Highlights
- Discover the world-famous blue streets and buildings of Chefchaouen
- Enjoy a luxurious stay in the Sahara desert in a comfortable 'glamping' tent
- Explore the ornate palaces, medieval mosques, and ancient alleyways in Marrakech
- Learn how to prepare traditional Moroccan dishes in a half-day cooking class
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Welcome to Morocco! | Rabat |
| Day 2 | Culture of the Capital City | Chefchaouen |
| Day 3 | Wonders of the Blue City | Fes |
| Day 4 | The Wonders of Fes | Fes |
| Day 5 | Into the Sahara | Merzouga |
| Day 6 | Gorges and Kasbahs | Aït Benhaddou |
| Day 7 | Crossing the Atlas | Marrakech |
| Day 8 | Sights and Souks of Marrakech | Marrakech |
| Day 9 | Majorelle Gardens and Tagine Time! | Marrakech |
| Day 10 | Departure Day |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Morocco!
Welcome to Morocco! Arrive at the Casablanca International Airport. You'll be met by your driver and guide who will transfer you to the hotel for check-in. Relax and get some rest ahead of your busy week, or head out for a short city tour to get acquainted with the city. Dinner is included at your riad.
Day 2: Culture of the Capital City
After breakfast, head out for a full day tour of the capital city of Rabat. Begin your tour with a visit to the 2nd-century Chellah Necropolis, established originally as a Phoenician colony. Continue to the Yacoub al-Mansour Esplanade to see the Kings' Masouleum which houses the remains of several kings and the unfinished 12th-century Hassan Tower.
Head to Kasbah des Ouadayas, a 12th-century Almohad fortress. From here stroll through the winding streets or enjoy a mint tea at the Cafe Maure overlooking the Bou Regreg River.
Finish your tour at lunch, then hit the road for Chefchaouen, the famous Blue Pearl of Morocco. The drive north takes about four hours, and you'll arrive just in time for sunset in the mountains. Head to your riad for dinner and a well-deserved rest.
Day 3: Wonders of the Blue City
Spend the day exploring the winding streets and blue alleys of Chefchaouen. Your guide will lead you on a walking tour of the 15th-century city, starting with the Kasbah in the center of town. Enjoy panoramic views of the area from the tower, then find your way through the cobblestone streets to the town's waterfall, a popular gathering spot. Locals meet here to chat, do laundry, and relax.
Cool off by the water and enjoy a coffee at a cafe on the riverbank before continuing your tour of the town. Grab lunch in the medina, then meet your driver and continue to Fes, Morocco's cultural epicenter. Arrive in time for dinner at the riad.
Day 4: The Wonders of Fes
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Enjoy breakfast on the rooftop terrace, then head out for a full-day tour of the city. Founded in 781AD, Fes is now considered the world’s largest car-free urban zone. Keep an eye out for the mule-drawn carriages that speed through the alleyways as you explore the city streets.
Stop at the medina's Jewish quarter, the medersas, then continue to the legendary tanneries to see ancient techniques being used to prepare leather. The vast tanneries use a variety of traditional methods to produce high-quality Moroccan leather, which is used in everything from clothing to bags and other handicrafts.
A must-see in Fes is the world's oldest and the longest-operating institution of higher learning, the University of Al Quaraouiyine, which was founded in 859AD. Break for lunch at a restaurant in the medina, then spend the afternoon resting or exploring the city on your own.
In the evening head out for a quiet dinner on your own, or join a tasting tour to visit three local souks and sample traditional Moroccan street food. Tour a honey souk to taste a variety of wild honey and visit a communal hammam bathhouse, then end your night with a visit to a tea house.
Day 5: Into the Sahara
Your day begins with a drive into the golden sands of the vast Sahara Desert. The trip will take approximately eight hours, but the numerous stops for photos and sweeping vistas make the drive pass easily. At the end of the drive, leave the pavement behind and head into the desert on a camel caravan.
Arrive in camp in the evening in time for dinner accompanied by traditional music. Enjoy views of the starlit skies before relaxing for the night in the comfort of your luxurious tent.
Day 6: Gorges and Kasbahs
Rise early today for sunrise over the sand dunes. After breakfast at camp, spend the morning explore the surrounding desert. Tty surfing down the dunes on a sandboard or just enjoy the peace and quiet.
In the early afternoon, depart from camp, traveling through the remote landscape on your way to the town of Ait Benhaddou, just outside Ouarzazate. On the way, you will pass through high mountains and the steep Todra and Dades Gorges, stopping for lunch in a small Berber village.
Arrive in Ait Benhaddou in the afternoon and head out for an ATV tour of the 11th-century UNESCO World Heritage Site. The site is a popular filming location for movies, most recently Gladiator and Game of Thrones. Stop by the local movie studios and learn about the "Hollywood of Morocco", then head to your hotel for dinner and a good night's rest.
Day 7: Crossing the Atlas
In the morning start the drive back to Marrakech, driving through the snow-capped Atlas Mountains on your way back to the dry plains of western Morocco. Trade the tranquility of the desert for the hustle and bustle of vibrant Marrakech.
Check into your riad and enjoy some downtime after the drive, or head out into the city with a food tour. In the evening, unwind in a local hammam spa or head out to explore the city.
Day 8: Sights and Souks of Marrakech
Enjoy breakfast at your riad, then head out for a full-day tour of the Ochre City. Start by visiting the iconic Koutoubia Mosque, then continue to the Bahia Palace and Saadian Tombs to see traditional Moroccan architecture and tile mosaics. Stop by the Mellah, or former Jewish Quarter, to learn about Morocco's little-known but significant Jewish heritage.
Stop for a mid-day lunch on a terrace overlooking the spice markets. Try the tagine and refreshing mint tea, then head out for the afternoon to explore the souks, or markets, which spread through the winding alleyways of the medina. The shops sell everything from spices to clothing, household goods, and a variety of traditional Moroccan gifts and souvenirs.
In the evening make your way to the sprawling Djema El Fna Square to see a colorful medley of street performers, fortune-tellers, musicians, and food vendors.
Day 9: Majorelle Gardens and Tagine Time!
Start your day with a late wake-up and relaxed breakfast. Head out for another day of sightseeing, starting with the lush Majorelle Gardens. Wander around the colorful gardens, looking for hidden alcoves and enjoying the vibrant plants and small Berber Museum. From here head next door to the Yves Saint-Laurent Museum, which honors the global fashion icon's love for Marrakech and houses a permanent collection of the designer's best-known works.
Finish your fashion-filled morning with a trip to 33 Majorelle, located next-door to the gardens and featuring a chic collection of clothes and art by trendy Moroccan designers.
In the afternoon head to a cooking class to learn how to prepare a traditional Moroccan dish—Tagine, a thick stew of chicken and vegetables. Learn how to make the accompanying dishes, including Moroccan bread, fresh salad, and mint tea. End your class with a celebratory dinner to eat your own masterpiece, ending with a sweet dessert—almond paste cookies.
Day 10: Departure Day
Bid farewell to your driver and guide, who have by now become your life-long friends, then head to the Casablanca Airport for your connecting flight home. Safe travels!
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