13 Days Morocco Itinerary: Exotic Imperial Cities, Desert & Atlas Mountains

Upon arrival in Marrakech, you’ll be greeted and picked up from the airport for a transfer to your riad. The rest of the day is free for you to relax after your journey or begin exploring this vibrant city at your own pace. Wander through the medina’s colorful souks, sip mint tea in a local café, or simply enjoy the comfort of your riad before your Moroccan adventure begins.

Departing from Marrakech, journey across the spectacular Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260 m) in the High Atlas Mountains. The winding mountain roads reveal breathtaking panoramas and pass through traditional Berber villages, offering a glimpse into rural Moroccan life.

Before reaching Ouarzazate, stop at the iconic Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, Morocco’s largest and most famous fortified village. This UNESCO World Heritage site has appeared in numerous films and TV series and is still home to members of the Glaoui family. Enjoy lunch with views of the kasbah before continuing your adventure.

Travel onward to Ouarzazate, known as the “Hollywood of Africa,” where the Taourirt Kasbah stands as one of the region’s most impressive ksars. Continue along the “Road of a Thousand Kasbahs,” dotted with fascinating sandcastle-like structures, and pass through Kalaat Mgouna—the “Valley of Roses”—renowned for its annual rose harvest and festival in May.

End the day in the stunning Dades Valley, where you’ll check into your hotel surrounded by dramatic gorges and striking red rock formations.

After breakfast at your hotel, enjoy a scenic drive with stops to admire and photograph the breathtaking Dades Valley before continuing to the dramatic Todra Gorges. Take some time to stroll along the towering cliffs and connect with the local people.

We then continue to Touroug for lunch before heading towards Merzouga, the gateway to the Sahara. Upon arrival at the edge of the desert, meet your camels and begin an unforgettable trek across the golden Erg Chebbi dunes—the highest in North Africa. The ride takes about 90 minutes and leads you to your desert camp.

Settle into your Berber tent, fully equipped with comfortable mattresses, blankets, and cushions. From here, witness a magical Sahara sunset before enjoying a traditional dinner, live Berber music, and a night under a star-filled sky.

Note: If you prefer not to ride camels, a 4x4 transfer to the camp can be arranged at an additional cost.

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Wake up early to watch the sunrise over the golden dunes—an unforgettable Sahara experience. After returning by camel to the hotel, enjoy a hearty breakfast and refresh with a shower before setting out to explore the Merzouga region.

Begin the day with a visit to Khamlia, home of the Gnaoua people, originally from Mali. Here you’ll experience their hypnotic Gnawa music and gain insight into their unique culture and traditions. Continue the journey in a 4x4 to meet local nomadic families who still live in tents around the Erg Chebbi dunes, offering you a glimpse into their daily lives.

Enjoy a traditional lunch in a Berber village before heading back to your accommodation. The afternoon is free to relax, explore Merzouga town, or climb the nearby dunes for another spectacular sunset view. Dinner and overnight stay at your hotel.

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After breakfast, we set off towards Rissani and Erfoud, with a stop to discover how the region’s fossils—millions of years old—are transformed into beautiful furniture and unique artifacts. From there, the road takes us north through Er Rachidia and into the lush Ziz Valley, famous for its sweeping palm groves stretching as far as the eye can see.

We continue towards Midelt, known as “the apple capital” of Morocco, nestled in the Middle Atlas at the foot of the Ayachi Mountain. Here, we’ll enjoy lunch before crossing the scenic Tizi-n-Talghamt pass (also known as the “She-Camel Pass”).

In the afternoon, the journey leads us to Azrou, a charming Berber town surrounded by cedar forests, where you might encounter Barbary macaque monkeys in their natural habitat. The next stop is Ifrane, often referred to as the “Switzerland of Morocco” for its alpine-style architecture, clean streets, and fresh mountain air.

Finally, we reach Fes in the early evening. After settling into your accommodation, you’ll have free time to begin exploring the enchanting labyrinth of the Fes medina on your own before dinner and overnight stay

After breakfast, embark on a guided exploration of Fes, home to one of the world’s largest and most fascinating walled-in cities. Begin at the famous Bab Bou Jeloud, the “Blue Gate,” which leads into the bustling alleys of the medieval medina. Here, the narrow streets are filled with colorful displays of fresh fruits, aromatic spices, traditional crafts, and handwoven Berber carpets.

Covering about 3 km, this medina is not only vast but also one of the most important Islamic medieval cities in Africa. Highlights of the day include a visit to the historic El Qaraouiyyin Mosque and University, considered one of the oldest in the world, and the beautiful Nejjarine Square with its ornate fountain and museum dedicated to Moroccan woodcrafts.

You’ll also experience the city’s legendary tanneries, where locals have been working with goat, lamb, camel, and cow hides for centuries using traditional clay pits and natural dyes. The colorful, iconic sight of the tanneries is truly unique to Fes.

After a day of immersing yourself in the history, architecture, and vibrant life of the medina, return to your riad or hotel for dinner and an overnight stay

After breakfast in your riad, we set off towards Chefchaouen, a city unlike any other in Morocco, both in culture and lifestyle. Nestled high in the Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen is celebrated for its Andalusian character and the enchanting play of light and color that bathes the town.

Upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed by the sight of the medina, where nearly every house and alleyway is painted in shades of white and vibrant blue. Strolling through these narrow streets gives the impression of walking through the sky itself, offering a sense of serenity and peace that is rare to find elsewhere.

During the day, you will explore the town’s highlights, including Place Outa el-Hammam, the lively central square lined with cafés and restaurants where locals and visitors gather. You’ll also discover Chefchaouen’s artisanal traditions, especially its authentic handwoven blankets and textiles, which have been passed down for generations. A short walk will bring you to Ras El-Ma, the source of the town’s fresh spring water that cascades down from the mountains, offering a refreshing stop.

The rest of the day is yours to wander at leisure, take photographs of the picturesque alleys, and soak in the tranquil mountain atmosphere. Dinner and overnight stay in a charming riad in Chefchaouen.

After breakfast in your riad, we begin our journey towards Rabat with a stop in the charming coastal town of Asilah. Known as one of the most picturesque villages in northern Morocco, Asilah enchants visitors with its serene medina. The whitewashed houses with blue accents and colorful murals create an open-air art gallery atmosphere, thanks to the town’s annual International Cultural Festival, where artists from all over the world come to paint its walls.

Take time to stroll through the peaceful streets, discover artisan shops, and enjoy the relaxed seaside vibe before continuing the drive south.

In the afternoon, we arrive in Rabat, the capital city of Morocco and the official residence of the King. Here, you will check in to your hotel or riad and enjoy the evening at leisure, perhaps taking a gentle walk through the city’s wide boulevards or along the scenic Bouregreg River. Overnight stay in Rabat with dinner.

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After breakfast, we dedicate the day to exploring Rabat, famously known as the City of Gardens and the administrative capital of Morocco. Rabat is a fascinating blend of modernity and tradition, with elegant boulevards, colorful hillsides, and deep-rooted heritage sites surrounded by the scenic backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean and nearby mountains.

Your guided visit begins with the Hassan Tower, an unfinished minaret of what was once envisioned as the largest mosque in the world. Though never completed, the tower has become the symbol of the city. Just nearby, you will admire the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, a masterpiece of Moroccan architecture and resting place of the late king and his two sons, King Hassan II and Prince Moulay Abdellah.

The tour continues to the Kasbah des Oudayas, perched above the Bou Regreg River. This fortress-like quarter with its whitewashed walls and blue accents offers winding alleys, Andalusian gardens, and stunning views over the Atlantic coastline. Afterwards, we head to the serene Chellah Gardens and Necropolis, an ancient Roman site later transformed into an Islamic burial ground, now surrounded by peaceful gardens and storks nesting on the ruins.

Throughout the day, you will experience the city’s harmonious mix of ancestral heritage and vibrant modern life. Dinner and overnight in your hotel/riad in Rabat.

After breakfast, we set off towards Essaouira with an enriching stop in Casablanca, Morocco’s largest city and its economic capital.

• Casablanca is a vibrant metropolis and the country’s main commercial hub. Here, we take time to explore some of its highlights:
• United Nations Square and Avenue Mohamed V, the heart of the city’s lively center with French-colonial architecture and modern cafés.
• The elegant Anfa District, a chic residential area known for its history and upscale atmosphere.

The magnificent Hassan II Mosque, a true masterpiece of Moroccan craftsmanship and one of the largest mosques in the world, dramatically set on the Atlantic shoreline. Non-Muslims are welcome to enter with guided tours, making it a unique opportunity to admire its stunning interiors.

After visiting Casablanca, we continue our journey along the scenic Atlantic coast to reach Essaouira, also known by its Portuguese name Mogador. This charming seaside town is renowned for its relaxed atmosphere, fortified medina, fishing port, and windswept beaches. Dinner and overnight stay in a riad within Essaouira’s medina.

After breakfast, we begin our exploration of Essaouira, the old Mogador. This picturesque coastal town is famous for its bustling fishing port, where bright blue boats line the harbor and fishermen return with the day’s catch. We will stroll along the fortified medina and its walls, offering ocean views and a charming atmosphere filled with narrow alleys, artisan workshops, and lively souks. The town’s Moroccan soul can be felt in every corner, from the scent of spices to the craftsmanship of wood carvers.

We will also visit the Mellah, the historic Jewish quarter, which adds another cultural layer to the city’s unique heritage. Afterwards, enjoy some free time at Essaouira’s wide sandy beach before departing in the afternoon towards Marrakech.

On the road, you will see the iconic argan trees, unique to this region. We will stop at a women’s argan oil cooperative, where you can observe the traditional process of extracting this precious oil, renowned worldwide for its culinary, cosmetic, and medicinal properties. With several scenic stops for photos along the way, we continue through the rolling landscapes until arriving in Marrakech, where you will settle into your accommodation for the evening. Dinner and overnight in your riad/hotel.

After breakfast, your local guide will take you on a fascinating city tour of Marrakech, one of Morocco’s most enchanting destinations.

Begin by wandering through the narrow, winding streets and bustling souks, where merchants display a colorful array of spices, textiles, carpets, jewelry, and handicrafts. The air is filled with exotic scents and the calls of shopkeepers, making the souks an unforgettable sensory experience.

The highlight of the morning is a visit to Djemâa el-Fna Square, the beating heart of Marrakech and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2001. This lively square is the city’s focal point, where snake charmers, acrobats, storytellers, henna artists, and musicians perform throughout the day. By evening, it transforms into a vibrant open-air food market filled with the aromas of traditional Moroccan dishes.

Your tour continues with a visit to the Jardin Majorelle, a tranquil garden created by French painter Jacques Majorelle and later lovingly restored by Yves Saint Laurent. This oasis in the modern part of Marrakech features lush exotic plants from around the world, tranquil pathways, vibrant fountains, and the iconic indigo blue walls that make it a true masterpiece of design and inspiration.

Afterwards, you will have some free time to explore Marrakech at your own pace. You may choose to visit historical monuments such as the Bahia Palace or the Saadian Tombs, relax in a traditional hammam, or simply enjoy a mint tea while watching daily life unfold from a rooftop café overlooking the square.

Dinner and overnight stay in your riad or hotel.

After breakfast, and depending on your flight schedule, you will have some free time to relax or enjoy last-minute shopping. At the agreed time, your driver will transfer you comfortably to the airport for your onward flight.