Imperial Cities, Rif Mountains & Sahara Desert – 13-Day Tour

Day 1: Casablanca Airport Pickup – Transfer to Rabat
Upon arrival at Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport, meet your guide for a warm welcome and transfer to Morocco’s largest city and economic hub, Casablanca. After a brief city introduction, enjoy a scenic drive along the Atlantic coastline to Rabat, the country’s capital. Dinner and overnight stay in Rabat.

Day 2: Rabat to Tangier via Atlantic Coast
After breakfast, depart Rabat heading north toward Tangier. Travel past the vibrant city of Kénitra, the fishing village of Moulay Bousselham, and the historic port town of Larache. Continue along the coast, passing through Sidi El Yamani and the fortified town of Asilah, renowned for its intact ramparts and charming medina. Arrive in Tangier for dinner and overnight.

Day 3: Full-Day Tangier Sightseeing Tour
Explore Tangier, Morocco’s gateway to Europe and an inspiring home for artists worldwide. Visit the iconic St. Andrew’s Church, tour upscale villa neighborhoods including the Royal Palace, and journey to Cape Spartel where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Mediterranean Sea. Explore the prehistoric Cave of Hercules before returning to Tangier for a city tour including the Kasbah of Dar El Makhzen, the American Legation Museum, Mendoubia Gardens, and the lively Grand and Petit Socco squares. Enjoy live Andalusian music in the evening. Overnight in Tangier.

Day 4: Tangier to Chefchaouen via Tetouan
After breakfast, drive approximately three hours to Chefchaouen, a picturesque town in the Rif Mountains. Stop for lunch in Tetouan, a historic Mediterranean port city near the Strait of Gibraltar. Continue to Chefchaouen, famous for its blue-painted streets and charming medina. Afternoon sightseeing and overnight in Chefchaouen.

Day 5: Chefchaouen to Volubilis, Meknes, and Fes
Travel from Chefchaouen to Moulay Idriss, near the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis. Explore the well-preserved archaeological site and visit Moulay Idriss, Morocco’s sacred town where the first Arab conquerors settled. Proceed to Meknes, an imperial city rich with historical monuments. Spend the afternoon exploring Meknes before continuing to Fes for dinner and overnight.

Day 6: Full-Day Fes City Tour
Discover Fes, Morocco’s spiritual and cultural heart, with a guided full-day tour. Visit Jamaa Al-Karaouine University, the oldest university in the world, and the stunning Medersa Bouanania. Explore the traditional tanneries, artisan workshops, and the vibrant souks of the UNESCO-listed Fes el Bali medina. Overnight in Fes.

Day 7: Fes to Merzouga Desert via Ifrane, Azrou, Midelt, and Ziz Valley
Depart Fes and drive through the scenic Middle Atlas Mountains, passing cedar forests famous for their Barbary macaques and traditional woodcraft. Stop in Ifrane, known as “Moroccan Switzerland,” and continue through the Berber village of Azrou. Cross the dramatic Ziz Valley and gorges, then head to Erfoud, the gateway to the Sahara. Continue via a rugged desert trail to Merzouga. Enjoy a sunset camel ride over the golden dunes before spending the night in a luxury Berber desert camp.

Day 8: Merzouga Desert to Ouarzazate via Tinghir and Todra Gorges
Optionally rise early for a breathtaking sunrise camel ride over the dunes. After breakfast, drive to Tinghir, passing through Rissani and Tinjdad. Explore the stunning Todra Gorges, a deep canyon with soaring cliffs. Continue to Kelaat M’Gouna, famed for its rose cultivation and rose-based products. Arrive in Ouarzazate, Morocco’s “Hollywood of Africa,” for dinner and overnight.

Day 9: Ouarzazate, Ait Ben Haddou, and Transfer to Marrakech
Tour Ouarzazate’s famous Taourirt and Tifoultout Kasbahs, then visit local film studios that have featured in major movies. Continue to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Ben Haddou, an iconic fortified village used as a backdrop for films like Gladiator and Lawrence of Arabia. Cross the High Atlas Mountains via the scenic Tizi n’Tichka pass before arriving in Marrakech for dinner and overnight.

Day 10: Marrakech Full-Day City Tour
Explore Marrakech’s vibrant medina and historical sites, starting with Jemaa el-Fnaa square, bustling with entertainers, food stalls, and artisans. Visit the Koutoubia Mosque, Bahia Palace, and Saadian Tombs. Enjoy lunch at your hotel before an afternoon tour of the souks and artisan quarters. Dinner at a local restaurant and overnight in Marrakech.

Day 11: Marrakech to Essaouira – Atlantic Coast Excursion
Depart Marrakech for a scenic 170 km drive to Essaouira, passing argan tree groves where goats famously climb to eat berries. Optionally stop at a women-run cooperative for argan oil tasting. Arrive in Essaouira, a charming coastal town known for its blue-and-white medina, lively fishing port, and traditional thuya woodcraft. Spend the afternoon exploring the ramparts, medina, and local markets. Overnight in Essaouira.

Day 12: Ourika Valley Waterfalls Day Trip from Marrakech
Depart Marrakech and drive through Berber villages to visit a traditional Berber house, where you’ll learn about Moroccan mint tea preparation and enjoy a local breakfast. Experience a 30-minute camel ride, then continue to Setti Fatma village. Hike approximately 1.5 hours to the stunning Seven Waterfalls in the Ourika Valley. Enjoy lunch at a Berber restaurant before returning to Marrakech via a scenic alternative route. Overnight in Marrakech.

Day 13: Departure – Transfer to Casablanca Airport
After breakfast, transfer from Marrakech to Casablanca Mohammed V Airport for your departure flight, concluding your unforgettable Moroccan adventure.