15 Day Morocco Grand Tour

Day 1:

Airport – Casablanca

Upon arrival at Casablanca’s Mohammed V Airport, you will be warmly welcomed and transferred to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you may begin your exploration of Morocco’s commercial capital right away or relax before the tour begins.

Your guided city tour will introduce you to Casablanca’s dynamic energy, where Art Deco architecture meets modern urban life. Stroll through the bustling city center, visit the elegant Corniche d’Aïn Diab, a vibrant seaside promenade lined with cafes and stunning ocean views, and admire the magnificent Hassan II Mosque. As the second-largest religious monument in the world, its intricate craftsmanship and towering minaret make it one of Morocco’s most iconic landmarks.

Overnight stay with bed and breakfast at your hotel.

Day 2:

Casablanca – Rabat – Chefchaouen

After breakfast at your hotel, we begin our journey to Rabat, Morocco’s political and administrative capital. Here, you’ll explore the picturesque Oudaia Kasbah, a historic fortress offering breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. We then visit the striking Hassan Tower, an unfinished minaret dating back to the 12th century, and the ancient Chellah Necropolis, a fascinating site where Roman and Islamic ruins intertwine.

Leaving Rabat behind, we continue our journey through the lush agricultural region of Kenitra, passing through landscapes dotted with olive groves and fertile farmland. We then cross the scenic Rif Mountains, winding through charming hillside villages before reaching Chefchaouen, the famous “Blue City” nestled in the mountains.

Overnight in a guesthouse in Chefchaouen.

Day 4:

Chefchaouen – Meknes – Volubilis – Fes

After breakfast, we depart Chefchaouen, journeying through the scenic Rif Mountains before arriving at Volubilis, an ancient Roman city and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, you’ll explore its remarkably well-preserved ruins, including the Basilica, the stunning mosaic of Diana and the Bathing Nymphs, and the grand Triumphal Arch, which offers a glimpse into Morocco’s rich Roman past.

Continuing on, we reach Meknes, one of Morocco’s imperial cities, where you’ll visit the famous Bab Mansour el-Aleuj, often considered the finest gate in Meknes and possibly all of Morocco. You’ll also have the chance to explore the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, the final resting place of the Sultan who transformed Meknes into a grand capital, and enjoy a leisurely stroll through the Medina, soaking in its historic charm.

In the afternoon, we set off for Fes, where you’ll settle into your traditional riad within the heart of the Medina.

Overnight in a riad in Fes.

Day 5:

Fes sightseeing

Today, you will embark on a guided exploration of Fes, a city steeped in over 1,000 years of history and founded by Moulay Idriss II. Your journey begins at the Royal Palace gate, an impressive example of Moroccan craftsmanship, before weaving through the narrow streets of the Medina, the largest pedestrian-only urban area in the world.

As you wander through the historic heart of the city, you will visit the Jewish Quarter (Mellah), known for its distinct architecture and rich heritage, followed by a stop at the famous Tanneries, where leather is still dyed using traditional methods. The tour continues to some of Fes’ most iconic landmarks, including the Bou Inania Medersa, a stunning example of Islamic architecture, and the Karaouiyine Mosque, one of the oldest universities in the world.

Next, you’ll visit a ceramics cooperative, where skilled artisans craft intricate pottery, zellige tiles, and Moroccan mosaics using techniques passed down for generations.

In the afternoon, enjoy a panoramic viewpoint overlooking the sprawling Medina, offering a breathtaking perspective of the labyrinth-like city. Finally, we take a short drive to the modern part of Fes, where you can see how the city blends its historic roots with contemporary life.

Overnight in a riad in Fes.

Day 6:

Fes- Ifrane – Cedar Forest -Midelt

After breakfast in Fes, we set off on a scenic journey through the Middle Atlas Mountains, experiencing the diverse landscapes and cultural richness of Morocco’s heartland.

Our first stop is Ifrane, often called “Little Switzerland” for its European-style architecture, alpine climate, and charming atmosphere. This mountain town offers a striking contrast to the rest of Morocco with its neat streets, flower-filled gardens, and crisp mountain air.

Continuing on, we arrive in Azrou, a bustling Berber market town famous for its handwoven carpets and traditional craftsmanship. Here, you will get a glimpse into the vibrant artisan culture that has thrived for generations.

Next, we visit the Cedar Forest, the largest in Morocco and home to the Barbary macaques, one of the few species of wild monkeys found in North Africa. You will have time to walk through the majestic cedar trees and observe these playful primates in their natural habitat.

After lunch, we continue our journey across the Atlas Mountains, passing through remote mountain passes, where you may see nomadic shepherds guiding their flocks across the rugged terrain. By late afternoon, we arrive in Midelt, a peaceful town nestled between the Middle and High Atlas ranges.

Overnight in a hotel in Midelt.

Day 7:

Ziz Valley – Erfoud – Sahara desert/camel ride

After breakfast, we set off toward the Sahara Desert, passing through the town of Erfoud, known for its famous date festival held every November. Upon arrival in Merzouga, you will be welcomed with a refreshing glass of mint tea, a traditional Moroccan greeting.

In the afternoon, you may choose to join a local Berber family for lunch, offering a unique opportunity to learn about their traditions and way of life. Later, an unforgettable camel trek across the golden dunes will take you deep into the desert, where you will settle into a Bedouin camp beneath a sky filled with stars. The silence and vastness of the desert create an experience like no other.

Overnight in a desert camp.

Day 8:

Merzouga Exploring Day

Waking up before dawn, you will witness one of the most spectacular sunrises of your life, as the golden sands shift colors with the rising sun. After soaking in this breathtaking moment, you will camel trek back to Merzouga, where you will enjoy breakfast and a shower at a hotel.

We then take a short drive to Dayet Srji, a seasonal desert lake that attracts a variety of migratory birds, including flamingos. From there, we visit Khamlia, a village known for its Gnaoua music and culture, brought to Morocco by descendants of West African slaves.

In the afternoon, we set off to explore the black Hamada desert, a stark yet mesmerizing landscape where we will meet nomadic families, share a cup of refreshing mint tea, and learn about their resilient way of life in the harsh desert environment.

Overnight in a hotel in Merzouga.

Day 9:

Merzouga – Erfoud – Todra Gorge – Dades Valley

After breakfast, we head toward Erfoud, often called the “fossil town” for its abundant prehistoric remains. You will have the chance to browse market stalls selling fossils, semi-precious stones, and desert crystals and visit the Usine de Marmar, a workshop specializing in fossilized marble.

Leaving Erfoud behind, we journey through Todra Gorge, a spectacular canyon where sheer cliffs rise 300m (985ft) high, creating one of the most dramatic landscapes in southern Morocco. This area is a popular destination for climbers, and you will have time to walk along the riverbed and admire the towering rock formations.

After lunch, we continue to the Dades Valley, where you will see impressive rock formations known as “monkey toes”, alongside ancient mud-brick kasbahs. The valley’s red and ochre landscapes, dotted with palm groves and traditional Berber villages, make it a truly magical place.

Overnight in a hotel or riad overlooking the Dades Valley.

Day 10:

Dades – Boutghrar – Valley of Roses – Ouarzazate

Today, we leave the Dades Valley and travel off-road through the Valley of Roses, where up to 4,000 tonnes of rose petals are harvested every spring to be processed into rosewater and essential oils. If visiting in May, you may experience the annual Rose Festival, a vibrant celebration of music, dance, and floral markets.

As we continue toward Skoura, you will see lush palm groves and beautifully preserved kasbahs, including Kasbah Amridil, one of the most famous in Morocco.

By late afternoon, we arrive in Ouarzazate, often called the “Hollywood of Africa” due to its world-renowned Atlas Film Studios, where blockbusters like Gladiator and Game of Thrones were filmed. You may choose to visit the Taourirt Kasbah, a historic fortress offering insight into the region’s past.

Overnight in a hotel or riad in Ouarzazate.

Day 11:

Ait Ben Haddou – Tizi n Tichka – Essaouira

After breakfast, we set off to visit the legendary Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Morocco’s most photographed and filmed locations. This historic ksar, with its towering mud-brick walls and narrow alleyways, has appeared in numerous films, including Lawrence of Arabia, The Sheltering Sky, and Gladiator.

Crossing the Atlas Mountains via the Tizi-n-Tichka Pass—the highest road pass in Morocco at 2,260m (7,417ft)—we travel through breathtaking landscapes and traditional Berber villages before arriving in Essaouira by late afternoon. This charming coastal city, with its whitewashed walls, blue shutters, and relaxed atmosphere, is a perfect contrast to the desert landscapes of previous days.

Overnight in a riad or guesthouse in Essaouira.

Day 12:

Essaouira – Sightseeing

Today, you will have a full day to discover the laid-back charm of Essaouira, a city famous for its historic ramparts, vibrant arts scene, and fresh seafood.

Your exploration begins at the Skala de la Ville, a fortress offering panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. You will also visit the Mellah (Jewish Quarter) and the UNESCO-listed Medina, where local artisans craft intricate Thuya wood carvings, textiles, and jewelry.

For lunch, you can sample freshly caught fish, grilled to perfection at one of the many seaside stalls. In the afternoon, enjoy free time to wander the main square, relax with a mint tea at a café, or stroll along the windswept beach.

Overnight in a riad or guesthouse in Essaouira.

Day 13:

Essaouira-Marrakesh

After breakfast, we leave Essaouira and head toward Marrakech, passing through the Argan tree forests that make this region famous. Along the way, you may spot local goats climbing the trees, a unique sight found only in Morocco.

We stop at a women’s cooperative, where you will learn about the traditional process of producing Argan oil, used for cosmetics, medicine, and cooking.

By afternoon, we arrive in Marrakech, where you will check in to your riad in the heart of the Medina. You may choose to spend the evening exploring the iconic Jemaa el-Fna Square, where fortune tellers, acrobats, snake charmers, and street performers bring the city to life.

Overnight in a riad in Marrakech.

Day 14:

Marrakesh Sightseeing

oday, your local guide will take you on a journey through Marrakech’s most famous landmarks. You will visit the Koutoubia Mosque, the towering Bahia Palace, and the Saadian Tombs, home to elaborate 16th-century royal mausoleums.

Next, you’ll explore the Medina’s lively souks, where skilled artisans craft traditional leather goods, jewelry, spices, and textiles. In the afternoon, enjoy a visit to the Majorelle Gardens, a stunning botanical retreat designed by Jacques Majorelle and later restored by Yves Saint Laurent.

The evening is yours to enjoy at leisure—whether you choose to indulge in a Moroccan hammam experience, shop for souvenirs, or take in the buzzing atmosphere of Jemaa el-Fna Square one last time.

Day 15:

Marrakesh-Airport

Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for some last-minute shopping or a relaxed breakfast before we transfer you to the airport. As your 15-day Moroccan adventure comes to an end, you will leave with unforgettable memories of Morocco’s landscapes, history, and hospitality.