Morocco From Marrakesh to Casablanca via the Sahara – 10 Days

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Highlights

Learn to make Moroccan specialties from a local chef in Marrakesh
Ride a camel and a sandboard on the golden dunes of the Sahara Desert
Craft your own authentic Moroccan tiles in the ancient Fes medina
Wander the picturesque streets of the “Blue City” of Chefchaouen

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Marrakesh, Afternoon Gastronomy Tour

Welcome to Morocco! Upon arrival in Marrakesh, meet your driver at the airport for your transfer to your accommodation in the city. Marrakesh sits at the geographical and cultural crossroads of Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, creating a diverse mix of cultures in one exciting city.

Check into a traditional riad (a Moroccan house with a courtyard) and get your bearings before embarking on an immersive culinary journey through Marrakesh’s medina (fortified historic center) with a three-hour food tour. Pass vibrant market stalls brimming with fresh produce, fragrant spices, meats, and olives. Taste dishes such as couscous, makouda (spiced battered potato cakes), or slow-roasted mechoui (lamb) while your guide shares fascinating anecdotes and explains the cultural significance of food in Moroccan society. 

Day 2: Tour the Historic Sites of Marrakesh, Traditional Cooking Class

After you’ve had a traditional Moroccan breakfast at your riad, meet your local tour guide for a tour of the Old Medina of Marrakesh. Your guide will share the history and stories of the medina, the souks (markets), and the mellah (Jewish) sections, all within the city’s rose-pink walls. See the Bahia Palace, a sprawling complex dating to the late 19th century filled with colorful, intricate details. Explore the ruins of El Badi Palace, built in 1578, and the Majorelle Gardens, an artist’s landscape garden created in 1923. End your tour at the Tombeaux Saadiens (the Saadian Tombs), the historic royal necropolis.

In the afternoon, join a three-hour Moroccan cooking class at the legendary La Maison Arabe to learn some typical recipes you can take home. With your class, purchase fresh, local ingredients in a nearby souk. Learn to make recipes such as traditional Moroccan mint tea, chicken tajine (meat stew braised in spices), or chebakia (sesame cookies). 

Day 3: Transfer to Aït Benhaddou via Ouarzazate

Say farewell to Marrakesh and hop aboard your transfer to Aït Benhaddou, which takes about 3.5 hours. Get ready for a change of scenery as you head up and over the High Atlas mountains. Marvel at Mount Toubkal, which stands at 13,671 feet (4,167 m), and enjoy a panorama of the mountain range at the top of the Tizi n’Tichka Pass as the road snakes down. En route, you’ll pass Taddert and stop at an oil cooperative to taste-test locally-made olive oil.

Take a break in the picturesque town of Ouarzazate, known as the “Gateway to the Sahara,” where you can explore the town’s UNESCO-listed 19th-century Taourirt Kasbah. The city has been the filming location for many famous movies and shows, including “Game of Thrones.” See sets and props at the Musée du Cinema, or take a guided tour at a film studio for more memorabilia. 

Once you arrive in Aït Benhaddou, explore the spectacular Ksar of Aït Benhaddou. This UNESCO World Heritage Site dates back to the 11th century and is one of the most incredible human-made sites in the region. Stroll through the Old Town’s alleys and passageways, then hike up to the old granary for incredible views of the kasbah, surrounding areas, and historic camel caravan routes. 

Day 4: Fes  Sightseeing

Good morning, sip your coffe on your terrace overlooking the majestic medina walls and the Atlas Mountains. We start today by an outdoor visit of the Royal Palace, also the Jewish Quarter and its houses with forged iron balconies. Then, you will visit the magnificient Bab Boujeloud, Mellah, Then, into the medina and the Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque and University founded by a Muslim woman. The University opened its doors in 859. After a fabulous Moroccan lunch, we head back to the souk and markets. At your own pace search out bargains and buy souvenirs. Spend the evening in a Moroccan spa, enjoy hammam, a massage and relax. Dinner and overnight at your hotel.

Day 4: Transfer to Merzouga via Erfoud & Desert Camel Ride

Day 5: Desert Adventures in Erg Chebbi

Day 6: Transfer to Fes via Ziz Valley, Midelt & Middle Atlas Mountains

Enjoy a spectacular desert sunrise and breakfast at your camp in Merzouga before hitting the road to Fes, which will take about eight hours along the scenic route. Your driver will take you through the Ziz Valley, which once served as a vital artery along the ancient Saharan Trade Route. Gaze out the window to see the area’s ksars, built by merchants to protect the gold, salt, and spices that passed this way. Stop in Midelt for lunch and enjoy the nearby Moulouya River, which provides the necessary environment for the orchards to thrive in the desert. 

As you continue, you’ll drive through the village of Azrou and climb to an elevation of 7,146 feet (2,178 m) over the Col du Zad Pass. Here, you’ll cut through the Cèdre Gouraud forest, keeping an eye out for the Barbary macaques that congregate in the cedar trees along the road. Afterward, you’ll continue to Fes, often called Morocco’s “cultural capital.” Check in at your riad and then explore this sprawling medieval city, the oldest of the country’s four Imperial Capitals and home to cobbled streets, spice-scented souks, and heritage-listed architecture.

Day 7: Fes Unveiled Tour, Pottery & Mosaic Workshop

Day 8: Transfer to Chefchaouen via Volubilis & Meknes, Explore the “Blue City”

After breakfast in Fes, begin a four-hour transfer to Chefchaouen, making several stops along the way. Your first break is at Meknes, founded in the 11th century. Explore the historic medina, the city walls, and the Ville Impériale area, where you’ll find iconic landmarks such as the magnificent Bab al-Mansour Gate and the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail. Next, you’ll see some of Morocco’s best-preserved Roman ruins at Volubilis. Wander through the once-great city to admire impressive merchant homes, ancient temples, and vibrant mosaics that offer a glimpse into the Roman civilization. 

Continue to the picturesque town of Moulay Idriss next, one of Morocco’s holiest cities, where you can wander narrow streets lined with green-roofed buildings. Your final stop of the day is Chefchaouen, Morocco’s famed “Blue City.” Nestled beneath the Rif mountains, this artsy, blue-washed mountain village is known for its winding maze of blue-washed streets, relaxed atmosphere, and some of the friendliest people in the country. 

Settle into your traditional riad, then head out to explore. Wander among the medina’s azure buildings and narrow lanes to reach the bustling Plaza Uta el-Hammam, and stop for tea at one of the quaint riverside cafés. For sunset views, pass through the historic gates toward the Hotel Atlas and head for the Spanish Mosque.

Day 10: Marrakech Gardens

Today travel like a king and queen in your horse carriage around the city and visit the famous Majorelle Gardens, known internationally. Walk around the cactus trees and visit the museum to discover the berber heritage of the country. Once done, head for the Menara gardens and enjoy a first class lunch overlooking the Marrakchi city life. Head back to your hotel for a 5-star dinner and overnight

Day 11: Departure

Seems like your holiday is over and we definitely will expect you again for a grand tour of our beautiful Morocco. Depending on your flight, we will escort you to the airport on time and wish you a safe flight back home.