Your driver will take you to Essaouira this morning via the seaside road. You will stop in a few of Morocco’s coastal towns along the way to stretch your legs and explore. In El Jadida, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built in the 16th century, you may visit the Portuguese Cistern. Enjoy lunch in the city after spending some time walking along the ramparts and exploring the Church of the Assumption.

Your final destination is the town of Essaouira, a small city on the Atlantic coast, well known for its historic medina and port. Travel across an extensive rolling plain and through areas filled with argan trees, where you may witness the unusual sight of goats climbing the trees to feed on the argan fruit. Upon arrival in Essaouira, you are free to wander through the medina and explore the port of Essaouira.

You are free to explore Essaouira at your own pace. You may begin by taking a stroll through the 75-acre old medina (30 ha). As you walk through the alleyways, you will find traditional souks, art galleries, and artisan shops selling local products. These streets eventually lead to Moulay El Hassan Square, the city’s main square, surrounded by restaurants and hotels and an ideal place to enjoy a meal.

Near the harbor, you can visit the Borj El Barmil Tower and the Skala of the Kasbah, two defensive fortifications built in the 16th century by the Portuguese. Walk along the wide sandy beach of Essaouira to watch surfers riding the wind-driven waves before returning to the city.

Say goodbye to the Wind City and travel to the Red City of Marrakech, following a route across rolling plains. Pass through forests of argan trees, unique to this region, where you may even see goats climbing the branches to feed on the argan fruit.

Embark on a guided tour with a local guide to explore the main attractions of Marrakech, often known as the “Red City.” Begin at Jemaa el-Fna Square and walk toward the souks. Traditional Moroccan slippers can be found in Souk Smata, while Souk Haddadine is known for silver, brass, and other blacksmith products.

Your guide will then lead you to the 19th-century Bahia Palace. Walk through its beautiful courtyard gardens and admire the stunning interiors, featuring intricate woodwork and ornate ceilings. The next attraction is the Koutoubia Mosque, the largest mosque in the city.

After the guided tour, spend the afternoon exploring the Majorelle Garden. The gardens are well known for the blue and yellow residence of the French artist Jacques Majorelle and were created by the French architect Paul Sinoir. With more than 300 different varieties of plants and flowers from various continents, the gardens offer a picturesque and peaceful way to conclude the day.

Start your journey in Marrakech, the bustling city of Morocco. Drive south toward Ouarzazate, a city known as the gateway to the Sahara Desert. Wind over the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, a winding mountain pass located in the High Atlas Mountains of Morocco. The pass is a popular route for crossing the Atlas Mountains and connects the cities of Marrakech and Ouarzazate. It is one of the highest passes in the region, reaching an elevation of 2,260 metres (7,413 ft). Enjoy the views of the mountains and valleys below, and along the way pass through several Berber villages.

Next, explore Aït Benhaddou, an ancient fortified city located in the foothills of the High Atlas Mountains of Morocco. It was once a major trading post on the caravan route between the Sahara Desert and Marrakech and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The kasbah is made up of a series of mud-brick dwellings built in the 11th century and has been used as a filming location for a number of Hollywood movies.

Continue east to the city of Ouarzazate, a famous filming location. Located on the edge of the Sahara Desert, it is a major hub for filmmaking in Morocco and has been used for many movies, including Lawrence of Arabia, Gladiator, The Mummy, and Babel. Ouarzazate is home to several studios, including Atlas Studios, the largest film studio in the country.

As you make your way toward Boumalne Dades along the Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs, you will pass numerous small towns where you may observe traditional farming methods still in use. Continue through fragrant Kelâat M’Gouna, the “Valley of the Roses,” known for its production of rosewater and rose oil and for its annual Rose Festival celebrating the rose harvest. About one hour later, you will reach Boumalne Dades.

Today you will travel to your final destination, the sand dunes of Erg Chebbi, located outside Merzouga. Depart from Dades Valley and travel toward Tinghir.

Along the way, stop in the Todra Valley, a beautiful sight to behold. Take in the vibrant greens and browns of the oasis, contrasted with the red and orange hues of the surrounding desert. Continue to the nearby Todra Gorge, a deep ravine reaching 984 feet (300 m) in height, carved by the Todra River. Walk along the gorge, admire the natural beauty, and explore its unique geological features.

Next, head to Erfoud, a town known for its annual Date Festival held every September. Erfoud is also famous for its prehistoric fossil sites, dating back to the Late Cretaceous period, around 65–85 million years ago. These well-preserved fossils offer insight into the evolution of different species.

Finally, journey to Merzouga, the gateway to the Sahara Desert. Here, you will have the opportunity to explore the sand dunes of Erg Chebbi, the highest dunes in Morocco. Enjoy an exciting camel ride to a nearby Berber camp, where you can watch the sunset over the dunes, savor a traditional dinner, and spend the night under the starry desert sky.

Start early and drive from Merzouga to Fes, a journey of about eight hours. Along the way, your driver-guide will stop at several attractions as you enjoy sweeping views across a distinctive landscape, featuring lofty mountains, boundless plateaus, and arid plains. Pass through various villages and the town of Erfoud before reaching Aoufous, where you will make your first stop to admire the oasis of thousands of palm trees in the Ziz Valley. This valley is home to many Berber villages and stunning palm groves and is also famous for its hidden Berber ksour built from a mud-and-straw mixture.

Continue traveling to Midelt via Errachidia, descending through the impressive Ziz Gorges and passing through the Tunnel du Légionnaire, built during the French colonization in 1928. Cross the High Atlas Mountains over the Tizi N’Tlghmet Pass (1,900 meters – 6,233 feet) before arriving in Midelt, where you will stop for lunch.

After lunch, continue your journey north over the Middle Atlas Mountains and across the Tizi N’Zad Pass (2,178 meters – 7,146 feet). Enjoy the scenery as you drive through the cedar forests of the Azrou region, with stops to observe Barbary ape families in the trees and along the roadside. You will arrive in Fes late in the day, passing through the city of Ifrane, often called the “Little Switzerland” for its clean streets, red-roofed houses, snowy winters, and high-altitude setting in the Middle Atlas Mountains, as well as through the town of Imouzzer. Enjoy your stay in Fes.

Begin your tour at the Royal Palace, the former residence of the Alaouite Dynasty. Explore the palace and the Jewish Quarter, known as the Mellah, as you walk along its narrow cobblestone streets.

Next, visit the Merenid Tombs, an abandoned necropolis located on a hilltop just outside Fes el Bali. Dating back to the 14th century, the tombs offer stunning panoramic views over the city below.

Continue your tour to Nejjarine Square, where you will find a variety of craftsmen, including woodcarvers, potters, and metalworkers. Admire the beautifully carved doors and mosaic tiles of the Nejjarine Fountain as you explore the square. Then visit Bab Boujeloud, a gate located at the entrance of the old medina. Built in the 18th century, it welcomes visitors to Talâa Kebira (“Big Hill”), the main street of the medina, and is decorated with intricate zellij tilework.

Discover the Al-Qarawiyyin Library and Mosque, considered the oldest library in the world. Established in 859 CE, it has been in continuous operation ever since and houses an estimated four thousand manuscripts and books, many dating back to the 9th century. The attached mosque is also a major religious and cultural landmark.

Continue to the Chouara Tannery, one of the oldest tanneries in the world and still in use today. Climb to the rooftop of a nearby leather shop for a better view of the 11th-century stone vats filled with dye and the workers carrying out the traditional tanning process. Experience the sights, sounds, and smells of this iconic site in the heart of the medina, and browse unique leather goods.

At the end of the tour, your guide will accompany you back to your accommodation.

Travel north to the blue city of Chefchaouen over the Rif Mountains. The city’s distinct color palette is believed to date back to the 15th century, when Jewish settlers painted the walls of their homes blue to ward off evil spirits. Today, the entire city is bathed in shades of blue, creating an unforgettable and picturesque experience for visitors.

Chefchaouen is a beautiful city located in the Rif Mountains of Morocco, known for its blue-washed buildings and relaxed atmosphere. Visit the kasbah, an ancient fortification that includes a garden, a museum, and former prison cells.

For those who are more adventurous, take the road east, cross the Ras el Ma Spring, and then climb the trail for 20 to 30 minutes to reach the white Spanish Mosque. From there, enjoy one last panoramic view of Chefchaouen as the sun sets behind the mountains.

There are many things to do in Chefchaouen, including exploring the medina, admiring the stunning views of the Rif Mountains, visiting the kasbah, and relaxing in the town’s many cafés and restaurants. You will also find plenty of shops where you can purchase souvenirs and handmade goods.

Morning departure toward the capital of Morocco, Rabat, located on the Atlantic coast, before ending your day in Casablanca.

Stop in Rabat to explore the Kasbah of the Udayas, built in the 12th century to overlook the Bou Regreg (Ribat) River. It served as a military base for the Almohad dynasty under Sultan Abdelmoumen and Yaakoub al Mansour. Visit the Andalusian Gardens, built in the 20th century during the French occupation, offering a peaceful escape from the crowds. Continue to the Hassan Tower, an unfinished mosque from the 12th century; today, only around 200 columns remain, along with the red stone tower standing at 44 meters (145 feet).

In the afternoon, continue to Casablanca and visit the Hassan II Mosque. Its 690-foot (210-meter) minaret is the tallest structure in Morocco and the tallest minaret in the world. The mosque’s impressive interior and surroundings make it unique and one of the few mosques in the country open to non-Muslim visitors.

End the day in Casablanca and settle into your accommodation.

Relax and enjoy your final hours in Casablanca before your transfer to the airport. Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport is approximately a 50-minute drive from your hotel.

We wish you a pleasant, safe journey home or onward to your next destination.