9 Day Classic Morocco

Welcome to Tangier, the gateway between Europe and Africa! Upon arrival at Tangier Port or Airport, your private driver will be waiting to greet you at the airport exit or port arrival area with a sign displaying your name. From here, enjoy a comfortable transfer to your hotel, where you can settle in and relax.

Depending on your arrival time, you may wish to take a stroll through the city’s lively streets, visit the Medina, or unwind at a café overlooking the Strait of Gibraltar.

🛏 Overnight: Hotel in Tangier

After breakfast at your hotel, meet your driver for a guided exploration of Tangier, a city rich in history and culture. Your tour includes visits to:

• Cape Spartel – where the Atlantic and Mediterranean meet, offering breathtaking coastal views.

• The Sultan’s Palace – a historic residence showcasing Moroccan craftsmanship.

• The Necropolis – ancient Phoenician tombs with views over the Strait of Gibraltar.

• The Hercules Caves – a legendary site linked to Greek mythology.

• The Kasbah – a hilltop fortress with panoramic views of the medina.

• The Medina & Souk – wander through the bustling marketplace, where you’ll have free time to explore the narrow alleys filled with local crafts and spices.

After exploring Tangier, enjoy lunch at a traditional Moroccan restaurant before continuing your journey to Chefchaouen, the famous "Blue City" nestled in the Rif Mountains.

Upon arrival, take in the charm of this picturesque town, known for its blue-washed houses, peaceful atmosphere, and stunning mountain backdrop. Chefchaouen is also a great place to shop for unique local handicrafts, including woven blankets and wool garments, or simply relax in the medina’s main square, Outa el Hammam.

🛏 Overnight: Hotel or Riad in Chefchaouen
🍽 Meals Included: Breakfast

Approx distance: 112 km

Depart early from Chefchaouen, traveling through the scenic Rif Mountains as you make your way toward the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis. Along the journey, enjoy stunning views of rolling hills and picturesque countryside.

Volubilis

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Volubilis is one of the best-preserved Roman ruins in North Africa. Explore the impressive remains of basilicas, grand arches, and intricate mosaics, which offer a glimpse into the region’s Roman past. Not far from here lies the holy town of Moulay Idriss Zerhoun, where Idriss I, the founder of Morocco’s first Islamic dynasty, is buried.

Meknes

Continue to Meknes, one of Morocco’s four imperial cities, known for its rich history and grand architecture. Highlights include:

• Bab Mansour – An ornate city gate decorated with zellij (mosaic tiles) and inscriptions.

• Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail – The resting place of the powerful 17th-century sultan who transformed Meknes.

• Heri es-Souani – A vast granary and stable complex built to support the sultan’s army.

After exploring Meknes, continue your journey to Fes, Morocco’s spiritual and cultural capital, arriving in the late afternoon.

🛏 Overnight: Hotel or Riad in Fes
🍽 Meals Included: Breakfast

Approx distance: 309 km

After breakfast set out to explore Fes, Morocco’s oldest imperial city and a UNESCO-listed treasure. Step into the past as you wander through the labyrinthine alleyways of Fes el-Bali, the sprawling old Medina filled with centuries-old souks, mosques, and madrasas.

Begin your tour with a visit to the Royal Palace Gate, an impressive set of bronze doors leading to one of the king’s residences. Nearby, explore the Mellah (Jewish Quarter), the first of its kind in Morocco, dating back to the 14th century.

Your journey continues with some of Fes’ most significant landmarks:

• Bab Bou Jeloud (Blue Gate) – The grand gateway into the ancient Medina.

• Bou Inania Madrasa – A stunning 14th-century religious school, renowned for its intricate zellige tilework and carved cedarwood.

• Al-Qarawiyyine University – Founded in 859 AD, the oldest continually operating university in the world.

• Tanneries of Fes – Witness the traditional process of leather dyeing in vast stone vats.

• Moulay Idriss Mausoleum – The sacred tomb of Fes’ founder.

• Andalusian Quarter – A historic area with Andalusian architectural influence.

• El Glaoui Palace & Palais el Mokri – Former palaces showcasing Moroccan craftsmanship.

• Dar Batha Museum – A 19th-century palace-turned-museum, home to stunning ceramics and textiles.

• Marinid Tombs – Climb to these hilltop ruins for a breathtaking panoramic view over Fes el-Bali.

After lunch, visit a tiles cooperative to see traditional Moroccan craftsmanship before ending your day with a spectacular panoramic view over the Medina.

🛏️ Overnight in Fez

After breakfast, depart Fes and begin your journey south towards the Sahara Desert. Today’s drive takes you through some of Morocco’s most diverse landscapes, from lush cedar forests to dramatic desert scenery.

Your first stop is Ifrane, often called the Switzerland of Morocco for its alpine-style architecture and pristine surroundings. Continuing through the Middle Atlas Mountains, stop in Azrou, a Berber village nestled in the largest cedar forest in Morocco, where you may encounter the Barbary macaques that inhabit the area.

From here, travel through the scenic Tizi N’Talghamt Pass to Midelt, where you'll enjoy a break for lunch. As you continue south, the landscape gradually transforms, offering breathtaking views of the Ziz Gorge and Ziz Valley, known for its lush palm groves and ancient kasbahs.

Passing through Errachidia, Erfoud, and Rissani, you’ll reach Merzouga in the late afternoon. Upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed with refreshing mint tea before embarking on a camel trek into the dunes of Erg Chebbi. As the sun sets over the golden sands, enjoy a magical ride to your desert camp, where you’ll settle into your traditional Berber tent.

In the evening, savour a traditional dinner under the stars, followed by live drumming and Berber music around the campfire.

🐪 Experience: Camel ride in the Sahara dunes
🛏 Overnight: Desert camp in Merzouga
🍽 Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Approx distance: 465 km

Wake up early to witness one of the most breathtaking sunrises over the Erg Chebbi dunes. As the golden light spreads across the vast Sahara, soak in the tranquil beauty of the desert. After sunrise, return to the camp for breakfast, then embark on a camel trek back to Merzouga. Along the way, admire how the shifting light transforms the dunes into a stunning palette of gold and orange hues.

Back in Merzouga, meet your driver and begin your journey towards the dramatic landscapes of Todra Gorges. Along the way, stop in Rissani, a historic desert town, where you can visit the Mausoleum of Moulay Ali Cherif, the founder of Morocco’s ruling Alaouite dynasty. Continue to Erfoud, known for its fossilized marble, where you may visit a local workshop showcasing fossilized stones and artifacts.

Arriving at Todra Gorges, take a short walk through the towering canyon walls, which rise up to 300 metres high. These dramatic cliffs, carved by the Todra River, create a breathtaking natural wonder, making it a paradise for climbers and nature lovers alike. Enjoy lunch in the valley before continuing your journey.

In the late afternoon, travel through the scenic Dades Valley, often referred to as the "Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs." Along the way, admire the majestic sandcastle-like kasbahs and the fascinating rock formations known as "Monkey Fingers."

🛏 Overnight: Dades Valley
🍽 Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Approx distance: 260 km

After breakfast, depart Dades Valley and travel along the scenic Road of a Thousand Kasbahs, where ancient fortresses stand against the backdrop of dramatic desert landscapes. Your first stop is Kalaat M’Gouna, the heart of Morocco’s Rose Valley. Here, you’ll have the option to visit a local cooperative to learn about the production of rose water and beauty products made from locally grown roses.

Continue to Ouarzazate, often called the "Gateway to the Sahara", known for its historic kasbahs and thriving film industry. A short drive brings you to Ait Ben Haddou, Morocco’s most famous UNESCO-listed kasbah. This iconic mud-brick fortress, built in the 19th century by El Glaoui, has been featured in numerous films, including Gladiator and Game of Thrones. Wander through its narrow alleyways and climb to the highest point for panoramic views over the valley.

After lunch, continue your journey across the High Atlas Mountains, ascending the breathtaking Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260m). Along the way, visit a Berber women’s cooperative to learn about the traditional production of Argan oil, a specialty found only in Morocco.

Arrive in Marrakech by late afternoon, where you’ll settle into your accommodation for the night.

🛏 Overnight: Riad/Hotel in Marrakech
🍽 Meals Included: Breakfast

Approx distance: 350 km

After breakfast, begin your guided exploration of Marrakech, known as the "Red City" for its distinctive red sandstone walls. Today, you’ll discover some of the most iconic landmarks and hidden treasures of this vibrant city.

Start at the Majorelle Gardens, a peaceful oasis of exotic plants and vivid blue architecture once owned by fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent. Visit the towering Koutoubia Mosque, an architectural masterpiece and Marrakech’s most famous landmark. From here, head to the Saadian Tombs, a beautifully restored 16th-century royal necropolis, and continue to the Bahia Palace, an opulent 19th-century residence showcasing intricate Moroccan craftsmanship.

For lunch, enjoy a meal at a traditional restaurant near Jemaa el-Fna, the city's bustling main square. In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the souk’s maze-like alleyways, where you can browse handwoven rugs, leather goods, spices, and jewelry. Don’t miss the chance to visit the dyers’ souk, where artisans use traditional methods to color textiles.

For a final glimpse into Marrakech’s history, visit the Ben Youssef Madrasa, a stunning 16th-century Islamic college adorned with intricate cedarwood carvings, geometric tilework, and grand courtyards.

Spend the rest of the afternoon at your own pace, whether relaxing in a rooftop café or exploring more of Marrakech’s enchanting streets.

🛏 Overnight: Riad/Hotel in Marrakech
🍽 Meals Included: Breakfast

GOODBYE MOROCCO

After breakfast, you will be transferred to MarrakechAirport. This marks the end of your incredible journey through Morocco.

We hope you’ve had an unforgettable experience exploring the history, culture, and landscapes of this beautiful country, and wish you a safe and pleasant journey home.

Approx distance: 225 km