17-Day Grand Moroccan Odyssey: Journey Through Morocco's Hidden Gems

17-Days

Casablanca

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Tour Overview

Each night, you'll stay in accommodations handpicked for their authenticity, comfort, and connection to Morocco’s rich heritage. From chic city hotels in Casablanca to Kasbahs nestled in valleys, elegant Riads with detailed Moroccan artistry, and one unforgettable night in a Berber camp under the desert sky, you’ll experience Morocco’s renowned hospitality in all its forms.

Your comfort is paramount on this extensive journey. Travel in air-conditioned 4WD vehicles, mini-buses, or motor coaches equipped to handle Morocco's diverse terrain, from mountain passes to desert roads.

Throughout the journey, you’ll be accompanied by qualified, multilingual local guides and drivers who will bring each destination to life, sharing stories, historical insights, and local legends that make Morocco truly unforgettable.

Over the 17 days, explore a spectacular range of landscapes and cities: Casablanca, Rabat, Chefchaouen, Volubilis, the Rif Mountains, Meknes, Fes, Merzouga, the Todra Canyon, the Dades Valley, Ouarzazate, the Atlas Mountains, Marrakech, the Ourika Valley, and Essaouira. Each stop is carefully chosen to showcase Morocco's natural beauty, historical landmarks, and vibrant culture.

Travel Itinerary

Conducting initial research on flights from your nearest airport can help you find the most cost-effective options for arriving in and departing from Morocco. Our tours are highly flexible and can start from any city that fits your schedule.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Casablanca

Upon arrival at Casablanca's airport, you’ll be warmly greeted and escorted to your hotel to unwind and settle in. Depending on your arrival time, you may choose to explore the city with a guided tour or relax before dinner, enjoying your first taste of Moroccan cuisine as you settle in for the night.

Day 2: Casablanca, Rabat, and Chefchaouen

After breakfast, start the day exploring Casablanca’s highlights, including a visit to the famous Hassan II Mosque. Continue along the Atlantic coast to Rabat, Morocco's capital, where we’ll pause to admire the historic Kasbah of the Udayas and the Hassan Tower. As we ascend into the dramatic Rif Mountains, we’ll arrive in Chefchaouen, a striking blue-washed town known as the “Blue Pearl.” Here, settle into a Riad with rooftop terraces offering panoramic views, where you can unwind over a traditional dinner under the Moroccan sky.

Day 3: Chefchaouen - Exploration & Optional Akchour Waterfalls Hike

Today, immerse yourself in Chefchaouen's unique charm with a guided tour through its narrow streets, bathed in vivid blue hues. Later, take an optional 4-hour trek to the stunning Akchour Waterfalls, where you can cool off in crystal-clear pools amid lush landscapes. In the evening, savor a meal at one of Chefchaouen’s renowned rooftop restaurants with sweeping views of the mountains.

Day 4: Chefchaouen to Fes via Volubilis and Meknes

After breakfast, journey to Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage site showcasing Morocco's best-preserved Roman ruins, where intricate mosaics reveal ancient stories. Continue to Meknes, known as Morocco’s “Versailles,” with its grand monuments and impressive architecture, before arriving in Fes, Morocco’s cultural capital, where you’ll spend the night in an enchanting Riad.

Day 5: Fes Guided Exploration

Today, delve into Fes’s vibrant medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with your guide. Wander through bustling souks and traditional artisan workshops, observing age-old leather-making at the famous tanneries. End the day with a meal at a traditional medina restaurant, savoring rich flavors as you take in Fes's lively ambiance.

Day 6: Journey from Fes to Merzouga Desert via the Atlas Mountains

Leave Fes for an unforgettable road trip through the cedar forests of Ifrane and Azrou, where you may spot Barbary apes. After lunch in Midelt with views of the Atlas Mountains, continue through the dramatic Ziz Valley to reach the serene town of Merzouga. Here, mount camels to trek across the golden Erg Chebbi dunes at sunset, arriving at a luxury Berber camp. Spend the evening under a starlit sky, surrounded by music and a delicious Moroccan feast.

Day 7: Merzouga - Culture & Tradition

After breakfast, set off on a 4WD tour through the desert, visiting Khamlia Village to experience Gnawa music, and enjoying tea with nomadic families. Optional activities include horseback riding, ATV rides, or simply relaxing by a pool at the kasbah. In the late afternoon, choose another camel ride or an ATV tour through the dunes, watching the sunset before returning to camp.

Day 8: Merzouga to Todra Gorge

Start your day with a sunrise over the dunes, followed by a camel trek back to Merzouga. Travel through the palm oasis of Erfoud, exploring Rissani’s vibrant souk before arriving at Todra Gorge. Here, you’ll walk along towering canyon walls and enjoy the dramatic landscapes before spending the night in a hotel nearby.

Day 9: Todra Canyon & Dades Valley Exploration

Today, venture into the heart of the Atlas Mountains, sharing tea with Berber nomads in traditional tents and exploring Berber troglodyte villages. Enjoy hiking opportunities and breathtaking views as you make your way through apricot, olive, and orange groves. Tonight, relax in a hotel with valley views.

Day 10: Dades Valley to Ouarzazate via Rose Valley

Enjoy breakfast overlooking Dades Valley before embarking on a journey through the Rose Valley and Skoura Oasis, surrounded by palm groves. Reach Ouarzazate, Morocco's film capital, where famous movies like Gladiator were filmed. Visit movie studios and unwind in a comfortable hotel.

Day 11: Ait Benhaddou and Atlas Mountains to Marrakech

After breakfast, explore the iconic Ait Benhaddou Kasbah, a UNESCO site and filming location for Game of Thrones. Continue through the High Atlas Mountains to the lively city of Marrakech. Arrive by afternoon, allowing time to experience the medina’s vibrant energy before settling in for the night.

Day 12: Marrakech Guided Tour

Start the day with a guided tour of Marrakech’s intricate alleyways, hidden gardens, and bustling souks. Explore Djemaa el Fna square, home to entertainers and food stalls. In the evening, relax at your leisure or indulge in a hammam spa experience.

Day 13: Free Day in Marrakech

Take the day to explore Marrakech on your own or enjoy a hot air balloon ride, cooking classes, or a pampering spa day. This day is yours to discover what makes Marrakech so enchanting.

Day 14: Marrakech to Essaouira

Depart for Essaouira, a coastal town renowned for its beaches, arts scene, and relaxed vibe. Stroll through the walled medina and enjoy dinner by the sea, ending the day in a tranquil hotel.