A closer look at the route
This is the tour for a first trip to Morocco, or for anyone who wants the whole picture in one go. It begins on the Atlantic at Casablanca and works inland through Rabat, Meknes and the Roman city of Volubilis to Fez, whose medieval medina is one of the largest walled cities in the world and still best explored with someone who knows the way.
The second half turns south: Ifrane and the Ouzoud waterfalls, Marrakech and its Koutoubia, Saadian Tombs and Jemaa el Fna, then over the Tizi n'Tichka to the UNESCO kasbah of Aït Benhaddou, the Dadès valley, the Todra gorge and finally Merzouga, for a camel ride over the dunes and a night under the desert stars. Travel is by private vehicle throughout, with hotels and one desert camp.
Casablanca
Arrival in Morocco's economic capital. Depending on your flight, visit the Hassan II Mosque out over the water, the historic Sqala and the Habous quarter. Overnight in Casablanca.
Rabat, Meknes & Volubilis
North to Rabat for the Royal Palace, the Oudaya kasbah and the Hassan Tower. On to Meknes, capital under Moulay Ismail, with its monumental gates and ramparts, then the UNESCO Roman city of Volubilis before arriving in Fez.
Fez
A guided day in the medieval medina — spice markets, artisan workshops, the tanneries, the potters' quarter and the gates of the royal palace. Overnight in Fez.
Ifrane & the Ouzoud waterfalls
Across the Middle Atlas with a stop in the alpine-style town of Ifrane, then the Ouzoud waterfalls, the most famous cascades in Morocco, before continuing to Marrakech.
Marrakech
The Koutoubia mosque, the Saadian Tombs, the Bahia Palace and Jemaa el Fna. In the afternoon the Majorelle and Menara gardens. Overnight in Marrakech.
Aït Benhaddou & the Dadès valley
Cross the High Atlas by the Tizi n'Tichka pass to Aït Benhaddou, the UNESCO ksar that once guarded the caravan route, then on into the Dadès valley. Overnight in the valley.
Tinghir & Merzouga
The towering Todra gorge in the morning, then east to Merzouga at the edge of the Sahara. Camel ride over the dunes for sunset and a night in a nomad camp under the stars.
Ouarzazate → Marrakech
Sunrise in the dunes, then back west via Agdez and Ouarzazate, with the Taourirt kasbah and the Atlas film studios, before recrossing the High Atlas to Marrakech.
Departure
Free time for last-minute shopping or sightseeing in Marrakech before your transfer to the airport.
Included
English / French speaking driver-guide
Private air-conditioned vehicle throughout
8 nights: hotels, riad and desert camp
Breakfast and dinner daily
Camel ride at Merzouga
Local guide in Fez and Marrakech
Not included
International flights
Lunches
Monument and museum entry fees
Travel insurance
Drinks and personal expenses
Tips