15 days, 6 important cities, one night in the Sahara, 3 mountains ranges, see the highlights of Morocco.
This classic itinerary includes some of the most interesting touristic sites frequented by visitors from all over the globe. Indeed, it is an adequate program for a perfect overview of the country to help you explore its linguistic and cultural diversity, biodiversity, history and you name it. Each trip will offer opportune moments delve into the specificities of prominent cities like Casablanca, Chefchaouen, Tetouan, Tangier. It will also include sightseeing tours cross the Rif mountain range in the north via the high-speed train to tangiers. The key trip goes through the imperial cities of Rabat, Fez, Meknes and Marrakech all the way down the famous sand dunes of Merzouga in the Moroccan desert – the middle of nowhere.
While creating this itinerary, we have thought of different ways and tools that will make our travelers have fun, learn and enjoy the country. To help you feel the Moroccan vibes, we often spare enough time to create opportunities to interact with locals by arranging homemade meals with local families /nomad families while debating some of the hottest topics of culture diversity
Discover incredible destinations with us
Itinerary
Day 01
Casablanca
“Marhba” is a politeness expreesion that means welcome. Indeed, you will be welcomed that day by your tour leader at the hotel in the afternoon via a gathering of the group that aims to get introduce each other and discuss the main phases and details of the trip. We highly encourage you to ask as many questions as you wish. We believe in MGJ that “there is no stupid question and that the only stupid question is the one not asked” We value open communication and every trip leader is willing to treat every cultural ambiguity or misunderstanding with adequate care and professionalism. Please feel free to ask questions (about the organization, what to avoid, what to expect…). We also recommend that you inform us specific request (about food, bedroom…) if you have any. If needed, we can arrange a pickup from the airport to the hotel for you, please let us know ahead of time in this case so that we can book you one.
Day 02
Casablanca- Rabat
After breakfast. First, we take a short drive to visit the impressive mosque of mosque Hassan 2, then we continue driving to the capital of Morocco: Rabat. Your trip leader will recommend a place for lunch upon your arrival to the city. Afterwards, you will be taken on guided visit to learn about the most interesting sites on Rabat such “The tower Hassan”, “ Loudaya Kasbah” and the ancient roman site of “Shalla”. You are invited to join the trip leader in the evening for the welcome dinner in a Moroccan restaurant (night in Rabat).
Included services:
- Night in a hotel
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- Guided visit & entrance fees to different monuments.
Non-included services:
- Lunch
Day 03
Rabat- Tanger- Tetouan
Before breakfast, we will need to prepare your suitcases and hand them over to the driver who will transport them in the van to Tangier. After breakfast, you will be picked up by another driver and transported to the train staion of Rabat with the trip leader to experience the high-speed train from Rabat to Tangier (The train ride lasts 1h20 minutes). When you get to Tangier, you will be welcomed by another driver who will take care of you. He will take you on sightseeing of the city before lunchtime. Our initial driver will arrive to Tangier and join us with the rest of the luggage at lunch. In the afternoon, we will be heading to Tetouan after breakfast, a city also known by the name of “white dove”. A short visit of the city is recommended. Therefore, we invite you to have cup in Place EL Feddan which has the strategic spot if we want to have picture about the city in our minds. Night in Tetouan.
Included services:
- Night in a hotel
- Breakfast
- High speed train ticket from Rabat to Tangier
Non-included services
- Lunch
- Dinner
After breakfast, we will go for a drive of 45 minutes towards the roman site of Volubilis. When we arrived, we will spare some time to explore the beautiful mosaics with a local guide who will travel with you in time into the roman era via a visit that last approximately 1h30.
Once this visit is over, you will be granted some free time to explore the museum, use the bathroom and join the trip leader to depart to Chefchaouen where we will stay for the two nights (BB).
The options of restaurants for lunch are very limited, that’s why we recommend a picnic that day.
Included services
- Night in a guest house or riad
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Non-included services
- Lunch
45 minutes by car to Voulublis + 4h to Chefechaouen
Day 04
Tetouan- Chefchaouen
We spend the morning exploring the beautiful city of Tetouan, starting by the former Spanish section, then we get ‘lost’ in the medina and interact with locals. Afterwards, the driver will pick us up on the other side of the medina to have lunch in one of the restaurants that overlooks the Mediterranean Sea. In the afternoon, we will enjoy some beautiful sceneries while driving through Rif mountains down to the blue city of Chefchaouen.
Day 05
Chefchaouen: day at your leisure
The day is at your leisure, your trip leader will guide you to explore Chefchaouen, see its most beautiful streets, have a cup in one of the terraces…
Included services:
- Night in a guest house or riad
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Non-included services :
- Dinner
Day 06
Chefchaouen- Volubilis- Fes
After breakfast, we will be heading by car from Chefchaouen to the ancient roman city of Volubilis (4h approx) where you will be introduced to your local guide to take you on a guided visit and share historical accounts about the site. Afterwards, you will continue driving till Meknes to see some of its most interesting spots before driving on to spend the night in Fes.
Included services :
- Night in a hotel or riad
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Non-included services :
- Lunch
1h by high speed train from Tangier to Rabat
Day 07
The adventure of visiting the old medina of Fes
While outside, appearances can be deceiving in Fes, once you step inside, magnificent Moroccan interiors await, adorned in rich tapestries and silverware. In short, prepare yourself for the assault on your senses that Fes will serve up. With a history extending back 1,200 years, Fes has seen dynasties come and go and its population is fiercely proud of their ancient city. Its old medina is a crumbling mix of mosques, street-side food stands and artisan workshops, surrounded by impressive city walls and traversed by countless donkeys loaded with food and goods.
In the morning, we will join our local guide in the mini-van to explore this mysterious city.
First, we will walk through very small and crowded alleyways that have small shops on both sides, then we will reach the place called Essafarine known in English by the name of “ The place for metal”, afterward, we will keep walking around one of the oldest universities in the World named “ Al Karawyin”, then we will reach the famous tanneries market; a place where the leather is dyed and transformed into bags, Babouche ( Moroccan shoes), jackets… Afterwards, we will continue our way to have lunch in typical restaurant in the medina.
After a delicious Moroccan meal, we will continue exploring the medina by visiting one of its important cultural centers in the past known as the madrasa (theological school). Afterwards, we will join the driver for a trip back to the Riad. However, we recommend to stop to see the panoramic view of Fez ( if not done yesterday) and the mains doors of the King Palace before you go back to the riad.
Included services:
- Night in a hotel or riad
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Local guide
Non-included services :
- Dinner
Day 08
Fes- Erfoud
The drive of today is the longest of the trip. Indeed, it will last at least 9h. The drive covers approximately 300 miles through both mountain ranges of the middle and the high atlas, over roads that may be bumpy, uneven, steep, and winding. We will punctuate the journey with short stops tea breaks all along the road.
The contrast in between different lands that we will go through is magnificent especially between the view over the mountains and the Sahara.
Lunch will be served at a local restaurant in Midelt around 1pm. By then, we will still be about 4h to 5h driving to our final destination. We will spend the night in a hotel.
Included services:
- Night in a guest house or riad
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Day 09
Explore around the sand dunes of Erg Chebbi (Merzouga)
The group will be divided into smaller groups since you be exploring the area by 4X4. We will drive first to the old city of Risani where you have a chance to visit an old village know in the area by “Ksar” which is more or less like the medina. After that, we will visit the village of spiritual music known by “Gnawa music”, we will visit one of those group in order to learn about this music before we drive to the camp where we will have lunch and stay for the night.
In the afternoon, we will go for a camel ride to enjoy the sunset over Sahara before we return to our camp to have diner and rest.
Included services:
- Night in a guest house or riad
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- 4X4 and its driver(s)
- Camels and camel drivers
- Night in a Sahara camp
Day 10
From Merzouga to roses Valley
Those of you who would like to see the sunrise in the Sahara are invited to wake up very early that morning. Afterward, they can join the rest of the team (those who didn’t wake up early to see the sunrise) in the living tent to have breakfast before leaving on the 4X4.
The experience of today maybe monotonous and long. Indeed, it’s a long drive in which the scenery is typically African ( i.e dry and flat areas but from time to time we will cross different villages that looks different from each other especially with regards to their dressing styles. This journey ends in a beautiful valley named the valley of roses. In here.
Included services:
- Night in a family house
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- 4X4 and its driver(s)
Non-included services :
- Lunch
Day 11
Roses valley to Ait Benhaddou
We recommend to you to have a short walk in this valley or through one of the villages in the morning. Afterward, we will travel toward the valley of 1000 kasbahs. First, we will pass through several old Kasbahs toward Kelaa M’gouna, which is known for a large production of perfumes. Then we will continue first to Ouarzazate known as Hollywood of Africa, then to Ait Ben Haddou; a Ksar known that used to be a stop for the old caravan coming from the Sahara and going to Marrakech.
Included services:
- Night in a guest house
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Non-included services :
- Lunch
Day 12
Ait BenHaddou – Marrakech
In the morning, we will explore this old ksar and discover different places where movies such as “Gladiator” were shot. A visite of carpet workshop is also recommended here. Afterwards, experience high peaks of high Atlas by car as we will go through some beautiful views while crossing the Atlas Mountains on our way to Marrakech. In the evening, we can go visit the main square of Marrakech: Jama’a el-Fna, we will see snake charmers, story-tellers, henna artists, and dancers. This square has been the heart of the medina since the 12th century, a home for performers, travellers, and fortune-tellers. If you’re feeling it, we can have a bowl of fresh snails or some sheep’s head… or have dinner at a restaurant that the trip leader will help to choose. Finally, overnight will be in a hotel or riad in Marrakech.
Included services:
- Night in a hotel
- Breakfast
Non-included services :
- Lunch
- Dinner
Day 13
Explore Marrakech
Today, we will enjoy the day exploring Marrakech. First, we will see the Koutoubia mosque. Moreover, the Bahia palace; an example of the finest traditional design elements such as decorative tile, painted, wood, carved plaster, and calligraphy.
The afternoon is planned to be your free time. However, we believe that this a chance to visit the beautiful Majorelle Gardens just outside the ancient medina, where the famous French stylist Yves Saint Laurent is buried: trees and flowers from the 5 continents gathered together in an amazing oasis of peace that is really worth seeing. Please note that The trip leader can arrange all the logistics that you may need to go there.
This will be the last night of the trip. Hence, we invite the whole group to join the trip leader for a last dinner together for some to exchange of beautiful experience that each and everyone will have lived. This will be another opportunity to socialize and share one’s emotions feelings and reflections /comments about the trip from start to finish.
Day 14
End of the tour unless you book a post trip
We can arrange transportation to the airport if you need. However, we will also be more than happy to organize a tour for you to coastal cities such as: Essaouira, Agadir.
We invite you to visit here: (link to the post trip) hopefully you will find the itinerary of your interests. If not, please note that we are also happy to customize an itinerary for you.
Anything you need to know
Frequently asked Question & Important notes
1.What documents do I need to travel to Morocco?
You will need a valid passport, and depending on your nationality, a visa might be required. Check the government website for details.
2. What's the local currency in Morocco?
The currency is called Dirham (MAD), and it’s best to exchange your national currency for Dirhams at currency exchange agencies.
3. Do I need to exchange money before coming to Morocco?
It’s not necessary, there are currency exchange offices at the airport and throughout Morocco.
4. Should I tip in Morocco?
Tipping is expected as a sign of satisfaction for good service. It’s not mandatory but appreciated.
5. Is Morocco an expensive country to visit?
Yes, Morocco can be just as expensive as western countries, so budget accordingly.
6. What's the best time to visit Morocco?
Spring and Autumn are recommended for pleasant weather.
7. Are there any safety tips for travelers in Morocco?
Stay mindful of pickpocketing, avoid displaying valuables, and inform someone about your plans and itinerary.
Unveiling Morocco's Treasures
Our Footprints
Discover Morocco’s diverse wonders with us. We’ve ventured through 30 enchanting cities, explored 25 stunning hiking trails, and curated 15 exciting activities.
Join us in leaving a memorable footprint across this captivating country.
City Explorations
Hiking Escapes
Thrilling Activities
“As you wake up to sort of Morocco coming to life, and you drive a two-hour journey through the desert as the sun is rising over the sand dunes… I saw landscapes and visual stuff that I'll never forget. It was special”
- Jim Sturgess