Itinerary
- Day 1
Casablanca to Rabat
Your private driver collects you from Casablanca airport and takes you to Rabat where you'll settle into your luxury accommodation. After lunch at a restaurant of your choice, your driver helps you navigate to the blue-painted Oudaya neighborhood, which sits above the Atlantic. You'll explore the UNESCO-listed Kasbah and its Andalucian gardens before heading to the ramparts to catch the sunset. The day finishes with dinner at one of Rabat's well-regarded restaurants.
- Start point
- Rabat, Rabat-Salé-Kénitra, Morocco (HOTEL)
Included Activities
- Guided exploration of Rabat with private driver
- Visit to Kasbah of the Oudayas (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Explore Andalucian gardens
- Sunset viewing from ramparts
Optional Activities
- Lunch at recommended restaurant
- Dinner at French or Italian restaurant in embassy quarter or medina
Landmarks Kasbah of the Oudayas - Day 2
Meknes - Moulay Idriss - Volubilis - Fes
The day starts at Hassan Tower, a 12th-century minaret that was abandoned during construction, followed by the Mausoleum of Mohamed V where you'll see the intricate tilework. From there you'll head to historic Meknes and walk through the manageable souks filled with spices and local goods. Next comes the holy city of Moulay Idriss where you can see the emerald-green round minaret and grab lunch. After that, you'll explore the Roman ruins at Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where an optional private guide is available. The day ends in Fes at your five-star riad, and you can opt for a hammam or massage in the evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit to Hassan Tower monument
- Visit to Mausoleum of Mohamed V
- Exploration of Meknes medina and souks
- Visit to Ville Impériale area in Meknes
- Visit to Moulay Idriss holy city
- Exploration of Volubilis (UNESCO World Heritage Site) - Roman ruins
Optional Activities
- Private guided tour at Volubilis (tailored to interests)
- Lunch in Moulay Idriss
- Relaxing massage at Fes hammam in evening
- Dinner at luxury riad or recommended restaurant
Landmarks Hassan Tower Mausoleum of Mohamed V Volubilis Moulay Idriss - Day 3
Fes
After breakfast, your local guide takes you through the UNESCO-protected Fes medina, walking the charming alleyways and narrow roads while sharing stories about the neighborhood. You'll observe daily life and check out the grandiose madrasas and palaces as you go. In the afternoon, you visit the iconic tanneries and mosaic workshops where you'll meet local craftspeople and learn about their artistry and history. Back at your riad you can relax, explore more of the medina, or take an optional private cooking class with an English-speaking chef to learn traditional techniques using North African ingredients.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided exploration of Fes medina (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Visits to tanneries
- Visits to mosaic workshops
- Meetings with local craftspeople
Optional Activities
- Private cooking class with English-speaking chef (additional cost)
- Lunch recommendations from guide
- Dinner recommendations from guide
- Free exploration of medina
Landmarks Fes Medina - Day 4
Fes
Start with a leisurely breakfast at your riad and some relaxation or a neighborhood walk. Then you'll head to your five-hour private cooking class. The class begins at a nearby souk where you shop for produce like locals do. You'll prepare a traditional four-course meal using fragrant spices, vibrant saffron, and preserved lemon while learning about traditional Moroccan cooking methods. At the end of class you feast on what you've created. The rest of the day is yours to relax at your riad, enjoy the hammam, or explore more of Fes.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Traditional four-course meal prepared during cooking class), Dinner
Included Activities
- Private traditional Moroccan cooking class (5 hours)
- Visit to local souk for produce shopping
- Preparation of traditional four-course meal
Optional Activities
- Relaxation at riad hammam
- Further exploration of Fes
- Dinner at recommended restaurant
- Day 5
Fes to Merzouga (Sahara Desert)
This is an early start with breakfast followed by your road trip across the Middle Atlas Mountains through Azrou and the Cèdre Gouraud Forest where Barbary Macaque monkeys inhabit ancient cedar trees. You'll stop for lunch in Midelt, known as Morocco's 'Apple City,' then cross steep mountain ranges and broad valleys through the Ziz Valley along the ancient Saharan Trade Route. The drive takes you past fortified ksars, ancient water-mining systems, and nomadic shepherds, then through Erfoud before massive dunes appear as you approach Merzouga. You mount a camel for a sunset ride across the dunes to your luxury glamping camp at the foot of the dunes, where you'll enjoy Berber meals and live music.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Incredible meals prepared by local Berber tribesmen)
Included Activities
- Crossing of Middle Atlas Mountains through Azrou and Cèdre Gouraud Forest
- Observation of Barbary Macaque monkeys
- Journey through Ziz Valley
- Observation of ksars and nomadic shepherds
- Stop in Erfoud market town
- Camel trek across Erg Chebbi dunes at sunset
- Glamping experience at luxury desert camp
Optional Activities
- Lunch stop in Midelt
- Visit to local artisan collective in Erfoud to learn about fossils (additional cost)
Landmarks Cèdre Gouraud Forest Ziz Valley Erg Chebbi Dunes Ziz Gorge - Day 6
Merzouga to Tinghir
Rise early to catch sunrise over the dunes and enjoy a well-prepared breakfast in camp. You'll travel back across the desert to Merzouga to meet your private driver, and you can consider stopping in the desert community of Rissani to explore a traditional market and see the 'donkey parking lot.' Your 3.5-hour drive takes you to Tinghir oasis at the foot of the Atlas mountains, traveling through remote desert plains, high mountains, and plateaus with umbrella-shaped Acacias. Optionally stop in Alnif to see local fossil workshops. After lunch in Tinghir you explore the lush oasis before entering the vertical Todra Gorge, where you walk rustic trails and experience the Todra oasis. Later you settle into your beautifully-appointed Kasbah for the night.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Beautifully prepared breakfast in camp), Dinner
Included Activities
- Sunrise viewing over dunes
- Camel trek return to Merzouga
- Exploration of Rissani traditional market
- Journey through remote desert landscape
- Exploration of Todra Gorge
- Exploration of Todra oasis
- Visit to rustic trails in canyon
Optional Activities
- Stop in Rissani to explore market and "donkey parking lot"
- Stop in Alnif to see local fossil workshops
- Lunch in Tinghir
- Dinner at ambitious local restaurants in Todra oasis
Landmarks Rissani Tinghir Todra Gorge - Day 7
Todra to Ouarzazate
You'll travel along ancient trade routes through the Valley of A Thousand Kasbahs with plenty of stops for photos whenever you like to see the iconic fortified towns. Next comes Boumalne Dadès oasis town and you can optionally explore the dramatic Dadès Gorge with its rust and mauve-striped mountains and an irrigated valley of fig, almond, and olive orchards dotted with crumbling kasbahs. Then the route heads through the Valley of Roses, the heart of rose oil production where you'll smell the perfumed Provence Roses during spring harvest. You end in Ouarzazate and visit the iconic ksar of Ait Benhaddou, believed to date from the 11th century as a major trans-Saharan trade route stop. That night you retire to your kasbah across a dry riverbed from Ait Benhaddou.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Travel through Valley of A Thousand Kasbahs
- Visit to Boumalne Dadès
- Exploration of Valley of Roses
- Visit to Ait Benhaddou ksar (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Optional Activities
- Exploration of Dadès Gorge
- Lunch in Boumalne Dadès
- Nighttime stroll to view valley in moonlight
Landmarks Boumalne Dadès Dadès Gorge Valley of Roses Ait Benhaddou - Day 8
Ouarzazate to Marrakech
You have the option to explore Ait Benhaddou one more time in the morning light before leaving the Sahara. Then you cross the High Atlas Mountains through the towering Tizi-n-Tichka pass, taking in incredible panoramic views and looking for Mount Toubkal, North Africa's highest peak. As you descend the north-facing slopes you notice the dramatic change in climate and landscape with deep river valleys and abundant almond and walnut orchards. After checking into your luxury riad in Marrakech you unwind at a slower pace with mint tea by the pool. In the evening, head to Jemaa el Fna square to watch it come alive with musicians, performers, and snake charmers, or dine in one of the surrounding cafes or explore the modern food scene in the new city.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Crossing of High Atlas Mountains through Tizi-n-Tichka pass
- Scenic viewing of Mount Toubkal
Optional Activities
- Early morning exploration of Ait Benhaddou
- Exploration of Jemaa el Fna square
- Street food experience at food stalls in Jemaa el Fna
- Dinner at cafe around Jemaa el Fna square
- Exploration of modern food scene in Marrakech new city
Landmarks Tizi-n-Tichka Pass Mount Toubkal Jemaa el Fna - Day 9
Marrakech
After breakfast you meet your local private guide for exploration of Marrakech, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and second oldest imperial city in Morocco. You'll wander through lively souks and maze-like alleys, taking in djellabas, colorful babouches, intricately-pierced lanterns, and mounds of exotic spices. Your guide shares history and stories of the Medina, Souk, and Mellah neighborhoods. In the afternoon you explore the Saadian Tombs and the late 19th-century Bahia Palace with its intricately carved wooden ceilings, fountains, and floor tilework. You also visit the ruins of El Badi Palace from the Saadian dynasty. In the newer Ville Nouvelle area you stroll through the Majorelle Gardens, an iconic retreat with two and a half acres of peaceful water gardens, Morocco's only Berber art museum, and Yves Saint Laurent's gallery.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Private guided tour of Marrakech medina (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Exploration of souks
- Visit to Saadian Tombs
- Visit to Bahia Palace
- Visit to El Badi Palace ruins
- Visit to Majorelle Gardens
- Visit to Morocco's Berber art museum (within Majorelle Gardens)
- Visit to Yves Saint Laurent gallery (within Majorelle Gardens)
Optional Activities
- Lunch recommendations from guide
- Attendance at Marrakech Folklore Days or other events at El Badi Palace (depending on visit timing)
Landmarks Marrakech Medina Saadian Tombs Bahia Palace El Badi Palace Majorelle Gardens - Day 10
Marrakech
Today is for rest and rejuvenation at your riad or exploring the city independently. You can shop in the souks, spend time in the Majorelle Gardens and Yves Saint Laurent Museum, or discover the Menara Gardens with an optional camel ride and visit to the ancient reflecting pool. If you're interested, arrange to meet a local family to learn how to cook a traditional meal in their home and connect through food and conversation. In the evening, dive into the city's vibrant culinary scene, sampling food stalls in Jemaa el Fna Square or enjoying a multi-course meal at an upscale eatery.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Rest and relaxation at riad
- Shopping in city souks
- Exploration of Majorelle Gardens
- Visit to Yves Saint Laurent Museum
- Exploration of Menara Gardens
- Camel ride in Menara Gardens
- Private cooking class with local family (additional cost)
- Lunch and dinner at various recommended restaurants
Landmarks Majorelle Gardens Menara Gardens - Day 11
Marrakech
Rise before dawn for a hot air balloon ride over Marrakech at sunrise. You'll drive through the dark to the mountains and board your balloon, then watch the sun climb over the highest mountains in North Africa and illuminate the Red City far below. After your flight you'll enjoy a delicious and scenic Berber breakfast before returning to Marrakech. The rest of the day is yours, so you can take a private cooking class with a culinary master, explore independently, shop at a market, or arrange any other custom experience with your driver and specialist. Dine back at your luxury riad or head to one of the city's great restaurants.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Delicious and scenic Berber breakfast after balloon flight), Dinner
Included Activities
- Hot air balloon ride at sunrise over Marrakech
- Scenic Berber breakfast after balloon flight
Optional Activities
- Private cooking class with culinary master (additional cost)
- Self-guided exploration of Marrakech
- Market shopping
- Private tours or bespoke experiences (additional cost)
- Dinner at luxury riad or recommended restaurant
Landmarks Marrakech - Day 12
Marrakech to Casablanca
You'll leave early and head to Casablanca via the coastal route, stopping to visit two old Portuguese fortified cities. The first stop is El Jadida where you'll tour the hauntingly beautiful Portuguese cistern and explore the ramparts and Church of the Assumption. Next is Azemour, a crumbling 16th-century medina that has inspired many Moroccan artists to live here. Squeezed between the Oud Er-Rbia (Mother of Spring River) and the ocean, the town offers plenty of artistic inspiration. Enjoy a traditional fish lunch at local authentic fish market stalls or from recommended food vendors. Upon arrival in Casablanca you check into your chic downtown hotel, then explore trendy neighborhoods like Maarif with its French-style market and Ain Diab beachfront community with the Morocco Mall. Stroll the Corniche waterfront to watch locals promenade, especially before sunset.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Traditional fish lunch from Atlantic's bounty), Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit to El Jadida Portuguese cistern
- Exploration of El Jadida ramparts
- Visit to Church of the Assumption in El Jadida
- Exploration of Azemour 16th-century medina
- Exploration of Casablanca trendier neighborhoods (Maarif, Ain Diab)
- Stroll of Corniche waterfront
Optional Activities
- Traditional fish lunch at Atlantic fish market stalls
- Buy fish from market and have grillmasters cook for small fee
- Dinner at recommended restaurant
Landmarks El Jadida Portuguese Cistern El Jadida Church of the Assumption Azemour Corniche, Casablanca - Day 13
Casablanca
This is your departure day from Morocco. Depending on your flight departure time, you may be able to do some last-minute sightseeing in Casablanca or enjoy tea at traditional cafes. When it's time, your driver takes you to Casablanca's Mohammed V International Airport for your flight.
- End point
- Casablanca, Casablanca-Settat, Morocco (hotel)
Optional Activities
- Last-minute sightseeing in Casablanca (depending on flight time)
- Traditional tea at local cafes
Landmarks Mohammed V International Airport
