10 Days Exploring Morocco’s Best: From Tangier to Marrakech

After breakfast in Chefchaouen, the journey continues to the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage site with impressive mosaics and structures. Next, you'll visit Meknes, another Imperial City, exploring its historic medina and grand gates like Bab Mansour. The day concludes with your arrival in Fez, where you'll check into a riad in the medina for the night.

Today is devoted to discovering Fez, Morocco's spiritual and cultural heart, with a guided tour of its UNESCO-protected medina. You'll explore landmarks such as the Kairaouine Mosque and University, historic madrasas like Bou Inania, Nejjarine Square, the famous Chouara Tannery, and the Mellah (Jewish quarter), with views of the Royal Palace's golden gates. Enjoy a free afternoon for further exploration or shopping before another night in your Fez riad.

Leaving Fez, your journey south takes you through the Middle Atlas Mountains. You'll visit Ifrane, known as 'Moroccan Switzerland,' and the Cedar Forest National Park, home to Barbary macaques. Continuing through the scenic Ziz Valley and past Erfoud, known for its fossils, you'll finally reach Merzouga on the edge of the Sahara. Here, you'll swap your vehicle for a dromedary and trek across the stunning Erg Chebbi sand dunes to a traditional desert haima camp for dinner and an overnight stay under the stars.

Spend a full day immersed in the Sahara's unique atmosphere. After breakfast at the camp, you'll visit Khamlia, a village inhabited by descendants of sub-Saharan Africans, to experience their traditional Gnawa music. Later, embark on an exciting 4x4 adventure across desert tracks, possibly following old Paris-Dakar routes, to discover panoramic dune views and meet local desert nomads. You will then return to a hotel in Merzouga for dinner and your overnight stay.

After witnessing a desert sunrise and enjoying breakfast, you'll ride your dromedary back to Merzouga. The tour then heads to Rissani to explore its traditional market before continuing towards the impressive Todra Gorges with their towering canyon walls. You'll travel through the picturesque Dades Valley, known as the 'Route of a Thousand Kasbahs,' and the Valley of Roses, eventually arriving in Ouarzazate. Here, you'll visit the historic Kasbah Taourirt before dinner and an overnight stay in a hotel.

The day begins with a visit to the magnificent Ksar of Ait Ben Haddou, an iconic UNESCO World Heritage fortified village. Afterwards, your journey to Marrakech takes you through the High Atlas Mountains, with a stop at the historic Kasbah Telouet. You'll traverse the dramatic Tizi n'Tichka pass, enjoying breathtaking mountain scenery, before arriving in Marrakech in the late afternoon, where you'll check into your riad and have some free time.

Dedicate today to exploring the vibrant Imperial City of Marrakech. A guided morning tour will introduce you to highlights such as the Koutoubia Mosque (exterior view), the Saadian Tombs, the Bahia Palace, the Ben Youssef Madrasa, and the lively souks within the medina. The afternoon is yours to explore further, perhaps visiting the Majorelle Garden, Browse the artisan shops, or soaking in the atmosphere of Jemaa el-Fna square, before returning to your riad for the night.

After breakfast in Marrakech, you'll travel to the charming Atlantic coastal city of Essaouira. The route passes through argan tree forests, where you may have the chance to visit an argan oil cooperative. Once in Essaouira, a UNESCO World Heritage site, you'll have the day free to explore its historic ramparts, bustling fishing port, vibrant medina, and art galleries, or simply relax by the sea. Enjoy an overnight stay in a local riad.