Embark on a 13-day journey through the diverse landscapes and rich history of Morocco. Starting in Marrakech, this tour takes you through the towering Atlas Mountains, the iconic Ait Benhaddou, the golden sands of Merzouga and the cultural heart of Fes. Discover the charming blue town of Chefchaouen, the coastal town of Asilah, and the imperial cities of Meknes and Rabat, before Casablanca and a final day in Marrakech.
Each destination offers a unique blend of natural wonders, historical treasures and vibrant culture. From the Sahara to the Atlantic coast, and from ancient kasbahs to modern cities, this tour brings together Morocco’s most breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable experiences in one journey.
Marrakech airport (we meet you on arrival) · Transfer to Marrakech airport on the last day
On your arrival in Marrakech
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.
On arrival at Marrakech Airport, we greet you with a Morocco Cultours sign and take you directly to your hotel. You will have some free time to relax and settle in, with an optional dinner in the evening to talk through the adventure ahead.
Approx. 15 km · 20–30 min transfer driving
Your day begins with breakfast at your riad, followed by a guided tour with a knowledgeable local expert. You will walk the labyrinthine streets of the medina, its alleyways, hidden gardens and lively souks, and reach the famous Djemaa el Fna square, a UNESCO-listed space at the heart of Marrakech’s culture, full of food stalls, entertainers, acrobats, musicians and henna artists.
Walking tour, no long drive
Along the way you will see the towering Koutoubia Mosque, whose minaret is a symbol of the city. After the tour, the rest of the day is yours to explore further, relax in a hammam or shop in the souks. Night in Marrakech.
Route: Marrakech → Atlas Mountains → Ait Benhaddou → Ouarzazate → Skoura Oasis → Roses Valley → Dades Valley
Approx. 320 km · 6–7 h driving
We leave the city for the High Atlas Mountains, crossing the highest mountain pass in North Africa and the Glaoua region with its ancient kasbahs and fortified granaries. We continue to Ouarzazate, the “Hollywood of Morocco”, used as a filming location for Gladiator, Lawrence of Arabia, Kingdom of Heaven and Game of Thrones.
After lunch in Ouarzazate, we visit Ait Benhaddou, one of Morocco’s most iconic and well-preserved kasbahs and a UNESCO World Heritage site. As the day wanes, we drive through several oases to the green Dades Valley for the night.
Route: Dades Valley → Todra Gorge → Rissani → Merzouga
Approx. 300 km · 5–6 h driving
After breakfast, we follow the Oued Todra, lined with olive, pomegranate and orange trees, to the Todra Gorge, a magnificent canyon with towering walls perfect for a scenic walk. From here we cross the stony plains that mark the edge of the Sahara.
In Merzouga, we leave extra luggage at a hotel and set off by camel into the dunes of Erg Chebbi. At sunset, a traditional Moroccan dinner is served around the campfire with live music, and you have time to wander under the stars in the silence of the desert.
Wake early for the desert sunrise and a hearty breakfast. Then join a 4WD excursion around the dunes, visiting the Merzouga oasis, the nomadic depository and the village of Khamlia, where Gnawa musicians, descendants of people brought to Morocco on the Salt Route from Senegal, give a captivating performance.
Approx. 100 km · 4×4 day, short drives driving
We also visit nomadic families living in the desert to learn about their way of life, and stop at Lake Merzouga, home to many species of birds. Enjoy a homemade Berber pizza for lunch before returning to the kasbah for tea. Spend the rest of the day relaxing by the pool or try optional activities such as horse riding, quad biking or dune buggies.
In the late afternoon, take another camel ride to watch the sunset, or an ATV or buggy ride back to the desert camp, for another night under the stars.
Route: Merzouga → Erfoud → Ziz Valley → Midelt → Azrou Forest → Ifrane → Fes
Approx. 470 km · 8–9 h driving
After breakfast we head toward Fes through Erfoud and the dramatic Ziz Valley, a gorge dotted with palm trees, kasbahs and mud-brick villages, with landscapes ranging from sun-scorched plains to green valleys.
In Midelt we stop for lunch with views of the High Atlas peaks. The road then climbs into cedar forests where, with luck, we may spot Barbary apes, and continues to the mountain town of Ifrane with its European-style architecture.
Finally we arrive in Fes, one of the best-preserved medieval Islamic cities in the world and Morocco’s cultural capital, where we drop you at your riad.
After breakfast, your guided tour of Fes starts at the Merenid Tombs, with panoramic views of the city, and the Musée des Armes, a fortress now home to over 8,000 pieces of artillery.
Walking tour, no long drive
We then enter Fes el Bali, the old medina, where the streets are too narrow for cars and donkeys and mules still carry goods. You will see the ancient Karaouine Mosque, one of the oldest in the world and Morocco’s first university, the Dar al-Magana water clock, the Zaouia al-Tijaniyya and the Mosque of the Slipper-makers.
Lunch is in one of the medina’s palace-restaurants, followed by the Musée Dar Batha and its traditional Moroccan arts. The afternoon includes the Andalusian Quarter and Fes el-Jdid, with the royal palace and the Jewish Quarter.
Route: Fes → Volubilis → Moulay Idriss → Meknes → Rif Mountains → Chefchaouen
Approx. 200 km · about 4 h driving
In the morning we visit the Roman ruins of Volubilis and their well-preserved mosaics, then the holy town of Moulay Idriss, before continuing to Meknes, the imperial city often called the “Versailles of Morocco”, with Bab Mansour, Sahrij Souani and the old medina.
We then climb into the Rif Mountains to Chefchaouen, the “Blue Pearl”, famous for its blue-painted streets. After checking into your riad, stroll through the medina and enjoy dinner on a rooftop terrace.
In the morning, explore the blue city of Chefchaouen, its winding streets and vibrant market.
Walking day, no long drive
For outdoor lovers, an optional 4-hour hike leads to the Akchour waterfalls in the Rif Mountains. Spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing in this peaceful mountain town.
Route: Chefchaouen → Asilah → Rabat
Approx. 250 km · about 4 h driving
We travel to the coastal town of Asilah, known for its white-washed walls, quiet beaches and artistic murals, for a stroll along the coast, then continue south to the capital, Rabat.
In Rabat you visit the Hassan Tower, the Mohammed V Mausoleum and the Kasbah des Oudayas, with panoramic ocean views and artisan workshops.
Route: Rabat → Casablanca
Approx. 90 km · about 1 h 15 driving
In the morning, explore the historic heart of Rabat, then travel to Casablanca, Morocco’s largest city, known for its lively markets. Check into your hotel and relax for the night.
Route: Casablanca → Marrakech
Approx. 240 km · about 2 h 30 driving
In the morning, visit the Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world, before heading back to Marrakech. If you prefer to fly home from Casablanca, we can drop you at the airport instead.
On your final day, explore Marrakech at your own pace: last shopping in the souks, the Jardin Majorelle or the Bahia Palace, before we transfer you to the airport for your flight.
Approx. 15 km · Transfer to the airport
