12 Day Morocco itinerary

Upon your arrival at Casablanca Airport, our driver will be there to welcome and greet you. While visiting this charming city, you will see the Hassan II Mosque, the second-largest functioning mosque in Africa and the seventh-largest worldwide. We will then continue our drive to visit the famous Rick’s Cafe, made iconic by the movie “Casablanca.” Afterward, you will check in to your hotel.

Today, we will continue our journey to Rabat, the administrative capital of Morocco. You will start exploring Rabat, where ancient and modern elements collide amidst the tree-lined boulevards of this European-influenced city.

Our knowledgeable local guide will ensure you have a fantastic day. Among the many sights to see is the Kasbah des Oudayas, which features beautiful Andalusian gardens at the mouth of the Abu Regrag River. The Kasbah was initially built by the Almohad dynasty in the 12th century.

A highlight of your visit will be the Hassan Tower, another UNESCO World Heritage site in Rabat. This tower is part of an incomplete mosque constructed by the same dynasty in the 12th century. The mausoleum of Mohammed V and Hassan II is located nearby and showcases stunning architecture. While at this site, you will also have the opportunity to admire the impressive performing arts center.

After visiting Rabat, we will continue our journey via the Rif Mountains to Chefchaouen, where you will spend the night in a hotel or riad.

After breakfast, we will depart from Chefchaouen and head to the Roman ruins of Volubilis. A local guide will join us in visiting this historical site, which was part of the Roman Empire and dates back to 225 BC. Here, you can see some of Morocco’s most beautiful mosaics from that period.

Your guided tour will enhance your understanding of the Roman Empire.

Following our visit, we will continue our drive to Fes through the stunning foothills of the Rif Mountains. We will spend the night in a hotel or riad, which includes breakfast.

After breakfast, our knowledgeable local guide will take you on an adventure through Fes (or Fez), Morocco’s intellectual, cultural, and spiritual capital. Fes is best known for Fes El Bali, the walled medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its medieval architecture, vibrant souks, and old-world charm.

We will start our journey outside the medina by visiting the royal palace gate. Next, we will stroll through the Jewish quarter, known as “the Mellah,” the first Jewish quarter established in Morocco.

Once inside the medina, you will experience the sensory delights of the souks, where you can find exotic spices, vibrant textiles, and exquisite metalwork, among many other sights. Throughout the morning, we will wander through the souks and visit sites of cultural and historical significance, including the renowned Medrasa Bouanania, the el-Karaouine Mosque, and the University of Al Quaraouiyine, which is recognized as the oldest university in the world and was founded by a woman. We will also see the famous tanneries and the beautiful Najjarine Fountain.

After enjoying a Moroccan lunch at a local restaurant in the heart of the medina, we will head to a fortress that offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire medina. From there, we will visit a pottery cooperative. If time allows, we will drive through modern Fes to experience a different atmosphere. You will then enjoy overnight accommodation at your hotel or riad.

You will be picked up from your accommodation in Fes and begin your journey southeast to Merzouga. The first stop will be in the town of Ifrane, often called the “Switzer” and of Morocco” due to”its alpine-style architecture and nearby slopes and forests.

Next, we will visit the cedar forest in Azrou, where you can spot Barbary apes. Throughout the journey, we will pass many traditional Berber villages, offering opportunities to interact with the local inhabitants.

As we drive, you’ll be surprised by the stunning variety of landscapes we encounter. You can stop for lunch at any time that suits you. Continuing south, the scenery becomes even more breathtaking as we approach Ziz Valley and the High Atlas Mountains, which form a beautiful gorge. We will make several stops along the way for you to capture stunning photographs.

Our route will also take us through the warm and welcoming Berber villages of Erfoud and Rissani, the foundation of the Alaouite dynasty.

Upon arriving in Merzouga, you will embark on a guided camel ride led by an experienced camel guide. This ride will allow you to explore and enjoy the vast sand sea of Erg Chebi, with the camel guide ensuring you can witness the best sunset of your life.

You will spend the night in a luxurious desert camp equipped with flush toilets and hot showers. Dinner and breakfast will be provided at this Luxury Desert Camp.

Rise early to witness a breathtaking sunrise in the desert and try sandboarding near the camp. We’ll enjoy breakfast before returning to Merzouga village on camels. The Erg Chebbi desert experience is one of the highlights of our 12-day tour in Morocco.

Today, we’re heading to the Sahara Desert to explore its top destinations. Our journey will start in Khamlia Village, famous for its Gnawa music, which reflects a rich blend of cultural and traditional influences. You’ll appreciate their music, arts, and the fascinating stories behind them.

Next, we’ll immerse ourselves in the lifestyle of the Berber nomads, who still live in traditional tents in the desert. We’ll spend time in their tents and learn about their way of life. Their kindness and generosity are truly admirable.

After our enlightening visit with the nomads, we will head to “Galb El Nas,” known as one of the most stunning viewpoints in Merzouga—it translates to “people’s heart” in English. We will also visit Mifiss to explore a former kohl mine operated by the French. Along the way, we’ll take scenic breaks to appreciate the diverse beauty of the Sahara Desert. Finally, we will spend the night in a hotel.

Today, your camel man will wake you to witness a beautiful sunrise. You will see the sunlight illuminating the small golden dunes of Merzouga and the rocky, barren Sahara Desert. After breakfast at the camp, you can trek back by camel or, if you’ve had enough, take a 4-wheel drive back to the camp.

Next, you will head to the Dades Valley for another exciting day. First, you will visit the Todra Gorges, Morocco’s highest Morocco’swest gorge, where you might enjoy a one-hour hike. After lunch, the journey will continue to the Dades Valley, where you will be amazed by the area’s beauty, including unique rock formations known as “monkey toes” and “tunning san “castles. You will spend the night at a hotel with a bed and breakfast included.

After breakfast at your hotel, you will set off for Marrakech, traveling through the beautiful Dades Valley and passing by charming Berber villages, including the famous “rose town” of Kalaa Mgouna, renowned for its rose farming.

One of our main stops will be in Skoura, an oasis filled with numerous ancient kasbahs, some of which sadly stand in ruins among the palm trees. You will visit Amridil Kasbah, a historic fortified residence in the Skoura oasis, built during the 17th century. It is regarded as one of the most impressive kasbahs in Morocco and has been featured in films such as “Ali Baba and the 40 Thieves” and “Lawrence of Arabia.”

After this visit, we will continue our drive to Ouarzazate, often referred to as the “Hollywood of Africa. “Its stunning geography and landscape have attracted many world-class filmmakers.

Following lunch, you will have the option to visit the film studio, which is claimed to be the largest in the world, where movies like “Kingdom of Heaven,” “Gladiator,” “Body of Lies,” and “Star Wars” were filmed.

We will proceed to Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, just 25 kilometers from Ouarzazate. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a spectacular fortified village built in the early 20th century by T-hami El Glaoui, and it has become a popular location for renowned filmmakers.

The journey will continue to Marrakech, offering dramatic scenery as we cross the High Atlas Mountains via the magnificent Tizi n’Tichka Pass. We will arrive in Marrakech late afternoon and check in at your accommodation.

Today, you will enjoy a full-day guided tour of Marrakech, often referred to as the Red City due to the color of its buildings. This vibrant city is rich in historical monuments and attractions.

Your guide will take you to various key sites throughout the day. You will visit the beautiful Majorelle Garden, which features a variety of unique plants and flowers, and the Menara Garden, known for its large central pool. Other highlights include the iconic Koutoubia Mosque, Ben Youssef Madrasa, and the bustling Jemaa el-Fna Square.

You will return to the same riad where you will be staying.

After breakfast, we will depart from Marrakech and head towards Essaouira. Along the way, we will stop to see the Argan trees, where you can often spot goats climbing to eat the Argan nuts and leaves. This is a fantastic experience, especially for photographers. We may also have the opportunity to visit a women’s cooperative focused on producing Argan oil, where you can learn about its various uses and benefits, both cosmetic and medicinal.

Continuing our journey to Essaouira, formerly known as Mogador, we will explore one of Morocco’s most important coastal cities. Essaouira is rich in history, featuring impressive squares, fortified walls, and historical sites. The city’s fortified walls, complete with cannons, were built to protect against invaders. Additionally, we will visit the old Medina, which has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After our explorations, we will proceed to your hotel and spend the night in Essaouira.