Our Morocco South to North Tour (Marrakech, Essaouira, Oualidia, Rabat, Tangier, Chefchaouen, Fes) takes you from the magic of Marraakech, up the spectacular Atlantic Coast via relaxed seaside towns, to the truly international city of Tangier, high into the Rif Mountains, and on to Fes. Truly experience the astonishing diversity of Morocco, and sample the specialities of both the North and South of Morocco. This tour is perfect for the warmer summer months (June-Sept); if you have a love of the ocean; or if you are looking to explore a less well known Morocco.
Our Morocco South to North Tour can be modified from 5-12 days or more depending on your time and what you would like to see. A similar tour can also start in Fes and end in Marrakech.
DAY 1: Marrakech
Upon arrival in Marrakech, you will be met and transferred to your hotel/Riad. Relax and settle in. Overnight in Marrakech.
DAY 2: Marrakech
Explore the famous city of Marrakech, the ‘southern pearl’ of Morocco, and second oldest Imperial city which has for centuries been an important stop for traders and travellers. Your tour will include the Menera Gardens, the famous Jardin Majoralle, Bahia Palace, and Saadian tombs. Visit the Koutoubia Mosque, with its 77m high minaret dominating the centre of Marrakech. Continue to one of the centre attractions of Marrakech; Djemaa el-Fna, the famous UNESCO World Heritage Site which is one of the main cultural spaces in Marrakech. Relax at one of the many cafes surrounding the square to take in all the sights. Continue on and explore the varied and colourful souks. Overnight in Marrakech.
DAY 3: Marrakech – Essaouira (177kms)
Depart Marrakech for the seaside town of Essaouira. A relaxing drive lined with argan oil cooperatives will take you to this UNESCO World Heritage listed city. The windswept fishing port, with broad beaches and ancient walled medina with ramparts built into the cliffs has long been a popular destination. With its relaxed feel, take in the small but lively medina, stroll along the ramparts or beach, or visit the port to see the daily catch. The Gnaouas Music Festival is held in Essaouira in June. Overnight in Essaouira.
DAY 4: Essaouira – Safi – Oualidia (182kms)
Depart Essaouira for Oualidia. Stop in Safi, a previously Portuguese occupied town. Famous as the centre of sardine exports, Safi is perhaps most well known for its pottery. Arrive and relax in Oualidia, a small seaside village with a protected lagoon, estuary, and wild Atlantic Ocean all right on your doorstep. Walking, birdwatching (Oualidia is at the centre of Morocco’s richest bird habitat, particularly in Spring and Autumn), fishing, swimming, kayaking, kite surfing and surfing are just some of the activities you can enjoy in Oualidia. Overnight in Oualidia.
DAY 5: Oualidia – El Jadida – Casablanca – Rabat (268kms)
Depart Oualidia for Rabat and continue your journey up the Atlantic Coast. Pass through El Jadida, a small port city, formerly controlled by the Portuguese, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage site; and stop in Casablanca to visit Mohammed V square and the impressive mosque of Hassan II. Explore the Imperial City of Rabat, including the Mechouar (the ramparts and walls surrounding the Royal Palace), the majestic Mohammed V Mausoleum, the Hassan Tower, and the Oudaya Kasbah, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and offering fabulous views, as well as being home to Moroccan artisan galleries. Overnight in Rabat.
DAY 6: Rabat – Asilah – Tangier (249kms)
Depart Rabat for Tangier along the stunning coastal road. Visit Asilah, a beautiful coastal town with its whitewashed houses, blue walls and doors, and many murals. Tangier, the gateway to Africa from Europe, has always been an international melting pot. Take a tour of Tangier and explore the bustling medina, and city surrounds, and enjoy the stunning vista where the Mediterranean and Atlantic oceans meet. Overnight in Tangier.
DAY 7: Tangier – Chefchaouen (110kms)
Depart Tangier for the enchanting mountain village of Chefchaouen, passing through the green valleys of the Rif Mountains. Chefchaouen is famous for its vivid blue rinsed houses and is very popular for both tourists and Moroccans, particularly in the hot summer months. Explore Chefchaouen, with its winding lanes and narrow alleys which are home to numerous souks offering cuisine and artisan works, such as woollen items, intricate embroidery, and goats cheese; all native to the North and not found anywhere else in Morocco. Relax in the square, visit a local farm or hike in nearby parks. Overnight in Chefchaouen
DAY 8: Chefchaouen – Fes (200kms)
Depart Chefchaouen for Fes. This scenic drive takes you from high in the Rif Mountains through the fertile agricultural land back to Fes. Your tour ends in Fes.
Suggestions for amending your Morocco South to North Tour:
- Omit sightseeing days in Marrakech and leave directly for Essaouira
- Add extra days in Marrakech to explore Marrakech
- Add an extra day in Essaouira
- Add an extra day in Oualidia
- Go directly from Rabat to Chefchaouen
- Go from Rabat to Asilah, and overnight in Asilah, instead of Tangier. Stop off in Tangier on your way to Chefchaouen
Add extra days in Fes to explore Fes, take a cooking class, or a day trip to Meknes/Volubilis or the Middle Atlas (Ifrane, Azrou)
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