13 Day Grand Morocco Tour Packages: Tangier, Sahara Desert, Marrakech & Ocean Coast

Welcome to Morocco! Upon your arrival at Tangier Port or Airport, your dedicated private English-speaking driver-guide greets you. We start our trip with a scenic drive along the Atlantic coastline, stopping at Cap Spartel where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Mediterranean Sea. Next, explore the legendary Caves of Hercules. After a leisurely seafood lunch by the coast, we drive inland through the lush Rif Mountains toward the legendary “Blue Pearl” of Morocco, Chefchaouen. Settle into your charming traditional riad and enjoy a restful evening stroll through the illuminated blue alleys.

Overnight: Chefchaouen Riad | Meals Included: Welcome Refreshments

Enjoy an unhurried, full day in Chefchaouen. Walk through the pedestrian-friendly medina with its famous cobalt-blue and whitewashed streets, artisan leather shops, and hand-woven wool blanket displays. Visit the historic Kasbah museum and relax at a plaza cafe in Plaza Outa el-Hammam. In the afternoon, follow the gentle walking trail past the Ras el-Ma waterfalls up to the hilltop Spanish Mosque for a breathtaking panoramic sunset view over the entire blue valley.

Overnight: Chefchaouen Riad | Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast, depart the Rif Mountains and journey south toward the fertile Saiss plains. Arrive at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Volubilis, Morocco’s largest and best-preserved ancient Roman archaeological site. Walk among intact floor mosaics, the Basilica, and the Arch of Caracalla with a specialized local guide. Afterwards, take a brief stop at the holy pilgrimage town of Moulay Idriss Zerhoun before continuing your drive to Fes, Morocco’s spiritual and intellectual capital.

Overnight: Fes Medina Riad | Meals Included: Breakfast

Immerse yourself in Fes el-Bali, the world’s largest car-free urban zone and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Guided by an official local historian, visit the golden Royal Palace Gates, the historic Jewish Quarter (Mellah), Al-Qarawiyyin University (the oldest existing educational institution in the world), Bou Inania Madrasa, and the iconic Chouara Tanneries. In the afternoon, take an excursion to nearby Meknes to admire the grand Bab al-Mansour gate and the Moulay Ismail Mausoleum before returning to your riad.

Overnight: Fes Medina Riad | Meals Included: Breakfast

Set off early south through the Middle Atlas Mountains. Stop in alpine-style Ifrane (often referred to as the “Switzerland of Morocco”) and feed friendly wild Barbary macaques in the ancient Cedar Forest of Azrou. Cross the dramatic High Atlas passes and travel along the breathtaking palmeraies of the Ziz Valley. By late afternoon, reach the golden dunes of Merzouga. Mount your camel for a sunset trek across the Erg Chebbi sand sea to your luxury desert camp, complete with private en-suite bathrooms, traditional Berber feast, and live fireside drumming under the stars.

Overnight: Merzouga Luxury Sahara Camp | Meals Included: Breakfast & Gourmet Desert Dinner

Wake up early to catch a desert sunrise over the dunes. Today is a dedicated, unhurried full day exploring the Sahara hinterlands by 4×4 vehicle. Visit nomadic families living in traditional hand-woven wool tents, learn about their daily desert lifestyle, and share mint tea. Head to Khamlia village to experience soul-stirring spiritual Gnawa music played by descendants of sub-Saharan musicians. Enjoy sandboarding down steep dunes and spend a peaceful second evening in the desert.

Overnight: Merzouga Desert Resort or Luxury Camp | Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner

Depart the desert and visit the traditional market town of Rissani, the historic cradle of Morocco’s ruling Alaouite Dynasty. Continue west through palm groves toward the towering red limestone walls of Todra Gorge, where 300-meter canyon cliffs drop down to a fresh mountain river—a paradise for walkers and rock climbers. Drive onward into the winding Dades Valley, famous for its dramatic rock formations known locally as the “Monkey Fingers”.

Overnight: Dades Valley Kasbah Hotel | Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner

Journey along the famous Road of a Thousand Kasbahs. Pass through Kelaat M’Gouna in the Valley of the Roses, world-renowned for its organic Damask rose oil products. Reach the historic oasis of Skoura, home to sprawling palm groves and 17th-century earthen architecture. Tour the beautifully preserved Kasbah Amridil, featured on former Moroccan currency notes, and enjoy an evening surrounded by peaceful palm orchards.

Overnight: Skoura Oasis Boutique Hotel | Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner

Drive to Ouarzazate, the “Hollywood of Africa,” and stop for photos near Atlas Film Studios. Explore the iconic UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Ben Haddou, a fortified mudbrick Ksar that served as the backdrop for blockbuster films like Gladiator, Kingdom of Heaven, and Game of Thrones. Cross the High Atlas Mountains via the stunning Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260m elevation) with spectacular panoramic mountain views before descending into Marrakech.

Overnight: Marrakech Medina Riad | Meals Included: Breakfast

Discover the vibrant “Red City” with an expert local guide. Visit the 19th-century Bahia Palace, the Saadian Tombs, the iconic Koutoubia Mosque tower, and the botanical Jardin Majorelle (Yves Saint Laurent Garden). Spend the afternoon navigating colorful artisan souks filled with spices, brass lamps, and leather goods. As night falls, witness the unmatched energy of Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, transformed into an open-air spectacle of storytellers, musicians, acrobats, and food stalls.

Overnight: Marrakech Medina Riad | Meals Included: Breakfast

Leave the bustling city behind and travel west toward the Atlantic coastline. En route, drive through rolling argan tree groves where you may spot goats climbing high into the branches. Visit an authentic local women’s Argan oil cooperative to learn about hand-extracting culinary and cosmetic argan products. Arrive in Essaouira by mid-day. Walk through the breezy ocean-side medina, admire blue fishing boats at the port, and watch sunset over the Skala de la Kasbah ramparts.

Overnight: Essaouira Boutique Riad | Meals Included: Breakfast

Enjoy a delightfully relaxing full day in Essaouira at your own leisure. Savor fresh grilled sardines or lobster directly at the port, stroll along the expansive sandy beach, browse thuya wood artisan carving workshops, or enjoy kitesurfing and horse riding on the shore. This unhurried coastal day provides perfect physical and mental relaxation after twelve days of inland travel.

Overnight: Essaouira Boutique Riad | Meals Included: Breakfast

Savor a final rooftop breakfast overlooking the ocean. Depending on your flight schedule, your private driver transfers you comfortably back to Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK) or drops you off at your preferred Marrakech accommodation. Bid farewell to Morocco carrying unforgettable memories of imperial cities, mountain passes, starry Sahara nights, and coastal ocean air.

Overnight: None | Meals Included: Breakfast