Day 1: Arrival in Tangier – Transfer to Chefchaouen

On the first day of your 13-day Absolute Morocco tour, we will pick you up from your accommodation, the airport, or the port in Tangier, known as “the bride of the north.” Located where the Mediterranean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean near Cape Spartel, Tangier is a beautiful starting point. We’ll explore the city, including the Cave of Hercules and Cape Spartel, and then drive inland to Chefchaouen. Passing through Tetouan and the Rif Mountains, we’ll make stops for panoramic views before arriving in Chefchaouen for an overnight stay at your hotel.

Day 2: Exploring Chefchaouen, the Blue City

After breakfast, continue your tour in Chefchaouen, famously known as the Blue City. Nestled in the Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen is celebrated for its blue-painted buildings and charming alleyways. We’ll walk through the old Medina, admire its stunning blue doors, and have free time for lunch. In the afternoon, hike to the Spanish Mosque, situated on a hill for spectacular views of the entire city. Return to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 3: Chefchaouen to Volubilis – Meknes – Fes

After breakfast, enjoy a final morning in Chefchaouen before we drive to the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis. Recognized for its well-preserved mosaics and architecture, Volubilis is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Next, travel to Meknes, the Ismaili capital, where we’ll visit Bab Al-Mansour, Sahrij Souani basin, Royal stables, granary, and Moulay Ismail Mausoleum. Continue to Fes for an overnight stay in a riad.

Day 4: Guided Tour of Fes

Post-breakfast, we’ll explore Fes, one of Morocco’s imperial cities and its cultural hub. Start with the Royal Palace gate, then delve into the medieval Medina, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enter through the Blue Gate (Bab Boujloud) with a local guide to visit Medrasa Bouanania, Najjarine Fountain, Tanneries, and the Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque and University – the oldest university in the world. Explore the Jewish quarter, the Mellah, and enjoy panoramic views from an ancient fortress before returning to your riad.

Day 5: Fes to Ifrane – Cedars Forest – Midelt – Ziz Valley – Merzouga Sahara

After breakfast, head south to Ifrane, known for its alpine-style architecture and nickname, “Switzerland of Morocco.” Proceed to the Cedars Forest to see Barbary macaques, then continue to Midelt for lunch. Drive through the Tizi-n-Tilghmt Pass and along the Ziz Valley, stopping for scenic views. Reach the Sahara Desert in Merzouga, where you’ll switch to camels to cross the desert and enjoy a sunset before arriving at a luxury desert camp for an overnight stay.

Day 6: Explore Merzouga – Nomads – Khamlia – Merzouga Lake – Erg Chebbi – Palm Grove

After breakfast, spend the day exploring Merzouga’s region, which features sand dunes, a wild lake, mines, and oases. Start with an off-road visit to an ancient eyeliner mine, then meet local nomads in their traditional tents and enjoy Berber tea. Visit Khamlia village for Gnaoua music performances, have lunch, then stroll through a palm grove and visit Merzouga Lake, known for its flamingos. Return to Merzouga for dinner and overnight in a hotel.

Day 7: Merzouga to Rissani – Erfoud – Todra Gorges – Dades Valley

Wake up early to experience the desert sunrise. After breakfast, travel to Rissani, an ancient trading center with a lively souk. Continue to Erfoud to visit fossil marble workshops, then drive through palm groves to Todra Gorges, a dramatic canyon ideal for rock climbing. After lunch, head to Dades Valley, stopping at the “Monkey Fingers” rock formations and enjoying panoramic views before spending the night at a hotel.

Day 8: Dades Valley – Roses Valley – Skoura Palm Groves – Ouarzazate

After breakfast, travel to Kalaa Magouna to see the Rose Valley, known for its annual Rose Festival in May. Continue through Skoura’s palm groves and visit the Kasbah of Amredhyle. Arrive in Ouarzazate, where you’ll tour the famous film studios and Taourirt Kasbah. Overnight stay in Ouarzazate.

Day 9: Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah – Telouet – High Atlas Mountains – Marrakech

After breakfast, visit the Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featured in many films and TV series. Proceed to Telouet Kasbah, then travel through the Tizi-n-Tichka Pass and the High Atlas Mountains to Marrakech. Enjoy lunch and photo stops along the way before arriving in Marrakech for an overnight stay in a riad.

Day 10: Guided Tour of Marrakech

Following breakfast, explore Marrakech’s highlights with a local guide. Visit Bahia Palace, Saadian Tombs, and Ben Youssef Quranic Mosque, and stroll through Morocco’s largest traditional souk. Have lunch near Jemaa El-Fna Square, then visit Koutoubia Mosque and Majorelle Garden. Transfer to your accommodation and enjoy free time in Jemaa El-Fna Square.

Day 11: Marrakech to Essaouira

After breakfast, drive west to Essaouira, making stops to see Argan tree goats and enjoy panoramic views. Explore Essaouira’s fishing port, ancient ramparts, and old medina. Overnight stay in Essaouira.

Day 12: Essaouira to Casablanca

On the 12th day, depart Essaouira and travel along the coast to Casablanca. Visit the Hassan II Mosque, Morocco’s largest mosque, and the Casablanca Corniche. Have lunch before heading to Rabat, Morocco’s capital. Overnight stay in Rabat.

Day 13: Sightseeing in Rabat – Transfer to Tangier Airport

After breakfast, explore Rabat’s highlights, including Hassan Tower, Mausoleum of Mohammed V, and Kasbah of Oudaya. After lunch, drive north through Assilah to Tangier Airport. End of your 13-day Absolute Morocco tour from Tangier.