Grand Tour of Morocco – 13 days from Tangier to Casablanca

After an invigorating breakfast, you will leave Tangier and take the scenic route that winds through the Rif Mountains, offering lush green landscapes and breathtaking views. Your first stop will be in Tetouan, a white city with a rich Andalusian past, where you can feel the Spanish influence in every architectural detail, in the music, and even in the language spoken by many of the inhabitants. Stroll through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed medina, where time seems to have stood still, and enjoy the authenticity of its peaceful alleyways. You will then continue on to Chefchaouen, the “Blue Pearl” of Morocco. This charming city, nestled against the mountains, will seduce you with its azure-colored houses, flower-covered stairways, and elegant fountains. Take the time to explore the local craft shops, admire the views of the valley from the heights of the city, or simply sit on a shaded terrace for a moment of relaxation. You will spend the night in a comfortable riad in the heart of the medina.

This day is entirely dedicated to exploring Chefchaouen and its surroundings. After a typical breakfast, you can set off on foot through the medina, a veritable labyrinth of blue alleys lined with colorful shuttered houses and carved doors. Every street corner reveals a new picturesque scene, ideal for photography enthusiasts. Don't miss Outa el Hammam Square, the nerve center of the city, dominated by the Great Mosque and the historic kasbah. For nature lovers, a short hike to the Ras El Ma spring will allow you to enjoy the coolness of the river and superb panoramic views of the city. The rest of the day can be spent visiting museums, meeting artisans, or sampling local dishes in the many traditional restaurants in the medina.

This day is entirely dedicated to exploring Chefchaouen and its surroundings. After a typical breakfast, you can set off on foot through the medina, a veritable labyrinth of blue alleys lined with houses with colorful shutters and carved doors. Every street corner reveals a new picturesque scene ideal for photography enthusiasts. Don't miss Outa el Hammam Square, the nerve center of the city, dominated by the Great Mosque and the historic kasbah. For nature lovers, a short hike to the Ras El Ma spring will allow you to enjoy the coolness of the river and superb panoramic views of the city. The rest of the day can be spent visiting museums, meeting artisans, or sampling local dishes in the many typical restaurants of the medina.

The journey continues with an early morning departure for Volubilis, an exceptional archaeological site that bears witness to the important Roman presence in Morocco. Here you can admire perfectly preserved mosaics, the remains of temples and patrician houses, as well as the typical urban layout of ancient cities. After this immersion in the past, the road takes you to Meknes, the former imperial capital with its monumental gates and wide avenues lined with ancient granaries. You will also visit the mausoleum of Sultan Moulay Ismail, a key historical figure. The day ends with your arrival in Fez, where you will settle into a traditional riad, ready to begin your discovery of this thousand-year-old city.

Discovering Fez The day is devoted to an in-depth exploration of Fez, the oldest of Morocco's imperial cities. Accompanied by a local guide, you will delve into the labyrinthine alleys of the medieval medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will visit the Bou Inania madrasa, the Karaouiyine mosque (one of the oldest universities in the world), the tanners' quarter, the lively souks, and numerous artisan workshops. A traditional lunch can be enjoyed in a riad or local restaurant. In the late afternoon, you can opt for a stroll outside the medina to discover the Andalusian quarter and the royal palace. Free evening in Fez.

Day 06: Fez – Ifrane – Midelt – Ziz Valley – Merzouga

After a hearty breakfast, you will leave Fez to cross the Middle Atlas, a green and mountainous region contrasting with the arid landscapes to come. You will stop in Ifrane, nicknamed the “Switzerland of Morocco” for its alpine architecture and peaceful setting. Further on, the majestic cedar forests of Azrou may offer you the chance to spot the famous Barbary macaques in the wild. In Midelt, you will have lunch in this small town renowned for its orchards and minerals. The road continues south through the Tiz-n-Talghemt pass, offering spectacular views of the Ziz Valley, famous for its lush palm groves. After passing Erfoud and Rissani, you will reach Merzouga, the gateway to the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi and the vast Sahara Desert.

This day is dedicated to an in-depth discovery of the Saharan universe. You will visit a Gnawa village where traditional music, steeped in African influences, is still very much alive and moving. You will have the opportunity to meet nomadic families, whose ancestral way of life has adapted to this arid environment for centuries. A visit to an oasis will allow you to appreciate the rarity and richness of life in the desert. After lunch in Merzouga, get ready for an unforgettable experience: a camel ride at sunset, crossing the dunes with their changing colors. The evening will end in a traditional Berber camp, where you will enjoy a typical dinner around the fire, lulled by Berber songs and rhythms, under a starry sky of rare purity.

Get up early to experience a magical moment: sunrise over the golden dunes, a scene that is both peaceful and spectacular. After returning to the village by camel for breakfast, the road takes you to the impressive Todra Gorge, a narrow canyon lined with cliffs over 300 meters high. You can take a pleasant walk along the riverbed, admiring the quiet power of nature and the amazing geology of the area. The day ends in the Dadès Valley, renowned for its stunning rock formations and authentic atmosphere, where you will spend the night in a cozy local hotel.

After a hearty breakfast, set off along the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs, dotted with ochre-colored fortresses that punctuate this magnificent landscape. On the way, stop at Kalaat M'Gouna, famous for its rose products, and perhaps for some shopping in the local workshops. In Ouarzazate, known as the “gateway to the desert” and the capital of Moroccan cinema, you will visit the Kasbah Taourirt, former residence of powerful lords. Further on, you will discover Aït Ben Haddou, a ksar listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a veritable natural movie set. Finally, crossing the High Atlas with a stop at the historic kasbah of Telouet will bring you back to Marrakech, where you will arrive in the evening, ready to enjoy the bustling life of the Red City.

This day is dedicated to an in-depth discovery of Marrakech. You will start with the serenity of the Majorelle Gardens, with their vibrant colors and exotic plants. Then, you will visit the Koutoubia Mosque, the city's emblem, before discovering the sumptuous Bahia Palace, a masterpiece of Moroccan architecture. You will also explore the Saadian Tombs, which bear witness to the art and history of the 16th century. After lunch in a typical restaurant near Jemaa el-Fna Square, the afternoon will be spent strolling through the souks, where spices, textiles, and quality crafts abound. You will have free time to lose yourself in the bustling alleys and discover Marrakech at your own pace.

The journey continues to Essaouira, a charming coastal town renowned for its relaxed atmosphere and rich artistic heritage. On the way, you will pass by argan trees, which are endemic to the region, and visit cooperatives where local women produce the precious and world-renowned argan oil. In Essaouira, you will explore the bustling fishing port, the UNESCO-listed medina, and the impressive ramparts of the Skala. The rest of the day will be free: you can relax on the beach, stroll through the art galleries, or enjoy the cafés and restaurants that line the seafront.

This morning, you will set off again towards Marrakech, then continue on to Casablanca, Morocco's economic capital. Upon arrival, a quick tour will allow you to appreciate the contrasts of this modern metropolis, with the opportunity to stroll along the Corniche, a lively seaside promenade, or admire the splendid Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest in the world, from the outside. This visit will give you a final glimpse of Morocco's diversity before the end of your stay.

The last day of your Moroccan adventure is devoted to transferring to Casablanca International Airport, where you will catch your return flight. This moment marks the end of a tour rich in cultural discoveries, human encounters and varied landscapes, from north to south Morocco. You will take with you unforgettable memories of a fascinating country where tradition and modernity blend harmoniously.