Grand Morocco Tour: 18 Day Private Tour

Day 1

Arrival: Welcome to Casablanca

Casablanca

You arrive in Casablanca, Morocco’s largest city, where modern avenues meet old world intrigue. Your driver guide greets you at the airport so that you feel at ease from the start. In the afternoon, visit the iconic Hassan II Mosque, which stands proudly on the Atlantic shoreline. Its immense, handcrafted interior will amaze you, and helps you appreciate the significance of Moroccan craftsmanship.

Stroll the Corniche waterfront, breathing the salty air as you adjust to the rhythm of Morocco. In the evening, you might visit the historic Rick’s Cafe or explore the Art Deco buildings downtown. Then settle into your hotel, excited for the journey ahead.

Overnight: Hotel in Casablanca

Day 2

The Imperial Majesty of Rabat

Casablanca to Rabat to Chefchaouen

After breakfast we drive north along the coast to Rabat, the nation’s capital. In the historic core, your guide leads you through the Kasbah of the Oudayas, a tranquil quarter of white and blue homes overlooking the ocean. As an imperial city, Rabat offers grand monuments. We visit the Hassan Tower, a twelfth century minaret soaring above the ruins of an unfinished mosque, and across the plaza the marble Mausoleum of Mohammed V, where Morocco’s kings are laid to rest. The well kept gardens and palm lined boulevards show Rabat’s modern elegance.

We walk through the ancient walls of the Chellah, a Roman and medieval necropolis overgrown with wildflowers and storks’ nests, a place where layers of history stand side by side. In the late afternoon, we take a scenic drive into the Rif Mountains and by evening reach the charming town of Chefchaouen, where you settle into a cozy riad.

Overnight: Riad in Chefchaouen

Day 3

The Blue Pearl of the Rif

Chefchaouen

You wake in Chefchaouen, often called the Blue Pearl for its powder blue walls and calm atmosphere. Today is devoted to exploring this small mountain town at a gentle pace. We follow the winding lanes of the medina, where homes and stairways are painted in soothing shades of blue, a long held local tradition. We visit the Kasbah Museum in the main plaza and learn about the town’s history as a fortress, and how Spanish and Moorish influences shaped its architecture.

Friendly cats lounge in doorways and fountains trickle in hidden courtyards as you climb toward the hillside mosque for a panoramic view. You might also hike to the Ras el Ma spring, where local women wash carpets and the sound of flowing water mingles with birdsong.

In the evening, relax in the square with a cup of mint tea. The sunset casts a golden glow on the blue facades, and you feel the peace and charm that make this village so special.

Overnight: Riad in Chefchaouen

Day 4

From the Rif to Roman Ruins and Meknes

Chefchaouen to Volubilis to Meknes

We say goodbye to Chefchaouen and travel south through rolling hills and fertile plains. On the way we stop at Volubilis, the ruins of an important Roman city. Among its ancient columns and detailed mosaics, your guide explains how this outpost thrived on olive oil and trade because of its strategic location. You pause in the shadow of the Capitol and Basilica and imagine the empire that once reached into Morocco.

Then it is on to Meknes, an imperial city known for its massive walls and monumental gates. You enter through Bab Mansour, a gigantic gate adorned with zellige tiles and carved inscriptions, standing proudly since the eighteenth century. Inside the old city, we explore the expansive El Hedim Square, a lively plaza somewhat like a smaller Jemaa el Fna, and visit the Mausoleum of Sultan Moulay Ismail, who made Meknes his capital. Horse drawn carriages and market stalls give the city a laid back charm compared to its rival cities.

In the evening, enjoy a traditional dinner and the slower pace of this less crowded imperial gem.

Overnight: Riad in Meknes

Day 5

Onward to the Old City of Fez

Meknes to Fez

This morning a short drive east takes us to Fez, the oldest of Morocco’s imperial cities. Arriving by midday, we are immediately immersed in history, since Fes el Bali is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a living medieval world. Before diving into the busy medina, we stop at a panoramic overlook by the Merenid Tombs on a hilltop. From here, the terracotta rooftops and minarets of Fez stretch out below, and you can appreciate the city’s scale and timelessness.

After checking in to a beautifully restored riad, spend the afternoon at a lighter pace. You might wander the lanes near Bab Boujloud, the Blue Gate, for a first taste of Fez’s famous food stalls and artisan workshops. This evening, consider a hammam, or a bowl of Fassi couscous at a local eatery. The call to prayer echoes over the rooftops as night falls, and you retire in the heart of Morocco’s spiritual capital.

Overnight: Riad in Fez

Day 6

The Labyrinth of the Fez Medina

Fez

Today we devote ourselves fully to Fez’s ancient medina, a maze of over 9,000 narrow streets that transport you back in time. With an expert local guide, you set off on foot from the Blue Gate. The scent of freshly baked bread and spices drifts from the souks, because the food markets here are lively and diverse. We visit the stunning Al Qarawiyyin University and Mosque, founded in 859 and recognized as one of the world’s oldest universities, and peek into the ornate Bou Inania Madrasa, a theological college with magnificent cedarwood, mosaic, and plasterwork.

As you wander, you meet brass engravers tapping away, potters shaping ceramics, and dyers hanging bright textiles to dry. A highlight is the Chouara Tannery, where men tread hides in stone vats of natural dyes, and you watch the ancient leather making process from a terrace, with a sprig of mint to your nose against the strong scent. Because the medina is car free, donkeys and handcarts carry all goods, and you step aside as a loaded mule squeezes past.

At midday you pause for lunch at a traditional restaurant, perhaps tagine with prunes or pastilla, specialties of Fez. In the afternoon we explore more cultural treasures, including the intricate courtyard of the Attarine Madrasa, the fragrant Souk el Attarine spice market, and the Najjarine Fountain. By late day, the flurry of sights and sounds may leave you happily tired, so you return to your riad to relax and reflect on the day.

Overnight: Riad in Fez

Day 7

A Day to Experience Fez at Your Pace

Fez

After an intense day of sightseeing, today you can enjoy Fez more casually. Start with a leisurely breakfast on the rooftop terrace, listening to the city slowly come to life. Because Fez has so many layers, an extra day lets you dig deeper into what interests you most. You could visit the Royal Palace gates and the nearby Mellah, the old Jewish Quarter with its distinctive balconies, to gain insight into the city’s diverse heritage.

Perhaps return to the medina to shop for handwoven rugs or finely painted ceramics. Bargaining with shopkeepers is an experience in itself, and a chance to practice words like salaam, hello, and shukran, thank you. If you are curious about Moroccan cuisine, you can join a cooking class, walking with a chef through the food market to choose fresh ingredients and learning to prepare dishes like tagine or harira, which can be a highlight of a trip. Or visit the pottery cooperatives just outside Fez to see how artisans craft the famous blue Fassi pottery.

As the free day winds down, you might treat yourself to a spa treatment or enjoy people watching at a cafe. Tomorrow the journey continues into the Atlas Mountains, so a restful day helps you recharge.

Overnight: Riad in Fez

Day 8

Middle Atlas Villages to the Desert Oasis

Fez to Ifrane to Midelt to Erfoud to Merzouga

Leaving Fez behind, we head south toward the Sahara, watching the landscape change dramatically. The road climbs into the Middle Atlas, through cedar forests and charming villages. We stop in Ifrane, a resort town known as Morocco’s Switzerland for its alpine style chalets and neat flower lined parks. The air is crisp and you may see Barbary macaques in the nearby woods. We descend to Midelt, a market town surrounded by high plains, for lunch, perhaps a warm Berber tagine.

The journey then follows the Ziz River through a dramatic valley dotted with palm groves. At a panoramic overlook, you can admire the ribbon of green palms snaking between rusty red cliffs, a miraculous belt of life in the arid land. As we continue, the first dunes appear on the horizon, shimmering in the late afternoon sun. We arrive in Erfoud, known for its fossils and date palms, and by early evening reach Merzouga, a small frontier town at the foot of the Erg Chebbi sand dunes.

A camel caravan is waiting to carry you into the silent desert. With the assistance of local guides you sway atop a gentle camel as it strides into the vast dunes, and as the sun begins to set, the sky turns orange and the sand deepens to a golden hue. You climb a high dune alongside your camel guide to watch the sunset over endless waves of sand. In the tranquil twilight, you continue to a secluded desert camp among the dunes.

Tonight, enjoy Berber hospitality at the camp, with mint tea by the campfire, a hearty dinner under the stars, and the rhythms of traditional drumming. The sky is incredibly clear, and as darkness falls, the Milky Way arcs overhead. You drift to sleep in your private tent, soothed by the silence of the Sahara.

Overnight: Private tent in a desert camp, Merzouga

Day 9

Sunrise in the Sahara and Nomadic Traditions

Merzouga and the Sahara Desert

Wake before dawn for a spectacular Sahara sunrise. The camp staff rouse you gently while it is still dark and you climb a nearby dune as the first light appears. Because the desert is calm at daybreak, you feel a profound peace watching the sun crack the horizon, spreading hues of pink and gold across the sand. After breakfast at camp, you ride camels or take a 4×4 back to Merzouga village.

Today we explore the culture and scenery around Merzouga. First we visit Khamlia, home to a community originally from sub Saharan Africa, where soulful Gnawa music greets you. The musicians play heavy iron castanets and drums and create hypnotic rhythms, and they invite you to listen and even dance, because music here is a celebration of freedom and heritage. Later, you meet a nomadic Berber family who live at the edge of the desert. Over a cup of tea in their simple tent you learn about their way of life, tending goats and moving with the seasons, while the children shyly smile and perhaps show you how they bake bread in the sand.

In the afternoon, there is an option for adventure, with sandboarding down the dunes, or a 4×4 ride to see the seasonal salt lake of Dayet Srji, which sometimes attracts flamingos. As the heat wanes, you might wander the market in nearby Rissani, known for its donkey parking lot and as the historic caravan crossroads.

By evening you return to your accommodation, a comfortable desert auberge or riad in Merzouga, where dinner may be medfouna, the local Berber pizza, or spiced harira soup. Stepping outside after nightfall, you find the stars still brilliant.

Overnight: Auberge or riad in Merzouga

Day 10

From Sahara Sands to Canyon Lands

Merzouga to Todra Gorge to Dades Valley

After the silence of the desert, we journey west. We depart Merzouga in the morning and travel past arid plateaus toward Todra Gorge, passing dusty towns and oasis villages with clusters of earthen kasbahs. Around midday we reach the mouth of Todra Gorge, where sheer rock walls tower up to 300 metres on either side of a clear river. Step out and walk along the river path to the narrowest point. The sun reaches the canyon floor only briefly, so it is cool and shady as you gaze up at the red limestone cliffs. Locals may be leading goats to water, and climbers sometimes scale the walls.

We continue through the Dades Valley, often called the Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs, lined with old fortresses, green gardens, and fig and almond trees. In the late afternoon, we drive up a winding road into the Dades Gorge area, where unusual rock formations known as the Monkey Fingers jut from the valley sides. You arrive at a guesthouse perched above the valley, and as the sun sets, the cliffs glow rose pink.

Tonight, dinner at your hotel, which in the Dades Valley is often a homemade meal because of the remote setting, may be a tagine of local figs and lamb. A local storyteller might entertain with tales of brave traders and old legends of the valley, and you fall asleep to the sound of the river below.

Overnight: Guesthouse in the Dades Valley

Day 11

Kasbahs of the Rose Valley and Ait Benhaddou

Dades Valley to Skoura to Ouarzazate to Ait Benhaddou

This morning we take a leisurely drive through the Valley of Roses, named for the Damascus roses that bloom here in spring. Even outside the blossom season, the valley is dotted with small villages and patchwork fields. In Kelaat M’Gouna, the Rose Capital, you may visit a cooperative producing rose water and perfumes and learn how the petals are distilled.

We continue to the Skoura Oasis, a picturesque palm grove filled with crumbling kasbahs. One highlight is Kasbah Amridil, a well preserved seventeenth century fortress featured on Morocco’s fifty dirham banknote. A guide shows you its rooms and explains traditional kasbah life, and you can imagine the families who lived here as you wander its earthen corridors past old olive presses and bread ovens. After a traditional lunch in Skoura, perhaps an orange salad and a Berber omelette, we drive to Ouarzazate, the Door of the Desert, famed as a filmmaking hub with its Atlas Studios and dramatic landscapes. The centerpiece of the town is the Taourirt Kasbah, a grand residence of the former pasha.

By afternoon we head a short distance north to Ait Benhaddou, the most famous ksar in Morocco, a UNESCO listed fortified village with towering mud brick turrets and crenelated walls that seems to rise from a fairy tale. We cross a shallow river on foot to reach the gate, then follow narrow alleys upward, passing houses and granaries of packed earth and straw. Many families have moved across the river, so parts of the village feel like an open air museum, though a few residents still live inside, and you might purchase a small painting or handicraft from them. Climb to the old granary at the top for a panoramic view over the plains and the Ounila River. The long shadows over the kasbahs create a scene that has changed little since caravans loaded with gold, salt, and spices stopped here.

Tonight, stay in a guesthouse overlooking Ait Benhaddou or nearby, and dine on local specialties under a starry sky, with the silhouette of the mud brick castle visible in the moonlight.

Overnight: Guesthouse near Ait Benhaddou

Day 12

Over the High Atlas to Marrakech

Ait Benhaddou to the High Atlas to Marrakech

Today’s route is a dramatic ascent over the High Atlas. In the morning we depart Ait Benhaddou and begin the climb toward the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, the highest major road pass in North Africa at 2,260 metres. The road winds upward in switchbacks, and the views are so spectacular that we make plenty of stops for photographs. You might visit Telouet, a once grand kasbah of the Glaoui family perched in a remote valley. Though partly in ruins, its interior still boasts lively tiles and painted ceilings, a reminder of its former glory when it controlled the caravan trade routes.

Continuing to the pass, notice how the climate and vegetation change. Cedar and pine forests give way to barren slopes, and then to greener terraced farms on the north side. By early afternoon we reach Marrakech, greeted by its distinctive pink hued buildings, the reason for its nickname, the Red City. After the tranquility of the mountains, Marrakech’s energy is exciting. You check in to a riad in the medina, where a fountain bubbles in the courtyard and bougainvillea drapes from the balconies.

Later, step out to get acquainted with the city. Jemaa el Fna awaits with its carnival of life, with rows of fresh orange juice sellers, henna artists, and, as evening approaches, grills starting to smoke and storytellers gathering crowds. Because it is your first night, you might just soak in the atmosphere, with the calls of vendors, the drumming of musicians, and the mix of aromas from dozens of food stalls. Enjoy a casual dinner at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the square and watch the twinkling lights of the night market below.

Overnight: Riad in Marrakech

Day 13

The Red City’s Sights and Souks

Marrakech

This day is dedicated to uncovering the rich heritage of Marrakech, a city that has enchanted travelers for centuries. With a knowledgeable guide, we begin at the magnificent Koutoubia Mosque, whose twelfth century minaret is the spiritual beacon of the city. Non Muslims do not enter the mosque, but you walk around its beautiful gardens and learn how its architecture inspired the famous Giralda tower in Spain.

Next we wander into the Kasbah district to see the Saadian Tombs, hidden burial grounds of a sixteenth century dynasty that were only rediscovered in the twentieth century. Sunlight pours into the mausoleums and illuminates exquisite cedar and stucco workmanship. Nearby, we tour the ruins of the El Badi Palace or the Bahia Palace, a later nineteenth century residence with lavishly decorated rooms and tranquil courtyards. As you walk through its reception areas and private quarters, your guide paints a picture of royal life.

Later we enter the souks, a sprawling marketplace that is a labyrinth of its own. Each section is devoted to a craft, and the metalworkers’ souk rings with the sound of copper being hammered into lamps, the dyers’ souk is strung with colorful skeins of wool, and the air of the spice souk is thick with cumin, cinnamon, and rose petals. Because the souk can be overwhelming, your guide helps you navigate and introduces you to local artisans. You might visit a herbalist’s shop to learn about traditional remedies and argan oil.

After a break for lunch, perhaps a tangy tagine of preserved lemon and olives, we visit the Ben Youssef Madrasa, a former Islamic college that is a jewel of Moorish architecture, with a peaceful courtyard and detailed mosaics. By late afternoon you might be ready for some free time. Visit the lush Majorelle Garden, the cobalt blue villa and garden once owned by Yves Saint Laurent, on your own, or return to your riad to relax. In the evening, Jemaa el Fna beckons again, as the square transforms into an open air banquet with food stalls serving everything from harira soup to grilled kebabs and merguez sausages. Join locals at a shared table under hanging lanterns while storytellers and Gnawa musicians play.

Overnight: Riad in Marrakech

Day 14

High Atlas Villages and Valleys

Marrakech to Imlil and the High Atlas and back to Marrakech

Today we leave the bustle of the city for a day trip to the High Atlas Mountains, which rise just beyond Marrakech. A morning drive takes us to the village of Imlil, a gateway to some of Morocco’s highest peaks, including Mount Toubkal. The scenic route winds past terraced hills and gorges, and as you ascend, the air grows cooler and the landscape greener. Imlil sits at 1,740 metres, and you are greeted by fresh mountain air and views of snow capped summits in winter and spring.

Here you set out on a gentle hike or mule ride to a traditional Berber village on the hillside. Because cars cannot pass the narrow paths, life is slow and tranquil. You might visit a local family home, a simple but cozy clay house, and share mint tea and homemade bread with honey. Your host welcomes you warmly and, through your guide, explains daily life in the mountains, from tending apple orchards and herding sheep to weaving rugs during the long winters.

Continue through walnut groves to a scenic waterfall, seasonal, or a viewpoint over the valley, with the sound of rushing water and goat bells as the day’s soundtrack. You enjoy a hearty lunch at a guesthouse, or a picnic in beautiful surroundings, perhaps fresh salad, tagine, and oranges prepared by locals.

Early in the afternoon we begin the return drive, and on the way you may stop at an argan oil cooperative where local women demonstrate how they crack and grind argan nuts, learning about the importance of this skill to rural communities. By late afternoon, you are back in Marrakech with the rest of the day to yourself. Relax with a hammam, or sip tea on a rooftop while the sun sets over the medina. Tonight you might seek out a dinner show that combines Moroccan cuisine with music and belly dancing, or revisit your favorite stall in Jemaa el Fna.

Overnight: Riad in Marrakech

Day 15

Coast: The Road to the Atlantic

Marrakech to Essaouira

After exploring inland Morocco, it is time for the coast. We depart Marrakech and journey west to the Atlantic. The drive to Essaouira takes about two and a half hours through argan tree country. Along the way, you may see the famous sight of goats perched in argan trees nibbling the fruit, a curious and uniquely Moroccan scene. We pause to take photos and marvel at their balancing skills.

By late morning we reach the seaside town of Essaouira, formerly Mogador. The ocean breeze and relaxed atmosphere invite you to slow down. This UNESCO listed town is protected by old Portuguese ramparts, rust colored defensive walls that contrast beautifully with the deep blue sea. After checking in to a charming riad inside the medina, we set out to explore. The pedestrian friendly streets are lined with art galleries, woodcraft workshops, and cafes. Stroll along the Skala de la Ville, the sea wall lined with old brass cannons, and gaze at waves crashing against the rocks. Essaouira has a rich history as a trading post, and its architecture and culture show influences from Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.

Wander the port, where fishermen in blue boats bring in the day’s catch. At lunchtime, feast on grilled seafood right by the docks, choosing your fish or jumbo prawns and having them cooked at a simple grill stand. In the afternoon, meander through the cobbled alleys, painted white with blue shutters, and watch craftsmen carving thuya wood into elegant boxes and chess sets. For history, visit Bayt Al Kebir or the modest Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdallah Museum to learn about local customs, music, and traditions.

Late in the day, consider a sunset camel ride or a rooftop for watching the sun dip into the Atlantic. In the evening the city comes alive with Gnawa music, and a dinner of seafood pastilla or a fish tagine with olives and lemon ends the day while you breathe the salty air.

Overnight: Riad in Essaouira

Day 16

A Free Day by the Sea

Essaouira

Essaouira’s charm often encourages visitors to linger, so today is a full free day to soak up the coastal atmosphere. The pace is gentle, a nice balance to the busier cities. In the morning, perhaps take a stroll along the harbor as fishermen unload their catch, and see the iconic blue wooden boats bobbing in the water with cats waiting hopefully for scraps. The town has a strong arts scene, and you could browse the galleries tucked into the lanes of the medina, which feature everything from colorful naive paintings of local scenes to contemporary art.

For adventure, you can join a surfing or kitesurfing class, since Essaouira’s winds and waves are famous worldwide, or go for a horseback or camel ride along the beach dunes, or take a short boat trip to the Ile de Mogador, an offshore island that is a nature reserve for birds. If relaxation is your goal, this is the perfect place for a spa day, with an argan oil massage or a hammam scrub using local sea salt and seaweed products.

Lunch might be grilled sardines or a hot bowl of bisara at a streetside cafe. In the afternoon, lose yourself in the medina’s sensory delights one last time, buying handwoven blankets or a guembri, the instrument of Gnawa music, which makes a unique souvenir, or visit the old Jewish cemetery for a quiet reflective walk. The weather is mild year round, so you might just sit on the beach and watch windsurfers dance over the waves, because sometimes the simplest pleasures are the most memorable.

Tonight choose a dinner to your taste, from local eateries to upscale French Moroccan restaurants, perhaps grilled lobster or a tagine of artichoke and fish. As you walk back through lantern lit alleys, you may hear a guitar or drums from a music cafe, and feel rejuvenated by a day of rest and sea breezes.

Overnight: Riad in Essaouira

Day 17

Portuguese El Jadida and Return to Casablanca

Essaouira to El Jadida to Casablanca

This morning we say goodbye to Essaouira’s easygoing vibe and start the journey north along the Atlantic coastline toward Casablanca, with a stop at a lesser known gem. Around midday we arrive in El Jadida, a historic port city shaped by the Portuguese in the sixteenth century. Its old walled city, the Citadel of Mazagan, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and you walk its ramparts overlooking the sea. The massive stone walls and bastions, named after saints, blend Portuguese Renaissance military design with Moroccan styles.

You descend into the famed Portuguese Cistern, an eerie underground chamber supported by stone columns and lit by a shaft of light from above. Shallow water on the floor perfectly reflects the arches, a scene so atmospheric that it was used in Orson Welles’ film Othello. In the cool, damp silence you feel like you have stepped into another era. Afterward, wander the narrow streets of the old town, where churches and old houses from colonial days mix with Moroccan cafes and shops, and enjoy a seafood lunch, perhaps grilled fish with chermoula, a garlic and herb sauce.

In the afternoon we continue along the coast through beach towns and fields, and by late afternoon arrive once again in Casablanca, coming full circle. Use the rest of the day to see sites you might have missed at the start, such as the elegant Mahkama du Pacha, with its Hispano Moorish design, if open, or stroll the Habous Quarter, a district built in the 1930s that blends French and Moroccan styles, with bookshops, bakeries, and spice vendors. Casablanca is also Morocco’s contemporary heart, so you might take an evening walk along the beachfront Corniche in Ain Diab, where locals relax at seaside cafes, or do some last minute shopping.

Tonight, toast your journey with a dinner at a stylish Casablanca restaurant, reflecting on the diverse meals of the trip, as the distant sound of city life tells you your adventure is nearly over.

Overnight: Hotel in Casablanca

Day 18

Farewell to Morocco

Casablanca to the Airport

Your Moroccan odyssey comes to a close today. Enjoy breakfast at your hotel, perhaps one more cup of sweet mint tea and warm msemen, because you will miss these flavors. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have some free time to relax or pick up final souvenirs, or to visit a contemporary art gallery or take a last look at the Atlantic waves on the Casablanca Corniche.

When it is time, your driver takes you to Mohammed V International Airport or your chosen departure point. Along the way you gaze at Casablanca’s mix of old and new, a fitting sight that mirrors the journey you have taken through Morocco’s past and present. You leave with a suitcase full of memories, of the sounds of Sahara winds and city markets, the taste of mint tea and dates, and the images of blue alleys, golden dunes, and red mountains. Shukran, thank you, for allowing us to share Uniquely Morocco with you. Safe travels.