Best of Morocco with Sahara Desert

After breakfast, you’ll head towards Chefchaouen, making a stop in Tetouan to explore its Medina, with whitewashed houses set against the Rif Mountains. Next, visit the beach town of Martil for a relaxing lunch by the Mediterranean. In the afternoon, continue to Chefchaouen, the Blue City, famous for its charming blue streets, Spanish-style plaza, and craft shops. Stroll through town, taking in the unique sights, then enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant before heading to your Riad for the night.

• TRANSFER: 3H30MIN, 150 km

After breakfast, board the bus to Meknes, with a stop at Volubilis, North Africa’s best-preserved Roman ruins, where intricate mosaics highlight Morocco’s rich history. Continue to the holy town of Moulay Idriss, perched on two hills with panoramic views of the countryside. Upon arriving in Meknes, known as the ‘Versailles of Morocco,’ you’ll have time to explore key sites, such as the impressive Bab Mansour Gate, the old Medina, the Mellah (Jewish quarter), or the former royal stables of Moulay Ismail. In the evening, you’ll reach Fes, check into your hotel, and enjoy dinner.

• TRANSFER: 4H35MIN, 250 km

After breakfast at your riad, your guide will take you on a tour of the Fes medina, starting with a scenic drive. Along the way, stop at Borj Sud for panoramic views of the city, visit the Royal Palace, explore the historic El Mellah Jewish Quarter, and admire intricate tile mosaics. 

The tour continues with a walking exploration of the medina, where you’ll step back in time through winding alleyways. Watch donkeys and mules navigate narrow streets, take in the rich aromas from market stalls filled with spices and perfumes, and visit the iconic leather tanneries where artisans still use centuries-old techniques.

After a delightful breakfast, we have the option to visit the charming city of Ifrane, known for its cooler climate, European-style architecture, and beautiful lakes and streams. From there, we’ll drive through the stunning Middle Atlas Mountains toward Midelt, a journey of about 2 hours and 20 minutes, surrounded by breathtaking mountain views. The road continues to the mesmerizing Merzouga Desert, with a total drive time of around 7 hours. Although lengthy, the journey is well worth it to reach the enchanting village of Merzouga, where we’ll spend the night in a comfortable hotel, preparing for our adventure to the magnificent Erg Chebbi dunes the following day.

• TRANSFER: 7H20MIN, 461km

After a peaceful night at the hotel and a tasty local breakfast, your adventure begins deep in the tranquil beauty of the desert. Your driver will guide you to a remote camp, far from the bustling world, where the tall sand dunes glow with shades of orange and gold at sunset. Starting at the stunning Merzouga dunes, you’ll enjoy an unforgettable camel ride across the vast golden sands of Erg Chebbi. As the sun sets, the desert transforms into a breathtaking scene. When night falls, you’ll camp under a sky full of stars, surrounded by the peaceful stillness of the desert—an unforgettable experience. In the evening, enjoy local music. 

During the day, you have the option to try quad biking, sand surfing, or a 4×4 tour for an extra adventure.

• TRANSFER: 15min, 10 km

After a restful night at our camp and a warm breakfast, we’ll wake up to the serenity of the desert. We then head towards the rugged beauty of the Todra Gorges, making stops along the way to admire the unique adobe villages and meet the locals who call this dramatic landscape home. The towering rock cliffs of the gorges, popular with climbers, provide a stunning backdrop as we take a short walk through this natural wonder. After lunch, we’ll continue our journey through the scenic Dades Valley, following a smooth road that offers breathtaking views of ancient kasbahs nestled in the rugged mountains. From a strategic lookout, we’ll appreciate the valley’s unparalleled beauty and its distinctive kasbahs. The day concludes with a night at a charming riad in Skoura village, just a short distance from the Dades Valley, where you’ll enjoy a freshly prepared local dinner showcasing the region’s flavors.

• TRANSFER: 4h30min, 310km

Today, embark on a journey through history and mountains. Departing from Skoura, we’ll travel through Ouarzazate to the stunning UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Benhaddou, a famous ancient village. Continue through the dramatic Ounila Valley, making stops to visit salt mines and explore the historic ruins of the Pasha’s palace in Telouet. Next, cross the majestic High Atlas Mountains via the winding Tizi n’Tichka pass, with breathtaking views along the way. By evening, you’ll arrive in Marrakech, where you’ll enjoy dinner and a luxurious overnight stay in a beautiful riad within the vibrant medina.

• TRANSFER: 3H46min , 235 km

Enjoy breakfast at your Riad before our guide takes you through the old medina of Marrakech, where you can admire the architectural beauty of the Bahia Palace and the historic Moulay Youssef Madrasa. Savor traditional pastries and enjoy lunch in the heart of the medina, surrounded by its vibrant atmosphere. In the afternoon, continue exploring the lively souks, where you can shop for spices, silver, and other treasures. For those interested, a hammam experience is available—just let us know in advance, and we’ll make the necessary reservations.

After breakfast in Marrakech, we depart for the quaint seaside town of Essaouira, traveling through lush valleys filled with orange groves, ancient olive trees, and argan oil cooperatives. This windswept fishing port, with its broad beaches and ancient walled medina, has long been a favorite vacation spot for Moroccans. It is also a creative hub, home to many of the country’s wood carvers and artists, and hosts the Gnaoua Music Festival every June. We’ll enjoy dinner in Essaouira and spend the night in a tranquil local hotel.

• TRANSFER: 3h, 177 km

After a lovely breakfast, get ready for an exciting day exploring Essaouira, beginning with a visit to the Skala port ramparts, which served as a backdrop in the popular series Game of Thrones—you’ll quickly see why! Built in the 1760s to transform the small fishing town into a royal port and commercial center, these fortifications still stand today. Next, explore the fishing port and the fortress tower, Borj el Barmil, before enjoying a walk along the ocean’s rocks and cliffs, soaking in the unique charm and history of Essaouira.

After being picked up from your riad in Essaouira, you’ll head towards Casablanca via the scenic Safi coastal route, enjoying a 4.5-hour drive with the option to stop for a rest, a drink, or to explore an unplanned site. Upon arrival in Casablanca, your city exploration begins with the stunning Hassan II Mosque, the largest mosque in Africa, known for its exquisite tiling and craftsmanship. Depending on time, you can also visit other notable sites, including Mohammed V Square, the Royal Palace, the Habous district, the residential area of Anfa, and United Nations Square.

• TRANSFER: 5h, 380 km

Transfer to the airport to catch your flight. 

• TRANSFER: 40MIN, 33 km