Best of Morocco's Natural Landscapes, Culture & Cuisine - 15 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Marrakesh, Explore the Red City at Leisure

Welcome to Marrakesh, often called the "Red City" due to its distinctive red sandstone architecture. Meet your driver at the airport and transfer to your hotel to check in. The rest of the day is free to relax or explore the city at your own pace. Visit one of the city's many hammams (traditional Moroccan bathhouses) to unwind after your flight, or head to Badi Palace. Once a magnificent royal residence commissioned by Sultan Ahmed al-Mansur in the late 16th century, the palace is now a well-preserved ruin, showcasing the remnants of its former glory.

As you wander the expansive grounds, you'll be captivated by the vast courtyards, intricate tilework, and towering walls. Climb up to the roof terraces for panoramic views of the bustling city and Atlas mountains. In the evening, make your way to Gueliz, an upscale neighborhood known for its trendy restaurants, chic cafés, and lively bars. Stroll the streets lined with palm trees and art galleries to find a restaurant for dinner. Many offer outdoor seating, where you can enjoy a warm evening breeze while indulging in local delights like tajine (meat and vegetable stew slow-cooked in a clay pot). 

Day 2: Guided Tour of the Medina of Marrakesh & Jardin Majorelle

Join your guide on a full-day tour of Marrakesh today, starting at Jemaa el-Fna, the city's central square. Learn about the rich history of this iconic gathering space as you walk past snake charmers, street vendors, musicians, and storytellers. Then, head into the UNESCO-listed Medina of Marrakesh to peruse the vibrant souks offering an array of goods, from colorful textiles and intricate carpets to aromatic spices and handmade jewelry. If you see something you like, try bargaining like a local. As you delve deeper into the medina, you'll come across the 12th-century Koutoubia Mosque.

Look up at the towering 252-foot (77 m) minaret and listen for the melodious call to prayer before continuing to Bahia Palace. Step inside to discover the lavish rooms adorned with intricate tilework, carved cedar ceilings, and stained glass windows. Be sure to explore the tranquil courtyards with their lush gardens and soothing fountains to take a break from the bustling city outside. End the tour at Jardin Majorelle, a lush garden designed by French artist Jacques Majorelle in the 1920s and later restored by fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent.

Day 3: Transfer to Boumalne Dades via Taddarte & Ouarzazate

Say goodbye to Marrakesh this morning as you set off on a 6.5-hour transfer to Boumalne Dades, nestled in the Dadès Valley. Your drive will take you through Tizi n'Tichka, the highest mountain pass in Morocco. Look out at the towering peaks of the High Atlas mountains while your driver navigates the dramatic twists and turns of the pass. As the journey continues, you'll see traditional Berber villages, offering glimpses of terraced fields and distinctive mud-brick homes. Break up the drive with a stop in Taddarte to visit an argan oil cooperative. 

Day 5: 4WD Tour of Erg Chebbi With Cultural Performance & Sandboarding

Explore more of Erg Chebbi today on a three-hour 4WD adventure, starting in the small village of Khemleya on the edge of the sand dunes. Here, you'll visit Gnawa House to learn about the culture of the Gnawa people, particularly the soulful rhythms of their music rooted in sub-Saharan Africa. Sit back and listen as the maâlem (master musician) and their troupe play traditional instruments like the guembri (a three-stringed lute) and large metal castanets called krakebs. Watch passionate dancers move to the rhythm of the mesmerizing music as they connect with their ancestral spirits.

After the performance, it's time to conquer the dunes on a sandboard. Climb the golden dune, strap on your board, and glide down the steep slopes. Relish the thrill of speeding down the sand, then wind down with a picturesque sunset atop a nearby dune. Witness the sun dip toward the horizon, casting the towering dunes in a light show of gold, pink, and orange. Back at camp, a delicious dinner with traditional Berber hospitality around the campfire awaits. End your day listening to the heartfelt melodies of local musicians and relax beneath the starry sky before settling into your tent. 

Day 6: Transfer to the medieval city of Fes via Midelt & Azrou

Trade one of Morocco's most iconic natural wonders for its oldest imperial city, Fes. On the 7.5-hour transfer, you'll travel through the Ziz Valley, known for its towering cliffs, deep gorges, and lush ribbon of palm groves that line the Ziz River. Keep an eye out for ksars, fortified houses typically made of mud-brick and surrounded by high walls to protect against invasions and harsh desert conditions. Take a break for a delicious lunch in Midelt, a small town known as the country's apple capital as it's surrounded by fertile orchards irrigated from the nearby Moulouya River, before continuing the drive.

Ascend the Col du Zad, a high mountain pass in the Middle Atlas region, surrounded by dense cedar forests. Look closely at the trees, where you may spot Barbary macaque monkeys swinging from the branches. Make one more stop in the town of Azrou, renowned for its picturesque landscapes, cool climate, and vibrant markets full of traditional handicrafts. When you arrive in Fes in the late afternoon, check in at your hotel before exploring the city on your own. Consider visiting Bou Jeloud Square to indulge in traditional Moroccan food like pastilla (pigeon or chicken wrapped in a thin pastry). 

Day 7: Half-Day Tour of the Medina of Fez, Pottery & Mosaic Workshop

Meet your local guide and head to the UNESCO-listed Medina of Fez to explore its narrow alleyways, bustling souks, and iconic landmarks. Step through Bab Bou Jeloud, an ornate gate adorned with intricate blue and green tilework, and you'll be immediately greeted by aromatic spices, colorful handmade goods, and delicious street food. Search for souvenirs and admire the 12th-century walls surrounding the medina before continuing to the Marinid Tombs. Perched on a hillside, these ancient ruins are the final resting place of the Marinid dynasty.

Day 8: Transfer to Chefchaouen, Explore Morocco's Blue City at Leisure

Today, you'll discover Morocco's "Blue Pearl," Chefchaouen, nestled in the Rif mountains. On the three-hour transfer, watch the flat plains, forested hills, and Berber villages dotting the landscape pass by. When you arrive, check in at your hotel before heading out to explore the city at your own pace. Start with a stroll through the medina's maze of streets to see the iconic blue-washed buildings that earned Chefchaouen it's nickname. After shopping for souvenirs and indulging in mouthwatering street food, continue to Bouzafer Mosque, sitting atop a hill overlooking the town.

While non-Muslims aren't allowed to enter the mosque, you can admire the traditional Moroccan architecture with its intricate tile work and distinctive minaret from the outside and enjoy panoramic city views. Just a short walk away, you'll find Ras El Maa, a picturesque waterfall perfect for a picnic or a break amid the lush greenery. When hunger hits, make your way to Plaza Uta el-Hammam, a lively square surrounded by cafés, restaurants, and shops. Choose a restaurant with a patio to enjoy dinner overlooking the square and Alcazaba, a 15th-century fortress. 

Day 9: Transfer to Tangier, Guided Tour of Hercules Caves

Continue your exploration of Morocco with a 2.5-hour transfer to Tangier, a port city on the Strait of Gibraltar. After checking in at your hotel, join your guide on a short tour of Hercules Caves, just 15 minutes outside the city. These impressive caves, carved into the limestone cliffs along the Atlantic coast, are believed to be the resting place of the legendary hero Hercules after he completed his epic labors. Head inside to see the colossal stalactites, stalagmites, and the opening that resembles the map of Africa with views of the ocean beyond.

Following the one-hour tour, you're free to explore the city on your own. If you want to relax, visit one of the many beaches, like Achakar Beach or Plage de Tangier, to soak up the sun. For a bit more sightseeing, you can visit Dar el Makhzen, the former royal palace. Marvel at the intricate tilework, verdant gardens, and vast courtyards before entering to discover the Museum of Moroccan Art. Peruse the exhibits of traditional Moroccan art and artifacts, including beautiful textiles, intricate ceramics, and handcrafted woodwork. 

Day 10: Transfer to Casablanca, Discover Morocco's Largest City

After breakfast, meet your driver for a 3.5-hour transfer to Casablanca, Morocco's largest city. As you set off, enjoy views of the Mediterranean coastline before it gives way to rolling hills and agricultural fields. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel, then enjoy some free time to explore the city at your own pace. Go for a stroll along La Corniche, a beachfront promenade offering uninterrupted views of the Atlantic Ocean. Continue your walk through the nearby Arab League Park to admire the colorful flowerbeds, tall palm trees, and tranquil fountains.

Then, make your way to the Old City to wander the narrow, winding streets lined with whitewashed buildings adorned with colorful doors and traditional tilework. You'll also find an array of souks selling everything from aromatic spices and delicious street food to handmade jewelry and traditional Moroccan lanterns. End your self-guided afternoon in Ain Diab, a bustling beachfront area full of restaurants offering delicious Moroccan and international cuisine. 

Day 11: Visit the Hassan II Mosque, Transfer to Essaouira

Day 12: Enjoy a Free Morning in Essaouira, Sunset Horseback Ride

Today, you're free to explore Essaouira at leisure. You can shop in the UNESCO-listed medina, stroll around the bustling port to see blue fishing boats moored after the day's catch, or try windsurfing at the beach. Visit Place Moulay Hassan, a busy square in the city center, to savor Moroccan mint tea at a café while watching street performers showcase their talents. Then, head to the Mellah (Jewish Quarter) to glimpse the city's diverse history. As you wander the narrow streets, you'll notice a blend of traditional Moroccan and Jewish architectural elements, with old houses adorned with star-shaped carvings.

In the afternoon, opt for a two-hour horseback riding tour along Essaouira Beach to watch the sunset over the ocean. After meeting your guide, learn a few basic riding techniques and get acquainted with your steed. When ready, mount your horse and trot along the long stretch of golden sand, enjoying the steady Atlantic breeze against your face. Look out to the rolling waves where windsurfing and kitesurfing enthusiasts dip and dive in the wind, then stop beside the picturesque dunes and rugged cliffs while you wait for the sun to cast beautiful reflections on the water.

Day 13: Transfer to Marrakesh via an Argan Oil Women's Cooperative

Now that you've explored some of Morocco's most iconic cities and natural landscapes, it's time to return to Marrakesh on a three-hour transfer. As you pass through rolling hills and traditional villages, you'll see nimble goats perched high in the gnarled branches of argan trees munching on the fruit. You'll learn more about these precious trees as you stop at a women's cooperative for a tour of the argan oil production circuit.

Observe the painstaking, manual methods involved, from drying the fruit to cracking the hard outer shells to reach the kernels and then cold-pressing the oil. If you'd like to pick up some souvenirs, many cooperatives sell a variety of products, such as pure argan oil for culinary or cosmetic use, soaps, and lotions. After the one-hour tour, complete the drive to your hotel in Marrakesh and enjoy a free evening. 

Day 15: Depart Marrakesh

Wake up early to take advantage of your last few hours in Morocco. Revisit the medina to shop for last-minute souvenirs or head to the Marrakesh Museum, housed in a beautifully restored 19th-century palace. Peruse the collection of traditional Moroccan art, including intricate pottery, colorful textiles, and delicate jewelry. You'll also pass exhibits highlighting the country's diverse history, from Berber to Islamic influences. When it's time, return to the hotel, meet your driver, and transfer to the airport for your flight home. Safe travels!