Highlights of Morocco Private Immersion

Arrive at Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport, where the tour manager greets and assists with transfers. Travel by private vehicle to Rabat, Morocco’s current imperial city. Check into the riad and prepare for a guided city tour. Explore Rabat’s key landmarks including the Royal Palace, Hassan Tower, Mausoleum of Mohamed V, and Kasbah of the Udayas. Early arrivals may visit the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca before heading to Rabat. Overnight stay at a comfortable riad in Rabat, offering local charm and modern amenities.

Transfer to Chefchaouen this morning after breakfast. After arriving around lunchtime, you can spend the rest of the day exploring this enchanted city and learning why it is known as Morocco's Blue Pearl. You can hike to the Cascade d'Akchour waterfall in the nearby town of Akchour if you would like. The hike to the big waterfall is a somewhat challenging 10-mile round trip, but there are several smaller waterfalls along the way, so you can do as much or as little of the trail as you wish. If you decide to hike today, return to Chefchaouen by late afternoon and spend the evening exploring independently.

After breakfast, depart Chefchaouen and travel toward Fes, Morocco’s first imperial city and spiritual capital. Stop at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Volubilis to explore the well-preserved Roman ruins and learn about its Amazigh history. Continue to Meknes and enter the old medina through Bab Mansour, visit the tomb of Sultan Moulay Ismail, Agdal Reservoir, and Heri es-Souani granary. After the tour, transfer to Fes and check in at the riad. Evening is free to explore local streets or relax. Overnight stay in Fes at a comfortable riad with modern amenities.

After breakfast, meet the local guide at the riad for a full-day exploration of Fes, Morocco’s spiritual capital. Begin with a drive to the Royal Palace, then walk through the old Mellah (Jewish Quarter) to see distinct architecture and heritage sites. Visit a city tower (Borj) for panoramic views of the vast medina, the largest pedestrian-only old city in the world. Experience traditional Fassi pottery with a hands-on demonstration at a mosaic house. Continue with a guided tour through the medina streets, artisan quarters, tanneries, and historic sites including the tomb of Idriss II and Al-Qarawiyyin University. Afternoon is free for independent exploration or a relaxing hammam. Overnight stay at a riad in Fes with local charm and modern amenities.

After breakfast, depart Fes and travel toward the Sahara Desert. Stop in Ifrane, the Alpine-like city known for its European-style cafes and the statue of the extinct Atlas lion. Continue through the Middle Atlas Mountains and Africa’s largest cedar forest, home to Barbary macaques. Pass through Midelt on the high plains and drive via the Ziz River Gorge in the High Atlas Mountains. Enter the desert region and the lush oasis of Erfoud before reaching Merzouga, located on the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes. Check in at a desert guest house and enjoy dinner while resting after the full-day journey. Overnight stay at a comfortable guest house in Merzouga.

Wake early to watch the sunrise over the Erg Chebbi dunes and enjoy coffee before climbing a nearby dune for panoramic views. After breakfast at the desert camp, take a 4×4 transfer back to the desert edge and meet the tour manager. Travel toward the Dades Valley, stopping to see the ancient desert irrigation system from the Saghro Mountains. Visit Tinghir for a guided walk through the palmeraie and old Jewish quarter, then explore the dramatic Todgha Gorge on foot. Continue to the Dades Valley and check in at the hotel. Dinner is served at the accommodations, with an overnight stay in the valley.

After breakfast, depart the hotel for the nearby Valley of Roses, known for its fragrant blooms and scenic landscapes. Stop at a local market before visiting a family home to help prepare lunch and enjoy a traditional couscous meal. Spend the afternoon exploring the valley by car or on foot. Optional hikes include the Monkey Fingers rock formation, Dades Canyon, or a full-day trek to the M’Goun River valley. Return to the hotel in the Dades Valley for dinner and an overnight stay at a comfortable riad or hotel with modern amenities.

After breakfast, depart the Dades Valley and travel along the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs to Ouarzazate, Morocco’s film city. Time permitting, visit a local film studio before continuing to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Ben Haddou. Explore the ksar with a walk across the riverbed and climb to the granary for panoramic views of the mud-brick city. Continue over the High Atlas Mountains via Tizi n’Tichka Pass, stopping for photos and tea along the scenic route. Arrive in Marrakech in the late afternoon and check in at the riad. Evening is free to explore the souks, Jemaa el-Fna, or local restaurants. Overnight stay at a comfortable riad in Marrakech.

After breakfast, meet the local city guide at the riad for a full-day tour of Marrakech, Morocco’s Red City. Visit key landmarks such as Bahia Palace, Ben Youssef Madrassa, and Koutoubia Mosque. Explore the artisanal souks where traditional crafts are still practiced. The guided tour ends at lunchtime, leaving the afternoon free for independent exploration. Late afternoon, visit Jemaa el-Fna to experience the lively square and its cafés. Overnight stay at a riad in Marrakech, offering local charm and modern comfort.

After breakfast, check out from the riad and take a private transfer to either Marrakech Menara Airport or Casablanca Mohammed V Airport. The tour manager assists with the transfer and ensures a smooth departure.