The Best Of Morocco: Tangiers, Chefchaouen, Fes & More

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Departure Date

April 13, 2025

Overview

Trip Overview

This 13-day private trip through Morocco is ideal for those looking to immerse themselves in one of the world’s most distinctive cultures. You'll be staying most nights in Riad and some in first class hotels. There is an option to stay in a desert camp for one night. A round trip from Casablanca, it’s an easy way to see the best of the country in two weeks.  

Transfer from Casablanca airport to Rabat, then on to Tangiers, the fabled city that inspired the Beat poets. A guided full-day tour shows you what they found so enchanting. Start at Saint Andrew’s Church, then see the Royal Palace and the Cave of Hercules before returning for more of the sights around Tangiers. An Andalusian music show completes your day before going on to Chefachaouen, a spectacular drive toward the Rif Mountains.  

Your next stop is Moulay Idriss, where Morocco’s Arab conquerors first settled. This is followed by Meknes, one of the great imperial cities of Morocco, and Fes, where you’ll spend the next two nights. Fes is a very special city, with perhaps the oldest and most beloved medina in the whole country. The site of the world’s first established university (which you will visit), it also has a strong tradition of handcrafts.

Morocco probably isn’t where you thought you’d go for a little taste of Switzerland, but that’s exactly the comparison invited by the road to Midlelt. There are ski towns and European-style chalets here, while Midlelt itself serves as more of an agricultural and mining hub. As you approach southeastern Morocco, you’ll see fortified villages that form one of the country’s most historic regions. You can even opt to stay at a desert camp (at extra charge) instead of in Merzouga, if you’d prefer.

If you’re enchanted by the idea of a sunrise camel ride, now’s your chance. It’s hard to ask for a more beautiful setting than the Atlas Mountains. You’ll visit Todra Gorge and the Tinghir Oasis, then stop to quite literally smell the roses at Kelaat M’Gouna. From flowers to film stars, stay overnight in Ouarzazate, the centre of Morocco’s booming movie industry (after such spectacular scenery, who can argue?).

Many visitors to Morocco consider Marrakech to be the highlight, and it certainly shows life in the country at its most dynamic. Lose yourself in bazaars, surrounded by mosques, snake charmers, fire eaters, and more. A full day tour makes sure you don’t miss any of the key sights, but with so much to explore, take a full day at leisure to see what you can find for yourself.

Your last full day transfers you to Casablanca, via Safi, a former outpost of the Portuguese empire. Spend a night in Casablanca (you can even rub shoulders with the tourists at Rick’s if you’d like), before being transferred to the airport for your onward flight.

Highlights

Departures

Daily (Minimum 2 people)

 

Trip Includes

  • Private arrival and departure airport transfers
  • Private round trip 4x4 transfers Merzouga to your desert camp
  • 1 night first-class accommodation in Rabat
  • 2 nights first-class accommodation in Tangiers
  • 1 night moderate accommodation in Chefchaouen
  • 2 nights first-class accommodation in Fes
  • 1 night first-class accommodation in Erfoud
  • 1 night accommodation in desert camp near Merzouga
  • 1 night moderate accommodation in Ouarzazate
  • 3 nights first-class accommodation in Marrakech
  • Transportation by private, modern vehicle throughout
  • Services of an English-speaking driver
  • Private tour of Casablanca
  • Private tour of Rabat
  • Private tour of Tangiers with local guide
  • Private tour of Tetouan, Ethnographical Museum & Chefchaouen
  • Private-guided tour of Volubilis & Meknes including local guide in Volubilis (1 -1.5 hours)
  • Private-guided half-day tour of Fez including local guide
  • Sunset or sunrise camel ride
  • Khamlia Excursion including berber lunch
  • Private tour of Ouarzazate & Ait Ben Haddou with optional film studio visit
  • Private-guided half-day tour of Marrakech including local guide
  • Porterage
  • All government taxes
  • 12 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 3 dinners

 

Trip Excludes

  • Travel insurance
  • International, domestic airfare & airfare taxes
  • Meals and beverages not explicitly listed as included
  • Gratuities
  • Optional excursions
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Visa fees, if applicable

Our local representative will be awaiting your arrival at Casablanca International Airport. Please look for him in the arrivals hall. He will be holding a placard with your name on it. He will escort you to your private vehicle. Then start discovering Morocco's largest city and economic capital, Casablanca is the best representation of the modern nation. A brief highlight tour will cover include those at Pl Mohammed V, and new public buildings include the Grand Theatre de Casablanca. The city's handsome Mauresque buildings, which meld French-colonial design and traditional Moroccan style, seen best downtown area, the Quartier Habous and in the beachside suburb of Ain Diab, and The flamboyant building of Hassan II Mosque (exterior). Then we will leave Casablanca along the coastline to Rabat for overnight.
Casablanca tour is for early arrivals only.

 

Riad Zyo

Located near the beach and the marina, Riad Zyo contrasts Moroccan craftmanship with light. The patio is open to the sky and a spectacular palm grove upstairs faces a glass walkway. The Hammam is in white marble, tadelakt and turquoise zelliges. Each room has air conditioning, satellite television, a telephone, an individual safe and an internet connection. The serene Riad Zyo has a beautiful terrace with solarium, conducive to relaxation.

Riad Zyo

After breakfast, explore Morocco's political and administrative capital. A clean central beach, an intact and evocative Kasbah, and an attractive walled medina that is far less touristy than those in other large cities. Our tour starts from the Mohammed V and Hassan II Mausoleum, Hassan Tower, the landmark of Rabat and one of the oldest mosques of Morocco. The Kasbah des Oudaya, Rabat's historic citadel occupies the site of the original Ribat (fortress-monastery) that gave the city its name. This afternoon, we drive along the Atlantic Coast to Tangiers. En route, there is hardly a better place for lunch (own expense) than the village of Moulay Bousselham. Time allowing, we will perhaps stop at Asilah (a small-town from the Roman era) known for its imposing ramparts and Portuguese fortifications which enclose the old town of white and blue washed houses. Continuing our drive along the Atlantic coast (1 hour), we soon enter the urban area of Tangier. We penetrate the intricate medina of Tangier and reach our hotel for the next two nights.

Meal

Breakfast

 

Hilton Garden Inn Tanger City Center

Today we explore Tangier, an incredibly unique city with many landmarks: Morocco's main gate to Europe and the settling place of many artists from around the world. Flanked by a row of French colonial-era buildings Mendoubia gardens, is popular with young couples and local families on weekends. On a peak of the central hill, surrounded by historic cannons, an engraved stone monument displays the speech King Mohammed V gave to the French asking for Moroccan independence in 1947. We visit the Marshan district and its Roman tombs and admire the Moresque interiors of St Andrews church. This magnificent church is a tribute to the harmony of Christianity and Islam where you can see the Lord's Prayer written in exquisite Arabic calligraphy and the numerous Andalusian-Moroccan touches throughout the building. We cross the fish market where fresh fish is sold at auction to arrive to the Jewish cemetery, dominating the sea front. Head to the American legation, the first American property to ever open outside the United States. Descend onto Petit Socco and have a mint tea at Cafe Tingis, a favorite with the Beat Generation. A 15-minute drive outside Tangier, where the Mediterranean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean is Cap Spartel and the legendary cave of Hercules where he rested after he retrieved the 'golden apple'. It's interesting how the cave, in the shape of the continent of Africa, opens and looks out toward the Atlantic. Enjoy a free time at the beach then drive back to your hotel for overnight.

Meal

Breakfast

 

Dar Echchaouen Maison d'hotes and Riad

Dar Echchaouen combines the charm of a guest house in the Medina with the proximity to the mountains, giving it a unique charm to amaze you.The riad is near the medina and welcomes you with rooms and suites consisting of all the modern comforts and a background typical of the area using local Moroccan crafts. Chefchaouen has an extraordinary historical heritage. This city is a visitor's paradise full of beautiful and interesting Andaluz influenced architecture built by the Arab and Jewish people who were expelled from Spain at the end of the 15th century. Lose yourself in history as you follow colourful pathways decorated with pebbles which have been polished by the slippers of ancestors. Look up at the facades of the houses which are white, blue and purple complimenting the brightly blue painted shutters and ancient doors which were supposed to dazzle insects.

Dar Echchaouen Maison d'hotes and Riad

After breakfast we drive to Chefchaouen or (Chaouen). The roads wind around the valley edges as we travel towards the Rif Mountains. En route we explore Tetouan, one of the two major ports of Morocco on the Mediterranean Sea, famous for the beautiful patios and palaces of Moresque heritage. Erected on an ancient Roman site, Tetouan was destroyed during the 15th century by the Portuguese. The fall of the kingdom of Granada in southern Spain in 1492 marked the renaissance of Tetouan. More than its architecture, the cuisine, the music, the jewelry and the embroidery speak of their Andalusian origin. Perhaps, visit the Ethnographical Museum to admire the glory of its Moresque Heritage. We continue to Chefchaouen through the dramatic gorges of Oued Laou, connecting the Mediterranean beaches to the world famous azure town. Upon arrival, we explore Chefchaouen, quite likely the most charming village in Morocco with its Medina, Bab el Ansar and the famed Ras el Maa (waterfall), where a short walk takes us to Rif Sebbanine, the laundry district and its 15th century mosque. Chefchaouen is about losing ourselves in its streets. Their Kasbah built in the 15th century is worth a detour. Overnight at the hotel.

Meal

Breakfast

 

Puerta Azul

Drive to Ouazzane, the holy city for Moroccan Jewish population who still make pilgrimages to venerate the tomb of several marabouts (Moroccan saints), particularly Moul Anrhaz, the local name for Rabbi Amram ben Diwan, an eighteenth-century rabbi who lived in the city and whose burial site is associated with several miracles. Home of many pillars of Sufism. We drive to the ancient Roman city of Volubilis to explore its stunning ruins. Impressive stone arches and columns, some tumbled down and others still standing tall against the vivid blue sky, invite us to take a step back in time. Only about half of the 40-hectare UNESCO site at Volubilis has been excavated. The better-known monuments are in the northern part of the site, farthest from the entrance in the south: The Capitol, dedicated to the Triad of Jupiter, Juno and Minerva, dates to 218AD; the Basilica and 1300 sq. meter Forum are nearby. Here, floors of what were once family dwellings are still covered with decorative tile mosaics depicting mythological beings, such as Orpheus charming animals with his lyre and Hercules performing his legendary 12 labors. That so many of these tiles are still in place and exhibiting their colors after centuries of exposure to the elements, is astonishing. Then off to the Imperial city of Meknes, the one-time home of the Moroccan sultanate with its all-winding narrow streets in the medina and grand buildings that warrant it as an imperial city. Remnants of three sets of fortifications, ingeniously incorporated into the city's road networks, emphasize its past importance and glory. The king's tomb sits at the heart of what remains of the original imperial city, flanked by an almighty royal granary, the magnificent Bab el-Mansour. Continue to Fes for overnight.

Meal

Breakfast

 

Hotel L'Escale

At the heart of the Imperial City of Fez, hotel L'Escale is perfectly situated for the Shopping Center (Fez Mall), Business Center and Saiss Airport is Just 11.3 km from the property.

Hotel L'Escale

Today you take a step back in time to the Middle Ages when you visit one of the most imperial, timeless and untouched cities in the world - Fez El Bali (Old Fez) - the cultural heart of Morocco. You explore some of the 9000 narrow lanes, alleys and souks (open air markets) that make-up the labyrinth of the city's old quarter, originally founded in the 8th century AD. The Imperial capital was a renowned center of medieval learning and at its heart still remains the Karaouine, one of the oldest, still functioning universities in the world. In the neighboring building is the Attarine Mederasa (Koranic college), a jewel of Hispano-Moorish architecture, built in the 14th century. Then the Nejjarine Square, with its beautiful fountain an elaborate tile-work mosaics, the Fondouq (Caravanserai) has been converted to a museum of carpentry artifacts. In the 13th Century the Merinide Dynasty built Fez El Jdid (New Fez) with its Royal Palace, mosques, madrasas (Koranic schools), souks and the city wall. Most notably, Fez El Jedid is home to the mellah (Jewish quarter), which provides an interesting insight into Jewish architecture. The wrought iron decorated windows and splendid carved wood balconies of the old mansions are particularly outstanding. The medieval Medina is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Return to tour hotel for overnight.

Meal

Breakfast

 

Hotel L'Escale

At the heart of the Imperial City of Fez, hotel L'Escale is perfectly situated for the Shopping Center (Fez Mall), Business Center and Saiss Airport is Just 11.3 km from the property.

Hotel L'Escale

This morning, depart Fes. Pass through many amazing cities and villages, the first of which are Ifrane, nicknamed 'Morocco's Switzerland,' is a charming ski town populated by European-style chalets. Continue on to Midelt, which serves as the commercial center of a large agricultural hinterland. It is also one of Morocco's principal cities for the mining of several minerals. You will have some free time in Midelt, before you continue your journey through the dramatic Ziz Gorge to arrive in Erfoud. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Meal

Breakfast, Dinner

 

Kasbah Hotel Chergui

The Chergui Kasbah Hotel is a newly constructed 4 star hotel, located in Morocco, in a very quiet part on the outskirts of Erfoud, 60km from Erg Chebbi, tanding on a site that brings together the largest and most spectacular dunes in Morocco.

Kasbah Hotel Chergui

After breakfast, a 4x4 vehicle will be waiting for you to continue your adventure by heading towards the dunes of Erg Chebbi, possibly the largest dunes in the Sahara desert. En route, visit the villages in the surroundings area for a closer contact with the Berber culture, before arrival to Rissani, visit of camel milk cooperative, then continue to Rissani and visit one of the best traditional market in Sahara, 'a place where they sell just donkeys and other markets for ships, goats and cows. Stop at El Khamlia village for lunch included. Continue to the African village or 'Gnawa village'. Then continue to Erg Chabbi. The dunes of Erg Chebbi are a strikingly strange natural formation. On the top of the flattest area you could imagine, suddenly a long mountain of sand rises. This mountain is surrounded by flat and desolate nature on all sides, and you could end up wondering if it really is real. But so it is, even if its existence is so weird that it has given rise to legends and myths among the locals. Upon arrival at the camp you will witness the sunset from over the desert dunes and be astounded by the peace and calm as well as the changing colors of the landscape.
This evening, get onto the back of a camel and venture into the desert for a chance to see one of the most beautiful sunsets of your lifetime. Traverse the golden sands of the Sahara until you reach a perfect viewing spot for one of the Nature's greatest shows. As another day comes to an end, watch the sky come to life with a fiery glow and the rays playfully change the colors of the endless dunes around you. Enjoy your dinner under tent then overnight.

Meal

Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

 

Madu Luxury Camp

The bivouac has 8 typical Berber tents all with en-suite bathroom with hot water, a separate tent which is the restaurant and a lovely corner covered with Moroccan carpets where you can relax and admire the milky way...

Madu Luxury Camp

We drive to Tinghir and Todra gorges - the highest and the narrowest gorges in Morocco. Situated on the east side of the High Atlas Mountains in Morocco, the Todra Gorge is recognized around the world as one of the most spectacular canyons. Here, both the Todra and Dades Rivers have carved out cliff-sided canyons on their final 25-mile stretch through the mountains, leaving behind this series of reliefs and etches in the rock. The Todra is the name of the last 600 meters (just under 2,000 feet) of the canyons. In places, this gorge measures just 33 feet across, but the cliffs are more than 500 feet tall on either side. The river has since dried up, leaving only the imagination to picture the powerful natural forces that once carved this region. The gorge, though in a remote, is popular for its hiking paths and a wellmaintained dirt road for visitors to share with mules and other pack animals.
After lunch (on your own), we'll drive through the Dades Valley with its majestic sand castles and incredible rock formations known as 'monkey toes'. The route through Dades Valley is also known as the Road of One Thousand Kasbahs. You'll catch a spectacular view of a vast valley dotted with small oases and hundreds of ancient fortifications.
The sand-colored walls of the Kasbah may all start to look the same but each holds a special historical treasure within and offer innumerable opportunities for remarkable photos. Continue to Skoura, a quiet little village speckled with palm tree groves, Skoura is surrounded by acres of palm groves (les palmaraie), which are a paradise of palm and olive trees dotted with Kasbahs and small villages. This is where we find Kasbah Amridil that stands out from the rest.
Originally built in the 17thcentury, it is one of Morocco's most iconic living museums that has withstood the test of time. Then we drive to Ouarzazate for dinner and overnight.

Meal

Breakfast, Dinner

 

Dar Chamaa

Dar Chamaa is situated in the Ouarzazate Palm Grove with views of the Atlas Mountains. It has an outdoor swimming pool with a terrace area that is surrounded by sun loungers and palm trees. The hotel is 15 minutes from Ouarzazate Airport and 3 km to the city center. For guests arriving by car, free private parking is available on site.

Dar Chamaa

After breakfast, we visit Taourir Kasbahs, one of the most beautiful Kasbahs in Morocco. After the French left in the 1953, the movie business flourished in Ouarzazate. Optional visit of the film studios where some of the most famous desert landscapes are filmed. You might recognize the sand-colored houses of this impressive Ksar (Arabic for 'fortified city') when you see the spectacular fortress of Ait Ben Haddou, the iconic landscape immortalized in such films as,
Lawrence of Arabia, Gladiator, and Alexander. Ait Ben Haddou is a massive fortification made up of six Kasbahs all protected by UNESCO. You can spend time in its maze of winding streets until reaching a fortified granary at the top which provides an amazing view of the valley. We leave Ait Ben Haddou, crossing the High Atlas Mountains via the magnificent Tiz In Tichka pass to Marrakech, our home for the next three nights.

Meal

Breakfast

 

Longue Vie Hotel Marrakech

Perfectly located just 10 minutes from the airport and 10 minutes to many of the main sights in Marrakech, Longue Vie Hotel is perfect for exploring the city. Experience a mix of contemporary chic meets retro. Relax in one of the hotels 90 rooms, tempt your taste buds at the Campino restaurant or the Roof Top Lounge or enjoy the piano bar - there are plenty of options for all.

Longue Vie Hotel Marrakech

Unearth the secrets of Marrakech, beginning in the medina, the old walled section of town and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This thousand-year-old city was long a political, economic and cultural center. Marvel at its architectural jewels, including the soaring Koutoubia minaret. Continue to the Bahia Palace, an exemplary of privileged life in the 19th century. Your next stop is at the Tiskiwin Museum, founded by a Dutch anthropologist which houses an impressive
collection of North African arts and crafts organized into geographically themed exhibits, with each room focusing on artifacts from different towns and regions along the ancient trade route from Marrakech to Timbuktu. Later you visit Djemaa el-Fna, Marrakech's main square, you will find orange juice stalls and vendors, along with fire-eaters, mime artists, snake-charmers and street musicians performing at every turn. You may also take the opportunity to explore the city's fabled, labyrinthine souks, their bustling alleyways brimming with all manner of wares. Overnight at the hotel.

Meal

Breakfast

 

Longue Vie Hotel Marrakech

Perfectly located just 10 minutes from the airport and 10 minutes to many of the main sights in Marrakech, Longue Vie Hotel is perfect for exploring the city. Experience a mix of contemporary chic meets retro. Relax in one of the hotels 90 rooms, tempt your taste buds at the Campino restaurant or the Roof Top Lounge or enjoy the piano bar - there are plenty of options for all.

Longue Vie Hotel Marrakech

Optional excursion to Essaouira where you will enjoy most of the day at leisure. This relatively small, easily navigable beach city is ideal for a free day. Essaouira has got a distinct multicultural feel, resulting from the large Portuguese, French, and Jewish populations that once called it home. Its mild climate and expansive stretches of ocean sand also place it among Morocco's top beach towns. Essaouira's walled medina was added to Unesco's World Heritage list in 2001. Its well-preserved, late-18th-century fortified layout is a prime example of European military architecture in North Africa. For the visitor, the mellow atmosphere, narrow winding streets lined with colorful shops, whitewashed houses and heavy old wooden doors make it a wonderful place to stroll. Later in the afternoon you will be transferred back to Marrakech.

Meal

Breakfast

 

Longue Vie Hotel Marrakech

Perfectly located just 10 minutes from the airport and 10 minutes to many of the main sights in Marrakech, Longue Vie Hotel is perfect for exploring the city. Experience a mix of contemporary chic meets retro. Relax in one of the hotels 90 rooms, tempt your taste buds at the Campino restaurant or the Roof Top Lounge or enjoy the piano bar - there are plenty of options for all.

Longue Vie Hotel Marrakech

After breakfast, we will transfer you to the airport for your return flight.

Meal

Breakfast

 

Longue Vie Hotel Marrakech

Perfectly located just 10 minutes from the airport and 10 minutes to many of the main sights in Marrakech, Longue Vie Hotel is perfect for exploring the city. Experience a mix of contemporary chic meets retro. Relax in one of the hotels 90 rooms, tempt your taste buds at the Campino restaurant or the Roof Top Lounge or enjoy the piano bar - there are plenty of options for all.

Longue Vie Hotel Marrakech


Summary

Terms and Conditions

Prices are "from" per person based on twin/double share accommodation and for travel in low season. Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply. Limited seat/spaces and all pricing is subject to change and availability. Rates for single or triple travellers are available on request - please inquire.