12 Days Cultural Exploration and Desert Adventure in Morocco

Explore Casablanca, Rabat, and Meknes After breakfast, you’ll begin your tour by visiting the iconic Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, which overlooks the Atlantic Ocean. Then, we’ll journey to Rabat, the capital city of Morocco. Here, you'll explore the Mechouar (the outer walls) of the Royal Palace, the Roman ruins of Chellah, the Mohammed V Mausoleum, and the Hassan Tower. After lunch, we’ll head to the historical city of Meknes for the evening. Meknes is known for its imperial architecture, including the famous Bab El Mansour gate.

Meknes, Volubilis Ruins, and Fes Today, after breakfast, we’ll explore Meknes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where we’ll visit the El Hdim Square, the grand Bab El Mansour gate, and the Royal Granaries. We will then proceed to the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis, home to well-preserved mosaics, before heading to Moulay Idriss, the holiest town in Morocco. Our final stop is Fes, where we will have dinner and overnight at a traditional riad.

Discover the Medina and Souks of Fes After breakfast, a guided tour of Fes awaits. Fes is one of Morocco's oldest imperial cities, and its medina is a labyrinth of narrow, cobbled streets. You’ll visit iconic sites such as the Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque, the oldest continuously operating university in the world, the Bou Inania Madrasa, and the Chouara Tannery. The tour also includes a stop at a ceramics cooperative to witness traditional Moroccan craftsmanship.

Journey Through Ifrane, Midelt, and the Sahara Desert We will begin the day by leaving Fes and heading towards the charming town of Ifrane, often referred to as "Little Switzerland" for its European-style architecture. Then, we’ll travel through Midelt, located in the heart of the Atlas Mountains, before reaching Arfoud. From here, we continue to Merzouga for an unforgettable desert experience. After a warm welcome at your desert camp, you can enjoy the stunning sunset and a traditional dinner under the stars.

Nomadic Life and the Erg Chebbi Dunes Start early to witness a breathtaking sunrise over the vast sand dunes of Erg Chebbi. Afterward, you’ll enjoy a traditional Berber breakfast before heading to Khamlia village, where you can experience the soulful rhythms of Gnawa music. Our off-road journey continues as we visit nomadic Berber villages, where you’ll be invited to sip tea with the locals and learn about their way of life. Return to Merzouga for a night at your hotel.

Through the Sahara Mountains to Toudra Gorges Today, you will travel through the volcanic Saghro Massif to Tinehir. Along the way, you will have the chance to visit a fossil workshop and see ancient fossils of the Sahara. Once you arrive in the Toudra Gorges, you will have some free time to walk along the river, enjoy the impressive limestone cliffs, and marvel at the natural beauty of this stunning location. Spend the night in a hotel.

Tinghir, Kalaat M’gouna, Ouarzazate, and Ait Benhaddou After breakfast, we’ll head to the village of Tinghir and explore the palm groves and Berber villages that dot the landscape. Our journey continues through the Rose Valley, famous for its annual festival celebrating the rose harvest, and Kalaat M'Gouna, where you can purchase rose-based products. We’ll then drive through the desert landscapes to Ouarzazate, the "Hollywood of Morocco," where films like Gladiator were shot. We’ll conclude the day by reaching the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ait Benhaddou, a fortified village made of mudbrick and clay, famous for its appearance in movies like Game of Thrones and Lawrence of Arabia. Overnight in a local kasbah.

Ait Benhaddou, Telouet, and Marrakech After breakfast, take some time to fully explore Ait Benhaddou, learning about its fascinating history as an important stop on the ancient caravan trade route. We will then head to the remote village of Telouet, home to the ruins of the Glaoui Kasbah, once the residence of the powerful Glaoui family. Following a visit to the kasbah, we will descend through the High Atlas Mountains, passing through the Tichka Pass, and arrive in Marrakech by the evening.

Explore the Historical and Cultural Treasures of Marrakech Today, after breakfast, we will take you on a full-day tour of Marrakech’s historical highlights, including the famous Menara Gardens, the Koutoubia Minaret, the Saadian Tombs, and the Bahia Palace. Visit the bustling souks of the medina, where you can shop for spices, textiles, and jewelry, before heading to the vibrant Djemaa el-Fna Square. The square is the heart of Marrakech, filled with storytellers, acrobats, snake charmers, and street food vendors. Overnight in a traditional riad or hotel.

Relax and Explore at Your Leisure Enjoy a free day to explore Marrakech at your own pace. You may wish to visit the Jardin Majorelle, explore the many museums, or simply relax at a café. In the afternoon, you’ll be transferred to your hotel in Casablanca for an overnight stay.

Departure Depending on your flight time, you’ll be transferred to either Casablanca or Marrakech airport for your departure. End of your journey with unforgettable memories.