Moroccan Splendor: Luxury City, Desert, Coast & Mountains Tour - 14 Days

Highlights

• Unwind in Morocco's most luxurious 5-star riads and kasbahs
• Camp in the Sahara Desert and hike through an oasis near Skoura
• Wander the ancient medina of Fes and relax in a luxurious hammam
• Get lost in the souks of Marrakesh and attend a private cooking class

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Tangier, Guided City Walk

Welcome to Tangier, the gateway between Africa and Europe. Your Moroccan luxury vacation begins with a seamless VIP arrival and immigration journey through Tangier's airport. A personal chauffeur will greet you for a private transfer to one of Tangier's finest luxury hotels, the 5-star Dar Saba House Hotel. This boutique riad is located in the heart of the city's kasbah and has unique, eclectic Art-Deco styling and architecture. Settle in and relax ahead of this afternoon's exclusive Tangier tour that will reveal the blended culture, hidden gems, and famous landmarks of this Moroccan city.

You'll walk through Tangier's labyrinth of alleyways with a local expert, hearing stories and anecdotes of the city's past and present. Visit the iconic Grand Socco square, peaceful Mendoubia Gardens, and historic kasbah, perched atop a hill. Visit one of Morocco's most famous natural landmarks—the Caves of Hercules—located just 8 miles (14 km) from the center. Mythology says Hercules retired there after he created the Strait of Gibraltar by moving the mountains. Later, stroll the Corniche coastal promenade, where the sparkling Mediterranean Sea contrasts with the city's elegant white buildings.

Day 2: Transfer to Chefchaouen, City Tour & Photography Session

Enjoy a slow breakfast at the hotel before your private driver collects you for the 2.5-hour transfer to Chefchaouen. Perched beneath the raw peaks of the Rif mountains, this is one of Morocco's prettiest towns, an artsy, blue-washed mountain village that feels like its own world. On arrival, check into the intimate, 5-star Lina Ryad & Spa, then seek out lunch with a view at prestigious rooftop restaurants Aladdin or La Lampe Magique.

After lunch, you'll join a two-hour private tour of "Chaoeun," as it's known to the locals. Founded in 1471 as a stronghold against the Portuguese, Chefchaouen holds deep cultural significance. The old medina is a mosaic of Moroccan and Andalusian influences with red-tiled roofs, bright-blue buildings, and streets that lead to Plaza Uta el-Hammam. Closer to sunset, a talented photographer will join you for a slow exploration of the town. As you wander, Oussama will capture special moments, freezing your holiday memories in time.

Day 3: Transfer to Fes via Volubilis & Meknes

Today's 4.5-hour private transfer lands you in the imperial city of Fes. On the way, stop at the well-preserved Volubilis, a 2,000-year-old Roman complex and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore merchant homes, temples, and vibrant mosaics, and learn about its history as part of the Roman Empire, exporting wheat and exotic animals. Continue to Moulay Idriss, one of Morocco's holiest cities and where Islam was introduced in 789 CE. This ancient town holds great significance as a pilgrimage site and the burial place of Moulay Idriss I, the founder of the Idrisid dynasty.

Then, head to Meknes, founded in the 11th century by Sultan Moulay Ismail. Explore the compact medina, architectural wonders of Medersa Bou Inania, and grand 19th-century Dar Jamaï palace. Traverse the Ville Impériale district, where gardens, palaces, the awe-inspiring Bab al-Mansour gate, the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, and the Royal Stables showcase the best of the city. After, continue to Fes, where you'll check into Riad Fès, a luxurious 5-star hotel. Inspired by tradition, the riad has been restored in a 14th-century Moroccan palace style with modern comforts.

Day 4: Visit Mnebbhi Palace, Hammam at Les Bains Amani, Dining at Riad Fès

Let a knowledgeable local guide lead you on an exclusive private tour of the bustling medina of Fes, a UNESCO World Heritage site with more than 9,000 streets. Discover the cultural heritage of this ancient city as you delve into its most esteemed monuments and sites, including the Bou Inania Madrasa, Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque and University, and Chaouara Tannery. Next, you'll uncover a treasure trove of traditional craftsmanship with a bespoke shopping experience as your guide helps you navigate the alleys to find one-of-a-kind textiles, exquisite carpets, handcrafted pottery, and leather goods.

After, you'll meet Moulay Ahmed Sentissi at Mnebbhi Palace, a regal palace where the 1912 protectorate treaty between Morocco and France took place. Moulay will lead you through the time capsule, showing off the opulent interiors and courtyards while sharing stories about its significance in Moroccan history. 

Then, it's time to relax. You'll be pampered with a luxurious hammam at Les Bains Amani, a revered sanctuary of relaxation and rejuvenation. Its royal hammam bathing experience is deeply rooted in Moroccan culture, and after this time-honored ritual, you'll emerge feeling refreshed, restored, and radiant. For dinner, return to your riad for a refined dining experience that showcases the best of Moroccan and international cuisine.

Day 5: Transfer to Merzouga via Erfoud, Camel Ride & Desert Camp

Today's grand journey to the Sahara Desert weaves through a tapestry of shifting desert dunes, rugged mountains, and picturesque towns, offering a glimpse into the diverse beauty of the country. Your eight-hour private transfer departs Fes early, passing the Ziz Valley and Middle Atlas mountains, where verdant oases appear within the arid landscape. This scenic drive allows you to see the diverse flora and fauna, with occasional sightings of Barbary macaques swinging from the trees. You'll pause in Midelt for lunch. 

Just before reaching Erfoud, you'll start to see the shifting Saharan dunes. Near Merzouga, you'll swap the car for a camel and ride to your luxurious desert camp just in time to witness the sunset. Settle into your 5-star, Bedouin-style desert tent, then climb up the nearest dune to watch the sunset display a colorful show across the sands. Return to the camp and gather around the warm glow of the campfire; let the melodies of traditional Berber music set the scene as you enjoy a local dinner beneath open skies.

Day 6: Desert Adventure in Erg Chebbi

Unearth the well-guarded secrets of Erg Chebbi today as you delve into the heart of this mystical sand sea with a private 4WD expedition. As you dip into valleys and conquer hills, you'll learn about the erg, which stretches over 17 miles (28 km) from north to south, with some peaks reaching nearly 500 feet (150 m). Visit Khemliya village to meet a Gnawa family and listen to their spiritual healing Gnaoua music. This repetitive yet lively soul-stirring genre is deeply rooted in Moroccan traditions but originates from the sub-Saharan region.

After connecting with culture, it's time to chase an adrenaline rush. Seize the chance to ride a quad bike or dune buggy and carve a path through the rugged terrain. Return to your luxury camp, and as the sun begins its descent, climb the nearest dune once more to witness a colorful sunset. Back around the campfire, a delicious dinner awaits, accompanied by the melodies of traditional Berber music.

Day 7: Transfer to Skoura & the Dadès Valley 

Consider rising early to witness the sunrise over the desert before a private transfer takes you on a 4.5-hour journey through the Dadès Valley to Skoura. Pause in Rissani, a town where time has stood still. Watch the livestock auction and wander the lively market. Continue on the road to Tinghir, a town set along an extensive river oasis adorned with lush palm trees. Keep driving to reach Todra Gorge, a natural wonder of red-stained limestone cliffs that towers 984 feet (300 m) high. 

Your final destination, the tranquil oasis of Skoura, awaits. Tucked away between palm groves and almond trees at the edge of the desert, Dar Ahlam is a 200-year-old rammed earth kasbah that's been transformed into a 5-star hotel with modern comforts. Check into one of the 14 luxurious rooms and spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing by the palm-shaded pool or enjoying a massage at the candlelit spa. Later, choose to enjoy a customized dinner at a number of private settings hidden throughout the estate. 

Day 8: Oasis Walking Tour, Horseback Riding Adventure

Wake up and enjoy the serene grounds of your restored 19th-century kasbah. Located in a sultan's former hunting grounds, there are 3.7 acres (1.5 ha) of gardens to explore, adorned with date palms, olive trees, fig-trees, and aromatic herbs. After breakfast, you'll embark on an easy walking tour through the vast palm grove. Get to know the villages and the local people, their culture, traditions, and way of life. Over four hours, you'll meet the villagers and visit a traditional pottery factory and old kasbahs.

Day 9: Transfer to Imlil via Ouarzazate & Aït Benhaddou

Day 10: Berber Trails Walk, Dining at Tamadot Kasbah

Wake up surrounded by the beauty of Toubkal National Park. Begin your day with a leisurely stroll through the lush grounds of Tamadot Kasbah, a peaceful haven with panoramic views. After breakfast, join a private guide for a short hike through the national park. Traverse narrow mountain paths, breathe in crisp mountain air, and immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the wild. As you walk, you might meet members of the warm local Berber community.

Later, return to the kasbah for a delicious Moroccan lunch, then spend the afternoon at the luxurious hammam spa. As the day draws to a close, sit down for a sumptuous feast beneath the starry sky, by the pool, on the terrace, or somewhere private just for you. The kitchen grows a lot of produce in the gardens around the kasbah, so you'll taste the freshest Moroccan cuisine and fusion dishes. 

Day 11: Transfer to Marrakesh

Today you'll leave the tranquil mountains behind and dive into the colorful, buzzing city of Marrakesh. A private transfer will take you on the 90-minute journey, dropping you at the prestigious La Sultana Marrakesh. This luxurious and historic 5-star hotel is set within the UNESCO-listed medina and features magnificent rooftop views across the city. Stay within your sanctuary and garden oasis, or seek out lunch at Le Jardin, a refined restaurant set within a lush courtyard.

After a satisfying meal, take to the lively streets of Marrakesh, where the vibrant souks come alive with colors, scents, and the rhythm of daily life. Lose yourself in the maze of narrow alleys, and shop for exotic spices, textiles, and handmade ceramics. Or return to La Sultana and relax within the tranquil grounds.

Day 12: Tour Marrakesh, Hammam at La Mamounia, Dining at Le Comptoir Darna

Immerse yourself in a whirlwind of sights, sounds, and scents as you discover Marrakesh with a local guide. Your private half-day tour begins at the illustrious Bahia Palace, a masterpiece of intricately-carved wooden ceilings, tiled courtyards, and serene gardens. Follow your guide into the medina's maze of alleyways, and browse aromatic spices, jewelry, and leather goods. Then venture to the Koutoubia Mosque, the symbol of Marrakesh, before stopping for lunch at the renowned Al Fassia, a luxurious Moroccan restaurant known for its elegant food.

After, embark on an exclusive shopping excursion and discover a world of high-end fashion, accessories, and artisans with a local expert. After your spree through the souks and trendy Gueliz, take time out with a luxe hammam treatment at La Mamounia. Take a rejuvenating journey combining ancient traditions with modern luxury, leaving you feeling refreshed and revitalized. As the sun sets, prepare for a memorable evening of fine dining at Le Comptoir Darna. This exquisite restaurant blends Moroccan and international cuisine, serving it up in an opulent setting with live music.

Day 13: Sunrise Hot-Air Balloon Ride, Gourmet Cooking Class

Witness the desert landscape of Marrakesh from above with an exclusive hot-air balloon ride this morning. Despite the early wake-up call, it's worth it to see the sunrise over the red desert. The serene atmosphere created by the pastel colors, soft lighting, and crisp early-morning air offers a stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of the city below. Admire the shifting scenery as the Koutoubia Mosque and the Atlas mountains become miniature marvels in the distance. A traditional Moroccan breakfast awaits you on the ground, bringing you back to earth.

Later, you'll unlock the secrets of traditional Moroccan dishes with today's private cooking class at La Maison Arabe. This hands-on workshop will teach you techniques, balance, and mastery of spices so you can confidently cook authentic Moroccan cuisine at home. Under the guidance of the skilled chef, you'll chop, sauté, simmer, and season, experiencing firsthand the sensory delights of Moroccan cooking. Once your multicourse meal is ready, you'll enjoy it in the riad's courtyard garden.

Day 14: Depart Marrakesh

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