Grand Tour of Morocco 14 DAYS

Day 1: Marrakech

Upon landing in Marrakech you’ll soon begin to get a flavour for this vibrant city with the aid of your driver and guide. All our professional drivers know how to share with you all the treasures of Morocco with local knowledge and English, French and Arabic language skills. Your private vehicle will be a modern comfortable 4×4 All Terrain Vehicle.

Your personal driver will meet you at the airport and take you to your traditional Moroccan Riad to stay for your first night. You will have time to settle in and rest from your journey in the beautiful Riad. In the evening you can either relax after your journey, or we can take you to explore some of the vibrant Marrakech nightlife – the choice is yours. Marrakech is famous for its nightlife here in Morocco so there are a wide range of options to enjoy your time in this energetic city.

Day 2: Casablanca → Rabat

We will set off after breakfast to see the city of Casablanca for around 3 hours. Although the city is now mainly a commercial and financial center, it is more than worthwhile to spend a couple of hours visiting the city sights and if you like you can visit the Hassan II Mosque, the largest mosque in Africa and the third largest in the world.

We will then see the city of Rabat, the modern capital of Morocco and an official UNESCO World Heritage Site.  We would consider it almost essential to visit sights such as the Chellah, a medieval fortified necropolis and Kasbah of the Udayas, and an ancient castle.  After sightseeing, settle into a charming Riad inside the ‘old medina’ for dinner and sleep.

Day 3: Rabat → Tangier → Chefchaouen

We’ll pass by Tangier on the way to the attractive port city of Chefchaouen (The Blue Pearl), known for its beauty and relaxed atmosphere. We’ll take our time so you can explore this popular shopping destination, famous for the artisan crafts specific to this area of Morocco, famous cheeses and the many charming pretty cafes.  The gorgeous blue and white architecture and city’s hills will enchant you as you have the chance to explore this amazing old city on your own for the day.

Day 4: Chefchaouen Waterfalls (Akchour)

One of the most beautiful waterfalls in Morocco, the Akchour waterfalls are found in the Rif Mountains. This series of waterfalls is about 45 minutes drive from Chefchaouen and make for an excellent day trip. The Akchour waterfalls consist of a lower waterfall and a much taller one as well as plenty of smaller yet beautiful cascades that run along the same river. The walk from the dam to the “Grande Cascade” or Big Waterfall takes around 2 hours at a fair pace through the stunning natural landscape.

If you’re not that ambitious you can also stop at the little waterfall which is accessible after about 1 hour of hiking.  It’s an easy trail, even if you’re not used to doing much walking.  The path is very clear and along the way, you’ll come across some amazing viewpoints where you can enjoy the panorama and take photos over the stunning little cascades and the spectacular scenery of the Rif Mountains.

A surprising common stroke of luck for many visitors – you might also encounter some families of cheeky monkeys on your way! The Rif Mountains are home to the Barbary macaque, a species of monkey that is only found in the mountains of Morocco, Algeria and with a small population in Gibraltar.  If you’re quiet, you’ll hear them jumping from tree to tree and calling out to each other – you might even see a family of them not too far from the hiking trail!

Day 5: Volubilis → Meknes→ Fes

On the way to Fes you will visit the Roman ruins at Volubilis which is commonly considered the ancient capital of an old kingdom and is a UNESCO site for being a highly preserved Roman town. We will the drive to the Meknes one of the imperial cities featuring many impressive historical sites making it well worth the detour and allowing you to explore them at your own leisure.  You will then arrive in the city of Fes in the evening so we will head to your Riad to refresh and enjoy dinner.

Day 6: Fes (Private guided tour)

The second largest city in Morocco and the capital of Idrisid dynasty, Fes is well worth spending the day on. The medina is believed to be one of the world’s largest car-free urban areas and is practically impossible to navigate without a trained local guide – all part of its charm!

A private English-speaking guide will assist you through narrow, winding, and often unmarked alleyways while providing an account of the incredibly rich history of the area. Prepare for a sensory overload of sights, sounds, and smells as hundreds of merchants and craftsmen sell their wares (dates, fish, spices, rugs, copper urns, crafts and more).

A number of historic sites will be seen, including Al-Qarawiyyin (founded in 859 AD) the oldest continuously operating university in the world. Visit all the main tourist sites and feel the ancient energy of this city. World famous for its leather and metalwork Fes conjures the image of the quintessential fabled Arab city as we would imagine Baghdad at the time of the famous book 1001 Arabian nights!

Day 7: Fes → Tinghir

The city of Tinghir is one of the most attractive oases in Southern Morocco. The main attractions of this day are the gorges. The Dades Gorge is scenic, with different types of interesting and unusual geological formations in a beautiful landscape with Amazigh/Berber villages, plantations and the Dades River. The Todra Gorge is one of the most spectacular canyons in the world with so many opportunities to hike, explore and adventure, nature at it’s most magnificent!  Spend the evening in a guesthouse near one of the gorges or in the palm grove of Skoura.

Day 8 & 9: Tinghir → Zagora → Draa Valley → Black Tauaregs – (2 nights in the Desert & camel ride)

After breakfast we will take you to Zagora and Draa Valley where we will stop for sightseeing and photos. Then if possible, we will visit the Black Tauaregs who are a nomadic Saharan Desert people so you can meet them and enjoy traditional local Moroccan tea together.  They will also show you their local music – a truly special experience.

Then we will continue on our way to the desert – a beautiful and peaceful part of the Sahara, this is the real deal desert, vast and a very quiet place where you can really enjoy the beautiful night stars.  The following day have fun exploring by camel ride and enjoy the unforgettable experience of watching the sunset from the top of the dunes.  There are opportunities to treat yourself to a quad bike adventure too if that is more your style. Back at the camp dinner will be waiting for you, followed by an evening of local traditional live music around the campfire and the night in a nomad tent. If you wake early enough the sunrise is spectacular as the colour of the dunes and the play of shadows are an awesome sight.

Day 10: Ouarzazate → Ait Benhaddou → Telouet (Private Guided Tour)

We will now leave the desert on an exciting journey to the city of Ouarzazate which is nicknamed ‘The Door of the Desert.’  Ouarzazate is home to the Atlas Studios which you may visit if you chose to at your own expense, this is one of the largest movie studios in the world used as a location for Lawrence of Arabia and many more including recently Game of Thrones making it great for photo opportunities!

We will take you to visit nearby Ait Benhaddou a fortified city, or ksar, along the former caravan route between the Sahara and Marrakech.  A UNESCO Heritage Site, this striking formation is an excellent example of southern Moroccan architecture and has a unique charm.  The next stop on the journey is Telouet and a quick tour of the Kasbah du Pacha el Glaoui, one of Morocco’s most impressive kasbahs.  We will continue the journey to your Riad for a delicious evening meal and a relaxing evening.

Day 11: Atlas Mountains → Marrakech

Enjoy the views as we take you on a journey over the high Atlas Mountains via the picturesque mountain pass of Tizi-n-Tichka and down into the busy heart of Marrakesh.  The ‘Red City’ named after it’s ancient city walls has the largest traditional markets in Morocco so it is well worth spending time discovering their treasures and soaking up the charming atmosphere.

For a more peaceful refreshing afternoon we suggest taking you to visit the famous Jardin Majorelle, one of the most magical and enchanting gardens in Morocco.  Created by a French artist starting in the 1920’s the colours and unique style captivated the famous French fashion designer Yves Sant Laurent who later owned and restored the garden to the magnificent beauty you can enjoy today.

Day 12: Marrakech (Private guided tour)

After staying in the desert just a few days before, returning to Marrakech might feel a little like coming home – but that feeling seldom lasts as The Red City has many secrets to reveal.

We’ll enjoy a hearty breakfast before your guide will help you uncover Marrakech and it’s treasures on your own private tour. We suggest to start by exploring the rich historical cultural sites of the beautiful Bahia Palace and the ruined Badi Palace and the famous Saadian Tombs.

Then we will help you discover the secrets of the souk (covered market) where you can discover a huge variety of local traditional artisan craft products and many exotic treasures in the busy charming atmosphere.  We will then reach some of the famous sights and landmarks of the city and show you around the maze-like small streets of the charming historic center.

We recommend that you enjoy your evening at the famous Place Djemaa el Fna, thought to be the largest square in Africa and the center of the exotic action where you can soak up the spectacle of snake charmers, acrobats, magicians, traditional musicians, tantalizing food stalls and much more that bring this energetic square to life.

Day 13: Marrakech → Essaouira → Marrakech

Leave Marrakech after breakfast to head to the Atlantic coast to the bright and breezy fresh Essaouira.  On the way you will see the goats up in the trees as you are approaching Essaouira, we also will pass the worldwide famous Argan oil cooperative makers, where you can see the argan trees and the ladies who making this golden magical oil.

Essaouira is an exciting city where your own private professional guide will help you to explore all there is to discover starting with the ancient UNESCO protected castle walls looking over the sea, these castles were used in filming Game of Thrones and give great photo opportunities. Enjoy the beautiful sandy beaches, treat yourself to taste the freshest sea food at the busy market stalls right on the water or enjoy a variety of delicious street food in the charming historic city centre.

Discover the local’s favourite places in the hidden back streets to get a true flavour of Morocco.  Essaouira has plenty of cool bars, traditional artisan craft shops and places to relax.  For our more adventurous guests popular activities like surfing, windsurfing and kitesurfing can be arranged.  The city has a fresh relaxed atmosphere for all to enjoy.

Day 14: Marrakech → Airport

Take time for shopping or a buy yourselves a treat massage at a relaxing Moroccan traditional Hamman baths if you choose before returning to the airport at the end of a wonderful Moroccan adventure. We are flexible with our guests and we hope to make your holiday as enjoyable and memorable as possible so please feel free to ask if we can help in anyway.