Camel riding on the Erg Chebbi dunes in the Sahara desert | Richard I'Anson
Camel riding on the Erg Chebbi dunes in the Sahara desert  | Richard I'Anson
The streets of Casablanca  | Robyn Lyons
Musician plying his trade in the medina, Marrakesh  | Richard I'Anson
Wander through the vibrant souks and markets of Marrakesh
Views over Chouara Tannery in Fes  | Robyn Lyons
Looking out towards Morocco's High Atlas mountains  | James Griesedieck
Narrow streets of Chefchaouen  | Charles Duncombe
Spice market in Morocco  | Sue Badyari

Morocco Explorer

Explore Morocco from the medinas to the mountains on an expertly guided journey that reveals both iconic highlights and hidden gems, blending comfort, culture and desert adventure.

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 17 reviews

12 Days from

$2290 USD

Trip Code: MEX
View dates to BookEssential Information

Extra trip options & supplements

*Prices listed are per person

Single Supplement
$630 USD

Duration

  • 12 Days

Activities

  • Day Walking

Accommodation

  • 6 nights hotel
  • 5 nights riad

Meals

  • 6 Dinners
  • 3 Lunches
  • 11 Breakfasts

Difficulty Grading  

2 / 10

Adventure touring

Carbon Footprint  

46kg of CO2-e PP per day

(506kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)

Trip highlights

  • Wander Marrakesh’s bustling souqs, serene gardens, majestic palaces and historic mosques
  • Explore the UNESCO-listed Fes el-Bali, one of the world’s best-preserved medieval cities
  • Unwind in Chefchaouen, the Rif Mountains' tranquil blue-hued town
  • Ride a camel at dawn across the golden dunes of the Sahara, with sunrise painting the desert
  • Soak in panoramic views of the snow-capped High Atlas Mountains
  • Step into Morocco’s cinematic past at the earthen kasbah of Ait Benhaddou
  • Stand beneath the towering minaret of Casablanca’s magnificent Hassan II Mosque

Overview

Rich in history, culture and architectural beauty, Morocco’s imperial cities form the backbone of this immersive journey. We explore Rabat, Meknes and the maze-like medina of Fes, then venture north to Chefchaouen—famed for its blue-washed alleys and mountain setting. Crossing the Middle Atlas, we travel through cedar forests and Berber villages to reach the golden dunes of the Sahara, where a camel ride at sunrise captures the stillness of the desert. South of the mountains, kasbahs rise from ochre valleys, and palm-filled gorges hint at the region’s deep heritage. Our adventure ends in Marrakesh, where palaces, gardens and lively souqs reveal the city’s timeless charm. With locally guided insights and stays in traditional riads, this is a journey rich in contrasts, connection and discovery.

Itinerary

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Welcome to Morocco. On arrival in Casablanca, if arriving on Day 1, you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to our centrally located group hotel. The day is free to settle in, relax, taste or begin exploring this dynamic coastal city. A trip briefing will be held in the early evening to meet your guide and fellow travellers, and to go over the journey ahead. Please check details at reception when checking in. Overnight: Idou Anfa Hotel or similar Please note: If you arrive on any other day please, arrange a transfer with us or feel free to make your own way to the joining hotel as listed on your final tour voucher

Meals: Nil

This morning we visit Casablanca’s most iconic landmark, the magnificent Hassan II Mosque – one of the largest and most elaborately decorated mosques in the world. Afterwards, we travel north to Morocco’s capital, Rabat. A guided city tour introduces us to Rabat’s key sites, including the historic Kasbah, the Oudaya Gardens and the imposing Hassan Tower. In the afternoon, we check in to our traditional riad. Overnight: Riad Kelaa or similar Approx. driving time: 2 hrs

Meals: B

We travel north today along the fertile plains before the road begins to wind into the Rif Mountains. Passing through Ouazzane, we continue on to the photogenic town of Chefchaouen, nestled against the rugged slopes of the Rif. After checking in to our traditional riad, we head out in the late afternoon for a relaxed orientation walk through the blue-washed alleys of the old Medina. Overnight: Hotel Dar Mounir or similar Approx driving time: 4.5 hours

Meals: B,D

Today is dedicated to exploring one of Morocco’s most picturesque towns; Chefchaouen, often called the “blue pearl” of Morocco. After breakfast, we set out on a guided walking tour of Chefchaouen’s charming Medina, visiting the Kasbah, Outa Lhmam Square and the colourful souks. In the afternoon, you’ll have time to explore at your own pace or take part in optional experiences. Your guide may offer suggestions such as a weaving workshop, organizing a home-cooked lunch with a local family, or a walk up to the Spanish Mosque via the spring of Ras El Ma for a panoramic view over town. Overnight: Hotel Dar Mounir or similar

Meals: B,L

Today we journey south, with our first stop at the ancient Roman city of Volubilis. This UNESCO World Heritage site is the largest and best-preserved archaeological complex in Morocco, once one of the Roman Empire’s most remote outposts. We then visit the holy town of Moulay Idriss, dramatically set on two hills. It is named after Morocco’s most revered saint, a great grandson of the Prophet Mohammed, who founded the country’s first dynasty. Our journey continues to Meknes, a former imperial city and once the heart of the Moroccan sultanate, where we see remnants of its grand gates, palaces and monumental architecture. By late afternoon we arrive in Fes, founded in the 8th century and long considered Morocco’s cultural and spiritual heart. Today, Fes is made up of three sections, the modern Ville Nouvelle, with its chic cafe-lined avenues, Fes el-Jdid and Fes el- Bali. Fes el-Bali is the original Medina and remains one of the world’s greatest medieval cities. Overnight: Riad Yacout or similar Approx driving time: 4.5 hours

Meals: B,D

Today we spend a full day exploring Fes, one of the world’s most atmospheric medieval cities. A guided tour takes us to the Borj Sud fortress for panoramic views before we venture into the labyrinthine alleyways of Fes el-Bali, the oldest part of the city and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Within its walls are mosques, madrasas, fountains and souks, where merchants sell everything from spices and olives to brass lamps and fine leather. We’ll also visit the famous tanneries, where leather has been dyed in stone vats for centuries, and stop at a mosaic and tile workshop to see traditional craftsmanship in action. A traditional Moroccan lunch is included in the medina, giving us a taste of the city’s rich culinary heritage. The day concludes with time to absorb the unique atmosphere of this extraordinary city before returning to our riad Overnight: Riad Yacout or similar

Meals: B,L

We set off early this morning (7am) on a long but spectacular drive south, crossing the Middle Atlas and passing through dramatic and varied landscapes. The road winds past cedar and holm oak forests before opening to a vast, barren plateau dotted with volcanic craters and the shimmering waters of Lake Sidi Ali. Continuing through the Ziz Gorge, we descend into the lush valleys of date palms that signal our approach to the edge of the Sahara. By late afternoon we reach the desert settlement of Merzouga, gateway to the towering sand dunes of Erg Chebbi. The golden and deep orange-hued dunes stretch as far as the eye can see, offering our first glimpse of Morocco’s desert landscapes. Tonight, we stay in a traditional desert auberge set at the foot of the dunes. Overnight: Auberge Tombouctou or similar Approx driving time: 8 hours

Meals: B,D

We rise early to experience the stillness of the desert at sunrise, from the saddle of the traditional Berber transport: a camel. Riding camels across the dunes of Erg Chebbi as the first light transforms the sands into a sea of shifting colours. If prefered, you can also hike this section. After returning to our auberge for breakfast, we begin our journey west through stark desert landscapes. Our route takes us to the impressive Todra Gorge, where sheer limestone cliffs rise dramatically on either side of a fertile river valley. After time to walk and enjoy lunch here, we continue on to the Dades Gorge. This rugged valley is known for its dramatic rock formations, fortified mud-brick villages and fields of almonds and figs. By evening, we settle into a small local hotel in the gorge. Overnight: Hotel Dades Xaluca or similar Approx driving time: 5 hours

Meals: B,D

This morning we continue our journey through the fertile valleys that line the southern slopes of the High Atlas, en route to Ouarzazate (pronounced war-zar-zate). Along the way we pass traditional Berber villages, oases, and ancient kasbahs that once controlled the caravan routes. Depending on the day, we may visit the rose-growing centre of El-Kelaa Mgouna or explore the palm groves and kasbahs of Skoura. By afternoon, we reach the earthen village of Aït Ben Haddou, one of Morocco’s best-preserved kasbah complexes and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its fortified mud-brick architecture has featured in many films and provides a fascinating insight into southern Morocco’s trading history. Tonight we stay in a charming guesthouse near the kasbah. Overnight: Dar Mouna Guesthouse or similar Approx driving time: 2.5 hours

Meals: B,D

This morning we explore the remarkable kasbah of Aït Ben Haddou, a fortified village built from earthen clay and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Once an important stop on the trans-Saharan trade route, it is one of the most striking examples of southern Morocco’s architecture and history. After time to wander its narrow lanes and admire the views from the hilltop, we begin our drive across the High Atlas Mountains. The journey takes us over scenic passes and through remote villages before descending to the fertile Haouz plain. By late afternoon we arrive in Marrakesh, where the snow-capped peaks of the Atlas form a dramatic backdrop to the city’s palm groves and minarets. Overnight: Riad Berta or similar Approx driving time: 4.5 hours

Meals: B,D

Today we set out for a full day with our guide to discover the many faces of Marrakesh. We wander through the labyrinthine souks of the old medina, where artisans sell spices, carpets, leather goods and intricate metalwork. We’ll visit some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, including mosques, palaces and serene gardens, each reflecting Marrakesh’s rich cultural and architectural heritage. At the heart of the city lies the vibrant Djemaa el-Fna square, alive with food stalls, musicians, snake charmers and storytellers. Lunch is included today at a traditional restaurant near the square, offering a taste of Morocco’s renowned cuisine. In the evening, there’s the option to return to the square to experience its electric atmosphere after dark. Overnight: Riad Berta or similar

Meals: B,L

Our journey concludes after breakfast. For those departing today, a group transfer to Marrakesh airport is included. If you plan to stay on in Morocco, additional accommodation or extensions can be arranged with us, with Essaouira being a popular option. As we say farewell, take with you memories of Morocco’s vibrant cities, timeless kasbahs, sweeping desert and the warm hospitality of its people, experiences that will stay long after the journey ends

Meals: B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.

Ready to start your adventure?

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What’s included?

Included

  • 11 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 6 dinners
  • airport transfers (day 1 and 12 only)
  • 6 nights in comfortable hotels on a twinshare basis
  • 5 nights in traditional riads on a twinshare basis
  • English speaking tour leader
  • City guides in Rabat, Chefchaouen, Meknes, Fes, Marrakesh
  • Sunrise camel ride in Erg Chebbi dunes
  • Sightseeing and entrance fees as listed in itinerary
  • private transport

Not included

  • International flights and airport taxes
  • Arrival and departure transfers (if not arriving Day 1 or departing Day 12)
  • Aerated and alcoholic drinks, and bottled water
  • Costs of a personal nature such as laundry, phone calls, email, tips, and all beverages
  • Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Entrance fees for sightseeing not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Tips
  • Visa
  • Travel insurance

Reviews (17)

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