Grand Tour of Morocco
CC BY-SA 3.0 • Photo by Remi Jouan via Wikimedia Commons

Grand Tour of Morocco

14-day route from imperial cities to Sahara dunes

14 days • Challenging difficulty • Est. €950

Day 1: Arrival in Casablanca & Hassan II Mosque

Arrive in Casablanca, check into your hotel, and visit the iconic Hassan II Mosque. Enjoy a seafood dinner by the port.

  • 10:00

    Arrival & Transfer to Hotel

    Transfer from Mohammed V International Airport to your hotel in the city center or near the Corniche.

  • 11:30

    Hassan II Mosque

    Visit the 210m minaret mosque on the Atlantic promontory. Non-Muslims can take guided tours.

  • 14:00

    Lunch at Port de Pêche

    Fresh seafood lunch at one of the many restaurants along the port.

  • 16:00

    Corniche Walk

    Relaxing walk along the Atlantic coast promenade.

Meals: Lunch at Port de Pêche, Casablanca , Dinner at City Center, Casablanca

Where to stay: Stay in Casablanca city center or near the Corniche for easy access to sights.

Getting around: Taxis are readily available. Metro is also an option for longer distances.

Day 2: Rabat: Imperial Capital

Travel to Rabat, Morocco's capital. Visit the Kasbah of the Udayas, Hassan Tower, and the Chellah Necropolis.

  • 08:00

    Train to Rabat

    Take the ONCF train from Casablanca to Rabat Ville. Scenic ride along the coast.

  • 11:00

    Kasbah of the Udayas

    Explore the blue and white fortified neighborhood with views of the Atlantic.

  • 13:00

    Lunch in Rabat Medina

    Traditional Moroccan lunch in the medina area.

  • 14:30

    Hassan Tower & Chellah

    Visit the unfinished Hassan Tower and the adjacent Roman ruins of Chellah.

  • 17:00

    Moulay Hassan II Mosque

    View the exterior of the largest mosque in Africa.

Meals: Lunch at Rabat Medina , Dinner at Agdal District, Rabat

Where to stay: Stay in Rabat, preferably near the Medina or Agdal district.

Getting around: Walking and local taxis are sufficient within Rabat.

Day 3: Chefchaouen: The Blue Pearl

Drive north to the Rif Mountains to reach Chefchaouen. Explore the famous blue-washed medina.

  • 08:00

    Drive to Chefchaouen

    Scenic drive through the Rif Mountains to Chefchaouen.

  • 14:00

    Lunch in Chefchaouen

    Check-in and early lunch at a rooftop restaurant with medina views.

  • 15:30

    Explore the Blue Medina

    Wander through the blue streets, visit the main square (Place Outa el-Hammam), and local shops.

  • 18:30

    Ras El Ma Waterfall

    Walk to the waterfall at the edge of the medina for photos and relaxation.

Meals: Lunch at Chefchaouen Medina , Dinner at Chefchaouen Medina

Where to stay: Stay in a traditional Riad or hotel within the medina for the full experience.

Getting around: Private car transfer recommended for comfort and flexibility.

Day 4: Chefchaouen & Drive to Fes

Morning in Chefchaouen, then drive through the Middle Atlas mountains to Fes.

  • 08:00

    Morning in Chefchaouen

    Visit the Spanish Mosque for panoramic views of the town.

  • 10:30

    Drive to Fes

    Long drive through the Middle Atlas mountains, passing through cedar forests.

  • 16:00

    Dinner in Fes

    Arrive in Fes and dinner at a traditional restaurant in the medina.

Meals: Lunch at En route or Fes outskirts , Dinner at Fes el-Bali

Where to stay: Stay in a Riad inside Fes el-Bali (Old Medina).

Getting around: Private car transfer is essential for this long day.

Day 5: Fes: The Spiritual Heart

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Fes el-Bali, including the tanneries and madrasas.

  • 09:00

    Fes el-Bali Guided Tour

    Guided walking tour of the old medina, including Al Quaraouiyine University.

  • 12:00

    Lunch in the Souks

    Traditional tagine lunch in a hidden courtyard.

  • 13:30

    Place Seffarine

    Watch master copper-smiths at work in the historic square.

  • 15:00

    Chouara Tanneries

    View the famous leather tanneries from the upper terrace.

  • 16:30

    Bab Ftouh & Bou Jeloud

    Explore the ancient gates and the surrounding gardens.

Meals: Lunch at Fes Medina , Dinner at Fes Medina

Where to stay: Stay in Fes el-Bali.

Getting around: Walking is the best way to explore the medina; hire a local guide.

Day 6: Volubilis & Moulay Idriss

Visit the Roman ruins of Volubilis and the holy town of Moulay Idriss before returning to Fes.

  • 09:00

    Drive to Volubilis

    Short drive from Fes to the Roman ruins.

  • 10:00

    Volubilis Roman Ruins

    Explore the best-preserved Roman site in North Africa.

  • 12:30

    Lunch in Moulay Idriss

    Lunch in the nearby holy town.

  • 14:00

    Moulay Idriss Zerhoun

    Visit the shrine of Moulay Idriss II.

  • 16:00

    Return to Fes

    Drive back to Fes for the evening.

Meals: Lunch at Moulay Idriss , Dinner at Fes

Where to stay: Stay in Fes el-Bali.

Getting around: Private car or taxi recommended for day trip.

Day 7: Fes to Merzouga via Ziz Valley

Drive east towards the Sahara Desert, passing through the Ziz Valley and Midelt.

  • 07:00

    Drive to Merzouga

    Long driving day through the Middle Atlas and into the desert region.

  • 12:00

    Lunch in Midelt

    Stop in Midelt for lunch and a break.

  • 16:00

    Ziz Valley Overlook

    Stop at viewpoints overlooking the palm groves of the Ziz Valley.

  • 18:00

    Dinner in Merzouga

    Arrive in Merzouga village and dinner.

Meals: Lunch at Midelt , Dinner at Merzouga Village

Where to stay: Stay in Merzouga village or a guesthouse near the dunes.

Getting around: Private 4x4 or minivan transfer.

Day 8: Sahara Desert Experience

Camel trek into the Erg Chebbi dunes, overnight in a desert camp under the stars.

  • 15:00

    Camel Trek

    Ride camels into the Erg Chebbi dunes as the sun sets.

  • 16:30

    Sunset at Dunes

    Watch the sunset over the golden sands.

  • 18:00

    Dinner & Music in Camp

    Traditional Berber dinner and music around a campfire.

  • 21:00

    Stargazing

    Enjoy the clear desert skies.

Meals: Dinner at Desert Camp

Where to stay: Luxury desert camp with private tents.

Getting around: 4x4 transfer to the dunes.

Day 9: Merzouga to Dades Gorge

Cross the desert to the Dades Valley, visiting the Todgha Gorge along the way.

  • 07:00

    Sunrise in the Desert

    Early morning views of the dunes.

  • 08:00

    Drive to Dades

    Drive west towards the High Atlas mountains.

  • 12:00

    Lunch in Tinghir

    Lunch in the town of Tinghir.

  • 13:30

    Todgha Gorge

    Hike through the spectacular limestone canyon.

  • 16:00

    Dinner in Dades Valley

    Arrive at the Dades Gorge overlook.

Meals: Lunch at Tinghir , Dinner at Dades Valley

Where to stay: Stay in a guesthouse in Dades Valley.

Getting around: Private 4x4 transfer.

Day 10: Dades Valley & Ait Benhaddou

Explore the Dades Gorge, visit Beni Haddou Kasbah, and drive to Ouarzazate.

  • 08:00

    Dades Gorge Drive

    Scenic drive through the 'Monkey Fingers' rock formations.

  • 10:00

    Beni Haddou Kasbah

    Visit the stunningly preserved UNESCO kasbah.

  • 12:00

    Lunch in Ouarzazate

    Lunch in the 'Hollywood of Africa'.

  • 14:00

    Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou

    Explore the famous fortified village, a UNESCO site and film location.

  • 17:00

    Dinner in Ouarzazate

    Dinner near the kasbah.

Meals: Lunch at Ouarzazate , Dinner at Ouarzazate

Where to stay: Stay in Ouarzazate.

Getting around: Private 4x4 transfer.

Day 11: Ouarzazate to Marrakech via Tizi n'Tichka

Cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n'Tichka pass to reach Marrakech.

  • 09:00

    Drive to Marrakech

    Scenic drive through the Atlas Mountains.

  • 11:00

    Tizi n'Tichka Pass

    Stop at the highest point of the pass for photos.

  • 13:00

    Lunch in Asni or Marrakech

    Lunch en route or upon arrival.

  • 15:00

    Check-in & Rest

    Check into your Marrakech Riad and rest.

  • 17:00

    Jemaa el-Fnaa Square

    Experience the vibrant atmosphere of the main square.

Meals: Lunch at En route , Dinner at Jemaa el-Fnaa

Where to stay: Stay in a Riad in the Medina of Marrakech.

Getting around: Private 4x4 transfer.

Day 12: Marrakech: Palaces & Gardens

Explore the Majorelle Garden, Bahia Palace, and the souks.

  • 09:00

    Majorelle Garden

    Visit the famous botanical garden and Yves Saint Laurent Museum.

  • 11:00

    Bahia Palace

    Explore the stunning 19th-century palace.

  • 13:00

    Lunch in the Souks

    Lunch at a restaurant overlooking the souks.

  • 14:30

    Souk Shopping

    Explore the labyrinthine markets for spices, textiles, and crafts.

  • 18:00

    Saadian Tombs

    Visit the royal necropolis.

Meals: Lunch at Marrakech Souks , Dinner at Marrakech Medina

Where to stay: Stay in Marrakech Medina.

Getting around: Walking is best for the medina; petit taxis for longer distances.

Day 13: Marrakech to Essaouira

Drive to the coastal city of Essaouira, known for its wind, beaches, and blue-and-white architecture.

  • 09:00

    Drive to Essaouira

    Scenic coastal drive to Essaouira.

  • 12:00

    Lunch in Essaouira

    Fresh grilled fish at the port.

  • 14:00

    Essaouira Medina & Skala

    Walk the ramparts and explore the medina.

  • 16:00

    Beach Time

    Relax on the beach or visit the port.

Meals: Lunch at Essaouira Port , Dinner at Essaouira Medina

Where to stay: Stay in a Riad in Essaouira Medina.

Getting around: Private car transfer or train from Marrakech.

Day 14: Departure from Marrakech

Final morning in Essaouira or Marrakech before departure.

  • 09:00

    Morning in Essaouira

    Last-minute shopping or coffee by the sea.

  • 11:00

    Transfer to Marrakech Airport

    Drive to Marrakech Menara Airport for departure.

Meals: Breakfast at Essaouira

Where to stay: None (Departure).

Getting around: Private transfer to airport.

Practical Information

The optimal time to visit Morocco for this Grand Tour is during the spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November). These seasons offer mild temperatures ideal for exploring imperial cities and trekking through the Atlas Mountains. Summer months can be excessively hot, particularly in the Sahara and inland areas, while winter brings cold nights in the desert and potential snow in the High Atlas passes. Transportation efficiency is key to this 14-day route. For intercity travel, the ONCF train network connects Casablanca, Rabat, and Fes reliably and comfortably. For destinations outside the rail lines, such as Chefchaouen, Merzouga, and the Atlas villages, hiring a private driver or joining a small group tour is recommended to avoid the complexities of long-distance bus transfers and backtracking. Domestic flights are available between major hubs like Marrakech and Fes, but ground transport allows for the scenic stops highlighted in the itinerary. Accommodation should be booked in advance, particularly in Merzouga and Marrakech. In imperial cities like Fes and Marrakech, staying within the medina offers an immersive cultural experience, though verify accessibility if you have heavy luggage. In Chefchaouen, riads in the blue city provide a quiet retreat. For the Sahara leg, authentic desert camps in Erg Chebbi offer a unique overnight experience; ensure you confirm amenities like heating, as desert nights can be surprisingly cold. Budgeting should account for the diverse costs of this multi-region trip. While Morocco is generally affordable, long-distance private transfers and luxury desert camps can be significant expenses. Costs typically exclude entrance fees to monuments, which vary by site, and personal expenses like souvenirs. Local buses and trains are economical, but private guides offer better value for navigating complex medinas and remote mountain passes. Pack layers to accommodate varying climates, including light clothing for cities and warm jackets for desert nights and mountain hikes. Essential items include sturdy walking shoes for uneven medina streets, a scarf for dust protection in the desert, and modest clothing to respect local customs. Always carry small denomination Dirhams for tips and small purchases, as cards are not widely accepted in rural areas or souks. Finally, learn basic French or Arabic phrases, as English proficiency varies outside major tourist hubs.

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