Our Real Morocco Tour (Casablanca, Rabat, Fes, Merzouga, Dades, Taliouine, Agadir, Essaouira, Marrakech ) takes you from Casablanca to Rabat, and on to Fes, the most ancient and holy of the Imperial cities. From Fes, travel through the Middle Atlas to the majestic Sahara desert, through small Berber villages and the Valley of a Thousand Kasbah. Explore Taliouine and its saffron fields, and then leave the desert and mountains behind and enjoy the vibrant but relaxing coastal towns of Agadir and Essaouira as you return to Marrakech. Combining Imperial cities, mountains, desert and ocean, this tour takes you to the real Morocco!
Our Real Morocco Tour can be modified from 10-15 days or more depending on your time and what you would like to see.
DAY 1: Casablanca
Arrive at Mohammed V International Airport where you will be welcomed and transferred to your hotel in Casablanca. Overnight in Casablanca.
DAY 2: Casablanca – Rabat (95kms)
Depart Casablanca for the Imperial city of Rabat. Your sightseeing in Rabat will include 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 3: Rabat-Meknes –Fes (203kms)
Depart Rabat for Fes. Along the way stop in Meknes, visiting the medina which is surrounded by a triple thickness of 40km long walls which preserves one of the most beautiful gates in Morocco; the Royal Stables of the Alaouite Sultan Moulay Ismail, and the Jewish Quarter. Continue to Fes. Overnight in Fes.
DAY 4: Fes
Explore Fes, the most ancient and holy of the Imperial cities. Your cultural and historic tour will take you through the 2000 year old living medina; a labyrinth of narrow lanes alive with markets and souks, craftsmen, donkeys and mules transporting their loads. Visit the Attarine and Bou Anania Medersas (Islamic universities), the Nejjarine fountain, the Moulay Idriss Mausoleum, and the Karaouine Mosque. Finish your tour with a visit to Fes Jdid, and the revered Merenid Tombs for a spectacular panoramic view of Fes. Overnight in Fes.
DAY 5: Fes – Ifrane – Azrou – Midelt – Erfoud (410kms)
Set off early for the Middle Atlas Mountains, passing through the towns and villages of Ifrane, Azrou and Midelt. Continue on the road following the spectacular Ziz Valley and watch as the scenery evolves from mountain to the rocky desert-scape of the Sahara. Overnight in Erfoud.
DAY 6: Erfoud – Rissani – Merzouga (60kms)
After breakfast explore the small desert town of Erfoud and Rissani. Head to Merzouga, the Erg Chebbi region of the Sahara desert, and take a camel to begin your Moroccan desert adventure! Watch the sunset over the majestic Sahara dunes, and spend the night in an oasis in a Berber tent. Overnight in the desert oasis.
*If a camel trek is not really your thing, you can still experience the magic of the dunes by staying in a hotel right at their edge.
DAY 7: Merzouga – Boumalne Dades ( 251kms)
Wake up in the early morning to watch the sunrise over the dunes. After returning by camel to Merzouga, depart for Ouarzazate. Your journey will take you through the dramatic canyons of the Todra Gorge, and stunning valleys and ravines of Boumalne Dades. Overnight in Boumalne Dades.
DAY 8: Boumalne Dades – Ouarzazate – Tazenakht – Taliouine (284kms)
Depart Dades for the south’s saffron region! Drive through Kelaat M’Gouna where a rose festival is held every May. Drive on to Skoura, a small village on the north side of the road which probably has the most beautiful palm grove in southern Morocco with dozens of inhabited and uninhabited kasbahs. This whole region is called The Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs. Continue to Ouarzazate, and to Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site, used for more films than any other location in Morocco; including, Lawrence of Arabia and The Gladiator. Pass through Tazenakht, an important centre for Berber carpet weaving, before arriving in Taliouine. Overnight in Taliouine.
DAY 9: Taliouine – Agadir (208kms)
Explore Taliouine and visit the saffron museum, or time your visit for the saffron harvest festival in October. Depart for the coastal city of Agadir, passing through the town of Taroudant in the Sous Valley, known for its beautiful ramparts and Berber artisan crafts. Relax and explore beautiful Agadir. With its stunning beach and corniche, souks, historical kasbah and plentiful cafes you can be as busy or relaxed as you want. Overnight in Agadir.
DAY 10: Agadir – Essaouira (173kms)
Depart Agadir for Essaouira, a wonderfully relaxed coastal fishing town where you can explore Phoenician, Berber, Portuguese, Jewish, and French past in the well-preserved architecture, small alleyways and enchanting medina. Stroll through the serene squares, browse artisan shops and galleries, and observe the handicrafts of the ’tuya’ wood found only in Morocco, or head down to the port to check out the day’s catch. Overnight in Essaouira.
DAY 11: Essaouira– Marrakech ( 177kms)
Depart for Marrakech via the scenic inland road with the forest of the Argan trees (sometimes with goats!) which only exist in this region of the world. Stop off at Argan oil cooperatives along this relaxing drive. Overnight in Marrakech.
Day 12: 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 13: Marrakech
Your tour ends. Transfer to airport.
Suggestions for amending your Real Morocco Tour:
- Go directly to Fes from Casablanca (exclude Rabat)
- Add extra days in Fes to explore Fes, or take a cooking class
- Break the journey from Merzouga to Fes by stopping overnight in Midelt. This will shorten the day’s driving time and allow you to take more time on your journey, maybe taking some time to explore the cedar forests of Ifrane and Azrou. An overnight stop in Midelt is a good option in the warmer months (June-Sept).
- Visit Taliouine in October/November for the saffron festival
- Add an extra day to relax by the ocean in Agadir
- Add an extra day to relax by the ocean in Essaouira
- Add extra days to explore Marrakech
- End your Real Morocco Tour by returning directly to Casablanca from Marrakech.
Contact Us for more information
Fescooking & Morocco Cultural Tours 