Day 1: Arrival in Fes, Guided Tour of Fes
This 10-day itinerary in Morocco starts with a pick-up from the airport or your hotel in Fez. Spend the whole day exploring Fez with a local guide. As one of the royal cities and the religious and cultural heart of Morocco, Fez has a lot to offer.
Begin your day at the Royal Palace gate before heading to the well-preserved Medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Enter the old Medina through the Blue Gate, also known as Bab Boujloud. Within the Medina, you will visit the Tanneries, the Najjarine Fountain, and the Bouanania Madrasa. Finally, explore the Quaraouin Mosque and University, the oldest in the world. Next, stop at the Jewish quarter, “the Mellah.” In the afternoon, visit an ancient castle to admire the panoramic view of the Medina and the city of Fez. Return to your Riad to end the day.
Day 2: Fes – Midelt – Merzouga
After breakfast, meet your driver-guide for the 10-day tour in Morocco from Fez. The journey will take you through the Saiss plains to Ifrane, known for its contemporary architecture and as a winter holiday destination. Continue through the cedar forests to Azrou, a Berber settlement in the Middle Atlas mountains. Visit a colony of Barbary monkeys for observation and photography. Proceed to Midelt for lunch. Midelt, a commercial and agricultural hub, is known for its mines and sophisticated apple orchards.
In the early afternoon, arrive in the Ziz Valley, famed for its date palms and Kasbah cities. The landscape will drastically change as you approach the desert. By late afternoon, settle into a resort on the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes in Merzouga.
Day 3: Desert – Visit to the Nomads – Camel Ride – Night in the Desert Camp
Today, head to the village of Khamlia to be enchanted by authentic gnawa rhythms. Next, leave the usual route to explore the dunes via an unpaved road and make a stop to have tea with nomads in traditional Berber tents. This immersive experience offers a glimpse into a different lifestyle, including a lunch of Berber pizza. In the late afternoon, prepare for an extraordinary camel ride to the heart of the dunes to witness a spectacular sunset before resting at the hotel.
Upon arrival at the camp, you’ll be greeted with mint tea before heading to your comfortable tent, complete with bathroom and shower. As night falls, the Sahara illuminates with impressive colors. A musical performance by the group around the fire enhances the charm of the desert night while you dine.
Day 4: Merzouga – Alnif – Nkob – Draa Valley – Ouarzazate
Rise early to witness the magnificent sunrise as the dunes come alive with a fascinating display of shades and silhouettes. After breakfast, return to Merzouga by camel and meet the driver. The journey continues to Ouarzazate, with a stop at the lively traditional market of Rissani, which takes place on Sundays, Tuesdays, or Thursdays. Wander through the crowded streets and enjoy the vibrant display of colors, fragrances, and sounds.
Travel next to Alnif before following the picturesque route through the Draa Valley to Ouarzazate, where you’ll spend the night.
Day 5: Ouarzazate – Palm Groves of Skoura – Kasbah Amridil – High Atlas Mountains – Marrakech
Explore the metropolis of Ouarzazate after breakfast at the hotel. Known as the “Hollywood of Africa,” Ouarzazate serves as the gateway to the Sahara Desert. Visit the famous Atlas Studios and the historic Kasbah of Taourirt for a fascinating perspective on Moroccan film history. Continue the journey to the charming Ait Ben Haddou to explore the ancient Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site rich in history and immortalized in films.
Bid farewell to this captivating fortress and travel back to the lively city of Marrakech, passing through the majestic High Atlas Mountains. Take a break to appreciate the intriguing Kasbah of Telouet before transferring to your accommodation in Marrakech.
Day 6: Guided Tour of Marrakech with a Local Guide
Embark on a 10-day tour from Fez to the desert to uncover the mysteries of the medina of Marrakech. A professional local guide will provide an overview of the most impressive places in the red city. Visit Bab Er Robb, the Saadian monuments, El Badi Palace, Ali Ben Youssef Madrasa, Koutoubia Mosque, and the famous Jemaa El Fna square. The medina is also home to attractions like the Majorelle Gardens. Spend the night in a Riad located near Jemaa El Fna square.
Day 7: Marrakech – Essaouira
Head west to the city of Essaouira on the seventh day. Along the way, stop to see goats living in argan trees and admire the landscape. Arrive in Essaouira, formerly known as Mogador, one of Morocco’s most important coastal cities. The city is loved for its variety of fish, beautiful beaches, and surfing opportunities. Visit the old medina, the fishing port, and ancient walls with cannons before transferring to your hotel for an overnight stay in Essaouira.
Day 8: Essaouira – Casablanca – Rabat
The 10-day plan in Morocco continues toward Casablanca. Drive along the coast from Essaouira to reach Casablanca, the business center of Morocco. Visit the Hassan II Mosque, the largest mosque in Morocco, and the Casablanca Corniche. Enjoy a free lunch before driving to Rabat, the capital of Morocco. Spend the night in Rabat.
Day 9: Rabat Capital Tour – Chefchaouen
The ninth day, explore Rabat, the capital and one of Morocco’s ancient royal cities. Located on the Atlantic coast, Rabat offers important monuments such as the Hassan Tower, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, and the Kasbah of Oudaya. After a free lunch, travel north through Ouazzane to reach Chefchaouen, the “Blue City,” nestled in the Rif Valley. The city’s blue houses and streets are iconic. Spend the night in a hotel in Chefchaouen.
Day 10: Chefchaouen – Tangier Airport
On the last day of your 10-day trip in Morocco, enjoy free time to stroll through the beautiful streets of the blue city, depending on your flight schedule. Next, drive through the Rif mountains to arrive in Tangier. Finally, transfer to the airport, concluding the tour.
