Embark on an unforgettable 8-day journey through the heart of Morocco, exploring vibrant cities, ancient medinas, and dramatic landscapes. This carefully curated itinerary will take you from the coastal charm of Tangier to the enchanting blue city of Chefchaouen, the historic imperial cities of Meknes and Fes, the cultural capital of Rabat, and the imperial splendor of Marrakech. Along the way, you will experience Morocco's rich history, breathtaking natural beauty, and vibrant culture, including a unique adventure in the Agafay Desert. The journey offers a perfect blend of relaxation and exploration, with each day bringing new discoveries, from bustling souks and palaces to serene deserts and lush gardens. Whether you’re captivated by the maze-like streets of the medinas, the grandeur of ancient ruins, or the tranquility of the desert under a starlit sky, this immersive experience is sure to leave you with lasting memories of Morocco’s timeless allure.
Discover Northern Morocco and Marrakech
Overview
Included
Excluded
Highlights
Itinerary
Welcome to Tangier, the vibrant port city that serves as Morocco’s gateway between Europe and Africa. Upon your arrival at the airport or ferry terminal, your dedicated driver will greet you and transfer you to your accommodation.
Begin your adventure with a visit to the Kasbah, a historic fortress offering panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea and the Strait of Gibraltar. Wander through the winding alleys of the medina, where you can discover local artisan shops, colorful stalls, and traditional Moroccan goods. Don’t miss a stop at the Grand Socco, a lively square that bridges the old city with the modern quarters and is perfect for soaking in the city's dynamic atmosphere.
For those with time and energy, a leisurely stroll along the Corniche provides spectacular views of the coastline and a glimpse into Tangier’s cosmopolitan charm. If you're interested in history, consider visiting the American Legation Museum, a testament to Morocco's longstanding relationship with the United States, or the Hercules Caves, a short drive from the city.
As evening falls, enjoy your first authentic Moroccan meal at a traditional restaurant . Relax and prepare for the exciting journey ahead.
- Accommodation: Hotel in Tangier
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, or dinner (depending on arrival time)
- Guided Tours: Kasbah, Tangier medina, Grand Socco, optional Hercules Caves or American Legation Museum.
After a delightful Moroccan breakfast, depart Tangier and embark on a scenic drive towards the mesmerizing blue city of Chefchaouen. Your journey takes you through the cultural gem of Tetouan, known as "The White Dove" for its pristine architecture and historical significance.
Arriving in Tetouan, begin your exploration with a stroll through the medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This medina offers an authentic glimpse into traditional Moroccan life, with its narrow streets lined with whitewashed buildings and vibrant markets. Visit the Royal Palace, an architectural masterpiece located near the bustling Mechouar Square. Delve into Tetouan’s Andalusian history at the Archaeological Museum or the Ethnographic Museum, where you can learn about the city’s fascinating blend of Arab and Spanish cultures.
After enjoying lunch at a local café, featuring regional specialties like pastilla or fresh seafood, continue your drive through the stunning Rif Mountains. Admire the breathtaking landscapes of lush valleys and rugged peaks as you make your way to Chefchaouen.
Upon arrival in Chefchaouen, you’ll be greeted by the city’s iconic blue-washed streets. Spend the afternoon wandering through the medina, discovering artisanal shops offering unique goods such as handwoven textiles, ceramics, and traditional Berber crafts. Visit the Outa el Hammam Square, the heart of the town, and enjoy a mint tea at one of the charming cafés. For a memorable sunset, take a short hike to the Spanish Mosque, where you'll be rewarded with panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains.
As night falls, relax in your riad and savor a traditional Moroccan dinner featuring tagines and freshly baked bread. Let the tranquil mountain ambiance of Chefchaouen prepare you for the adventures ahead.
Accommodation: Riad in Chefchaouen
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Guided Tours: Tetouan medina, Royal Palace, Chefchaouen medina, Spanish Mosque
After breakfast in Chefchaouen, begin your journey towards Meknes, one of Morocco’s most historically significant imperial cities. As you leave the blue city behind, enjoy the picturesque drive through the Rif Mountains, with their green valleys and rolling hills.
Upon arrival in Meknes, the city’s historical grandeur will immediately captivate you. Start your exploration with a visit to the Bab Mansour Gate, one of Morocco’s most impressive architectural landmarks. This monumental gate, built during the reign of Sultan Moulay Ismail in the 18th century, is renowned for its intricate tilework and grandeur. Take time to admire the gate's stunning carvings and the views it offers over the Place el-Hedim, a lively square where locals and tourists alike gather.
Next, head to the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, the tomb of the sultan who transformed Meknes into one of the most prosperous cities in Morocco. This serene site offers a glimpse into the city’s royal past with its beautifully decorated architecture and tranquil courtyard. Explore the royal Dar El Makhzen, the former palace of Moulay Ismail, where you’ll learn about the sultan’s reign and the city’s impressive role during the imperial era.
In the afternoon, take a short drive to the nearby Roman ruins of Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that holds a fascinating blend of Roman and Berber history. Wander through the well-preserved ruins, including grand arches, basilicas, and intricately designed mosaics depicting ancient mythological scenes. Volubilis was once an important Roman outpost, and its impressive ruins provide a glimpse into the empire’s influence on the region.
Conclude your day with a visit to Meknes’s vibrant souks, where you can explore the traditional markets for local crafts, spices, and fresh produce. Later, enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner in one of the city’s charming restaurants, featuring dishes like tagine or couscous, accompanied by mint tea.
Accommodation: Riad in Meknes
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Guided Tours: Bab Mansour Gate, Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, Volubilis, Place el-Hedim, Meknes souks
After a delicious breakfast in Meknes, embark on a scenic drive to Fes, Morocco’s cultural and spiritual heart. The journey through the fertile plains offers views of rural life, and upon arrival, check into your charming riad, a traditional Moroccan guesthouse filled with intricate tilework and a peaceful courtyard.
Start your day with an introductory tour of the Fes el-Bali medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Lose yourself in its narrow, winding streets, where you’ll see the famous tanneries—a vibrant and aromatic experience where leather is still treated using centuries-old techniques. As you wander through the souks, the marketplace brims with vendors selling everything from spices to handcrafted jewelry.
Next, head to the Bou Inania Madrasa, a beautiful example of Islamic architecture, featuring stunning mosaics, intricate woodwork, and exquisite tilework. Continue to the Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque and University, founded in 859 and considered one of the oldest continuously operating educational institutions in the world. Although non-Muslims cannot enter the mosque itself, the surrounding areas offer insight into the significance of this religious and academic hub.
For lunch, enjoy traditional Moroccan dishes at a local restaurant. Afterward, take a break and enjoy the bustling atmosphere of the medina before heading to a scenic viewpoint. Here, you’ll have panoramic views of Fes, with its terracotta rooftops stretching out beneath the clear sky.
As the day winds down, enjoy a leisurely dinner at a local restaurant, savoring Moroccan specialties .
Accommodation: Riad in Fes
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Guided Tours: Fes el-Bali medina, Tanneries, Souks, Bou Inania Madrasa, Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque, City viewpoint
After breakfast in Fes, your journey continues to Rabat, Morocco’s charming capital city located along the Atlantic coast. The drive takes you through scenic landscapes, providing glimpses of Morocco's rural life as you head west. Upon arrival, you will be immersed in the city's blend of historical significance and modernity.
Start your exploration with a visit to the Oudaya Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site situated at the mouth of the Bou Regreg River. This ancient fortification was built in the 12th century and features narrow, winding streets lined with white-and-blue houses that create a picturesque atmosphere. Stroll through the kasbah’s peaceful gardens and take in breathtaking views of the river and the ocean from the kasbah’s ramparts. The kasbah offers a tranquil escape from the city’s hustle and bustle, providing an ideal spot for photos.
Next, you’ll head to the Hassan Tower, one of Rabat’s most recognizable landmarks. This 12th-century minaret was intended to be the tallest in the world but remains unfinished. The nearby Mausoleum of Mohammed V, located just a short walk away, is another must-see. The mausoleum is the final resting place of King Mohammed V, the father of modern Morocco. The stunning architecture and the serene atmosphere make it a significant site for both history and culture. The mausoleum’s intricate carvings and grand design reflect the beauty of Moroccan craftsmanship.
Take a moment to relax along the Bou Regreg River, where you can enjoy a leisurely walk and take in the views of the river, with the kasbah and the Hassan Tower in the distance. This is also a great spot for a peaceful lunch or tea at one of the riverside cafes, where you can watch the boats glide by.
In the afternoon, explore Rabat’s medina and its charming neighborhoods, with its blend of modern boutiques and traditional Moroccan shops. If time permits, you may visit the Royal Palace of Rabat, although entry is restricted, its impressive gates and surrounding gardens are worth seeing from the outside.
In the evening, enjoy a delicious Moroccan dinner at a local restaurant, savoring traditional dishes such as tagine or couscous while reflecting on your adventures.
Accommodation: Hotel in Rabat
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Guided Tours: Oudaya Kasbah, Hassan Tower, Mausoleum of Mohammed V, Bou Regreg River, Royal Palace (outside view)
After a delicious breakfast in Rabat, your journey takes you towards the bustling city of Casablanca, Morocco’s commercial hub. The first stop of the day is the Hassan II Mosque, a stunning architectural masterpiece standing right at the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. With a towering minaret that reaches 210 meters, it is one of the tallest mosques in the world and the only one in Morocco open to non-Muslim visitors. You’ll be guided through the mosque, learning about its intricate design, cultural significance, and how it seamlessly blends traditional Moroccan styles with modern touches.
Following the visit to the mosque, you'll enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Casablanca, where you can indulge in traditional Moroccan dishes such as pastilla or couscous. After lunch, continue your journey south to the Agafay Desert, a breathtaking rocky landscape located just outside Marrakech. Unlike the famous sand dunes of the Sahara, Agafay offers a unique, serene environment, where the desert meets the Atlas Mountains.
Arriving in the afternoon, you’ll be greeted with a warm welcome before embarking on a camel ride through the rugged terrain. As you ride through the dry riverbeds and vast, stony landscapes, you’ll experience the beauty of the desert at its most untouched.
After the camel ride, you’ll enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner under the stars in a luxury desert camp. The camp provides an authentic yet comfortable experience, with Berber-style tents and cozy seating around a campfire. As the night sky unfolds, you'll enjoy a freshly prepared meal, perhaps couscous or a fragrant lamb tagine, while listening to local music and stories around the fire.
As the evening draws to a close, you’ll retire to your tent, nestled in the tranquility of the desert, with the stars above offering an unforgettable night under the open sky.
Accommodation: Luxury desert camp in Agafay
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Guided Tours: Hassan II Mosque, Agafay Desert Camel Ride
On your final day in Morocco, delve into the cultural and architectural beauty of Marrakech. After breakfast, begin your day by visiting the iconic Koutoubia Mosque, the largest mosque in Marrakech, known for its majestic minaret. This historical mosque is an example of Almohad architecture and a symbol of the city.
Next, head to the Majorelle Garden, a stunning botanical garden once owned by Yves Saint Laurent. Wander through its lush paths, surrounded by vibrant blue buildings and exotic plants. It’s a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, with plenty of photo opportunities.
Continue your exploration with a visit to the Bahia Palace, a grand 19th-century palace known for its intricate architecture and beautiful courtyards. Admire the ornate woodwork, stucco carvings, and tranquil gardens that make this palace one of the city’s most beloved landmarks.
Afterward, take time to visit the Saadian Tombs, where members of the Saadian dynasty are buried. These beautifully decorated tombs date back to the 16th century and are a testament to the era's architectural splendor.
Spend the afternoon strolling through the vibrant souks of the medina, where you can shop for Moroccan crafts, spices, textiles, and jewelry. Lose yourself in the labyrinth of alleys and experience the colorful energy of the market.
In the evening, head to the bustling Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, the heart of Marrakech. The square comes alive with food vendors, entertainers, and musicians, creating a vibrant atmosphere perfect for people-watching and indulging in traditional Moroccan street food. As you walk through the square, you can enjoy local delicacies like tagine, couscous, or mint tea.
Accommodation: Riad in Marrakech
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Guided Tours: Koutoubia Mosque, Majorelle Garden, Bahia Palace, Saadian Tombs, Jemaa el-Fnaa Square
On the last day of your Moroccan adventure, you’ll have some free time in the morning to savor the final moments of Marrakech's captivating atmosphere. Depending on your flight time, you may wish to revisit your favorite spots from the previous days, explore hidden gems in the medina, or even do some last-minute shopping in the vibrant souks. You can also choose to relax in one of the city's many beautiful gardens, or indulge in a traditional Moroccan hammam experience for ultimate relaxation before your journey home.
If time permits, enjoy a delicious Moroccan lunch at a local restaurant, sampling some of the final dishes of this diverse and rich cuisine. Whether you opt for a traditional couscous or a tagine dish, it will be a fitting farewell to the country's culinary delights.
At the scheduled time, your private driver will transfer you to the Marrakech Menara Airport for your departure, ensuring you arrive with plenty of time for check-in and security procedures.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (depending on your flight time)