7-Day Moroccan Odyssey: From the Blue Rif to the Red City
Day 1: Tangier – Chefchaouen – Volubilis – Fes
Begin your journey in Tangier, where the Atlantic breeze meets the Mediterranean sun. Travel into the Rif Mountains, winding your way to Chefchaouen, Morocco’s beloved “Blue Pearl.” Walk through its peaceful, cobbled alleys where every doorway and wall is brushed in calming shades of blue.
Continue your route to the sacred hilltop town of Moulay Idriss, one of Morocco’s most revered pilgrimage sites. Then step back in time at the Roman ruins of Volubilis, where marble columns and ancient mosaics still whisper stories of empire.
Pause in Meknes for lunch, a former imperial capital with grand gates and centuries-old charm. By sunset, arrive in Fes, where you’ll settle into a cozy riad in the heart of the medina. Enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner to close your first day.
Day 2: Timeless Treasures of Fes
Spend the day diving into the spiritual and intellectual soul of Morocco. Your guide will lead you through Fes El Bali, the walled medina with its tangled alleyways and ancient secrets.
Highlights include:
The Royal Palace’s golden gates
The quiet lanes of the old Jewish Quarter (Mellah)
The historic Andalusian-style architecture and vibrant souks
The University of Al Quaraouiyine, the oldest in the world
In the evening, contrast the medina’s medieval atmosphere with a relaxed walk through the Ville Nouvelle, Fes’ modern quarter, before returning to your riad for the night.
Day 3: Through the Mountains to the Sands – Fes to Merzouga
Leave the ancient city behind and journey through the cedar forests and mountain peaks of the Middle Atlas. Your first stop is Ifrane, often nicknamed “Little Switzerland” for its chalet-style buildings and clean, alpine air.
Continue to Azrou, where Berber artisans craft wooden wares and the cedar groves are home to playful macaques. Stop for lunch in Midelt, nestled between mountain ranges, before descending through dramatic rocky landscapes toward the Sahara Desert.
As you reach Merzouga, the towering dunes of Erg Chebbi rise like waves. Rest and dine in a peaceful desert riad or kasbah-style lodge under a sky ablaze with stars.
Day 4: Into the Dunes – Sahara Exploration
Greet the dawn with a camel ride across the golden dunes — an unforgettable way to watch the desert come alive with color.
After breakfast, delve deeper into desert life. Visit a nomadic family, learn about ancient caravan routes, and enjoy a Berber-style lunch amidst the dunes. Later, return to your lodge for an optional hammam experience and a delicious, slow-cooked dinner. This is the Sahara at its most serene.
Day 5: From Sand to Stone – Merzouga to Dades Valley
Set off westward, trading the dunes for dramatic rock formations. Along the way, stop at the Todra Gorges, where vertical cliffs create a natural cathedral perfect for a short walk and breathtaking photos.
Continue along the winding road to the Dades Valley, a region of rugged beauty known as the “Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs.” Settle into a charming guesthouse, where you’ll dine surrounded by red rock canyons and the sounds of nature.
Day 6: Dades – Ait Ben Haddou – Over the High Atlas to Marrakech
After breakfast, continue through the land of kasbahs to Ouarzazate, the gateway to the desert. Stop at Taourirt Kasbah, once the home of powerful Glaoui rulers.
Next, explore the famous Ait Ben Haddou, a red-earth fortress village that rises like a mirage from the desert. This UNESCO-listed site has hosted films like Lawrence of Arabia and Game of Thrones.
Climb through the High Atlas Mountains, crossing the impressive Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260 meters). Arrive in Marrakech by evening, where your accommodation awaits in the city’s vibrant heart.
Day 7: The Magic of Marrakech
Spend your final day exploring the color and chaos of Marrakech. Begin in the tranquil Majorelle Garden, once owned by Yves Saint Laurent. Visit the opulent Bahia Palace, adorned with intricate tilework and gardens.
Walk through the Saadian Tombs, hidden for centuries, then make your way to the beating heart of the city — the Jemaa el-Fnaa square. Here, musicians, acrobats, and storytellers fill the air with energy.
End your tour at the majestic Koutoubia Mosque, whose minaret watches over the city. A final Moroccan dinner brings your journey full circle.
Trip Highlights :
Chefchaouen’s Dreamlike Blue Medina
Ancient Fes with its history, mystery, and artistry
Volubilis’ Roman Legacy amid olive groves
The Middle Atlas: forests, monkeys, and Berber culture
Camel Caravan at Sunrise in the dunes of Erg Chebbi
Todra Gorges: where cliffs and canyons meet
Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou: cinematic and timeless
Tizi n’Tichka Pass: high-mountain majesty
Marrakech’s Maze of Sights and Sounds
✅ What’s Included
6 Nights’ Accommodation in handpicked riads and desert guesthouses
Daily Breakfasts and Dinners featuring authentic Moroccan cuisine
Private Transportation with experienced driver and comfortable vehicle
Licensed Local Guides in Fes and Marrakech
Camel Trekking Experience in the Sahara
All Entry Fees to scheduled monuments and attractions
❌ What’s Not Included
International and domestic flights
Lunches and beverages not listed
Tipping and personal purchases
Optional hammam/spa treatments