Day 1: Tangiers – Tetouan – Chefchaouen

We will depart from Tangiers and head east towards the Hispano-Moorish medina of Tetouan. Here, in the Ensanche area, we will stop for lunch and a chance to see the striking Andalucian architecture and white buildings, which have been restored to their former glory. After a brief stop in Tetouan, our journey continues across the verdant landscape of the Rif Mountains, heading due south to reach the picturesque ‘blue’ medina of Chefchaouen. This evening you are free to explore the small medina and choose your own restaurant serving local Rif specialities including locally produced goats’ cheese.

Day 2: Sightseeing Chefchaouen, the blue city

After breakfast, the day is free for you to explore this charming blue city, also known as Achaoun, which means horns in Berber. The city is located in the Rif Mountains of northwest Morocco and is famous for its buildings and alleyways painted in blue and white. We will stroll through its charming old Medina, which has so many beautiful authentic blue doors. A guide can be offered if required. It is easy to navigate and you can explore the main points of interest: the winding streets of the medina, the 18th century kasbah and museum, the 15th century Grand Mosque and the Plaza Uta el-Hammam. Free time for lunch. Finally, you can hike to the Spanish mosque, located on high ground, where you can see the spectacular view of the completely blue city. Overnight stay in the same hotel.

Day 3: Chefchaouen – Old Roman City Volubilis – Meknes – Fes

After a tasty breakfast in the riad, our 13 days in Morocco trip starts towards Volubilis crossing via Ouazan and other Rif villages. In Volubilis, we will discover the Roman ruins and learn about Moroccan history. Then we will drive to Meknes city (the 17th-century heritage) where we will stop for lunch and we will discover the historical walls of the medina, Bab el Mansour, and we will enjoy a visit to Moulay Ismail shrine. Later in the afternoon, we head to Fes city where we will spend the night.

Day 4: Fes sightseeing tour with a local guide

Enjoy a full day private guided walking tour of Fes old medina – Fes El Bali with an English-speaking city guide. The guide will walk you through the maze of souks and sights visiting some of the highlights including the famous Fes pottery souks, the musical instrument makers, metalworkers, carpet souks, and the Chaouwara tanneries. There are over 9,000 cobbled medieval streets weaving their way through markets, mosques, Koranic schools, riads, and hidden fountains. Worth visiting are the Moulay Idriss Zaouia or shrine, Bab Bou Jeloud ornamental gate, Al-Kairaouine Mosque and University – the oldest university in the world, Al-Attarine Madrasa, Nejjarine fountain, King’s Palace, the Dar Batha Museum, Nejjarine Museum of Arts & Crafts and the Jewish quarter or mellah. Then we drive to an ancient fortress for panoramic views of the medina before returning to your riad for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 5: Fes – Ifrane – Cedar Forest – Midelt – Ziz Valley – Merzouga Sahara

We will depart from Fes at 8 o’clock in the morning and head to Ifrane, known for its low temperatures, snow, and alpine-style houses, earning it the nickname “Switzerland of Morocco.” Next, we will visit the Cedar Forest, home to the Barbary Macaques. You can feed them while exploring the Middle Atlas forest of Azrou. We will have lunch in Midelt, known as the “apple capital,” located at the foot of Ayachi Mountain. Afterward, we will continue through the Ziz Valley, passing by Errachidia and Erfoud, famous for its date festival and fossils. We will finally arrive at the Merzouga dunes and spend the night at a hotel.

Day 6: Merzouga region – Nomads – Khamlia – Rissani – Palm Grove

After breakfast, we will begin our journey in Merzouga by driving off-road to visit the nomads and learn about their way of life while enjoying a Berber tea. Our next stop is Khamlia village, where you can experience the Gnaoua music and dance performances. The inhabitants of Khamlia are from sub-Saharan countries such as Mali, Sudan, and Niger. We will then continue to Rissani to visit a traditional souk market and have some free time for lunch in a restaurant. Afterward, we will ride camels across the sandy desert, stopping to watch the sunset from the top of a high dune. We will then continue to a luxury desert camp, where you can enjoy Berber drums music and dancing around the campfire under the vast open sky of stars. We will have dinner and spend the night at the camp.

Day 7: Merzouga – Erfoud – Tinghir – Todra Gorges – Dades Valley – Dades Gorges

If you wake up early, you can watch the sunrise spectacle, with the colorful dunes and shadows creating a breathtaking sight. After breakfast at the camp, we will leave for Tinghir and the Toudgha Gorges. Along the way, you can explore the water channels, known as “khettarat,” which prevent evaporation during the summer heat. In the gorge and valley, you can take a walk beyond the gorge itself or through the village gardens and fields. Later, we will continue to the Dades Valley, which millions of years ago, was at the bottom of the sea. The night will be spent at a hotel or kasbah.

Day 8: Dades Gorges – Roses Valley – Skoura – Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – Telouet – High Atlas – Marrakech

After breakfast, we will travel through the Valley of the Roses, famous for its Rose Festival in May, and past the kasbahs of Skoura. You can visit the small, interesting, and intact Kasbah Amredhil, which used to be featured on the 50 dirham banknote. We will pass through Ouarzazate and continue to the famous Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, a World Heritage site and backdrop for many Hollywood blockbusters. From there, we will travel to Telouet along the newly asphalted road. Telouet is located in the midst of the mountains and was once the seat of the last Pasha of Marrakech, El Glaoui, who controlled the highest pass in Africa, Tizi-n-Tichka. In the late afternoon, we will arrive in Marrakech, where dinner will be waiting at your hotel or riad.

Day 9: Guided Marrakech Sightseeing Tour with Local Guide

Start your day with a full morning tour of Marrakech, also known as the “red city” due to its famous pink-hued ramparts. Your English-speaking city guide will meet you at your hotel and take you through the souks of the medieval medina, introducing you to artisans, bakers, carpenters, spice merchants, and apothecaries, and visiting the landmark monuments of Ben Youssef Madersa, the Bahia Palace, and the Koutoubia Mosque. Your tour ends at the famous Place Jemaa el Fna square, where you can enjoy lunch from a roof terrace while overlooking the bizarre activities of acrobats, storytellers, musicians, and snake charmers.

In the afternoon, you’ll visit the new town area of Gueliz to see the exquisite Majorelle Gardens, which were owned by Yves St. Laurent and originally the private home of the painter Jacques Majorelle.

We suggest returning to Place Jemaa el Fna in the evening to experience the intoxicating atmosphere of the square at night, with smoke swirling up from the grills and the pounding rhythms of the street musicians. Dinner awaits at your hotel or Riad.

Day 10: Free day in Marrakech for Hammam and Shopping

You’ll have free time to explore the Medina of Marrakech and visit the souks for shopping. Later, you can relax at a hammam and enjoy a cup of tea on the roof of a restaurant.

Day 11: Marrakech – Essaouira

After breakfast, we’ll head west to Essaouira. On the way, we’ll stop to see the Argan trees and goats and enjoy panoramic views. Once we reach Essaouira, formerly known as Mogador, we’ll visit the fishing port, ancient ramparts with cannons, and the old medina. We’ll spend the night in Essaouira.

Day 12: Essaouira – Rabat

After breakfast, we’ll drive along the coastline with stops for panoramic views before reaching Casablanca, the economic center of Morocco. We’ll visit the Hassan II mosque, the largest mosque in Morocco, and the Casablanca Cornish before having free time for lunch. Then we’ll drive to Rabat, the current capital of Morocco, where we’ll spend the night.

Day 13: Rabat – Tangier airport

After breakfast, we’ll explore Rabat, one of the imperial cities in Morocco and the current capital. We’ll visit the city’s highlights, including the Hassan Tower, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, and The Kasbah of Oudaya. After free time for lunch, we’ll head north through Assilah to reach Tangier airport. This marks the end of the 13-day Absolute Sahara desert tour from Tangier.