The Grand Tour of Morocco: 24-Day Circuit from the Imperial Cities to the Sahara

Arrival at Casablanca airport. Welcome by our multilingual driver (French, English, Spanish) and departure for the visit of the Hassan II Mosque (interior and exterior). After the visit, dinner followed by a panoramic tour of the economic capital: United Nations Square, Mohammed V Boulevard, the Anfa villa district, and the Ain Diab Corniche. Dinner and accommodation.

• *Note: For the guided visit of the Hassan II Mosque, you will join a group

Breakfast and departure for a historical guided tour of Rabat, the capital of Morocco. Walking tour of the esplanade of the Royal Palace (Dar el-Makhzen) and its imposing historic gates. Next, guided visit of the Hassan Tower and the prestigious Mohammed V Mausoleum. This marble masterpiece illustrates the finesse of traditional Moroccan art and is considered one of the most beautiful mausoleums in the world. The tour continues with the discovery of the Mechouar ramparts, the Kasbah garden, and the Kasbah of the Udayas. The latter was erected in the 12th century by the Almohad dynasty, as was its grand gate built by Sultan Yacoub el-Mansour. Dinner and accommodation.

Breakfast and departure towards Tangier, located in the north of the Kingdom. On the way, stop in the charming town of Asilah to discover its former Portuguese kasbah. After lunch, departure for Cape Spartel, a mythical site where the waters of the Atlantic and the Mediterranean meet. Continue along the coast to Tangier for a historical guided tour. Located on the Strait of Gibraltar, the city offers a fascinating blend of Africa, Europe, and the Orient, inspiring many international artists. You will discover the Kasbah overlooking the port from the highest point of the city, then the Grand Socco, the lively heart of the modern city, and finally the Petit Socco in the center of the medina. At the end of the day, dinner and accommodation.

Breakfast and departure for Chefchaouen via the magnificent panoramic road of Cap Malabata. This route runs along the coast to Ceuta and offers superb views over the Strait of Gibraltar, where the Rif Mountains plunge into the blue waters of the Mediterranean. Continuation to Chefchaouen via the city of Tetouan. The road then rises into the heart of the Rif, revealing splendid and totally exotic mountain landscapes. Welcome to the “Blue City,” Chefchaouen. Upon arrival, a typical lunch will be served, followed by free time to explore the medina. Nestled at the foot of the peaks, it will impress you with its narrow streets painted in enchanting shades of blue. You will undoubtedly fall under the charm of this unique town. At the end of the day, dinner and accommodation.

Breakfast and free morning to enjoy once more the serenity of the Blue City. Then departure for Fes, the cultural capital and the oldest city in the Kingdom. The journey crosses the magnificent landscapes of the Rif Mountains, with a lunch stop along the way. Arrival in Fes at the end of the day. Dinner and accommodation.

Breakfast and departure to discover Fes. You will begin with a historical guided tour of Fes El-Jdid and a walk along the esplanade of the Royal Palace to admire its majestic golden gates. Then continue with a guided walking tour of the old city. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is the largest car-free medina in the world. “Fes El Bali” is the oldest district of the city, founded between 789 and 808 by the Idrissid dynasty. The tour continues with the discovery of the Al Attarine Madrasa, built in 1323 by the Marinid Sultan Abu Said; its decoration is extremely refined, reflecting authentic oriental architecture. You will also see the exterior of the former Al Quaraouiyine Mosque and University, one of the most emblematic and certainly the most beautiful sites in the medina. You will then discover Nejjarine Square and its mosaic-adorned fountain (zellige tiles), as well as the commercial districts and local markets bustling with artisans and traders. A stop at the spectacular Chouara Tanneries, established since the Middle Ages, will offer one of the most striking sights in the city. After lunch, visit to a world-renowned traditional ceramic workshop. The day ends with a stop at Borj Nord, offering a breathtaking panoramic view over the entire old city. Dinner and accommodation.

Breakfast and departure towards the impressive Roman ruins of Volubilis. Located at the foot of Jebel Zerhoun, this site houses the most important Roman remains in Morocco. You will then admire the magnificent panorama over the holy city of Moulay Idriss. Lunch in Meknes, the “Ismaili capital.” The visit includes a guided walk in El Hedim Square, its souk and food market. Photo stop in front of Bab Lakhmis Gate, a richly decorated 17th-century monument, then in front of the famous Bab el-Mansour Gate. The latter is considered the most remarkable gate in Meknes and ranks among the four most beautiful gates in the world. You will then discover the granaries and stables of Moulay Ismail at Heri Es-Souani*, the Agdal Basin, and the Moulay Ismail Mausoleum. Return to Fes at the end of the day. Dinner and accommodation.

• *Subject to completion of restoration works.

Breakfast and departure towards the Sahara and the dunes of Merzouga. The journey begins with Ifrane, nicknamed the “Little Swiss of Morocco.” Stop to discover this charming mountain town nestled in a cedar forest, one of the most beautiful landscapes of the Atlas. You may have the chance to encounter Barbary macaques (magot monkeys). Lunch in Midelt, then continuation to Erfoud crossing the Tizi n'Talghomt pass (1,907 m) and the Ziz Gorges. This route offers the most spectacular panoramas of the day, including a photo stop to admire the Ziz Valley, one of the largest palm groves in Morocco. Upon arrival at the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi, time to relax and admire the sunset. Dinner will be served in a luxury desert camp, followed by an evening of entertainment in the magical atmosphere of the desert. An extraordinary and memorable experience.

After taking time to admire the magnificent sunrise over the dunes, breakfast will be served. Departure for a 4x4 excursion around the dunes of Erg Chebbi, some reaching up to 150 meters in height. Visit to the village of Khamlia, a unique opportunity to experience the captivating Gnaoua music. The morning continues with the discovery of the village of Merzouga and the oasis of Hassilabied, with its traditional irrigation system. Return for lunch at the lodge, followed by free time to enjoy the beauty and serenity of the desert. Your accommodation, located at the foot of the dunes, offers a paradisiacal setting with access to the swimming pool or the possibility of climbing the sand ridges for absolute relaxation. In the late afternoon, meet the camel handlers for a camel ride across the dunes to admire the sunset. After a contemplative pause, return by camel for dinner.

Breakfast and departure towards the Dades Valley via Tinjdad. Continuation to Tinghir for a walking tour to discover the Todra Gorges. These spectacular limestone cliffs, carved by the Todra River over millennia, can reach up to 300 meters in height; a true natural jewel of southern Morocco. After lunch, route to the Dades Valley crossing the vast palm grove of Tinghir. You will then follow the river along a magnificent road revealing surprising rock formations such as the “monkey fingers.” You will be charmed by the variation of colors and the beauty of the landscapes. A stop is planned to admire the panoramic view over the famous Tissadrine Dades Gorges, nicknamed the “snake road.” Dinner and accommodation in the Dades region.

Breakfast and departure towards Zagora crossing the Valley of Roses via the towns of Skoura and Ouarzazate. Photo stop in front of the Taourirt Kasbah in Ouarzazate, nicknamed the “Moroccan Hollywood.” The visit continues with the fascinating Aït Ben Haddou Kasbah, a traditional pre-Saharan habitat site listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Some of its houses resemble small castles with their decorated high towers. After lunch, route to Zagora through picturesque Berber villages and the Draa Valley. You will pass along the largest palm grove in Morocco, stretching over more than 250 km. At the entrance of the city, you will see the famous “Timbuktu 52 days” sign, a remnant of the time when Zagora was the last stop of caravans coming from Mali and Sudan. Dinner and accommodation.

The ideal moment to relax after the Sahara adventure. Enjoy this free day in a luxurious riad in the heart of the Draa Valley, relaxing by the pool and savoring local hospitality. Full-board accommodation.

Breakfast and departure towards Taroudant. This journey will reveal unique landscapes, with the possibility of seeing herds of camels feeding along the roadside. Continuation via Foum Zguid to Taznakht, then to Taliouine, a region world-renowned for its saffron cultivation, nicknamed “red gold.” A stop at a saffron cooperative is planned for a fascinating discovery of this royal spice. After lunch in Ouled Berhil, where you may spot goats climbing argan trees, continue to Taroudant. Dinner and accommodation.

Breakfast and departure towards Tafraoute through the Anti-Atlas Mountains. Along the way, discover the Ameln Valley nestled in the heart of this pre-Saharan massif. The road, offering wonderful landscapes, leads to the center of Tafraoute, located in an impressive rocky basin. Photo stop to admire the famous “Lion’s Head,” a natural formation sculpted in the granite mountains. Lunch in the center of the charming town of Tafraoute. Dinner and accommodation.

Breakfast and departure for a day exploring spectacular landscapes. First, discover the “Napoleon’s Hat” overlooking the village of Aguerd-Oudad, then the Aït Mansour Gorges, a true paradise of greenery between the Anti-Atlas mountains. The excursion ends beautifully with the view of the famous “Blue Rocks,” a monumental open-air artwork painted by the French artist Jean Vérame. To conclude the day, short tour in the center of Tafraoute to discover the culture of Barbary Babouche (Berber slippers), renowned for their handcrafted production. This magnificent village is a true hidden gem, offering natural beauty and rustic charm. Dinner and accommodation.

Breakfast and departure towards the Tizourgane Kasbah*, a magnificent fortified village erected on a rocky outcrop. It is one of the wonders to discover on the road to Aït Baha, offering breathtaking views over the Anti-Atlas peaks. Then visit the traditional collective granary “Agadir Imchguiguiln.” More than 700 years old, this granary once played a role similar to that of a bank: inhabitants stored their most valuable goods there (food supplies, harvests, jewelry, official documents). This site is a masterpiece of Amazigh architecture and an invaluable historical treasure. Continuation to Agadir for lunch. Then ascent to the Agadir Oufella Kasbah to admire the panoramic view over the Atlantic Ocean and the entire bay. Free afternoon to enjoy your accommodation. Dinner and accommodation.

• *Subject to completion of restoration works.

Free day on a half-board basis. Several options are available: enjoy the beach and the facilities of the seaside resort, or participate in one of the optional activities offered by our representative. Dinner and accommodation.

Breakfast and departure towards Essaouira, the former “Mogador.” This journey along the Atlantic Ocean crosses vast argan forests. A stop is planned at an argan oil cooperative to discover the many properties of this unique product. Upon arrival, lunch in a seaside restaurant. Then, historical guided walking tour of the Skala and the port, famous for its aligned blue wooden boats. The Portuguese Skalas of Essaouira are now mythical places offering breathtaking views. You will also explore the souks, reflecting all the artisan trades, as well as the consulate district and the Mellah (Jewish quarter). Dinner and accommodation.

Free day on a half-board basis. Several options are available :

• Relax and enjoy the hotel facilities.

• Spend a relaxing day by the sea.

• Practice water sports such as kitesurfing or surfing.

Breakfast and departure for Marrakech, the famous “Red City” located at the foot of the High Atlas Mountains. Upon arrival, panoramic tour of the city to discover its two facets: the new city (European district) and the medina, the historic quarter whose origins date back to the 11th century. Dinner and accommodation.

Breakfast and departure for a guided visit of the Majorelle Garden. This garden, one of the most beautiful in the world, houses more than 300 plant species from five continents. You will be charmed by the magical contrast between Majorelle blue, bright yellow, and this unique botanical masterpiece. Then discovery of the ramparts of Marrakech, the ancient protective walls of the city, followed by the visit of the Bahia Palace. This 19th-century masterpiece reflects the refinement of the era and the love of a grand vizier for his favorite. Lunch in the medina, then continuation with a historical walking tour of the old city (UNESCO-listed). Its souks overflow with enchanting scents and vivid colors. The visit continues with the Ben Youssef Madrasa, jewel of Saadian architecture, then Jemaa El-Fna Square. The social heart of Marrakech, it is world-famous for its snake charmers, acrobats, and musicians. The day also includes a fascinating stop at a local herbalist to discover the world of spices, and ends in front of the Koutoubia Mosque and its sublime 77-meter minaret. Dinner and accommodation.

Free day on a half-board basis. Several options are available to beautifully conclude your stay :

• Hot air balloon flight over Marrakech at sunrise.

• Fantasia dinner show under caïdal tents.

• Moment of absolute relaxation in a traditional Hammam & Spa.

Breakfast and free morning for your last purchases in the heart of the souks. In the afternoon, departure towards Casablanca. Dinner and accommodation.

Breakfast and transfer to Casablanca airport for your return flight. End of our services.