14 days Cultural Morocco Tour: Marrakech, Desert, Fes, Chefchaouen, Rabat, Casablanca.
14 days cultural Morocco tour from Marrakech, through the Desert, Fes, Chefchaouen, Rabat, and Casablanca, with detailed day-by-day descriptions. This tour offers an in-depth experience of Morocco’s diverse culture, landscapes, and historical sites.
14 days cultural Morocco tour from Marrakech itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Marrakech – Welcome to Morocco
Your journey begins upon arrival at Marrakech Menara Airport, where you’ll be met by your guide and transferred to a traditional riad in the heart of Marrakech’s Medina. After settling in, take a leisurely stroll through Jemaa el-Fnaa, the bustling main square of Marrakech, famous for its vibrant street performances, food stalls, and artisan shops. Enjoy a welcome Moroccan dinner at your riad.
- Overnight in Marrakech.
Day 2: Marrakech – Full Day Guided City Tour
Today, explore Marrakech, the Red City, with a local guide. Visit the magnificent Koutoubia Mosque, the largest mosque in Marrakech, and wander through the Bahia Palace, a stunning example of Moroccan architecture. Explore the Saadian Tombs and stroll through the vibrant souks (markets), where you can see artisans at work creating Berber carpets, leather goods, and silver jewelry. End your day with a visit to the tranquil Majorelle Garden, once owned by Yves Saint Laurent.
- Overnight in Marrakech.
Day 3: Marrakech – Ait Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate
Depart from Marrakech early in the morning and drive over the Tizi n’Tichka Pass through the High Atlas Mountains. Stop at Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most famous kasbahs in Morocco, often used as a backdrop for Hollywood films. Continue your journey to Ouarzazate, known as the “Hollywood of Morocco,” and visit the Atlas Film Studios and the historic Taourirt Kasbah.
- Overnight in Ouarzazate.
Day 4: Ouarzazate – Skoura Oasis – Dades Valley
After breakfast, visit the Skoura Oasis and the Amridil Kasbah, a well-preserved example of Moroccan architecture. Continue driving through the Valley of Roses, famous for its annual rose festival, before reaching the dramatic Dades Valley, known for its fascinating rock formations and traditional Berber villages. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Berber dinner and overnight in a charming guesthouse.
- Overnight in Dades Valley.
Day 5: Dades Valley – Todra Gorge – Merzouga Desert
After breakfast, head to the Todra Gorge, a stunning canyon with 300-meter-high cliffs, and enjoy a short walk along the river. Continue your journey to Merzouga, the gateway to the Sahara Desert. On arrival, you’ll ride camels across the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi to your desert camp, where you’ll spend the night under the stars, experiencing traditional Berber music and Moroccan cuisine.
- Overnight in Merzouga Desert Camp.
Day 6: Merzouga – Nomadic Villages – Khamlia
Start the day with a desert sunrise and a camel ride back to the village. After breakfast, visit local nomadic families and learn about their traditional way of life. Continue exploring the desert surroundings, including a stop at Khamlia village, where you will experience the unique rhythms of Gnawa music performed by the local community.
- Overnight in Merzouga.
Day 7: Merzouga – Erfoud – Rissani – Fes
Depart from Merzouga and stop in Erfoud, known for its fossils and date markets, before heading to Rissani. Here, you’ll visit the traditional souks where locals sell a variety of goods. Continue your journey through the scenic Ziz Valley, eventually arriving in Fes, the cultural and spiritual capital of Morocco.
- Overnight in Fes.
Day 8: Fes – Full Day Guided City Tour
Explore the ancient city of Fes el-Bali, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with your guide. Visit the Al-Qarawiyyin University, considered the oldest existing university in the world, and the Bou Inania Madrasa, a beautiful example of Moroccan architecture. Discover the famous Chouara Tannery, where leather is still dyed in ancient vats. Wander the narrow streets of the Medina, home to vibrant souks and artisan workshops.
- Overnight in Fes.
Day 9: Fes – Meknes – Volubilis – Chefchaouen
After breakfast, travel to the Imperial City of Meknes, where you’ll visit Bab Mansour, one of the most beautiful gates in Morocco, and the Moulay Ismail Mausoleum. Continue to Volubilis, a UNESCO-listed Roman archaeological site with impressive ruins. In the afternoon, head to the charming Chefchaouen, known for its blue-painted buildings and nestled in the Rif Mountains.
- Overnight in Chefchaouen.
Day 10: Chefchaouen – Explore the Blue City
Enjoy a full day exploring Chefchaouen. Stroll through the narrow, blue-painted streets of the town and visit the Kasbah, an old fortress that houses a small ethnographic museum. You can also visit the Ras el-Ma Spring and hike up to the Spanish Mosque for panoramic views of the city and the surrounding mountains.
- Overnight in Chefchaouen.
Day 11: Chefchaouen – Rabat
Leave Chefchaouen for Rabat, Morocco’s capital. Visit the famous Hassan Tower, a 12th-century minaret, and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, the resting place of the late King. Explore the Kasbah of the Udayas, a historic fortress offering stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. Take a stroll along the Bouregreg River before checking into your hotel for the evening.
- Overnight in Rabat.
Day 12: Rabat – Casablanca
After breakfast, head to Casablanca, Morocco’s modern commercial hub. Visit the Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world, and admire its stunning architecture. Explore the Royal Palace of Casablanca and take a stroll along the Corniche for views of the Atlantic coast.
- Overnight in Casablanca.
Day 13: Casablanca – Essaouira
Enjoy a day trip to Essaouira, a charming coastal town and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit the old medina, the ramparts, and the vibrant port. Take a walk along the beach and enjoy fresh seafood at one of the many restaurants overlooking the ocean.
- Return to Casablanca for the night.
- Overnight in Casablanca.
Day 14: Departure from Marrakech
On your final day, transfer to Marrakech Airport for your departure flight. Take with you memories of Morocco’s rich culture, history, and landscapes, and the warmth of its people.
- End of Tour.
Tour Highlights
- Camel trek and overnight in the Sahara Desert
- Guided city tours of Marrakech, Fes, Chefchaouen, Rabat, and Casablanca
- Visit UNESCO World Heritage sites like Ait Ben Haddou, Volubilis, and Chefchaouen
- Explore the blue streets of Chefchaouen and the coastal town of Essaouira
- Experience Moroccan hospitality and delicious local cuisine