14-Day Ultimate Grand Tour Morocco Itinerary

We drive north through the green plains of Gharb and climb into the rugged Rif Mountains. By afternoon, we arrive in the blue-washed town of Chefchaouen. Settle into your riad and take your first walk through the tranquil blue-painted streets of the medina.

Accommodation: hotel or riad in Chefchaouen.

Enjoy a slow day exploring Chefchaouen. Stroll the narrow blue lanes, visit the 15th-century Kasbah on Plaza Uta el-Hammam, and hike to the Spanish Mosque for a panoramic sunset view over the Rif range. You can shop for local wool textiles and goat cheese, or simply enjoy mint tea on a rooftop cafe.

Accommodation: hotel or riad in Chefchaouen.

We head south to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Volubilis, walking through the Roman ruins and floor mosaics. We then continue to the imperial city of Meknes to view the grand Bab Mansour gate and the giant royal granaries built by Sultan Moulay Ismail. We arrive in Fes by late afternoon.

Accommodation: traditional riad in Fes.

A full-day guided walking tour of Fes el-Bali, the world’s largest car-free medieval medina. Explore the Chouara tanneries, the Al-Attarine and Bou Inania madrasas, and the Al-Qarawiyyin mosque and university. Visit the Mellah (Jewish Quarter) and enjoy a sunset view of the city from the Merenid Tombs.

Accommodation: traditional riad in Fes.

A free day to explore Fes at your own pace. You can return to the medina to shop, take a traditional hammam bath (hot steam and black soap scrub), take a Moroccan cooking class, or take a day excursion to the holy hilltop town of Moulay Idriss Zerhoun.

Accommodation: traditional riad in Fes.

We travel south across the Middle Atlas, passing through the Alpine-style mountain town of Ifrane and the Azrou cedar forest to spot the Barbary macaques. We drive through the red gorges of the Ziz Valley, and reach Merzouga in the afternoon. Mount camels for a sunset trek into the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi, arriving at our luxury desert camp for dinner and drumming.

Accommodation: desert camp at Erg Chebbi (half board).

Watch the sun rise over the dunes and ride camels back for breakfast. We then begin a 4×4 tour of the desert region. We visit the Gnawa village of Khamlia to hear traditional spiritual music, meet a nomadic family living in a tent to share mint tea, and visit a desert lake. Settle into a comfortable riad near the dunes for the night.

Accommodation: hotel or riad in Merzouga (half board).

We stop in the market town of Rissani to see the traditional souk, then drive west to Tinghir to walk through the spectacular Todra Gorge under its 300-metre limestone cliffs. We continue to the Dades Valley to see the winding mountain hairpins and red kasbahs.

Accommodation: hotel or riad in the Dades Gorge (half board).

We travel west through the Rose Valley and Skoura to Ouarzazate. We then take a guided tour of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Ben Haddou, walking through the ancient mud-brick lanes of the fortified village featured in Gladiator and Game of Thrones.

Accommodation: hotel near Ait Ben Haddou (half board).

We cross the High Atlas mountains on the winding Tizi n’Tichka pass (2,260 m), stopping at scenic viewpoints and a traditional women’s argan oil cooperative. We reach Marrakech by early afternoon, giving you free time to explore the city.

Accommodation: hotel or riad in Marrakech.

We travel west to the historic coastal town of Essaouira. You will explore the UNESCO-listed medina, walk the Portuguese ramparts overlooking the Atlantic, visit the bustling blue fishing harbor, and enjoy a fresh seafood lunch.

Accommodation: hotel or riad in Essaouira.

Enjoy a free morning in Essaouira by the ocean. In the afternoon, we drive back to Marrakech for a guided tour of the city’s sights, including the Bahia Palace, Saadian Tombs, Majorelle Garden, and the lively Jemaa el-Fna square at dusk.

Accommodation: hotel or riad in Marrakech.

Spend a last free morning in the souks, the Koutoubia gardens, or relax with a rooftop lunch overlooking the medina. We then arrange a transfer to the airport or train station. When you are ready for the whole country, send us a message — we will plan it around you.