Highlights
- Stay in luxury 4.5 and 5-star hotels, riads, and resorts
- Visit all four imperial cities of Marrakesh, Fes, Meknes, and Rabat
- Explore the desert, ride a camel, and sleep under the stars at a luxury desert camp
- Seek adventure with a hot-air balloon flight and calm with a hammam experience
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Casablanca, Transfer to Rabat, Dinner at Villa Mandarine | Rabat |
| Day 2 | Half-Day Guided Rabat Tour, Transfer to Chefchaouen, Photoshoot Experience | Chefchaouen |
| Day 3 | Transfer to Fes via Volubilis & Meknes, Fine Dining at Riad Maison Bleue | Fes |
| Day 4 | Half-Day Guided Fes Tour, Hammam Royal at Les Bains Amani | Fes |
| Day 5 | Transfer to Merzouga via Erfoud, Camel Ride | Merzouga |
| Day 6 | Desert Adventure in Erg Chebbi | Merzouga |
| Day 7 | Transfer to Aït Benhaddou via Ouarzazate & Dadès Valley | Ouarzazate |
| Day 8 | Transfer to Marrakesh, Free Time | Marrakesh |
| Day 9 | Sunrise Hot-Air Balloon Ride, Half-Day Guided Marrakesh Tour | Marrakesh |
| Day 10 | Depart Marrakesh |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Casablanca, Transfer to Rabat, Dinner at Villa Mandarine
Welcome to Morocco! Your luxury vacation begins with a seamless VIP arrival and immigration journey through Casablanca airport. A personal chauffeur will be there to greet you and transfer you downtown for a short private tour of Casablanca. Discover elegant boulevards lined with palm trees and luxury boutiques, then explore the old souk (marketplace) and enjoy a pastry with tea. Visit the "new medina," the Hobous quarter, established in the 1930s by the French. Then follow the Boulevard de la Corniche between two of the city's beaches.
Afterward, take a short 75-minute private transfer to Rabat, the elegant capital of Morocco. On arrival, check into the Hôtel La Tour Hassan Palace, a 5-star hotel built in 1912. Savor your first glass of traditional mint tea, a symbol of a warm welcome, then relax and unwind while experiencing the art of Moroccan hospitality. This evening you'll dine at the luxurious Villa Mandarine, where the fusion of Moroccan and French dishes changes according to the seasons. Sit on the terrace, surrounded by fragrant flowers and fruit trees, and reflect on your first day.
Day 2: Half-Day Guided Rabat Tour, Transfer to Chefchaouen, Photoshoot Experience
Wake up ready to explore Rabat's hidden gems and history with a private tour of Morocco's capital. Visit the Royal Palace, and delve into the Chellah Necropolis, a mesmerizing site with remnants of Roman and Islamic civilizations. Marvel at the grandeur of the Hassan Tower and Mausoleum of Mohamed V, testaments to Morocco's cultural heritage. Lose yourself in the medina's bustling, vibrant souks and seek tranquility in the Andalusian Gardens before exiting via the grand entrance of the Kasbah des Oudaïas.
Roll through the picturesque Moroccan countryside, passing rolling hills, fertile valleys, and charming rural villages, on this afternoon's 4.5-hour private transfer to the famed "Blue City" of 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, choose to lose yourself in the mazelike streets of the vibrant blue city or relax on the rooftop terrace of your accommodations at the 5-star Lina Ryad & Spa, taking in views of the medina below.
Close to sunset, a talented professional photographer will meet you for an exclusive photoshoot session, capturing precious holiday memories as a take-home souvenir. As a local, they know the streets of Chefchaouen best and will lead you to the top photo spots, capturing your portraits during the golden hour.
Day 3: Transfer to Fes via Volubilis & Meknes, Fine Dining at Riad Maison Bleue
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. Explore merchant homes, temples, and vibrant mosaics, and learn about how it exported wheat and exotic animals to the Roman Empire. Continue to Moulay Idriss, one of Morocco's holiest cities and where Islam was introduced in 789 CE. This ancient town is 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 Palais Faraj, a luxurious 5-star hotel set within a 19th-century Moroccan palace. Refresh, then venture out to Riad Maison Bleue Restaurant for a timeless fine dining experience where the chefs elevate traditional Moroccan cuisine.
Day 4: Half-Day Guided Fes Tour, Hammam Royal at Les Bains Amani
Let a knowledgeable local guide lead you on a private tour of the labyrinthine 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. Uncover a treasure trove of traditional craftsmanship with a luxurious shopping experience as your guide navigates the alleys to find one-of-a-kind textiles, exquisite carpets, handcrafted pottery, and leather goods.
Later this afternoon, enjoy the art of hammam at Les Bains Amani, a revered sanctuary of relaxation. The traditional hammam bathing experience is deeply rooted in Moroccan culture. Your royal hammam experience begins with a bath, rose water exfoliation of the feet and hands, and a hair mask. Then you'll be escorted to a hot room where a therapist will expertly exfoliate your skin with traditional black soap before wrapping you in a soothing body mask. Blending traditions and modern luxury, you'll emerge feeling refreshed, restored, and radiant.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 5: Transfer to Merzouga via Erfoud, Camel Ride
Today's grand journey to the Sahara Desert weaves through a tapestry of desert dunes, rugged mountains, and picturesque towns, offering a captivating glimpse into the diverse beauty of the country. Your eight-hour private transfer departs Fes early, passing the striking Ziz Valley and Middle Atlas mountains, where verdant oases appear within the arid landscape. This scenic drive allows you to witness the plentiful 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 ever-shifting Saharan dunes. This busy market town is known for its Date Festival, fossil mining, and artisan factories. Visit a local collective to see how fossil-rich rock is turned into beautiful objects like tables, plates, and bowls. Near Merzouga, you'll swap the car for a camel and ride through the undulating sands, arriving at your luxurious desert camp just in time to witness the sunset.
Settle into your Bedouin-style desert tent at 4.5-star The White Camel, then climb up the nearest dune to watch the sunset display its color show across the sands. Return to the camp and gather around the warm glow of the campfire, letting the melodies of traditional Berber music set the scene as you enjoy a sumptuous local dinner beneath open skies.
Day 6: Desert Adventure in Erg Chebbi
Unearth the well-guarded secrets of Erg Chebbi as you delve into the heart of this 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 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 towering golden waves at speed. These off-road vehicles will allow you to navigate the rugged terrain and conquer dunes that stretch as far as the eye can see. Return to your luxury camp, and as the sun begins its descent, climb the nearest dune once more to witness a colorful sunset across the dunes. Back around the campfire, a delectable dinner awaits, accompanied by the rhythmic beats of traditional Berber music.
Day 7: Transfer to Aït Benhaddou via Ouarzazate & Dadès Valley
Say goodbye to the desert, then pass palm groves and picturesque kasbahs as your private transfer winds by traditional mud-brick villages and ancient fortified settlements on the 5.5-hour drive to Aït Benhaddou. Admire the grandeur of the Todra Gorge, where towering cliffs of ocher and limestone rise on either side of the road, then continue through the stunning Dadès Valley, also known as the "Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs." Stop to meet the warm Berber people, the Indigenous inhabitants of this region, before continuing to Ouarzazate, known as "Morocco's Hollywood."
Here you'll be greeted by the imposing Kasbah Taourirt, a magnificent fortress that once served as a residence for the powerful Glaoui family. Step inside and explore its twisting corridors, adorned with intricate carvings and ornate decorations. Continue to Aït Benhaddou, a medieval marvel and UNESCO World Heritage site. Wander the alleys and passageways of the ancient ksar before checking into your own, the 4.5-star Riad Ksar Ighnda. This luxurious desert oasis with breathtaking views is your haven for the night.
Day 8: Transfer to Marrakesh, Free Time
Leave the legendary Aït Benhaddou today when you journey to Marrakesh. Explore the intricate clay architecture and maze-like alleys for the last time before your private transfer takes you to the "Red City." On the three-hour drive, you'll venture over the Tizi n'Tichka pass, which is the highest in Morocco at 7,414 feet (2,260 m). The mountain roads provide panoramic views, offering glimpses of valleys, gorges, and hidden oases before you reach the outskirts of the buzzing city.
On arrival in Marrakesh, settle into your hotel, the luxurious 5-star El Fenn. Take your time exploring the three swimming pools, mammoth roof terrace, lavish spa, two cocktail bars, and two restaurants. You can even meet the resident family of tortoises. Stay within this boutique sanctuary, or venture out and follow your nose to the energetic Jemaa el-Fna square, where storytellers, snake charmers, and street food take over at night.
Day 9: Sunrise Hot-Air Balloon Ride, Half-Day Guided Marrakesh Tour
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, 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 carved wooden ceilings, tiled courtyards, and serene gardens. Venture by the Koutoubia Mosque, the symbol of Marrakesh, then follow your guide into the colorful medina, a maze of alleyways lined with riads, souks, and workshops. Explore vibrant textiles, aromatic spices, ornate jewelry, and leather goods before stopping for refreshments.
Day 10: Depart Marrakesh
More Great Morocco Itineraries
Map
