14-Day Grand Morocco Tour: Imperial Cities, Desert & Coast
Day 1: Welcome to Casablanca
Begin your Moroccan journey in the economic capital, Casablanca. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted at the airport and transferred to your hotel. After some rest, head out to admire the architectural splendor of the Hassan II Mosque, dramatically perched above the Atlantic Ocean. Explore the city’s dynamic mix of tradition and modernity with a stroll through the bustling medina, where you can sip mint tea and taste authentic Moroccan pastries. Overnight in a comfortable hotel.
Day 2: Casablanca – Rabat (1.5-hour drive)
After breakfast, travel north to Rabat, Morocco’s capital city, known for its elegant boulevards and coastal charm. Your tour includes visits to the Kasbah of the Udayas, perched over the ocean, and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, resting place of Morocco’s royal family. The striking Hassan Tower, an unfinished minaret, stands as a symbol of Rabat’s heritage. Enjoy the calm ambiance of the marina or a seaside café. Overnight in a charming riad.
Day 3: Rabat – Meknes (2.5-hour drive)
Continue inland to the imperial city of Meknes, a hidden gem with grandiose architecture and fewer crowds. Explore the magnificent Bab Mansour gate, one of the most ornate in Morocco. Walk through the Royal Stables, the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, and the local medina full of artisan workshops. Meknes offers a quieter, authentic glimpse into Morocco’s imperial past. Overnight in a cozy local hotel.
Day 4: Meknes – Volubilis – Chefchaouen (4.5-hour drive total)
Start the day exploring Volubilis, Morocco’s most well-preserved Roman archaeological site. Wander through ancient mosaics, temples, and olive presses as you imagine life here 2,000 years ago. Continue to Chefchaouen, the magical blue city nestled in the Rif Mountains. As the sun sets, stroll through the maze of blue alleyways, discovering quaint shops, rooftop cafés, and peaceful squares. Overnight in a riad with mountain views.
Day 5: Chefchaouen – Fez (4-hour drive)
After a relaxing morning in Chefchaouen, travel to the spiritual heart of Morocco: Fez. Upon arrival, begin a guided introduction to the medina — a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest car-free urban areas in the world. Highlights include the Bou Inania Madrasa, the Chouara Tannery, and the Nejjarine Fountain. Stay overnight in a traditional riad inside the ancient city walls.
Day 6: Fez – Ifrane – Azrou – Merzouga (7-hour drive)
Today you traverse the scenic Middle Atlas Mountains. Pass through Ifrane, nicknamed “Little Switzerland” for its alpine architecture, then stop in Azrou’s cedar forest, where you might spot Barbary macaques. As the landscape changes to desert, arrive in Merzouga, gateway to the Sahara. Mount a camel and ride into the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi, where you’ll enjoy dinner, music, and stargazing at a luxury desert camp.
Day 7: Merzouga Desert Experience
Wake early to watch the sunrise over the dunes. After breakfast, go on a camel trek or 4×4 desert tour to explore nearby oases and nomadic communities. Visit Khamlia village to enjoy traditional Gnawa music and enjoy a Berber-style lunch such as medfouna (desert pizza). In the evening, gather by the campfire for drumming and storytelling. Overnight in your luxury tent under the stars.
Day 8: Merzouga – Todra Gorges – Dades Valley (5-hour drive)
Depart the desert and travel through the rocky landscapes of the Tafilalt region toward the dramatic Todra Gorges, where towering canyon walls rise 300 meters above a narrow riverbed. Enjoy a short walk in this breathtaking natural wonder. Continue to the Dades Valley, known for its winding roads and “Monkey Fingers” rock formations. Overnight in a boutique guesthouse overlooking the valley.
Day 9: Dades Valley – Rose Valley – Ouarzazate (4-hour drive)
Journey along the Valley of the Roses, especially stunning in spring when the rose harvest fills the air with fragrance. Stop in Kelaa M’Gouna for locally made rose products. Visit the lush Skoura Oasis and explore the Amridil Kasbah, a beautifully preserved fortress. Arrive in Ouarzazate, often called the “Hollywood of Africa”, where you’ll visit the Kasbah Taourirt and spend the night in a stylish riad.
Day 10: Ouarzazate – Aït Ben Haddou (1-hour drive)
Start the day with a tour of the world-famous Atlas Film Studios, where movies like Gladiator and Game of Thrones were filmed. Then head to Aït Ben Haddou, a UNESCO-listed ksar (fortified village) made entirely of mudbrick. Wander its alleys, climb to the granary for panoramic views, and soak in the history. Overnight in a kasbah-style guesthouse near the site.
Day 11: Aït Ben Haddou – Marrakech (4.5-hour drive)
Cross the majestic High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka pass, reaching altitudes of over 2,200 meters. Along the way, enjoy panoramic stops and Berber villages nestled in the valleys. Arrive in vibrant Marrakech, the “Red City”, and settle into your riad in the old medina. Enjoy a leisurely evening discovering local cafés or sipping tea on a rooftop terrace. Overnight in a riad.
Day 12: Explore Marrakech
Today, a guided tour takes you through the soul of Marrakech. Explore the lively Jemaa el-Fna Square, the intricate mosaics of the Bahia Palace, the peaceful Majorelle Garden once owned by Yves Saint Laurent, and the Koutoubia Mosque. Discover the old Jewish quarter (Mellah), and enjoy the medina’s souks filled with colorful crafts. Overnight in your riad.
Day 13: Marrakech – Essaouira (2.5-hour drive)
Head west to Essaouira, a breezy coastal city on the Atlantic. Discover its UNESCO-listed medina, walk along its sea walls, and watch fishermen unload their catch at the busy port. Relax on the beach or shop for unique thuya wood crafts. Essaouira is also known for fresh seafood — treat yourself to a harbor-side lunch. Overnight in a riad with sea views.
Day 14: Essaouira – Casablanca (4.5-hour drive)
After breakfast, return to Casablanca along the scenic coastal road. Depending on your flight time, enjoy some final shopping or a relaxed lunch before being transferred to the airport for your departure, taking with you unforgettable memories of Morocco’s diverse beauty and culture.
Tour Highlights :
Imperial Cities: Rabat, Meknes, Fez, and Marrakech with guided tours
Natural Wonders: Middle Atlas forests, Sahara dunes, Todra and Dades Gorges
Desert Experience: Camel trek, luxury desert camp, Berber music
UNESCO Sites: Volubilis, Aït Ben Haddou, Essaouira medina, Fez medina
Cultural Encounters: Berber villages, nomadic families, traditional crafts
Scenic Drives: High Atlas and coastal routes, palm oases, mountain passes
✅ What’s Included
Airport transfers on arrival and departure
Private 4×4 vehicle with A/C and multilingual driver-guide
Accommodation with breakfast in Casablanca, Rabat, Chefchaouen, Fez, Marrakech, and Essaouira
Half-board (dinner & breakfast) in Merzouga and Ouarzazate
Camel ride in the Sahara and 4×4 support
Guided tours in Fez and Marrakech with certified local guides
All city taxes and fuel surcharges
❌ What’s Not Included
International flights
Lunches and drinks
Monument entrance fees
Tips and personal expenses
Optional activities