Cultural and Historical Journey: 12 Day Private Tour

Day 1

Arrival in Casablanca

Casablanca

Arrive in Casablanca, Morocco’s economic capital, and feel the fusion of modern and traditional Morocco in this busy coastal city. You begin with the Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest and most beautiful in the world, whose architecture, oceanfront setting, and history make a perfect introduction.

Afterwards, enjoy a relaxed evening at Rick’s Cafe, inspired by the film Casablanca, and take a sunset walk on the Corniche for views of the Atlantic.

Overnight: Riad or boutique hotel in Casablanca

Day 2

Rabat and the Road to Chefchaouen

Rabat to Chefchaouen

You travel to Rabat, the capital, and immerse yourself in Morocco’s political history. Visit the Hassan Tower, an incomplete minaret from the twelfth century, and the serene Mausoleum of Mohammed V, a symbol of the country’s royal history.

Then you continue to Chefchaouen, the Blue Pearl. On arrival, wander the narrow, winding streets of the medina, where every corner is painted in shades of blue, a magical first evening in the Rif Mountains.

Overnight: Luxury riad in Chefchaouen

Day 3

Akchour Waterfalls and Chefchaouen

Chefchaouen

Start your morning with a peaceful hike to the Akchour Waterfalls, a natural haven near Chefchaouen, with views of the mountains and a chance to connect with nature.

In the afternoon, return to town and explore artisanal shops with handwoven textiles and traditional handicrafts. Sip mint tea in a rooftop cafe with panoramic views of the Rif Mountains.

Overnight: Luxury riad in Chefchaouen

Day 4

Meknes, Volubilis, and Fez

Chefchaouen to Meknes to Volubilis to Fez

You travel to Meknes, one of Morocco’s imperial cities, and walk through the grand Bab Mansour gate to visit the Moulay Ismail Mausoleum. From there you visit Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage site, whose mosaics, temples, and columns give a fascinating look at Morocco’s Roman past.

Then you continue to Fez, a city of history and culture, and enjoy an evening stroll through the lively streets of the medina.

Overnight: Riad in Fez

Day 5

Fez: The Spiritual and Cultural Heart

Fez

You spend the day exploring Fes el Bali, the largest and oldest medina in the world, where history comes alive in narrow alleys, busy souks, and centuries old architecture.

Visit the Al Qarawiyyin University, founded in 859, the oldest continually operating university in the world, and admire the Bou Inania Madrasa, a fourteenth century religious school known for its woodwork and zellij tilework. End your day with traditional Moroccan cuisine in one of Fez’s historic riads.

Overnight: Riad in Fez

Day 6

The Middle Atlas and the Ziz Valley to Merzouga

Fez to the Middle Atlas to the Ziz Valley to Merzouga

You leave Fez and travel through the Middle Atlas, where cedar forests, Berber villages, and high vistas await. You stop in the Ziz Valley, known for its lush oases and palm groves, before arriving in Merzouga, where your Sahara adventure begins.

As the evening sets in, you prepare for an memorable night under the stars in a traditional Berber camp, with music, dance, and a peaceful night among the golden dunes.

Overnight: Luxury desert camp

Day 7

A Day in the Sahara

Merzouga and the Erg Chebbi Dunes

Wake early to witness the sunrise over the Erg Chebbi dunes. After breakfast, set out on a camel trek across the desert, taking in the tranquil beauty of the Sahara.

Spend the day learning about Berber culture and the history of the nomadic tribes who have lived in the desert for centuries. The evening brings a stunning sunset over the dunes.

Overnight: Luxury desert camp

Day 8

Todra Gorge

Merzouga to Todra Gorge

After your desert adventure, travel to the Todra Gorge, a canyon in the eastern High Atlas, where towering limestone cliffs rise as high as 300 metres. Take a leisurely walk along the riverbed and enjoy the raw beauty of this natural wonder, popular for hiking and photography.

You spend the night in a local guesthouse near the gorge, enjoying the peace of the mountains.

Overnight: Local guesthouse near Todra Gorge

Day 9

Ouarzazate, Ait Benhaddou, and Marrakech

Todra Gorge to Ouarzazate to Ait Benhaddou to Marrakech

Today you travel to Ouarzazate, the Gateway to the Sahara, known as the Hollywood of Morocco for its film studios. You visit Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its kasbahs and as a location for Gladiator and Game of Thrones, one of the best preserved examples of traditional earthen architecture.

You continue over the Tizi n’Tichka Pass in the High Atlas and arrive in Marrakech by evening.

Overnight: Riad in Marrakech

Day 10

Marrakech: Mosque, Tombs, and Garden

Marrakech

You dive into the rich history of Marrakech, one of Morocco’s four imperial cities. Start with the Koutoubia Mosque, the largest in Marrakech, then explore the Saadian Tombs, hidden for centuries and rediscovered in 1917, which show the grandeur of the country’s past dynasties.

In the afternoon, escape to the tranquil Majorelle Garden, a botanical oasis once owned by Yves Saint Laurent, and learn about Moroccan plants and Berber culture.

Overnight: Riad in Marrakech

Day 11

Marrakech: Palace, Secret Garden, and Souks

Marrakech

You continue with the opulent Bahia Palace, a masterpiece of Moroccan architecture with courtyards, gardens, and ornate interiors, and then the Jardin Secret, a serene garden away from the bustle of the city.

Spend the afternoon in the lively souks, where you can shop for handmade goods, textiles, spices, and souvenirs, and enjoy a traditional Moroccan meal in the heart of the medina.

Overnight: Riad in Marrakech

Day 12

Departure

Marrakech

Depending on your flight time, take the morning to relax or do any last minute shopping in Marrakech before heading to the airport. Reflect on a journey through Morocco’s history, landscapes, and culture.