Grand Tour of Morocco
Suggested Private Itinerary
DAY 1: CASABLANCA / RABAT
Arrival Casablanca. Drive to the coast and Rabat, the current capital of Morocco. Spend the afternoon finding out what lurks in the ancient necropolis of Chellah. Walk through the picturesque Kasbah des Oudaias, which overlooks the Atlantic Ocean.
DAY 2: FES
You will journey south to the ancient ruins of Volubulis, a former Roman settlement. Continue to imperial Meknes, where the stables once held 12,000 horses. In Fes, you’ll notice that you feel you’ve stepped back in time. Veiled women hurry through the winding streets, and donkeys carry the wares of traditional artisans. Fes Riad
DAY 3: FES
Highlights of your day: discover Fes’s history with visits to the Bou Inania Medersa (Koranic university) and the Foundouk Nejjarine, which has an excellent museum. Afterwards, you’ll have a chance to take a leisurely walk through countless souks and Fes’ famous tanneries. Ask us where to stop and refresh with a mint tea.
DAY 4: FES
Experience the delights of Moroccan gastronomy during a morning souk food walk through the medina with our expert food guide.
DAY 5: ERFOUD / SAHARA
Make your way south from Fes to the edge of the Sahara and the Tafilet Oasis, the last stop on the trans-Saharan trading route before Timbuktu. In the afternoon, you will transfer via 4×4 to your private desert encampment. Climb the dunes to watch the glorious sunset before indulging in a delicious traditional Berber dinner. Spend the rest of the evening gazing up at the stars—there’s nothing like the clear Saharan night sky. Stay at a fabulous Desert Camp.
DAY 6: SAHARA / OUARZAZATE
If you’ve always dreamed of riding a camel up the dunes of the Sahara to watch the sun rise in the east, this is your morning! Continue your 4×4 adventure in the Sahara before heading west to Todgha Gorges, one of the most dramatic and beautiful landscapes in the world.
DAY 7: OUARZAZATE / HIGH ATLAS MOUNTAINS
Spend the morning at the Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, where Gladiator and Lawrence of Arabia were filmed. Then, enjoy a scenic and dramatic passage through Tizn Tichka, deep into the High Atlas Mountains.
DAY 8: HIGH ATLAS MOUNTAINS
Spend the day at leisure swimming, biking or visiting a local Berber market. Overnight in a Kasbah
DAY 9: ESSAOUIRA
Set out with your driver for Essaouira. Essaouira is the perfect place to wander—it is a serene and picturesque city. Once known as Mogador, Essaouira’s blue and white medina is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
DAY 10: ESSAOUIRA
Browse the numerous and lively café terraces and restaurants of Essaouira and ask us for our favorites. Be sure not to miss the thuya workers, craftsmen who make beautiful inlaid wooden objects; the ocean-side ramparts; and the myriad art galleries scattered about town.
DAY 11: MARRAKECH
Drive inland to Marrakech. You will recognize it by its ancient pink-walled medina. After you have settled in, spend the early evening with your guide, becoming acquainted with the city and perhaps getting a bite to eat on your own. Overnight at Villa des Oranges
DAY 12: MARRAKECH
Highlights of your day: the colorful and exotic souks (marketplaces), the stately Koranic university, and some of Marrakech’s excellent museums. Ask us for some shopping recommendations or book a hammam (a steamy ritual bath) for the afternoon.
DAY 13: MARRAKECH
Highlights of your day: take in the sights and smells of the tropical Majorelle Gardens, tour the opulent Saadien Tombs, and visit the Dar Si Said Museum of Moroccan Arts.
DAY 14: MARRAKECH
Transfer to the airport.
Suggested Accommodations:
Villa Mandarine, Rabat
Riad Fes, Fes
Private Desert Encampment, Sahara Desert
L’Ma Lodge, Skoura
Kasbah Tamadot, High Atlas Mountains
Palais Heure Bleue, Essaouira
Villa des Orangers, Marrakech
Please inquire for availability, pricing and tailoring your itinerary.
