15 Days Exploring Morocco’s History and Culture

Day 1: Arrival in Casablanca – Airport Pick-Up

Welcome to Morocco! Upon arrival at Casablanca Mohammed V Airport, you will be greeted by your driver and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy your first night in Casablanca.

Overnight: Hotel in Casablanca.

Day 2: Casablanca City Tour

After breakfast, begin a full-day guided tour of Casablanca. Visit the impressive Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world. Explore the Royal Palace (outside), Central Market, Habous District, Mohamed V Square, and the coastal Ain Diab Corniche.

Overnight: Hotel in Casablanca.

Day 3: Casablanca – Rabat – Asilah – Chefchaouen

Depart for Rabat, the capital of Morocco. Visit the historical Hassan Tower and the picturesque Kasbah of the Udayas. Continue along the Atlantic coast to Asilah, known for its art-filled medina and the Skalla fortress overlooking the sea. Later, head through the Rif Mountains to reach the blue city of Chefchaouen.

Overnight: Riad in Chefchaouen.

Day 4: Exploring Chefchaouen

Enjoy a relaxed day exploring Chefchaouen, famed for its blue-washed alleys, white-walled buildings, and peaceful atmosphere. Discover Spanish and Moorish influences throughout the medina. The afternoon is free for shopping or independent exploration.

Overnight: Riad in Chefchaouen.

Day 5: Chefchaouen – Volubilis – Meknes – Fes

Travel to the Roman ruins of Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the ancient mosaics and pillars before continuing to the holy town of Moulay Idriss. Proceed to Meknes to see its grand gates and historic monuments. End the day in Fes.

Overnight: Hotel or riad in Fes.
Dinner included.

Day 6: Fes – Full-Day Guided City Tour

Discover the spiritual and cultural heart of Morocco with a local guide. Visit Al Quaraouiyine University, Bou Inania Madrasa, the tanneries, ceramic workshops, artisan souks, and the sprawling medina of Fes el Bali – one of the oldest in the Arab world.

Overnight: Hotel or riad in Fes.

Day 7: Fes – Ifrane – Azrou – Midelt – Ziz Valley – Merzouga

Begin the journey to the Sahara Desert. Pass through Ifrane (the “Switzerland of Morocco”) and the cedar forests of Azrou where you may see Barbary macaques. Continue through the Middle Atlas Mountains to Midelt and the scenic Ziz Valley. Arrive in Merzouga and ride camels into the dunes of Erg Chebbi for a magical sunset and overnight in a desert camp.

Overnight: Sahara Desert Camp.
Dinner included.

Day 8: Explore Merzouga Area & Visit Nomad Families

Wake up early to enjoy a breathtaking sunrise over the Sahara dunes, followed by breakfast at your camp. Then ride your camel back to the village where your driver awaits. Afterward, embark on an off-road excursion to explore nearby villages such as Hassi Labied and Khamlia, known for its Gnawa musicians who carry on the Sub-Saharan musical traditions. Visit the abandoned mining town of Mefes, then spend time with a nomad family living near the Erg Chebbi dunes, gaining insight into their traditional lifestyle. In the afternoon, relax at your accommodation or enjoy optional activities like watching the sunset from the dunes or an exciting hour of ATV quad biking. Overnight in Merzouga.

Day 9: Merzouga Desert Camp – Tinejdad – Todgha Gorges – Ouarzazate

(Optional early morning camel ride to watch the sunrise over the dunes.) After breakfast, drive to Erfoud and then continue toward Tinghir via Rissani and Tinejdad. Tinghir is an oasis town famous for its proximity to the Todra Gorge, a spectacular 300-meter-high canyon carved into the High Atlas Mountains. After exploring the gorge, continue through the picturesque Dades Valley to Kelaat M’Gouna, a village renowned for its rose cultivation and rose-based products. From there, drive to Ouarzazate, known as the “Hollywood of Morocco,” famous for its film studios and desert landscapes. Dinner and overnight in Ouarzazate.

Day 10: Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – Marrakech

Begin your day touring the impressive Taourirt and Tifoultout Kasbahs in Ouarzazate. Visit the famous film studios where many blockbuster movies were shot. Then proceed to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Ben Haddou, a stunning fortified village featured in films such as Lawrence of Arabia and Gladiator. After exploring Ait Ben Haddou, cross the High Atlas Mountains via the scenic Tizi n’Tichka Pass and arrive in Marrakech. Overnight in Marrakech.

Day 11: Marrakech Sightseeing

Enjoy a full day guided tour of Marrakech. Start at Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, the lively heart of the city filled with storytellers, snake charmers, and food stalls. Visit the Koutoubia Mosque, the elegant Bahia Palace, and the historic Saadian Tombs. After lunch, explore the medina’s labyrinth of souks and artisan quarters. Dinner at a traditional local restaurant. Overnight in Marrakech.

Day 12: Free Day in Marrakech (Cooking Class & Hammam with Massage)

Spend a leisurely day in Marrakech with an optional Moroccan cooking class where you’ll learn to prepare classic dishes. Later, enjoy a traditional hammam bath and a relaxing massage to unwind. This is your chance to indulge in authentic Moroccan wellness and culinary experiences. Overnight in Marrakech.

Day 13: Marrakech – Essaouira

Travel west to the coastal city of Essaouira, known for its historic fortified medina, vibrant fishing port, and artistic heritage. Explore the town’s ancient ramparts, browse local markets, and enjoy stunning Atlantic Ocean views. Dinner and overnight in Essaouira.

Day 14: Essaouira – Safi – Oualidia – El Jadida – Casablanca

After breakfast, depart Essaouira and drive along the Atlantic coast to Safi, a city famous for its pottery and historic Portuguese fortifications. Continue to Oualidia, a charming lagoon town ideal for a lunch stop. Then proceed to El Jadida, home to a beautiful Portuguese fortress and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Finally, return to Casablanca for your last dinner and overnight stay.

Day 15: Casablanca Airport Transfer

After breakfast, transfer to Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport for your departure flight, marking the end of your memorable 15-day journey through Morocco’s rich history and culture.