20-Day Grand Morocco Expedition: From Imperial Cities to Sahara & Atlantic Coast

Welcome to Morocco! Upon arrival, you’ll meet your driver/guide and transfer to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a relaxed walk through the medina, visit local cafés, or experience the evening atmosphere of Jemaa El Fna Square. Overnight in Marrakech.

Begin your day with a guided tour of Marrakech. Visit the vibrant souks, explore historical neighborhoods, and see major landmarks such as the Koutoubia Mosque (exterior), Bahia Palace, and the Saadian Tombs. Wander through Jamaa El Fna and experience its street food, musicians, and artisans. Free evening to relax.

Leave Marrakech toward Casablanca, Morocco’s modern economic capital. See the exterior of Hassan II Mosque and visit the corniche area. Continue to Rabat, the political capital, where you’ll explore its elegant neighborhoods, palm-lined boulevards, and oceanfront setting. Overnight in Rabat.

Start the morning with visits to Rabat’s main landmarks, such as Hassan Tower, the Oudaya Kasbah, and the Royal Palace area. Then drive through rolling hills and the Rif Mountains to reach Chefchaouen, Morocco’s blue-washed gem. Evening at leisure to enjoy its peaceful ambiance.

This morning, enjoy a walking tour through the blue alleys of Chefchaouen. Discover its medina, local markets, and traditional crafts. Visit the Spanish Mosque viewpoint or simply enjoy photography time in the charming streets. Afternoon free to relax. Overnight in Chefchaouen.

Travel toward the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue to Meknes for a short tour of its historical gates, medina, and monumental architecture. Afterward, drive to Fes, Morocco’s spiritual and cultural capital.

Enjoy a guided visit of Fes el-Bali, one of the oldest medieval medinas in the world. Explore its narrow streets, artisan quarters, souks, tanneries, and historical monuments (exterior). Discover the rich cultural heritage and traditional crafts that define Fes. Overnight in Fes.

Drive south through the Middle Atlas Mountains. Stop in Ifrane, known for its alpine architecture, and continue to the cedar forests of Azrou to see local Barbary macaques. Cross the Ziz Valley toward Erfoud, gateway to the Sahara. Evening at leisure.

Head to Merzouga, where the sand dunes of Erg Chebbi rise dramatically. Visit nearby desert villages such as Khamlia. Later, ride camels through the dunes to your desert camp. Enjoy a traditional dinner, local rhythms, and starry desert skies. Overnight in the Sahara.

Wake early to witness sunrise over the dunes—one of Morocco’s most breathtaking moments. After breakfast, leave the desert toward the Todra Valley, famous for its palm groves and dramatic scenery. Free evening to relax.

Spend the morning walking between the towering cliffs of Todra Gorge. The canyon offers peaceful landscapes, rural villages, and panoramic photo spots. Afternoon at leisure in the valley.

Travel along the Dades Valley and the famous “Road of 1000 Kasbahs.” Visit small villages and stunning landscapes before arriving at Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO mudbrick fortress used in many films. Overnight near the kasbah.

Drive through the lush Draa Valley with its endless palm groves. Stop in Tamgroute to see its pottery workshops and ancient library. Continue off-road toward the remote Sahara dunes of Erg Chegaga for another unique desert experience.

Leave Erg Chegaga through desert tracks, dry riverbeds, and the vast Lake Iriki area. Reach Foum Zguid and continue to Tata, a quiet oasis town surrounded by dramatic landscapes.

Cross the Anti-Atlas Mountains, passing through Berber villages and rugged scenery. Arrive in Mirleft, a peaceful coastal town known for its beaches, relaxing atmosphere, and beautiful sunsets.

Visit the Sous-Massa National Park to explore its wildlife and coastal views. Continue to Taroudant, often called the “Little Marrakech,” with its ancient walls and lively markets.

Travel north along the Atlantic coastline toward Essaouira. Enjoy the ocean views, argan tree forests, and coastal villages on the way. Evening free in Essaouira.

Relax and explore Essaouira at your own pace. Wander through its medina, visit the fishing port, enjoy the beach, or shop for local crafts and woodwork. Overnight in Essaouira.

Return to Marrakech through argan-producing regions. Afternoon and evening free to enjoy cafés, souks, or optional activities. Final night in Marrakech.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport or your next destination. End of the tour.