Morocco Grand Tour – 12 Days

Arrival at Marrakech Airport. Meet and greet by our representative. Transfer to the hotel. Check-in and free time.

You may choose to begin exploring the Red City on your own – visit Jemaa el-Fna square, the Koutoubia Mosque, or simply relax after your journey.

Overnight in Marrakech.

Morning sightseeing tour of Marrakech, including:

• Koutoubia Mosque: The largest mosque in Marrakech, with a 77 meter minaret (exterior visit).
• Majorelle Garden: A botanical garden jewel of architecture and botany, created by French painter Jacques Majorelle and restored by Yves Saint Laurent.

After lunch (not included), departure to Ouarzazate via the High Atlas Mountains and the Tizi n'Tichka Pass at 2,260 meters. The winding road offers spectacular views of mountains, valleys, and Berber villages. Several photo stops will be made along the way.

Arrival in Ouarzazate, known as the Hollywood of Africa or the Door of the Desert.

Overnight in Ouarzazate.

After breakfast, departure towards Merzouga, the gateway to the Sahara Desert.

Visit Kelaat M'Gouna, the heart of the Rose Valley. The valley is famous for its damascene rose production, particularly beautiful in April and May during the annual Rose Festival. You can visit a local cooperative to learn about rose water and oil production.

Continue through the beautiful landscapes of southern Morocco towards the Sahara Desert, passing through the Dades Valley with its dramatic rock formations and ancient kasbahs.

Arrival in Merzouga and check-in at the hotel.

Overnight in Merzouga.

After breakfast, enjoy a 4x4 Jeep Safari around the dunes of Erg Chebbi. Your adventure will include:

• Visits to local nomadic families: Learn about their traditional way of life in the desert, share mint tea, and hear their stories.
• Exploration of the surrounding desert landscapes and hidden oases.
• Panoramic viewpoints over the majestic Erg Chebbi dunes, the tallest in Morocco, reaching up to 150 meters.

In the evening, camel ride through the dunes to admire the sunset. Watch as the sun paints the golden sand in shades of orange, purple, and gold.

Overnight in a desert camp with traditional dinner and music under the starry Sahara sky.

After breakfast, departure to Fes via Erfoud, Midelt, and Ifrane.

• Erfoud: Known as the capital of fossils. The desert around Erfoud is rich in marine fossils dating back millions of years.
• Ziz Valley: A dramatic oasis of thousands of palm trees stretching along the Ziz River. Stop at panoramic viewpoints for spectacular photographs.
• Midelt: A town nestled between the Middle and High Atlas mountains.
• Ifrane: Known as the Switzerland of Morocco, with alpine-style architecture, red tiled roofs, and a stone lion carved into the rock.

Enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Middle Atlas mountains, including cedar forests where you may spot wild Barbary macaques.

Arrival in Fes.

Overnight in Fes.

Full-day guided city tour of Fes, the spiritual and cultural capital of Morocco.

Your local guide will lead you through the winding alleyways of Fes el-Bali, the UNESCO listed medina. Highlights include:

• The Ancient Medina: One of the largest car-free urban areas in the world, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• The Royal Palace (exterior visit): Impressive brass doors and zellij tilework.
• The Chouara Tannery: Where leather has been dyed in the same stone vats for over a thousand years. (View from surrounding terraces.)
• Traditional handicraft quarters: Where artisans create pottery, metalwork, wood carving, and textiles.
• Bou Inania Madrasa: A masterpiece of Marinid architecture (time permitting).
• The University of Al Quaraouiyine: Founded in 859 AD, recognized as the oldest continuously operating university in the world (exterior view).

Overnight in Fes.

After breakfast, departure to Chefchaouen, the famous Blue City of Morocco, nestled in the Rif Mountains.

Guided walking tour and free time to explore the charming streets of the Medina. Chefchaouen is famous for its buildings painted in various shades of blue, creating a relaxed and picturesque atmosphere.

You will have time to:

• Wander through the blue washed alleyways
• Visit the Plaza Uta el-Hammam, the main square with its red brick mosque
• Shop for local handicrafts including wool blankets and woven goods
• Climb to the Spanish Mosque for panoramic views of the blue city against the green mountains

Overnight in Chefchaouen.

After breakfast, departure to Rabat, the capital of Morocco.

Sightseeing tour of Rabat including:

• Hassan Tower: The unfinished minaret of a massive mosque begun in the 12th century, surrounded by Roman columns.
• Mohammed V Mausoleum: A masterpiece of modern Alaouite architecture, housing the tombs of King Mohammed V and his sons.
• The Royal Palace (exterior visit): The official residence of the King of Morocco.

Continue to Casablanca.

Overnight in Casablanca.

City tour of Casablanca, Morocco's largest city and economic capital, including:

• Hassan II Mosque (exterior visit): One of the largest mosques in the world, with a minaret reaching 210 meters. Built partly over the Atlantic Ocean.
• The Corniche: A scenic coastal promenade lined with restaurants and cafes.
• The city center: Modern architecture and wide boulevards reflecting Casablanca's French colonial heritage.

After the tour, transfer to Marrakech.

Overnight in Marrakech.

After breakfast, departure to Essaouira, the charming Atlantic coastal town.

Guided tour of Essaouira, including:

• The Medina: A UNESCO World Heritage site with white and blue buildings.
• The fishing port: Filled with traditional blue fishing boats.
• The Skala Fortress: A Portuguese fortress with cannons overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.

You will have time to explore the vibrant souks, known for thuya wood carvings and argan oil.

Overnight in Essaouira.

Free day at leisure in Essaouira. Enjoy the Atlantic coast, stroll through the Medina, or relax in one of the local cafés.

You may choose to:

• Walk along the beach and promenade
• Enjoy fresh seafood at the harbor
• Explore more of the Medina and souks
• Try windsurfing or kitesurfing (seasonal)
• Simply relax at a seaside cafe

Overnight in Essaouira.

After breakfast, transfer to Marrakech Airport according to your flight schedule.

End of the Program.