Morocco's Imperial & Desert Journey 15 Days from Tangier

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival To Tangier

Welcome to Morocco, I will take you to Tangier for a short city tour. After the tour, we will drop you off at your hotel in Medina.

Day 2: Tangier – Chefchaouen

Today we will continue our journey toward Chefchaouen. On our way, we will cross the Rif Mountains and enjoy the wonderful views that this mountain chain has to offer. In Chefchaouen, we will have a tour of the city with blue and white lime-washed houses. Then take you to your local small Riad/Hotel.

Day 3: Chefchaouen – Volubilis – Meknes – Fez

After your breakfast, we will depart to Fez. We will drive towards Moulay Idriss, which is an important religious site in Morocco. Then we will continue and drive to Volubilis—an archaeological site that features the best-preserved Roman ruins in this part of northern Africa (UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997). We head to Meknes where we will visit the famous gates of Bab el-Mansour and Bab el Khamis. In the late afternoon, we will arrive in Fez.

Day 4: Fez guided tour

This day is especially dedicated to Fez, one of the oldest imperial cities. Fez was Morocco’s capital for more than 400 years and is still considered the religious and cultural center of the country. We discover the extraordinary medina El Bali (which is worth a few days of walking in itself). Other highlights include the Merenid Tombs, the Royal Palace, the Medersa Bou-Inania or Attarine, Nejarine with its splendid mosaic fountain, and the Mellah (Jewish quarter). Overnight at local Riad.

Day 5: Fez – Midelt – Erfoud – Merzouga

Today we will continue our tour toward Merzouga. On our way, we will enjoy the beautiful views of the Mid-Atlas Mountains while we’re passing through. We will drive through cedar forests and gorgeous towns (Ifrane and Azrou). On our way to Merzouga, we will have lunch in Midelt and then we cross the High Atlas mountains and drive through the gorges of the Ziz. The gorges are the result of the power of the Ziz River. We drive via Erfoud to the famous dunes of Merzouga (Erg Chebbi), where we will have dinner and stay in nomad tents overnight.

Day 6: Merzouga – Todra – Dades Valley

Today we will watch the sunrise over the dunes of Merzouga and then we continue towards Boumalen Dadès. On our way to Tinghir, we’ll pass through Jorf and Tinjdad. We will explore the gorges of the Todra. After we have lunch in the beautiful area, we will depart to Boumalen Dades where we’ll be staying for the night.

Day 7: Dades Valley – Ouarzazate

In the early morning, we’ll depart to the Valley of the Roses. After visiting this town, we’ll continue our journey to Ouarzazate and on our way, through the Skoura oasis, we will visit the famous monument Taourirt Kasbah (one of the most attractive and beautiful sites in southern Morocco). There is also the opportunity to visit the movie studios of Ouarzazate, known as Moroccan Hollywood. Overnight at local riad/hotel.

Day 8: Ouarzazate – Marrakech

Today we’ll continue our journey to Marrakech, one of the four imperial cities in Morocco. On our way to Marrakech, we’ll stop at Aït Ben Haddou Old Kasbah (UNESCO World Heritage site). Then we’ll continue towards Marrakech. On our way, we will pass the highest road pass in North Africa. In Marrakech, you will have the afternoon to yourselves. Overnight at a local riad in the medina of Marrakech.

Day 9: Marrakech guided tour

Today we’ll explore the city and visit the highlights of Marrakech – Koutoubia mosque, Saadian tombs, and El Bahia Palace. In the afternoon, we’ll visit the famous Djemaa el Fna square and its souk. After a full day of exploring Marrakech.

Day 10: Marrakech – Agadir

We will leave Marrakech and drive to the seaside resort Agadir. You will have the day to yourselves to explore the city or to rest on the beach. In the evening, we’ll take you to where you will spend a night in Agadir.

Day 11: Agadir – Essaouira

Today we continue our tour towards Essaouira (called Mogador). It is ideal for fishing, windsurfing, and kite surfing. The harbor is a delightful diversion, filled with colorful boats that have been carefully decorated by local fishermen. We stay here overnight.

Day 12: Essaouira – Casablanca

Today we will continue our journey to Casablanca (the economic capital of Morocco). We’ll take the coastal road to Casablanca and stop on our way at Safi and El Jadida. In Casablanca, we will have free time and you can discover the city. Overnight at a local hotel.

Day 13: Casablanca – Rabat

Today we’ll visit the highlights of Casablanca – Place Mohamed V, Parc de la Ligue Arabe, and the amazing Hassan II Mosque. In the afternoon, we continue our trip and drive towards Rabat, one of the four imperial cities. We will visit the Hassan Tower (the minaret was begun by the Almohad sultan Yacoub al-Mansour in 1195 and was intended to reach 60m, making it the largest and highest in the Muslim world). Then we will visit the marble Mausoleum of Mohammed V. We stay in Rabat overnight in a local hotel.

Day 14: Rabat – Asilah

In the morning, we depart to Asilah (one of the most beautiful old cities in Morocco). It’s a peaceful beach village on the Atlantic coast known as an intimate, sophisticated introduction to Morocco, with galleries lining the narrow streets. The town has Mediterranean-influenced buildings, including whitewashed houses with blue accents. We’ll explore this beautiful whitewashed town and overnight in a small local riad.

Day 15: Asilah – Tangier

After breakfast, we drive back to Tangier. We will visit some of the interesting places and transfer you to the port or airport before your scheduled departure.