Grand Morocco Tour: North to South

Welcome to Tangier—the gateway between Europe and Africa. Located close to the south of Spain, visit the medina (old quarter), a café in the Zoco Chico square, or take a stroll along the promenade.

Travel to the blue-washed city of Chefchaouen in the Rif Mountains. Enjoy the scenic route, stopping along the way to hike to the Cascades d’Akchour.

Chefchaouen offers endless winding narrow streets and picturesque buildings. Find Plaza Outa el Hammam for a restaurant or café and enjoy a meal while people-watching.

Though non-Muslims are not permitted to enter, the Grand Mosque is still worth a visit. Explore the nearby kasbah and its gardens, museum, and former prison cells. Follow a path outside the city walls to Hotel Atlas for a panoramic view, or continue toward the Spanish Mosque for sunset views over the city.

Rise early before leaving for Fes. Stop at the UNESCO-protected Volubilis ruins, the Roman Empire’s farthest reach in Africa. Explore merchant homes, temples, and mosaics.

Continue to Meknes, visiting the Ville Impériale and medina, including Bab al-Mansour gate, the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, and the Royal Stables.

Continue to Fes. Before entering the medina, visit the Merenid Tombs for panoramic views before returning to your riad for the evening.

Fes is the oldest of the imperial cities in Morocco and a UNESCO-protected site with preserved medieval character.

Explore Fes el Bali and Fes el Jdid with a guide through narrow streets and souks offering spices, leather goods, and pewter.

Visit the Chouara Tannery, Al Attarine Madrasa, and Al-Qarawiyyin University. End with a visit to the mellah for another view over the city.

Travel south through the Middle Atlas mountains, passing cedar forests and spotting Barbary macaques. Stop in Midelt for lunch and continue through the Ziz Valley.

Approaching Erfoud, observe the first signs of the Sahara dunes. Continue to Merzouga and ride a camel into the desert.

Arrive at camp before sunset and enjoy dinner, music, and a night under the stars in a Bedouin-style tent.

Wake early for sunrise and optional sandboarding or desert tours. Visit Khemliya village for traditional music and culture.

Continue to Rissani, known for its livestock market and local atmosphere.

Travel to Tinerhir and visit Todra Gorge, where you can walk along the river and enjoy the dramatic red limestone cliffs.

Travel through the Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs and Dades Valley. Stop in Kelâat M’Gouna to visit a rose collective.

Continue to Ouarzazate and explore film studios and the Musée du Cinema.

Arrive at Aït Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore the ksar and enjoy views from the granary before dinner overlooking the valley.

Travel over the High Atlas mountains via Tizi n’Tichka Pass, with views of Mount Toubkal.

Stop at an Argan Oil cooperative before descending toward Marrakech.

Arrive and relax, then explore Jemaa el-Fna in the evening, filled with performers, food stalls, and music.

Explore Marrakech’s souks, including spice, blacksmith, and slipper markets. Visit the Koutoubia Mosque and relax in its gardens.

Continue to Ben Youssef Madrasa and admire the intricate architecture. Visit museums or explore the Kasbah area, including the Saadian Tombs, the El Badi Palace, the Bahia Palace, and the Mellah.

Travel to Essaouira along the coast, passing argan forests and visiting a cooperative.

Explore the port city, including Skala de la Kasbah and the UNESCO medina. Walk along the beach and enjoy fresh seafood.

Return to Marrakech and, if time allows, visit Majorelle Gardens. Enjoy the gardens’ peaceful atmosphere before departing.