7-Day Journey: Discover Morocco’s Enchanting Trails

Upon arrival, our journey begins in Casablanca, Morocco’s bustling commercial capital. We’ll first visit the iconic Hassan II Mosque, the second-largest mosque in the world, known for its stunning location overlooking the ocean—a remarkable example of Moroccan architectural achievement. Next, we’ll stop by Place Mohamed V, home to some of the oldest government buildings in the city.

The tour then takes us to Morocco’s capital, Rabat. In this beautiful city, we’ll visit the impressive Hassan Tower, followed by the 11th-century Kasbah of the Udayas, a fortress built in the Andalusian style.

After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a full day of exploration. In the morning, we’ll head to Meknes, an imperial city established by the early rulers of Morocco’s Alawite dynasty. Highlights include the magnificent Bab el-Mansur gate, the Sahrij Souani Basin, and the richly adorned Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail.

After lunch, we’ll continue to Volubilis, Morocco’s most celebrated Roman site, dating back to AD 24-285, where remarkably preserved walls and structures reveal the city’s ancient past. We’ll also stop in Moulay Idriss Zerhoun, a city built dramatically on the rocky spurs of the Khyber and Tazga hills, with houses cascading down the slopes.

To end this thrilling day, we’ll drive through the mountains to Fez for an overnight stay in our Hotel or Riad.

Explore the UNESCO-listed Medina of Fez, with its maze of narrow streets, vibrant souks, and historical sites. Visit the Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque, one of the oldest universities in the world, and admire the ornate Bab Bou Jeloud, the iconic blue gate to the city. Discover the Chouara Tannery where traditional leather tanning has been practiced for centuries, and explore the beautiful Medersa Bou Inania and Attarine Madrasa, examples of stunning Marinid architecture. In the new part of the city, visit the Royal Palace and the historic Mellah (Jewish Quarter). Don’t miss the Nejjarine Museum and Fez’s pottery cooperatives, showcasing traditional craftsmanship. Wrap up your day shopping in the vibrant souks, where you can find everything from textiles to spices and leather goods.

Your journey from Fez to Merzouga takes you through the Middle Atlas Mountains, known for their scenic cedar forests and rugged peaks. Stop in Ifrane, a charming town often referred to as the “Switzerland of Morocco,” and continue through the Ziz Valley, an oasis surrounded by date palms and Berber villages. Reach Erfoud, the gateway to the Sahara, and learn about the region’s fossil deposits. Then, head towards the Erg Chebbi dunes for a camel trek, experiencing the vastness of the Sahara. Enjoy a magical sunset over the dunes before heading to your luxury desert camp, where you’ll enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner under the stars and overnight in luxury tents. The next morning, wake up to the peaceful desert silence and breathtaking surroundings.

Your day begins with an early morning camel ride to watch one of the most breathtaking sunrises over the Erg Chebbi dunes in Merzouga. Afterward, you’ll trek back to the village of Merzouga, admiring the shifting colors of the sand dunes as the sun rises. After breakfast, head to Dades Valley, traveling through Rissani and Erfoud, a region known for its fossils and traditional rural life. In Tinghir, witness the beauty of the largest oasis before reaching Todgha Gorges, the highest and narrowest gorges in Morocco, with towering cliffs up to 290 meters. Continue through Dades Valley, known for its dramatic landscapes, including “monkey toes” rock formations and Berber villages. Watch the sunset on the Tssidrine road before spending the night in a hotel or riad.

After breakfast, continue along the Dades Valley, known for the “Road of a Thousand Kasbahs,” and stop in Kalaa-Mgouna, the “rose city,” to purchase rosewater and local cosmetics. Continue to Skoura and the Bird’s Valley, famous for its mudbrick Kasbahs, especially Kasbah Ameridil. After a hike, enjoy lunch with views over the valley. Then head to Ouarzazate, known as “the Hollywood of Africa,” and visit the UNESCO-protected Ait Benhaddou Kasbah, famous for its magnificent views of surrounding palms. Next, cross the Tizi n’Tichka pass, stopping in Telouet to visit a 17th-century Kasbah before continuing to Marrakech. Upon arrival, enjoy free time in Jemaa El-Fna square before spending the night at a local riad.

Marrakech is a city full of exotic charm. With your local guide, visit the Koutoubia Mosque, the 12th-century landmark, and the Majorelle Garden, designed by painter Jacques Majorelle. Explore other historic sites, such as the Saadian Tombs, and then take time to wander through the famous souks of Marrakech, where you can shop for leather goods, spices, perfumes, and more. In the evening, enjoy the lively atmosphere of Jemaa El-Fna square, with snake charmers, musicians, and dancers. After lunch, you’ll have time for last-minute shopping or sightseeing. Depending on your departure time, you’ll be transferred to Casablanca Airport to end your 7-day tour.