Today, we will head further north to the mysterious city of Tangier, which is the closest gateway to Europe from Africa. Once arrived in the city, you’ll have a visit to the Neolithic Hercules caves which are shrouded in mystery. Have a short break in the promontory Cap Spartel where it is believed the Atlantic and the Mediterranean seas converge. Later, you will drive to the Kasbah district where you’ll have a guided walking tour with the possibility to visit the Kasbah Museum as well. Pass by the local bakeries, Hammam, and countless mosques on your way to the vibrant Medina with its bustling Souks. Each one is organized into sections including the Petit Socco and the Grand Socco. Once you’ve had your fill of the Medina, a quick visit to the American Legation, is worthwhile, as it’s the oldest diplomatic U.S. property in the world.

Accommodation: El Minzah B&B.

Dining options: Casa Garcia

Today is a bit of a travel day, as our destination, Chefchaouen, is tucked far away in the beautiful Rif Mountains. We’ll enjoy the stunning nature views during our drive, and will check in to the Riad on arrival. If you’ve still got energy after the trip, there’s the option to do a light hike at Akchour. 

Accommodation: Lina Ryad & Spa.

Dining options: Restaurant Hicham, Café Clock

Walk around this gem of a town, strolling into the city’s old medina, Uta el Hmmam square, the 15th century Grand Mosque with its unique octagonal minaret, and the Kasbah. Built in the 17th century by the Sultan Moulay Ismail, it served as an Arab stronghold and a prison during the Spanish occupation of the northern part of the kingdom. The Kasbah also has an interesting a museum displaying the local handcrafts, photographs, and furniture.

Accommodation: Lina Ryad & Spa.

Today you’ll travel to the 1200 year-old medina of Fes, stopping along the way for a visit to the Roman ruins of Volubilis and Moulay Iddriss.

Accommodation: Riad Laaroussa B&B.

 Starting at 9:00 AM, begin your guided walking tour of this fascinating medieval city, which is an un-missable experience on any Moroccan itinerary. Your tour will include the largest and most authentic medina (ancient part of the city) with its incredible maze of medieval twisting alleys, blind turns, mosques, shrines, fountains and every conceivable kind of market. This tour of historic Fez also features the 17th century medrasas (schools), the Sefarine Squares and their fountains, and the old Karaouine University. It is a full day and the sights, smells, and sounds of the medina will invigorate your senses and fill you with energy.  

Potential lodging: Riad Laaroussa B&B.

Today you drive south towards Midelt, pausing at Ifrane, known to some as Morocco’s Switzerland (it’s no wonder the town hosts Morocco’s most elite university). Your journey will continue through the only remaining Cedar forest in north Africa, where you’ll take another break observe the Barbary apes. There will be countless opportunities along the drive to stop for photos and to enjoy the  splendid panoramic views. This is truly a spectacular drive.

Accommodation: Villa Pomme d’Or (half-board with dinner included).

Continue heading south, driving through the Ziz Valley Gorges and the palm groves of the big Oasis, before arriving in Erfoud, home of fossils. If you’re interested, you can take a short break here to visit some of the sites where they’ve discovered the fossils, before continuing on to your final destination, Merzouga.

Accommodation: Riad Madu (half-board with dinner included).

Welcome to the desert! Today we’ll visit Rissani souk and learn more about Merzouga and the breathtaking Erg Chebbi sand dunes. You’ll also get to attend an African folkloric music/dance performance in Khamlia village, visit the Sarji lake (if it has water), and enjoy lunch at a local home. Afterwards, you’ll have a few hours by the pool before you mount the camels for your ride through the dunes. This is the highlight of many traveler’s trip to Morocco and it is a unique and wonderful experience. You’ll then spend the night in the desert under the stars.

Accommodation: Madu luxury tented camp (half-board with dinner included).

Dining options: lunch at Nora Merzouga

After breakfast, you depart the desert via the ancient desert town of Rissani, heading toward the dramatic Todra Gorges via Tinejdad and Tinghir towns. Once at the gorges, we’ll take a walk along the river and stop to relish the panoramic views of the old mud-built berber villages overlooking the valley. Lunch will be had in a restaurant sitting 600 feet below the towering red cliffs of the gorges, which many rock climbers come to enjoy. Later you’ll continue on to the gorgeous Dadès Gorges, where you’ll have the option for a light hike.

Accommodation: Chez Pierre (half-board with dinner included).

Leave Dadès and head to Ouarzazate, the city best-known as Morocco’s Hollywood. After, we’ll stop in the photogenic Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, which in the past was a rest point for caravans, and more recently has been the scene for many international movies, such as Lawrence of Arabia, Sheltering Sky, and Gladiator. Get ready, because next we will be driving into the majestic High Atlas Mountains, reaching over 7,000 feet of elevation. This is one of the most scenic drives in the country and it is a site to behold. We’ll make our way through the mountains, arriving in Marrakesh in the evening.

Accommodation: La Maison Arabe B&B.

Dining options: Nomad, Comptoir Darna, Mama Mia

Today is all about exploring Marrakesh, and your guided tour will start at 9:00 AM. The tour features several famous monuments, including the soothing and relaxing Les jardin Majorelle, the Koutoubia Minaret (identical to the la Giralda tower in Sevilla, Spain), and the Saadian tombs, which represent Moorish architecture at its finest. The tombs, which include several sixteenth century mausoleums, lay undiscovered behind walls until 1917. The tour will also will include a meander through the different parts of the Souk and a visit to the famous Djama El fna square.

Accommodation: La Maison Arabe B&B. 

You’ll have the day free to explore Marrakesh, do some shopping, enjoy leisurely meals, visit a Hammam, and even join a cooking class, if you’re interested.

Accommodation: La Maison Arabe B&B.

Today is devoted to touring the charming town of Essaouira, which means picture in Arabic. A Portuguese port in the past, the town is unlike anywhere in the rest of the country and has an international feel to it. The medina, the romantic port, and the ramparts are all located within a few steps from each other. This makes Essaouira’s medinas one of the easiest to self-navigate, although you’ll already be a pro at this point. After thoroughly exploring this lovely town, we’ll head backto Marrakech for the evening.

Accommodation: La Maison Arabe B&B.

Dining options: Silvestro

Sadly, this is the end of your time with us here in Morocco. Transfer can be arranged to the airport in either Casablanca or Marrakesh. 

Safe travels!