Rabat, Tangier and Marrakech: 12 Day Private Tour

Day 1

Arrival in Rabat

Rabat

Your private driver greets you at Rabat airport and escorts you to your hotel. Take time to relax after your flight and enjoy the scenic drive through the city.

After settling in, take a short walk around the city center to get a feel for Rabat, perhaps with a glass of mint tea at a local cafe to unwind.

Overnight: Hotel in Rabat

Day 2

Exploring Rabat

Rabat

In the morning you visit the Hassan Tower, a twelfth century minaret that stands as a symbol of Rabat, and the nearby Mausoleum of Mohammed V, the peaceful and majestic resting place of the late king and his sons.

Next comes the Kasbah of the Udayas, an ancient fortress with views of the Atlantic and charming blue painted streets. After a traditional lunch of tagine or pastilla, you explore Chellah, where Roman ruins meet Islamic architecture. The evening is a peaceful walk along Boulevard Mohammed V or time to relax at the hotel.

Overnight: Hotel in Rabat

Day 3

Rabat to Tangier via Chefchaouen

Rabat to Ouezzane to Chefchaouen to Tangier

After breakfast you depart for Tangier. The first stop is the Exotic Gardens of Bouknadel, a beautifully landscaped garden outside Rabat, filled with colourful plants. As you travel north you stop in Ouezzane, a small town known for its religious significance, with whitewashed buildings and hills.

By early afternoon you reach Chefchaouen, the Blue City, where you wander a labyrinth of blue painted streets with the Rif Mountains behind. After a few hours exploring, you continue to Tangier and check in to your hotel.

Overnight: Hotel in Tangier

Day 4

Tangier

Begin your day at the Kasbah Museum, housed in a former palace, with exhibits ranging from local art to historical artifacts and panoramic views of the city and the Mediterranean. Then visit a house and garden that blend Moroccan and European design, with lush greenery, fountains, and tranquil spots.

In the afternoon you explore the Tangier medina, a maze of narrow streets with spices, textiles, and handmade goods, and the American Legation Museum, which highlights the historic relationship between the United States and Morocco. The evening is a seafood dinner by the sea at sunset.

Overnight: Hotel in Tangier

Day 5

Tangier to Marrakech

After breakfast you depart on the long journey to Marrakech, about five hours by the fast motorway, with a chance to relax and watch Morocco’s landscapes change. You arrive in the afternoon and check in to your hotel.

If you have the energy, spend the evening at Jemaa el Fna, a lively square of street performers, food stalls, and markets, and enjoy a Moroccan dinner of couscous or tagine.

Overnight: Hotel or riad in Marrakech

Day 6

Exploring Marrakech

Marrakech

You begin at the Bahia Palace, with its intricate designs, large courtyards, and peaceful gardens. Then you visit the Majorelle Garden, created by the French painter Jacques Majorelle, whose cobalt blue buildings and fountains stand out against the greenery.

After lunch at a cafe near the gardens, you visit the Koutoubia Mosque. Non Muslims cannot enter, but the gardens and minaret are impressive from outside. The evening is a relaxed dinner at a rooftop restaurant with a view over the medina.

Overnight: Hotel or riad in Marrakech

Day 7

A Day Trip to the Ourika Valley

Marrakech to the Ourika Valley and back

You take a day trip to the Ourika Valley in the Atlas Mountains, known for lush green landscapes, Berber villages, and waterfalls. A leisurely walk through the valley offers plenty of photo opportunities, with lunch at a restaurant overlooking the valley.

In the afternoon you hike to the base of the Setti Fatma waterfalls, a serene place for relaxation and photographs, before returning to Marrakech for a relaxed dinner.

Overnight: Hotel or riad in Marrakech

Day 8

A Day Trip to the Agafay Desert

Marrakech to the Agafay Desert and back

Today you visit the Agafay Desert, a stunning desert landscape just outside Marrakech, where rocky terrain and sandy dunes contrast with the mountains behind. Ride camels across the desert or simply take in the surroundings.

Lunch is a traditional meal at a desert camp, followed by an afternoon of quiet before you return to Marrakech. The evening can be a spa visit or a traditional hammam.

Overnight: Hotel or riad in Marrakech

Day 9

A Day Trip to Essaouira

Marrakech to Essaouira and back

You travel to the coastal town of Essaouira, known for its beaches, historic medina, and fresh seafood. Wander through the UNESCO listed medina, with winding alleys and whitewashed buildings, and walk the Skala de la Ville, the historic sea wall with spectacular views of the Atlantic.

Lunch is fresh seafood in one of the town’s restaurants. In the afternoon you can explore the art scene or relax on the beach before returning to Marrakech.

Overnight: Hotel or riad in Marrakech

Day 10

A Day Trip to Casablanca

Marrakech to Casablanca and back

You travel to Casablanca, Morocco’s busy economic hub, to visit the Hassan II Mosque, which stands proudly by the ocean, with its intricate design and size. Lunch is in the city, perhaps with local dishes such as briouats or fresh seafood.

In the afternoon you visit the Habous Quarter, a district of shops, cafes, and galleries, and walk along the Corniche, the waterfront promenade, before returning to Marrakech.

Overnight: Hotel or riad in Marrakech

Day 11

Marrakech at Leisure

Marrakech

In the morning you explore the El Badi Palace, a historical site with impressive ruins and large courtyards, a quiet space for learning more about the city’s past. In the afternoon you can visit the Marrakech Museum for a deeper understanding of local art and culture, or shop for souvenirs in the souks.

Tonight is your final dinner in Marrakech, a chance to reflect on your travels.

Overnight: Hotel or riad in Marrakech

Day 12

Departure

Marrakech Airport

Depending on your flight time, you can take one last stroll through the city or relax at your hotel before heading to the airport for your return flight.