This 8-day journey is ideal if you want to see Morocco’s top highlights in one week: the historic medinas of Fes, a night in the Sahara, and the ancient kasbahs and busy souks of Marrakech.
Accommodation: carefully selected hotels, kasbahs and riads, with a night in a Berber desert camp.
Guidance and transport: experienced multilingual guides and drivers, in an air-conditioned 4WD or minibus.
Casablanca (we meet you on arrival) · Transfer to Marrakech airport on the last day
On your arrival in Casablanca
A private tour with your own multilingual driver-guide. Every itinerary can be adjusted to your dates, pace and choice of hotels, and we send you a personal quote when you get in touch.
Route: Casablanca → Rabat
Upon arrival in Casablanca, Morocco’s bustling economic capital, meet your guide for a brief city tour. Visit the impressive Hassan II Mosque, known for its towering minaret and breathtaking ocean views. Afterward, journey to Rabat, Morocco’s administrative capital, where you’ll explore landmarks such as the Kasbah des Oudayas and the Mohammed V Mausoleum. Settle into your riad or hotel in Rabat for the night.
Approx. 90 km · about 1 h 15 driving
Route: Rabat → Meknes → Moulay Idriss Zerhoun → Volubilis → Fes
After breakfast, head to Volubilis, Morocco’s best-preserved Roman ruins. Wander through ancient mosaics and arches, experiencing the grandeur of this UNESCO site. Continue to Meknes, known as the “Versailles of Morocco,” to see its impressive gates and historic monuments, including Bab Mansour and Sahrij Souani. In the afternoon, arrive in Fes, where you’ll check into your hotel, have dinner, and rest for the night.
Approx. 200 km · about 3 h driving
Spend the day exploring Fes el-Bali, the ancient medina of Fes, with a knowledgeable local guide. Discover the maze-like alleyways, vibrant souks, and historic landmarks such as the Bou Inania Madrasa and Al Quaraouiyine University. Visit the famous tanneries of Fes, where artisans use traditional methods to produce leather goods. Enjoy a traditional dinner in the medina and return to your hotel for the night.
Walking tour, no long drive
Route: Fes → Ifrane → Midelt → Ziz Gorges → Erfoud → Merzouga
Depart Fes and travel through the Middle Atlas Mountains, stopping in Ifrane, a charming alpine town, and Azrou, where you may spot Barbary apes in the cedar forests. Continue to Midelt for lunch, with beautiful views of the High Atlas Mountains. Travel along the Ziz Valley, a fertile oasis, and arrive in Merzouga in the late afternoon.
From here, you’ll embark on a camel trek across the Erg Chebbi dunes. Settle into a Berber camp, where you’ll enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner, live music, and the spectacular Sahara night sky.
Approx. 470 km · 8–9 h driving
Route: Merzouga → Rissani → Todra Gorge → Dades Valley
Wake early to witness the desert sunrise, followed by breakfast. Ride back to Merzouga by camel, then continue to Rissani, known for its vibrant markets, before heading to Todra Gorge. Take a leisurely walk through this dramatic canyon, with towering cliffs that frame a lush river valley. In the afternoon, journey to Dades Valley, known as the “Valley of 1000 Kasbahs.” Watch the sunset glow against the valley’s rugged rocks before settling into your hotel.
Approx. 300 km · 5–6 h driving
Route: Dades Valley → Rose Valley → Skoura → Ouarzazate → Ait Benhaddou → Marrakech
After breakfast, travel through the Rose Valley and Skoura Oasis, stopping in Ouarzazate, the “Hollywood of Morocco.” Visit the Taourirt Kasbah and continue to Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO-listed kasbah and popular filming location. You’ll have the chance to explore this iconic kasbah and perhaps meet some locals for tea.
In the afternoon, cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass. This scenic route provides breathtaking mountain views before descending into the plains surrounding Marrakech, where you’ll arrive in the late afternoon.
Approx. 320 km · 6–7 h driving
After breakfast, embark on a guided tour of Marrakech’s highlights, starting with the Bahia Palace and Saadian Tombs. Explore the Koutoubia Mosque, the largest in Marrakech, and the bustling Djemaa el-Fna square, a UNESCO World Heritage site alive with performers, artisans, and food stalls. In the afternoon, explore the vibrant souks, where you can shop for spices, textiles, and handicrafts. Spend the night in Marrakech.
Walking tour, no long drive
On your last day, enjoy free time in Marrakech. You may choose to relax in a traditional hammam, take a cooking class, or explore the medina further. When it’s time to depart, you’ll be transferred to the airport, where your memorable Moroccan journey concludes.
Approx. 15 km · Transfer to the airport
