Grand Discovery of Morocco – 18 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.

Full-day guided tour of Marrakech, the Red City. Your local guide will take you to the most iconic sites:

• Koutoubia Mosque: The largest mosque in Marrakech, with a 77 meter minaret (exterior visit).
• Bahia Palace: A stunning 19th century palace with intricate courtyards, gardens, and decorated rooms.
• Majorelle Garden: A botanical garden jewel of architecture and botany, created by French painter Jacques Majorelle and restored by Yves Saint Laurent.
• The traditional Souks: Explore the labyrinth of markets selling spices, carpets, lanterns, leather goods, and traditional crafts.
• Jemaa El Fna Square: The heart of Marrakech, filled with street performers, storytellers, musicians, and food stalls.

In the afternoon, departure to Casablanca, Morocco's largest city and economic capital.

Overnight in Casablanca.

Morning visit of Casablanca 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.

Continue to Rabat, the capital of Morocco, to visit:

• 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.
• Oudaya Kasbah: A picturesque fortress overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, with white and blue streets and Andalusian gardens.

Drive along the Atlantic coast to Asilah, a charming coastal town with white and blue walls, known for its annual cultural festival and artistic murals. Visit the medina and ramparts.

Continue to Tangier, the gateway between Europe and Africa.

Overnight in Tangier.

Visit Cape Spartel, the northwesternmost point of Africa, where the Mediterranean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean. Enjoy spectacular views from the lighthouse.

Explore the Hercules Caves, a natural cave complex with mythological significance. According to legend, Hercules rested here after completing his labors. The cave opening in the shape of Africa is a famous photo spot.

After the visit, depart to Chefchaouen, the famous Blue City of Morocco, nestled in the Rif Mountains.

Guided walking tour of the famous Blue City. Explore the blue-washed alleyways, visit Plaza Uta el-Hammam, and discover the Kasbah Museum.

Overnight in Chefchaouen.

Free time in Chefchaouen to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the Blue City.

You may choose to:

• Climb to the Spanish Mosque for panoramic views of the blue city against the green mountains
• Shop for local handicrafts including wool blankets and woven goods
• Explore more of the blue-washed streets
• Relax at a cafe and enjoy the peaceful ambiance

Afternoon departure to Fes, the spiritual and cultural capital of Morocco.

Overnight in Fes.

Full-day guided sightseeing 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 Medina of Fes: One of the largest car-free urban areas in the world, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Bou Inania Madrasa: A masterpiece of Marinid architecture with intricate carved wood and zellij tilework.
• The Royal Palace (exterior visit): Impressive brass doors and zellij tilework.
• The famous tanneries: 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.
• The vibrant souks: Brass, copper, carpets, spices, and traditional crafts.

Overnight in Fes.

Travel through the Middle Atlas Mountains and Ziz Valley to Merzouga.

Stops include:

• Ifrane: Known as the Switzerland of Morocco, with alpine-style architecture, red tiled roofs, and a stone lion carved into the rock.
• Midelt: A town nestled between the Middle and High Atlas mountains, known for its apples and fossils.
• Ziz Valley: A dramatic oasis of thousands of palm trees stretching along the Ziz River. Stop at panoramic viewpoints for spectacular photographs.

Continue through the beautiful landscapes of the Middle Atlas to Merzouga, the gateway to the Sahara Desert.

Overnight in Merzouga.

Travel through the Middle Atlas Mountains and Ziz Valley to Merzouga.

Stops include:

• Ifrane: Known as the Switzerland of Morocco, with alpine-style architecture, red tiled roofs, and a stone lion carved into the rock.
• Midelt: A town nestled between the Middle and High Atlas mountains, known for its apples and fossils.
• Ziz Valley: A dramatic oasis of thousands of palm trees stretching along the Ziz River. Stop at panoramic viewpoints for spectacular photographs.

Continue through the beautiful landscapes of the Middle Atlas to Merzouga, the gateway to the Sahara Desert.

Overnight in Merzouga.

Drive through desert landscapes towards Zagora.

Stops include:

• Rissani: A historic town known as the cradle of Morocco's ruling family and once a key hub for ancient caravan routes. Visit the traditional souk and the Mausoleum of Moulay Ali Cherif.
• Alnif: A small town surrounded by stunning desert and mountain landscapes.

Continue to Zagora, often called the Gateway to the Sahara. The famous sign reads Timbuktu 52 Days, reminding travelers of the ancient caravan route to Mali.

Overnight in Zagora.

Travel through the beautiful Draa Valley and its palm groves.

The Draa Valley is Morocco's longest date-palm valley, stretching along a verdant ribbon of oases. You will drive through the valley, stopping at panoramic viewpoints to admire the thousands of palm trees and ancient kasbahs.

Continue to Ouarzazate, known as the Hollywood of Africa or the Door of the Desert.

Optional visits in Ouarzazate (time permitting):

• Atlas Film Studios
• Taourirt Kasbah

Overnight in Ouarzazate.

Visit the UNESCO-listed Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou.

Ait Ben Haddou

The Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Morocco's most iconic fortified villages. This stunning red adobe kasbah has served as a backdrop for many films, including Gladiator, Game of Thrones, Lawrence of Arabia, and The Mummy.

You will have time to:

• Walk through the narrow alleyways between mud brick buildings
• Climb to the top for spectacular views of the river valley
• Visit ancient kasbahs
• Take stunning photographs

Continue to Taroudant, often called the Grandmother of Marrakech. This charming walled city is surrounded by palm groves and offers a more relaxed atmosphere than its famous counterpart.

Overnight in Taroudant.

Drive through the Anti-Atlas Mountains to Tafraoute.

The Anti-Atlas mountains offer stunning landscapes of rugged peaks, deep valleys, and traditional Berber villages. The drive is one of the most scenic routes in Morocco.

Tafraoute is a town surrounded by pink granite mountains, famous for its almond trees and unique rock formations. The area is known for its painted rocks – a famous art installation where local artists painted large boulders in bright colors.

Overnight in Tafraoute.

Visit the spectacular Legzira Beach.

Legzira Beach is famous for its dramatic red rock arches and cliffs rising from the Atlantic Ocean. The beach is one of Morocco's most stunning coastal landscapes, especially beautiful at sunset when the rocks glow in shades of red and orange.

Continue to Agadir, Morocco's modern coastal resort city, known for its beautiful beaches, promenade, and relaxed atmosphere.

Overnight in Agadir.

Drive along the Atlantic coast to Essaouira, the charming coastal town.

The drive takes approximately 3 to 4 hours, with beautiful ocean views along the way.

Explore the charming Medina and fishing port of Essaouira:

• 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.
• The souks: Known for thuya wood carvings and argan oil.

Overnight in Essaouira.

Free day for relaxation, beach walks, shopping in the Medina, or enjoying fresh seafood.

You may choose to:

• Walk along the beach and promenade
• Explore more of the Medina and souks
• Enjoy fresh seafood at the harbor
• Try windsurfing or kitesurfing (seasonal)
• Simply relax at a seaside cafe
• Visit the Skala Fortress for panoramic ocean views
• Take a camel ride on the beach

Overnight in Essaouira.

Full-day excursion to the magnificent Ouzoud Waterfalls, the highest waterfalls in Morocco.

The falls drop 110 meters down a series of rocky cliffs, creating rainbows, mist, and a thunderous sound. The name Ouzoud comes from the Berber word for olive, and the surrounding area is covered in ancient olive groves.

You will have time to:

• Walk along the paths that wind around both sides of the falls
• Walk behind the water curtain on one section
• Observe Barbary macaques (wild monkeys) that live in the area
• Take a small boat ride near the base of the falls (optional, local fee)
• Enjoy the cool mist and beautiful rainbows

Lunch will be at a local restaurant overlooking the falls (not included).

Return to Marrakech for overnight.

Transfer to Marrakech Airport according to your flight schedule.

End of the Program.