13 day Morocco tour from Tangier

After breakfast, we dedicate the day to exploring Chefchaouen, a city nestled in the Rif Mountains and renowned for its blue-painted streets and houses. Originally named Achaoun (meaning "horns" in Berber), Chefchaouen offers a magical atmosphere with its authentic Medina, full of vibrant markets, stunning blue alleyways, and traditional Moroccan doors.

Enjoy some free time for lunch, then take a short hike to the Spanish Mosque, located on a hilltop. From here, you’ll witness a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire blue city, especially during sunset. Return to your hotel for another night in Chefchaouen.

After breakfast, take a final stroll through Chefchaouen’s charming alleyways before heading towards Volubilis, an ancient Roman site and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This well-preserved archaeological site boasts stunning mosaics, grand archways, and towering columns, offering a glimpse into Morocco’s rich history.

Next, we drive to Meknes, one of Morocco’s four imperial cities, once the capital under Sultan Moulay Ismail. Here, we explore Bab Al-Mansour, the grand entrance to the old city, the Sahrij Souani basin, the Royal Stables, the Granary, and the Moulay Ismail Mausoleum.

In the evening, we continue to Fes, where you’ll settle into a traditional riad for the night.

After breakfast, embark on a guided tour of Fes, Morocco’s cultural and spiritual capital. We begin at the Royal Palace, admiring its grand bronze doors before stepping into the UNESCO-listed Medina, one of the best-preserved medieval cities in the world.

Enter the Medina through Bab Boujloud (The Blue Gate) and navigate its maze-like streets with a local guide. Key stops include the Bou Inania Madrasa, the Najjarine Fountain, and the famous Tanneries, where traditional leather dyeing techniques have been preserved for centuries. We also visit the University of Al Quaraouiyine, recognized as the world’s oldest university.

Leaving the Medina, we explore the historic Jewish Quarter (Mellah) before driving to an ancient fortress for a panoramic view of Fes. Finally, we return to your riad for a well-deserved rest.

After breakfast, we set off on our journey south, passing through Imouzzer on our way to Ifrane, a town known for its cool climate, snowfall, and distinctive alpine-style architecture. This picturesque city, often called the Switzerland of Morocco, offers a unique contrast to the rest of the country.

Continuing on, we stop at the Cedar Forest, home to the Barbary macaques. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to interact with these playful monkeys as you wander through the towering trees. We then drive to Midelt, where you’ll enjoy some free time for lunch before we continue through the Tizi-n-Tilghmt Pass and into the scenic Ziz Valley, making stops along the way to admire the breathtaking landscapes.

By late afternoon, we arrive at the edge of the Merzouga Sahara, where an unforgettable experience awaits. You’ll switch to camels and embark on a peaceful trek across the golden dunes. As the sun begins to set, we pause to take in the mesmerizing colors of the desert sky. Upon arrival at the desert camp, a perfect blend of traditional nomadic tents and modern luxury, you’ll enjoy an evening filled with Berber drumming, dancing, and a campfire under the vast starlit sky.

Today is dedicated to exploring the wonders of Merzouga and its surrounding landscapes. The region is rich in sand dunes, seasonal lakes, ancient mines, fossils, and lush oases, making it an ideal place for adventure and discovery.

We start the day with an off-road drive to an old kohl (eyeliner) mine, a site that speaks to the area's long history of mineral extraction. Next, we visit a nomadic family, where you’ll experience traditional Berber hospitality and enjoy a cup of tea while learning about their way of life.

Our journey then takes us to Khamlia, a village with a strong Gnaoua heritage, where you’ll be treated to a unique musical performance by the locals, whose ancestors came from Mali, Niger, and Sudan. After some free time for lunch, we take a peaceful stroll through a palm grove, followed by a short drive to the seasonal Lake of Merzouga, also known as the Flamingo Lake, where you might spot migratory birds. Finally, we return to Merzouga for a relaxing evening, dinner, and an overnight stay in a comfortable hotel.

An early morning wake-up allows you to witness the breathtaking sunrise over the Sahara, a moment of pure tranquility. After breakfast, we leave the desert behind and head to Rissani, once the capital of Tafilalet and still an important trading hub, especially on market days (Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays). We take a stroll through its bustling souk, where locals sell spices, textiles, and handicrafts.

Next, we drive to Erfoud, famous for its fossil workshops, where you’ll see how ancient marine fossils are transformed into beautiful decorative pieces. From there, we travel through the palm groves of Touroug and Tinjdad, making our way toward the spectacular Todra Gorges. These towering red rock canyons, carved by the Todra River, are a paradise for rock climbers and nature lovers alike. Take time to wander through the gorge and admire its immense beauty before enjoying lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, we continue toward the Dades Valley, passing through Boumalne Dades. Along the way, we stop to see the "Monkey Fingers" rock formations, a striking natural phenomenon. Another stop offers a panoramic view of the Dades Valley, where lush green fields contrast against rugged red mountains. Dinner and overnight stay in a charming hotel.

After breakfast, we set out towards Kalaa Magouna, home to Morocco’s famous Rose Valley. Every May, the region hosts the Rose Festival, where locals celebrate the harvest and sell rose-based products, including perfumes, essential oils, and cosmetics.

Continuing through the scenic landscapes, we pass through the palm groves of Skoura, an oasis dotted with traditional kasbahs. One of the highlights here is a visit to the Kasbah of Amredhyle, a well-preserved example of southern Moroccan architecture.

By afternoon, we arrive in Ouarzazate, often called the Gateway to the Sahara. Here, we explore the famous film studios, where iconic movies and TV shows have been filmed, including Gladiator and Game of Thrones. We also visit the Taourirt Kasbah, a historic fortress that once served as an important stronghold in the region.

Overnight stay in a hotel in Ouarzazate, preparing for the next leg of the journey.

After breakfast, we set off to explore one of Morocco’s most iconic landmarks, the Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou. This ancient fortified village, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has served as a backdrop for numerous films and TV series, including Gladiator, Alexander, The Mummy, and Game of Thrones.

Next, we visit the Telouet Kasbah, once the grand residence of the powerful Glaoui family. From there, our journey continues through the breathtaking High Atlas Mountains, crossing the Tizi-n-Tichka Pass, the highest road pass in Morocco. Along the way, we stop to take in panoramic views and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. By evening, we arrive in the vibrant city of Marrakech, where we settle into a traditional riad for the night.

After a traditional Moroccan breakfast, we begin a guided exploration of Marrakech, one of Morocco’s imperial cities known for its rich history and lively atmosphere.

Our tour includes visits to some of the city’s most famous landmarks:

• Bahia Palace, a stunning 19th-century palace with intricate tilework and lush gardens.
• Saadian Tombs, the final resting place of members of the Saadian dynasty, hidden for centuries.
• Ben Youssef Madrasa, an ancient Quranic school showcasing beautiful Islamic architecture.

Next, we dive into the vibrant energy of Marrakech’s souk, the largest traditional market in Morocco, where you can browse through colorful stalls filled with spices, textiles, and handcrafted goods. After lunch near Jemaa El-Fna Square, we visit two more iconic sites:

• The Koutoubia Mosque, Marrakech’s largest and most famous mosque.
• Majorelle Garden, a peaceful oasis of exotic plants and bold blue architecture, once owned by Yves Saint Laurent.

In the evening, you’ll have free time to explore Jemaa El-Fna Square, where street performers, musicians, and food vendors bring the city to life. Overnight stay in Marrakech.

After breakfast, we leave Marrakech and head west toward Essaouira, a charming coastal city with a rich history. Along the way, we stop to see the famous tree-climbing goats, a unique sight as they perch on Argan trees in search of nuts.

Upon arrival in Essaouira, formerly known as Mogador, we explore its fishing port, where vibrant blue boats fill the harbor. We then visit the historic ramparts, lined with old cannons facing the Atlantic, and take a leisurely stroll through the ancient medina, a UNESCO-listed site.

Essaouira’s relaxed atmosphere and fresh seafood make it a perfect place to unwind. Enjoy an overnight stay in a traditional riad within the medina.

On the 12th day of our journey, we say goodbye to Essaouira and travel along the scenic Atlantic coastline, making stops along the way to admire coastal views and small seaside villages.

Upon arrival in Casablanca, Morocco’s largest city and economic hub, we visit the Hassan II Mosque, an architectural masterpiece and the largest mosque in Morocco, offering breathtaking views over the ocean. We then take a leisurely walk along the Casablanca Corniche, a lively waterfront area lined with cafés and restaurants.

After lunch, we continue north to Rabat, the country’s capital, where we settle in for our final overnight stay.

After breakfast, we explore Rabat, one of Morocco’s imperial cities and its current capital. Our sightseeing tour includes:

• Hassan Tower, an incomplete 12th-century minaret that stands as a symbol of the city.
• Mausoleum of Mohammed V, the grand tomb of Morocco’s former king and his sons.
• Kasbah of the Oudayas, a picturesque fortress offering stunning ocean views.

Following our visit, we begin our journey north through the coastal town of Asilah, known for its whitewashed walls and colorful murals. Finally, we arrive in Tangier, where we drop you off at the airport, marking the end of our 13-day Absolute Morocco tour.