Welcome to Marrakech!

Upon your arrival at Marrakech Menara Airport, a reliable English-speaking driver will greet you warmly, assist with your luggage, and ensure a smooth transfer to your Riad. After checking in, take the remainder of the day to unwind and settle into the enchanting ambiance of Marrakech at your own pace.

After a delightful breakfast in Marrakech, set out on a guided tour of the city with a certified English-speaking local guide. Your exploration begins with the 16th-century Saadian Tombs, a stunning testament to Morocco’s royal past, followed by the “Dar Si Said” Museum of Moroccan Arts, where intricate craftsmanship takes center stage. Stroll through the aromatic Menara Gardens, admire the iconic Koutoubia Minaret, and step into the breathtaking Bahia Palace, renowned for its exquisite tiles, lavish courtyards, and elegant fountains.

Following a lunch break at your leisure, venture to Djemaa el-Fna Square, a vibrant hub where fortune-tellers, acrobats, vendors, snake charmers, and magicians create a captivating, ever-evolving spectacle. As evening approaches, consider an unforgettable dinner show at Le Comptoir restaurant, blending entertainment with culinary delight, before returning to your Riad for a restful overnight stay.

Following breakfast in Marrakech, embark on a scenic three-hour journey to Casablanca. Upon arrival, marvel at the grandeur of the Hassan II Mosque, an architectural masterpiece overlooking the Atlantic. After a suggested lunch break, continue to the nearby city of Rabat, where you’ll check into your hotel. Spend the remainder of the day at your leisure, soaking in the relaxed charm of Morocco’s capital.

After breakfast in Rabat, set off for the enchanting city of Chefchaouen, nestled amidst the Rif Mountains. Renowned for its striking blue-washed walls and winding narrow alleyways, Chefchaouen exudes a serene yet vibrant charm, brimming with life and allure. Arrive in the afternoon and enjoy an orientation of this peaceful town, soaking in its unique atmosphere. Spend the night in Chefchaouen, resting in its captivating embrace.

After breakfast in Chefchaouen, embark on a journey to Fes, with enriching stops along the way. First, explore the Imperial City of Meknes, often dubbed the “Moroccan Versailles,” founded in the 17th century by King Moulay Ismail and famed for its impressive 25-mile-long walls. Next, step back in time at the Roman city of Volubilis, a significant outpost near the western edge of the Roman Empire. Built on the site of a third-century BC Carthaginian settlement, Volubilis served as the administrative heart of Mauretania Tingitana in Roman Africa. Its fertile lands yielded abundant grain and olive oil, exported to Rome, fueling the province’s prosperity and prominence.

After delving into these historic gems, continue to Fes, arriving in the late afternoon to check into your accommodation, ready to uncover the wonders of this ancient city.

Following breakfast, join your private tour guide for an immersive exploration of Fez, Morocco’s first imperial city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site established in the 9th century. Renowned as the home of the world’s oldest university, Fez offers a captivating blend of history and culture. Your morning begins with a visit to the entrance of Morocco’s largest royal palace, an imposing symbol of the city’s regal past. Next, enjoy a scenic drive to the southern tower of Fez, where you’ll take in a stunning panoramic view of the sprawling medina below.

Continue your journey with a stop at a pottery cooperative, where skilled artisans craft intricate tiles and Moroccan mosaics. Then, step into the vibrant world of the tanneries, observing local craftsmen as they skillfully process animal hides—goat, camel, and cow—using time-honored techniques. Your tour weaves through the medina’s treasures, including a visit to a historic Madrassa (Koranic school), the ornate Nejjarine Fountain, the revered Moulay Idriss Mausoleum, and the illustrious Karaouine Mosque University, alongside its storied library.

Pause midday to savor a Moroccan lunch at a traditional restaurant in the medina (at your own expense). Refreshed, delve deeper into the labyrinthine alleys of the medina, where hundreds of merchants and artisans line the narrow streets, offering an array of goods—from sweet dates and fresh fish to aromatic spices, gleaming copper urns, and handcrafted musical instruments. As the day draws to a close, return to the Riad for a restful overnight stay.

Today, embark on a scenic journey south toward the Sahara Desert, a 6.5-hour drive that promises to be both comfortable and captivating, thanks to our skilled drivers. To break up the trip, we’ve planned an overnight stay in the city of Erfoud, ensuring you’re refreshed for a full day of desert exploration tomorrow. As you travel, the landscape transforms from fertile valleys to the lush cedar forests and serene lakes of the Middle Atlas Mountains. Pause for a delightful picnic lunch at the nature reserve of Midelt, then continue through the striking palm groves and fortified villages of the Ziz Valley, arriving in Erfoud around 4 p.m. Settle in and relax, with the wonders of the Sahara awaiting you.

Enjoy a leisurely morning in Erfoud at your own pace before setting off toward the village of Merzouga, with a stop at the holy city of Rissani. This sacred site is home to the Mausoleum of Moulay Ali Sherif, the resting place of the Alaouite Dynasty’s ancestors. Explore the evocative ruins of Ksar Abbar, a 17th-century Kasbah steeped in history, then continue to the village of Khamlia, celebrated for its vibrant Jazz and Gnawa music traditions.

Arrive at an auberge near the dunes, where you’ll savor lunch and unwind for a couple of hours. In the late afternoon, embark on an hour-long camel trek, witnessing the sun dip below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the Erg Chebbi dunes. Conclude your day by settling into the desert camp for a memorable overnight stay.

Following a hearty breakfast in Merzouga, set out for Ouarzazate, a midway point on your journey back to Marrakech. Along the way, enjoy several scenic stops, including the dramatic Todgha Gorge, where towering cliffs frame a stunning natural wonder, and the fragrant Rose Valley, known for its blooming beauty. Arrive in Ouarzazate in the afternoon and check into your Riad, where you can relax and recharge for the next leg of your adventure.

After breakfast in Ouarzazate, we will embark on a scenic 33-kilometer journey to the renowned Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here, you will have the opportunity to explore the historic kasbah and admire its striking architecture.

Following the visit, we will begin our return trip to Marrakech, crossing the breathtaking Atlas Mountains. Along the way, we’ll pass through the picturesque Ounila Valley, home to charming Berber villages. After approximately one hour, we will arrive at the Kasbah of Telouet, once a stronghold of the Glaoui family. This historic site showcases exquisite tilework and intricate zellij wood carvings. Nearby, a local café offers a delicious fig tajine—a perfect opportunity to savor regional flavors.

Continuing our drive, we’ll traverse the stunning Tizi n’Tichka Pass, the highest major mountain pass in the High Atlas, before joining the main route to Marrakech. The total driving time is approximately four hours, with plenty of opportunities to take in the dramatic landscapes.

Upon arrival in Marrakech, we will ensure timely drop-off at the airport for your departing flight.