Day

  09

  Ouarzazate - Ait Ben Haddou - Marrakech

  Explore Ouarzazate this morning on a guided visit to Taourirt Kasbah, one of the most beautiful Kasbah in Morocco. Originally influenced by the French, Ouarzazate has a flourishing movie industry, and you have the option to visit the film studio. Then, it’s on to the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Kasbah Ait-Ben-Haddou, an impressive feat of Moroccan architecture. The iconic landscape and massive fortification of Ait Ben Haddou have been immortalized in such films as Lawrence of Arabia, Gladiator, Alexander, and Game of Thrones.
  
  Departing Ait Ben Haddou, drive along the High Atlas Mountains following the Tizi n' Tichka Pass. This scenic route brings you through lush oasis valleys and past imposing mountains before entering the exotic city of Marrakesh, your home for the next three nights.

  Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
• Day

  10

  Marrakesh

  Spend the day touring the "Red City" of Marrakesh. Your guide will escort you through this majestic place filled with palaces, gardens, markets, and mosques. Visit the Koutoubia Mosque, an architectural landmark dating back to the late 12th century, and the 19th century grandiose Bahia Palace, built by a powerful Vizir for his Harem.
  
  Experience the artisan quarters and the colorful souks for local interaction with the Marrakech people. You'll also visit the Dar El Bacha Museum of Confluences and stroll through the famed square of Jemaa El Fna. Located at the entrance of the Medina, this triangular square is surrounded by restaurants and various forms of entertainment - fortune tellers, henna artists, fire eaters, snake charmers, dancing monkeys, hypnotic medicine-men and Gnawa musicians.
  
  After touring, you will be escorted to a local restaurant for a dinner featuring Marrakesh cuisine.

  Breakfast / Dinner
• Day

  11

  Marrakech

  Your final full day in Marrakech is yours to explore on your own. There is no shortage of sites to visit and eateries to choose from.
  
  Optional Activities (additional cost):
  
  1) Sunrise Hot Air Balloon - Float above Morocco’s countryside and enjoy aerial views of the Atlas Mountains.
  
  2) Traditional Moroccan Spa (Hammam) & Massage
  
  3) Cooking Class & Dinner hosted in a modern Berber-style villa with the Atlas Mountains in the background.

  Breakfast
• Day

  12

  Onward Journey

  Your journey to mystical, magical Morocco draws to a close. You will be escorted to the airport for your departing flight.
  
  International flights leave from Marrakesh and Casablanca.
  

  Breakfast