Morocco Grand Tour: 15 Days of History, Culture, Imperial Cities, Sahara Desert, Mountains, Beaches, activities, things to do & much more

This morning, you meet your driver for today's highlights. In case you didn't have the chance to visit the gorgeous mosque Hassan II yesterday, you can do it now before you head to Rabat which is the administrative capital of Morocco. This busy political center has a mix of the old Médina and the new Ville Nouvelle. It is located on the Atlantic Ocean along Bouregreg River. It has a variety of historic tourist attractions, such as Kasbahs, beautiful domes, minarets, grand avenues & green spaces. Your driver is at your disposal to assist you with any necessary transportation. Don't miss paying a visit to the Kasbah of the Udayas, whose big, majestic silhouette is softened by the surrounding gardens. Not far beyond its walls lies the Chellah, a necropolis that dates to the Marinids. Entering the complex is like journeying to another world: marvel at the ancient remains as you walk through the gardens and glimpse a few storks. These all add to the appeal of Rabat, where the treasures of the past coexist with the most modern and eco-friendly achievements.

After your breakfast this morning, your driver is meeting you to put your bags in the vehicle and drive to your accommodation in Chefchaouen. The beautiful blue city of Morocco, Chefchaouen, is a small charming city situated in the heart of the Rif Mountains, Northeastern Morocco. Founded in 1471 in order to halt the southward expansion of the Portuguese and the Spanish. Enjoy the blue painted walls all inside the old Medina.

This morning you meet your driver early. You travel together to Volubilis (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) which contains Morocco’s best-preserved Roman ruins and makes for a nice detour from the hustle and bustle of Meknes. Today you can wander the massive complex, exploring large merchant homes with visible heating systems underneath, temples, and many colorful mosaics on-site in quite a good condition. By the afternoon, welcome to Fes which is founded shortly after the Arabs exploded across North Africa, Fes is often referred to as the spiritual capital of Morocco. It was once one of the most important places of scholarship in the world. It can be neatly divided into three different parts: Fes el-Bali (the heart of the Medina); Fes el-Jdid (where the Jewish quarter and the Royal Palace are located); and the Ville Nouvelle (the administrative area).

The Medina is called Fes el-Bali and behind its high walls is a magical, medieval city just teeming with life in every one of its 9000 narrow streets. Fes is the cultural and spiritual capital of Morocco and you'll certainly experience its vibrancy. Your local guide meets you at your accommodation at 09h00 for 6 hours tour of the old medina of Fes. Discover the many artisans such as the metal workers, dyers, woodworkers & silk weavers. You'll visit the tanneries, where leather is processed in the way it has been done for centuries. Discover grand mosques and medresa (koranic schools). Learn about the ancient traditions of Berber medicine men. Entrance Fees are not included.

This morning you should be ready for an early start especially that you have a long drive ahead of you. You meet your driver and head toward Merzouga with some amazing stops at the town of wild Barbary Apes "Azrou" & Ifrane "The Switzerland of Morocco" and for sure at the city of Fossils "Erfoud". Just, later on, it's time for an amazing overnight stay under the stars. You arrived at the Kasbah in charge of the dunes camp, then you ride your camels deep in the dunes to watch the sunset before turning back to the camp nearby the Kasbah. You spend the night in a comfortable tent with a private bathroom. Enjoy the campfire (not possible when it's hot) and also dinner peacefully.

After breakfast, you will hit the road towards Tinghir and Todra Gorges. Todra Gorges are gigantic rock walls that run through the High Atlas Mountains. Recognized around the world as one of the most spectacular canyons, these gorges offer majestic scenery. The road that takes you up to the Gorges is simply beautiful with its little Berber villages and thick passages of palmeries. You can either go ahead with a deep exploration of Todra Gorges or walk around the Gorges briefly and go down to Tinghir which is a captivating old southern Moroccan village and explore Ait El Hadj Ali district, the Jewish quarters, the nearby Kasbah El Glaoui and Ksar Afanour. The night will be spent in Todra/Tinghir.

Right after breakfast, a guided walk through Todra Gorges and Palmery has been arranged for you. After the visit, you will start your journey towards Ait Benhaddou. The road passing by Skoura is truly amazing. You will be able to enjoy views of numerous old Kasbahs and palm groves. Then comes Ouarzazate which is located on a vast desert plateau and offers a beautiful mix of kasbahs, green valleys, and oases. With its variety of landscapes, this city has been the perfect setting for shooting movies since 1983. In fact, two renowned worldwide studios are currently running here: CLA Studios and Atlas Corporation Studios. After arrival at the picturesque Ait Benhaddou, allow some time to relax on the terrace of your hotel while enjoying the views of the Kasbah and the beautiful surroundings.  Kasbah Ait Benhaddou is a UNESCO World Heritage Site where many famous movies have been shot. With its architectural authenticity and pre-Saharan construction techniques, the mud clay village of Ait Benhaddou will take you back centuries. The night will be spent in a Riad in Ait Benhaddou.

You wake up and enjoy your tasty breakfast. Then, you travel to the next destination, Taroudant. It is framed by ramparts and has a great legacy and a rich history. Here is the bustle of modern life blends seamlessly with heritage and tradition. The souks know a lot of activity which gives you the chance to wander through the alleys, bargain with the shopkeepers, and, most importantly, walk to the stalls to appreciate the variety and quality of local foods and handicrafts. Also, the leather here is particularly well known the same as the Berber, or Amazigh jewelry. Just before arriving at Taroudant, you will have the opportunity to stop at some local towns which are a must to visit. You first arrive at Tazenakht which is well knows by its locally made carpets that will steal your heart from you for sure. They are made by the local women who are highly trained and committed to working on those amazing products. The next stop will be at Taliouine where you will notice people are speaking of Safran and its locally made products which are very precious to the locals especially that this is their source of income, and they are very proud of it. We have no doubts you will love it here!

Finally, it's the time to visit Essaouira city once known as Mogador and also as the bride of the Atlantic. But, first, after an hour and a half driving, you will arrive at Agadir where you might have a short stop to visit either its main Souk El Had or the beach for a café and enjoy some sun.

When you are ready, you can keep on toward your final destination. This evening, you will drop your rental car off and enjoy the peace in your accommodation. You can also take a quiet walk in the shade of its ramparts, which also a stand-in for the walls of Astapor, the red city on the television series "Game of Thrones". Climb to the top of them and retrace a watchman's rounds: from here you can see the Iles Purpuraires and the hawks and seagulls that soar over the nature preserve. In the distance, surfing, windsurfing and kite-surfing fanatics can't get enough of the quality winds!

You just need to enjoy it and be culturally enriched: the mesmerizing Essaouira-Mogador is a destination that offers you 1,001 dreams you seek!

Today there is no need to wake up early. It's your relaxation day where you are allowed to treat yourself as royals. So, take all the chances you have because you earned it :)

Essaouira has more than its natural, untamed beauty to win your heart. Here, in the place once known as Mogador, prepare to be wowed by the skill of the town’s craftsmen, who are among the most talented in all Morocco. Strolling under the Scala along the blockhouses of the old fort is a great way to admire the cabinetmakers and inlayers as they work thuja wood, silver and copper wire, mother of pearl or camel bone with equal parts dexterity and ingenuity. 

Its standing as a city at the crossroads of civilizations also makes Essaouira a beloved place for artists. There are various galleries to celebrate beauty and creativity, and its myriad beauties are sure to blow you away!

Today, your driver is picking you up from your accommodation to head to Marrakech which is magical. The soon you check-in to your room, take your time and relax after such a wonderful tour over the main cities and regions of Morocco.

Marrakech is the most famous and visited city in Morocco. Known as the Red city mainly because of the predominant color of its buildings, it has been Morocco's capital in the past, represents the most important Imperial city, and boasts a perfect location right at the foot of the High Atlas mountains. On this day, we strongly recommend a visit to the amazing hectic Jemaa El Fna which comes alive after dark. You will experience a memorable mix of smells, sounds, and sights. For dinner, why not try one of the outdoor food stalls which offer a variety of food, and for the most adventurous, you can try the snails or the cooked sheep head.

Your local guide is coming to meet you in the morning at the accommodation to enter the old medina where you continue on foot for 3 hours to discover historical palaces, museums, and Koranic schools. Visit the Bahia Palace, Saadian Tombs, Koutoubia Mosque (from outside) and explore the famous souks. This tour in the Medina will be done on foot since most of the medina is closed to traffic. During the day you'll stop for lunch (not included). Entrance Fees are not included.

Please enjoy the afternoon exploring the new city at your own leisure; most of our travelers find it easy to navigate on their own and visit the Jardin Majorelle taking a local taxi; not like the old Medina which is like a maze :)

The Jardin Majorelle is the creation of French painter Jacques Majorelle, who spent 40 years injecting his passion and creativity into this magical garden. Complete with enchanting little lanes, tranquil streams, and over 300 species of stunning plants, Jardin Majorelle is perfect for those who need a break from the busy city.

This morning, you travel to Imlil, a little Berber village in the High Atlas (1700 m altitude). The surroundings of Imlil are dominated by 4000 m high mountains, part of the year covered by snow. The highest mountain of North Africa, Mount Toubkal (4167 m) can be seen from Imlil. The surroundings are excellent for walking and enjoying the nature and local environment. You will need comfortable sports shoes for this wonderful and local experience.

Your local guide will meet you in the village at 10h00. This walk is at your level of strength. Please do not feel in a rush because you have a local guide at your side.

You will have lunch in a Berber house enjoying the local tasty meal. At the end of the afternoon, you will return to Marrakech.

Maybe a good idea to get into a Hammam treatment this evening if you love to (not included); you just need to inform the reception at your accommodation in Marrakech, and they can easily help :)

Your trip to Morocco has come to an end already!

We hope that you have had a pleasant stay and looking forward to welcoming you again in the future.  Your driver is taking you to Marrakech Airport for your departure flight. 

We wish you a safe flight back home!