Morning in Casablanca, Afternoon in Chefchaouen

Casablanca - Welcome to Morocco! Begin your journey in the vibrant coastal city of Casablanca. The city’s highlight is the modern and grand Hassan II Mosque, inaugurated in 1993. It stands on a promontory extending into the Atlantic Ocean, offering stunning views. With a 690-foot (210 m) minaret, it is the tallest structure in Morocco and the tallest minaret globally. Uniquely, it is one of the few mosques in the country open to non-Muslims. Join a guided tour to admire the exquisite Moroccan and Islamic craftsmanship.

Rabat - Travel north to the charming blue streets of Chefchaouen in the Rif Mountains, pausing in Rabat, the current capital city. Discover the medieval Chellah Necropolis and its Roman and Islamic ruins. Visit the Bab Oudaia gate and the Kasbah des Oudaias, a 12th-century fortress from the Almohad era. Then, explore the Hassan Tower, a minaret of the unfinished mosque, and the Mausoleum of Mohamed V.

Chefchaouen Medina - Continue north to Chefchaouen, named after the two peaks above the hillside town, meaning “two horns.” Stroll through the steep, cobbled streets and admire the picturesque blue buildings. Relax in Place Outa el Hammam with a mint tea, and browse the colorful shops. Visit the nearby kasbah and explore the 15th-century fortress and dungeon. As the day ends, head uphill to the abandoned white Spanish Mosque for a final view of Chefchaouen as the sun sets behind the mountains.

Roman Ruins at Volubilis, Meknes, and Fes

Volubilis - Meet your driver and head south towards Fes. Stop to visit the Roman ruins of Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage site founded in the 3rd century BCE, remarkably well-preserved. Next, explore Meknes, a smaller, calmer version of Fes, where shopkeepers are less insistent. Meknes is large, but the main attractions are the Ville Impériale (Imperial City) and the manageable medina. Don’t miss the grand Bab al-Mansour gate and the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail.

Meknes - Continue east to Fes. Before entering the medina, drive up to the Merenid Tombs for a panoramic view of the medieval city. The best time to visit is around dusk when the muezzin’s calls echo through the valley as the city lights begin to glow, enhancing the atmosphere. Return to your traditional riad for a warm meal and a restful evening.

Fes: Exploring the Imperial City and Medieval Medina

Fes - Fes is the oldest of Morocco’s four Imperial Cities and perhaps the most fascinating to explore. It boasts the most complete medina in the Arab world, largely unchanged since its founding over 1000 years ago. Often regarded as the country’s cultural capital, it comprises three parts: two medina quarters, Fes el Bali and Fes el Jdid, and the more modern, French colonial-influenced Ville Nouvelle. Meet your guide for a half-day tour to learn about the history and culture as you navigate the narrow medina streets.

Fes el-Bali - Begin at the Bab Boujeloud gate and enter the main thoroughfare of Talâa Kebira. Observe the Spanish and Tunisian architectural influences as you pass shops and souks. A unique sight in the old Medina is the tanneries, with Chouara Tannery being a standout. Climb to a nearby leather shop’s rooftop for a better view of the 11th-century stone pots filled with dye and workers using age-old techniques.

Fes - Proceed to the 14th-century Al Attarine Madrasa, a stunning example of Moroccan architecture and craftsmanship, showcasing intricate zellij tilework. Then, visit one of the world’s oldest universities, Al-Qarawiyyin University, next to the Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque (859 CE). Although the mosque is only open to Muslims, there are spots where you can glimpse its decorated interior. Cooking enthusiasts might enjoy a cooking class to learn how to prepare a traditional Moroccan meal before retiring for the night.

Middle Atlas: Erfoud, Merzouga, and the Sahara

Ifrane - Start your day early and travel south towards Merzouga. Ascend to an elevation of 7,146 feet (2,178 m) over the Col du Zad pass and through the cedar forests of the Middle Atlas mountains. Spot local Barbary macaque monkeys before stopping for lunch in Midelt, known as the ‘apple city,’ near the Moulouya River. Continue over the Tizi n’Talremt pass into the Ziz Valley, famous for its hidden oases and palm tree clusters. Along the road, you’ll see many fortified houses, or ksars, built to protect valuable goods like gold, salt, and spices.

Erfoud - Proceed to Erfoud, renowned for its date festival and fossil mining. Visit a local collective to learn about the process and meet artisans. Continue to Erg Chebbi, a vast sea of sand dunes covering 13.5 square miles (35 square km). The massive dunes shift and move with the wind! Upon reaching Merzouga, switch to camelback to traverse the dunes to your pre-arranged camp. Climb a nearby sand dune to watch the sunset before returning to camp for a delicious dinner by the campfire.

Desert Towns, Lush Oases, and Film-Worthy Landscapes

Merzouga - Catch the sunrise before renting a sandboard to test your skills. Leave the dunes and head to Khemliya to experience a traditional Saharan village, originally inhabited by people from Mali. Continue west to Rissani, a market town with a livestock auction and a unique “donkey parking lot,” a must-see experience! Proceed to the desert town of Tinerhir before reaching the 984-foot (300 m) deep Todra Gorge. You’ll have time to explore the gorge and relax in the cool waters of the shallow Todra River.

Ouarzazate - Travel through the Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs. Though many kasbahs are now in disrepair, some are still inhabited by local families. You might even encounter nomads herding their animals. Head west to Kela’a M’gouna, known for its Festival des Roses, where you can see extensively cultivated farmland bordered by fragrant rose bushes. Continue west to Ouarzazate, a gateway to the Sahara Desert popularized by the film industry. Join a studio tour to discover how the nearby desert landscapes have been featured in numerous films.

Aït Benhaddou Kasbah and Tizi n’Tichka Pass over the High Atlas to Marrakech

Ait Ben Haddou - Visit the nearby Aït Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site believed to date back to the 11th century, when it was a key stop along the trans-Saharan trade route between Marrakech, Ouarzazate, and the southern desert. Follow the narrow streets to the Granary for a view of the surrounding landscapes. Then, ascend the High Atlas mountain range and look out for Mount Toubkal, the highest peak at 13,671 feet (4,167 m). Stop near the top of the Tizi n’Tichka pass (7,415 feet or 2,260 m) to enjoy the views over the mountain range.

Marrakech - As you descend the High Atlas, notice the dramatic change in climate and landscape. Soon, you’ll be immersed in the vibrant atmosphere of Marrakech. After a long day on the road, settle into your hotel and spend the afternoon at your leisure. In the early evening, the main square, Jemaa el-Fna, the busiest in Africa, comes alive with musicians, performers, snake charmers, games, and food stalls, offering a variety of entertainment. For a more relaxed experience, choose one of the many cafés surrounding the square to enjoy a meal.

Marrakech: Exploring the Red City

Marrakech - Known as the “Red City” for its red sandstone walls and buildings, Marrakech was once a vital trading hub for Atlas mountain tribes and remains an exciting former imperial city. Begin exploring Marrakech’s ancient medina, starting with the Koutoubia Mosque and Gardens. Although non-Muslims cannot enter the mosque, its 12th-century foundations and 253-foot (77 m) minaret are worth seeing. Visit the fountains and pools in the adjoining garden.

Jemaa el-Fnaa - Immerse yourself in the sensory delights of the intricate labyrinth of souks, hidden behind ordinary restaurants and shops. Explore Souk el Attarin, Souk Chouari, and Souk Smata for a variety of spices, woodwork, and babouche (traditional Moroccan slippers). Visit Souk des Teinturiers, or the dyers’ souk, to see traditional cloth and yarn dyeing methods. Next, admire the exquisite Moroccan Islamic architecture of the Ben Youssef Madrasa, a 16th-century Koranic school, and note the ornate details of its interior: carved cedar ceilings, sculpted plaster, and zellij tiling.

Head to the airport in the evening for your departure flight.

• Dinner
• Breakfast

• Lunch

Explore the wonders of Morocco on this exciting 7-day journey starting in Casablanca and concluding in Marrakech. Experience the charm of the four imperial cities: Rabat, Meknes, Fes, and Marrakech. Journey along ancient caravan paths in the desert, enjoy an overnight stay camping amidst the Saharan dunes, and immerse yourself in traditional Berber music. Uncover ancient fortified kasbahs and secret oases before ascending the High Atlas mountains into the vibrant city of Marrakech.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.