Is Morocco on YOUR Bucket List?

A trip to Morocco is like visiting a dozen different countries! From the gorgeous red dunes of the Sahara Desert and the maze-like souqs of Fez, to the dazzling blue city of Chefchaeoen and the Alps-like High Atlas mountains, and the exotic romance of the kasbah of Casablanca and spice bazaars of Marrakesh - you will be overcome with the sights, sounds and aromas of Morocco!

Bucket List Travel is excited to offer this amazing 12-day, 11-night grand tour of Morocco that shows you all of this and so much more! 

Stop dreaming; start packing!!

The best time to visit Morocco is in September or October. The weather is warm but pleasant, unlike the cold temperatures and snow of winter, or the scorching heat of summer.

OCTOBER

October is one of the best months to visit Morocco, as temperatures are cooler and more comfortable. This is a great month for hiking in the mountains and visiting the Atlantic coast, with temperatures dropping in November. October is also date season in the desert region, which is when Skoura, Erfoud and the surrounding valleys are at their most lush and vibrant.

This moderately-paced, escorted tour covers  1,178 miles in 12 days - which means a lot of time on a bus. We will have free water, snacks and wifi on the tour bus every day, and will stop frequently for rest stops and tours. The longest day spent on the bus is between Fez and Erfoud (day 6), which is approximately 9 hours. 

The tour includes a reasonable amount of walking and requires an average level of physical fitness. Most of the sightseeing stops are between one to three hours.

We find our guests are happiest when they can roll with delays and last-minute changes that may happen in the unpredictable world of African travel. 

The best things you can bring with you are flexibility, patience, and a sense of humor!

Please plan to fly into and out of Mohammed V International Airport in Casablanca, Morocco.

You need to be in Casablanca on Friday, October 16, 2026, which means you will probably need to depart the USA on Thursday, October 15, 2026. 

We recommend that you select flights which arrive in your destination no later than 3 PM.

Please ASK US if you have any questions before you purchase your airfare!

Plan to depart from Casablanca in the evening on Tuesday, October 27, 2026.

If you are combining this with another trip, please make sure to check with us about arrival and departure flights.

Morocco has fantastic cuisine and the food will doubtless be a real highlight of your trip. 

There are two dishes for which Morocco is especially well-known, tagine and couscous. 

Tagine is a stew cooked in a conical earthenware pot, and often involves some contrast of sweet and sour: so whilst being essentially meat-based, you will find raisins, dates or almonds in there as well. 

Couscous, steamed semolina grains, is a real staple of Moroccan food. Served on a huge communal plate it is topped with a variety of things — chicken, lamb and steamed vegetables are the most common. Meat, other than in the forms above, is normally roast chicken or lamb, which is often served as brochettes — barbecued skewers.

Green mint tea is a ceremonial beverage deep-rooted in the Moroccan traditions. Mint tea is often used to welcome guests in a friendly atmosphere. This thirst-quenching tea is served in a small, colourful glass. Whether it’s served in the city or in the countryside, green mint tea is traditionally poured from three feet high. 

The best Moroccan pastries are msemen (square-shaped pancakes), batbout (similar to pitta), harcha (pan-fried semolina bread) and baghrir (Moroccan pancakes), among others. You won’t be able to get these anywhere else in the world or at least nothing nearly as good as the ones made by Moroccan women. 

Day 1: Arrive in Casablanca - drive to Rabat

Day 2: Rabat to Tangier

Day 3: Tangier to Chefchaouen

Day 4: Chefchaouen to Meknes

Day 5: Meknes to Fez

Day 6: Fez to Erfoud

Day 7: Erfoud to Merzouga

Day 8: Merzouga to Ouarzazate

Day 9:  Ouarzazate to Marrakesh

Day 10: Marrakesh 

Day 11: Marrakesh to Casablanca

Day 12: Depart from Casablanca

Please take a look at the detailed Itinerary below for more information about each location.

International travel is often challenging, and sometimes changes in the itinerary or accommodation are unavoidable. 

If changes are needed, Bucket List Travel will always make our best efforts to provide alternatives that are equal to or better than what was originally planned.

Morocco is a Muslim country that is relatively relaxed, but you'll still draw lot of unpleasant and unwanted attention if you choose to go out in revealing clothing.

Choose to wear something that covers your knees and shoulders and doesn't reveal too much cleavage when you are out in public.

Bring comfortable walking shoes, a sweater, clothes you can layer and an all-weather jacket.

 It may get quite cold in some areas we visit, so if you tend to be cold, make sure you bring warm clothes.

This 12-day, 11-night adventure is priced $3,899 per person double occupancy (not including airfare to and from Morocco). 

We have a payment plan which allows the entire cost of the trip to be paid in 12 equal monthly installments. (You are welcome to make larger payments at less frequent intervals if you choose.)

Single supplement is $850.

In the event that you need to cancel your trip, these fees will be applied:

• Between 150-101 days before your arrival date, $375.

• Between 100-61 days before your arrival date, 25% of the entire tour price.

• Between 60 and 46 days before your arrival date, 50% of the entire tour price.

• Between 45 and 31 days before your arrival date, 75% of the entire tour price.

• Between 30 and 1 days before your arrival date, 100% of the entire tour price.

Local currency is the Moroccan Dirham  (DEE-rahm). 

As of November 24, 2025, the exchange rate was 9.25  dirhams to $1 USD.

The dirham is a closed currency and you can only obtain it once in Morocco, and it should not be taken out of the country. Changing it - or spending it - once you've gone through airport security is next to impossible, so be sure to spend your dirham before getting to the airport.

Credit cards can be used in hotels, major restaurants and shops, but not in many other places. There are ATMs now in most of the major towns that will accept Cirrus debit cards and credit cards for cash advances, and money can be changed at the main bank branches.

ATMs are hard to find in the medinas.

Tipping is customary in Morocco.

We have estimated what you might expect to pay in tips during this trip:

Drivers = $5 × 11 days = $ 55

Porters = $4 × 8 = $32 

Restaurants = $2 × 15 meals = $ 30 

Hotels = $5 × 8 = $ 40 

Guides = $20 × 10 days = $ 200 

TOTAL $357

As a convenience to our guests, we offer you the option to pay this amount in advance so you don't have to worry about tipping during the trip. 

This is not required! 

But if you think it would make things easier for you during the trip, please check the option for "Tipping" when you register.

There are no vaccines required to enter Morocco.

All international travelers should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination.  These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.

CDC recommends these vaccines for travelers to Morocco:

• Hepatitis A and B

• Typhoid

Please make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond the dates of travel. 

When you’re walking through the markets, be careful when taking photos of people and shops. People may get angry at you and even demand money for the photos.

When taking photos of the snake charmers, you will be expected to pay 20 DH. Some may even hassle you for more, so it’s good to first establish a price before taking a photo.

What is a souk?

Being a popular place of trade, the Souk means Market in Arabic. It's the traditional supermarket of all Moroccans. You can go there find everything in a welcoming atmosphere ! In the urban environment, the souk usually nestles in the old medinas.

What is a Medina?

Medina means city in Arabic, and refers to the old towns as part of several Moroccan cities. Often walled and characterized by its intertwined alleyways, the medinas are home to traditions and culture, architecture and crafts. Those of Fez and Marrakech are the most famous ones.

What is a kasbah?

The Kasbah, which is built out of mud and straw, is a fortified building defined as several structures behind a defensive wall widely seen in the south of Morocco. Being home to lords, this fortified castle is an important heritage of Moroccan architecture and the villages. 

What is a Hammam?

Inherited from the Romans, the traditional Hammam plays an important part in Moroccans' everyday life, and represents a convivial space. The Hammam ritual includes: steam bath similar to sauna, skin exfoliation and showering.

What is a Riad?

The Riad, which means garden in Arabic, is an old house typical of the great Moroccan families. Composed of several rooms overlooking a patio with a fountain and a picture perfect garden, the Riad has wonderful craftsmanship and architectural work.

What is Zellige?

Zellige is the name given to the ornate and colourful tilework that can be found in many elegant buildings around Morocco. Small pieces of colourful tile are shaped by hand, using a fine chisel, and then set into white plaster to create intricate designs. In keeping with Islamic principles, designs are generally of geometric formations or flower-like patterns.

Can I drink the water?

NO. Make sure you always drink bottled water. Use bottled water to brush your teeth; don't open your mouth in the shower; and don't get ice cubes in your drinks.

Should I haggle for prices in the souqs?

YES! There will be no marked prices, so ask the cost of something you like - and expect a ridiculous price. Quickly decide how much you'd like to pay, and offer a little less than that amount. This will allow you to increase your price when the real negotiations begin. Always have a firm final price in mind, and don't go over it. If you don't come to an agreed price, politely say no thank you and walk away. Many times you'll find your final offer will be accepted. Don't trouble yourself wondering if you could have gotten a lower price.. If you paid a price you were happy with, that's all that matters.

Are pickpockets a problem?

As in big cities anywhere in the world, pickpockets will be working in crowded areas. Be very aware if anyone gets unusually close to you, or if several people surround you closely. Just be smart, and you'll be fine.

What language is spoken in Morocco?

Moroccans speak Arabic, Berber, andd French. English is spoken in most areas, but French is more common. English is not used as widely so if you don’t speak French, you may be challenged at times to communicate.

What can I buy in the souk?

Moroccan souks are frenetic, noisy and crowded, and sell a wide variety of crafts and souvenirs. Most popular purchases are ceramics, leather goods, carpets, textiles, spices, jewellery, lamps, shoes and everything in between.

What should I pack?

Bring comfortable walking shoes, a sweater, clothes you can layer and an all-weather jacket. Some religious sites may require modest dress to enter (no shorts, short skirts, or sleeveless tops).

What is the government of Morocco?

Politics of Morocco take place in a framework of a parliamentary constitutional monarchy, whereby the Prime Minister of Morocco is the head of government, and of a multi-party system. Executive power is exercised by the government. Mohammed VI is the King of Morocco. He belongs to the 'Alawi dynasty and ascended to the throne on July 23, 1999, upon the death of his father, King Hassan II.

Moroccan leather

The leather in Morocco is highly unique and tanned in a way that hasn’t changed in centuries.  You can get leather slippers, bags, jackets, wallets, belts and much more.

Argan oil

Argan trees grow in the south of Morocco, so it is a great place to buy Argan oil that is as natural as possible, made in the traditional Berber way. It is used for culinary and cosmetic reasons, and although it is widely famous for its benefits on all kinds of hair, it is also extremely efficient on acne and skin in general.

Lanterns

Lanterns make for great souvenirs, as their detailed features instantly remind you of the beauty of Morocco. They can be found in most markets and come in different sizes, shapes and materials. Beware of the aluminium ones, as they bend easily and might be a hassle to transport. The heaviest ones might be more expensive.

Rugs and carpets

Beautiful rugs are handmade in Morocco. Rug shops usually have a wide range of carpets on display and can even customise them and ship them to your home.

Babouche (also called  belgha)

Babouche means slipper in French and is widely known as such in the Kingdom.. Slippers are traditional Moroccan shoes, worn for centuries by men, women and children. They come in all colors, materials, patterns and shapes. The prettiest ones are vibrant and can be worn everywhere.

Our guests will arrive in Casablanca,  a port city  in western Morocco fronting the Atlantic Ocean, and be met by representatives from Bucket List Travel.

We'll drive you 56 miles to your in hotel in Rabat, the capital city of Morocco. 

We spend the night at Le Diwan Rabat , a first class boutique hotel located downtown and known for its colorful, modern rooms with an Art Deco theme, spa and restaurant (or similar).

Today we’ll tour Rabat, Morocco's capital, which rests along the shores of the Atlantic Ocean and the Bouregreg River. It has a real European feel, with cafés lining the streets, a selection of fine restaurants, and landmarks that speak to its Islamic and French-colonial heritage. 

We'll explore the Royal Palace, the official residence of the king of Morocco, and the country's most important museum. 

We'll visit Mohammed V Square to admire the historic Art Deco buildings with Islamic influences; and the Hassan II Mosque, whose minaret soars 575 feet above the city. 

We'll explore the ancient Kasbah of the Udayas - a small, fortified city within Rabat which dates to the 1100s. It’s now a charming little neighborhood with colorful streets and bustling cafes. 

After taking in all of Rabat, we'll drive 56 miles north to Tangier, a port located on the Strait of Gibraltar, and just 17 miles from the southern tip of Spain.

We'll have dinner and spend the night at the Hilton Garden Inn Tanger. 

Tangier is located on a bay of the Strait of Gibraltar, 17 miles from the southern tip of Spain. It is known as Europe’s gateway to Africa. The old town is enclosed by 15th-century ramparts, and dominated by the Sultan’s Palace, a Kasbah, and the Great Mosque. 

We'll discover two of Morocco’s most picturesque coastal locations, where the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean: Cap Spartel and the Cave of Hercules. 

We'll visit the Tangier American Legation, an elegant five-story mansion located in the Medina. A museum, cultural center, and research library, it holds historical and artistic artifacts and is home to a rich history of diplomatic relations between the United States and Morocco. It is the only American National Historic Landmark outside the United States.

We'll walk through Perdicaris Parc, a lush park with views of the Mediterranean from the hilltops. The park boasts hundreds of Eucalyptus trees from Australia, as well as California, Canary and Coconut palm trees. You’ll see hundreds of other varieties of trees and flowers in the park, fed, in part, by the yearly visits of migratory birds that travel from Europe to Africa. 

We'll experience the atmosphere of Tangier's largest market, the Grand Soco, and the legendary fortress called the Kasbah.

We’ll have dinner and overnight at Hilton Garden Inn Tanger. 

Early this morning, we'll leave Tangier and drive 71 miles to exquisite city of Chefchaouen, known as "Morocco's Blue Pearl." The city is painted in various shades of blue, a custom that dates back to the 15th century, when an influx of Jews escaping the Spanish Inquisition settled there. They brought the tradition of painting buildings blue to mirror the sky and remind them of God. The narrow blue pedestrian streets give ways to wide squares and breathtaking views over the lush valley below. Chefchaouen boasts one of the most hassle-free medinas in all of Morocco, with boutique shops selling beautiful crafts made right in the city.

Then we’ll drive 125 miles to Meknes, a scenic hilltop city with marvelous museums, mausoleums and intricate gates. Meknes' Medina holds the city’s historic sights, and souks where you’ll find crafts, textiles, and carpets. At its heart is the 12th-century Grand Mosque, and teahouses in secret courtyards, ornate riads, and hard-working donkeys add to the enchanting flavor. We'll see the vast El Hedim Square, which packs in all things typically Moroccan - pottery, leather, monkeys, and snake charmers.

We'll see the Bab el-Mansour Gate, completed in 1732. The gate is impressive not only for its size but its original green and white zellij tiles, marble columns and inscriptions from the Quran along the top.

We'll visit the Heri Es Souani - the royal stables and granaries. Designed to store huge amounts of grain and stable 12,000 horses, it gives you an idea of the sheer scale of this place, which was quite a feat of engineering.

We'll see for the scenic white-washed town of Moulay Idriss, a pilgrimage site named after Idriss ibn Abdallah, who ruled from 788 to 791 and is regarded as the founder of Morocco. Home to his mausoleum, the spot provides terrific views of the valley and surrounding countryside.

We'll continue to the impressive Roman ruins of Volubilis, a UNESCO site. Dating back to the third century BC, the city marked the western edge of the Roman Empire. We’ll wander through the streets admiring the buildings, olive presses, and beautifully preserved mosaics.

We'll drive 50 miles from Meknes to Fez, where we'll have dinner and spend the night at the Barcelo Fez Medina Hotel.

Today we'll have a full day tour in the beguiling medieval city of Fez, the country’s cultural capital. Once a world center of influence, Fez is a heritage site, and for centuries life there has largely gone on unchanged. It is primarily known for its Fes El Bali walled Medina, with medieval Marinid architecture, vibrant souks and old-world atmosphere. 

When you stroll beneath the famous blue gate of Bab Boujeloud, you are transported 1,000 years back in time. The bustling cafés and outdoor markets quickly give way to quiet narrow streets. 

The UNESCO World Heritage Medina of Fez is the oldest and largest in North Africa. The Medina is home to religious schools such as the 14th-century Bou Inania and Al Attarine, both decorated with elaborate cedar carvings and ornate tile work.

There are well over 60 public fountains inside the Medina, and one of the finest is the Nejjarine Fountain. Built in the 18th century, it features zellige (colourful geometric mosaic tilework) and stucco that form patterns as delicate as lacework.

The Karaouine Mosque was founded in 859 and has expanded over successive dynasties until it became the largest mosque in North Africa. There are tiles, plasterwork, woodcarvings, paintings and courtyards, which all add to the overall allure of this prestigious building. The building has undergone roughly 1,000 years of development, so you’ll see unusual differences in architectural and decorative style in this now massive building. 

We'll also visit the Mellah, or Jewish Quarter, established in Fez in 1438.  A walk through the Mellah provides a throwback to an earlier epoch. We’ll see the restored 17th century Ibn Danan Synagogue and an arresting Jewish Cemetery with 400 year-old tombstones.

We'll have dinner and spend the night at the Barcelo Fez Medina Hotel.

Early this morning, we depart from Fez and drive 250 miles to Erfoud, an oasis town popularly known as the Gates of Sahara Desert. We'll travel an idyllic route, admiring the parade of mountains, valleys, forests, and desert. 

We stop in the city of Ifrane, which has a Swiss alpine feel that is unique in Morocco. Located at an altitude of 5,460 feet in the Middle Atlas region, this small hill town has red-roofed houses, blooming flower beds, lake-studded parks and snowbound winters. This remarkable European-styled town is often referred to as “Morocco’s Switzerland.” 

Next, we visit Azrou, which translates literally to “rock” in the local language and is named for the large, black volcanic outcrop in the center of town. 

We'll stop for lunch in the town of Medelt in the plains of the Middle Atlas, and continue on to the oasis town of Erfoud.

We'll have dinner and overnight at the Kasbah Hôtel Xaluca Arfoud.

Today we will have a full day city tour of Erfoud. Popularly known as the Gates of Sahara, Erfoud offers the first awe-inspiring views of the largest desert on the planet. The town is dotted with ancient fortified villages called ksars, whose bustling streets and quaint houses are a photographer’s delight. 

Erfoud’s scenic sand dunes have been the setting for many Hollywood adventure movies. Experience the energy of a traditional Moroccan market at Erfoud’s Souq, where you can pick up Berber handicrafts or fresh dates (Morocco is one of the world's largest date producers). The region also boasts striking greenery in nearby oases, and thousands of precious mineral fossils on the road to Merzouga. 

We’ll also visit the nearby Royal Palace, which is famous as the only castle in the Sahara Desert; and the Bur-Est hilltop, which offers picturesque views of the town below.

We'll visit the fossil shops in the area, which geologists and archaeologists call "the largest open air fossil museum in the world.” About 540 million to 250 million years ago, the southeast of Morocco lay under the sea. Among fossils telling of this prehistoric history are petrified skeletons of dinosaurs dating back 65 million years, the solidified remains of turtles and crocodiles, and enough trilobite fossils to make it the trilobite capital of the world.

We'll make a stop at the Kasbah of Rissani, widely known as an ancient caravan center. Still a commercial hub of the region, the colorful Rissani souk is always bustling and crowded. 

We're in for a treat at our lodging tonight - Le Belle Etoile Desert Camp, a superior tented campground in the Erg Chebbi Desert. La Belle Étoile is strategically located in the middle of big orange sand dunes, where we’ll stay in fancy tents made of camel skin. We'll be treated to a Berber campfire dinner set to the sounds of our hosts’ drums, and marvel at the warm colors of the sunset before experiencing a night in the silent desert with its magnificent starry sky.

This morning we'll leave our desert tented camp at Merzouga and continue our 230-mile journey through some spectacular mountain gorges. We’ll drive through the magnificent Todgha and Dades Canyons around the hairpin bends of the “Road of a Thousand Kasbahs.” 

We’ll view breathtaking rock formations in colors from tan and beige to gold, rust, red, and dusky mauve. Overlooking the valley are historic Kasbahs and Ksours - fortified villages of the Berber people. 

We’ll visit the city of Tinghir, at the center of a lush oasis, and continue along the road with sheer and smooth rock walls up to 1,300 feet high. 

We'll have dinner and overnight at the 4-star  Kashbah Riad Hotel Dar Chamma in Ouarzazate. 

Traveling along a former caravan route, we’ll visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ait Benhaddou. A fortified city with its desert-dusted Kasbah and maze-like passages, it is considered a great example of Moroccan earthen clay architecture. It has served as a spectacular backdrop in movies and TV, from Lawrence of Arabia to Game of Thrones.

We’ll continue north via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, the highest mountain pass in North Africa, , with an elevation of 7,415 feet above the sea level.

We'll soon arrive in the energetic and spellbinding city of Marrakesh, where we’ll have dinner and spend the night at the 5-star Hotel Kenzi Rose Garden.

Today is dedicated to an up-close look at the spellbinding city of Marrakesh. The city has it all: Colorful souks selling handmade crafts and hand-woven Berber rugs, stunning gardens draped in flowers, and restaurants serving up delicious Moroccan cuisine. 

Within the high red walls of the Medina, just soaking up the atmosphere is the main tourist attraction in this colorful hubbub that echoes Morocco's vibrant soul. 

We’ll see the sparkling Menara Gardens, established in the 12th century, which have been listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

We’ll admire the painted wood ceilings, stained glass windows and intricately carved doors of the giant Bahia Palace, a 19th-century residence in the old city; and visit the Dar Si Saïd Museum, a 19th-century palace now featuring a display of Moroccan weaving and carpets.

Finally, we’ll tour the iconic souks of Jemaa el-Fna Square (assembly place of the nobodies), a vibrant hub of vendors, musicians, fortune-tellers, and snake charmers that springs to life every afternoon and parties on until midnight.

We'll have dinner and stay overnight at the 5-star Hotel Kenzi Rose Garden.

We’ll depart Marrakesh and drive three hours to scenic Ourika Valley. Nestled at the foot of a famous ski resort, Ourika rises to the hills of the High Atlas, where we’ll see typical Moroccan villages scattered. You’ll see the natural majesty of Morocco at its finest in this pristine peaceful place. 

From there, it’s on to Casablanca, the largest city in Morocco. Casablanca's history goes back to Berber settlements established 3,000 years ago. We’ll take a city tour and see the exterior of the Hassan II Mosque, the second largest mosque in Africa. The building is built partially on land and partially over the Atlantic Ocean. Six thousand traditional Moroccan artisans worked for five years to create this beautiful mosque. The minaret is 60 stories high topped by a laser, the light from which is directed towards Mecca.

We’ll drive along the beautiful Corniche seaside and continue to the city center to Mohamed V Square, a beautiful example of Moroccan Art Deco architecture, and Habous Quarter, designed in the 1930s featuring a mix of French and Moroccan architecture.

We’ll visit the Notre Dame de Lourdes Cathedral, completed in 1956. It is known for more than 8,600 square feet of breathtaking stained glass windows that light up the open interiors with colored beams of light. 

Tonight, we’ll share a farewell dinner, and overnight at the 5-star Mövenpick Hotel Casablanca. Say it with me: "I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.”

After breakfast we'll transfer to Casablanca airport, and bid farewell to enchanting, amazing Morocco.

Say it with me: " I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.”