14-Day Grand Morocco Tour

The ultimate Morocco experience covering all highlights: four imperial cities, Sahara Desert adventure, Atlas Mountains, ancient kasbahs, and coastal charm. This comprehensive itinerary showcases Morocco's incredible diversity from north to south.

Quick Overview

• Duration: 14 days / 13 nights
• Difficulty: Moderate - includes long drives and varied activities
• Best Time: March-May, September-November
• Starting Point: Casablanca
• Ending Point: Marrakech
• Transportation: Private driver + domestic flights optional
• Estimated Budget: $1,800-3,500 per person (mid-range)

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Casablanca

Afternoon:

• Arrive at Mohammed V International Airport
• Check into hotel
• Rest and freshen up

Evening:

• Visit Hassan II Mosque (exterior or guided tour)
• Walk along the Corniche
• Dinner at Rick's Café or traditional Moroccan restaurant
• Overnight in Casablanca

Accommodation: Hotel in Casablanca

Day 2: Casablanca to Rabat to Chefchaouen

Morning:

• Drive to Rabat (1 hour)
• Visit Hassan Tower and Mausoleum of Mohammed V
• Explore Kasbah of the Udayas
• Lunch in Rabat

Afternoon:

• Continue to Chefchaouen (4 hours through scenic Rif Mountains)
• Arrive in the evening
• First glimpse of the Blue Pearl

Evening:

• Sunset from Spanish Mosque viewpoint
• Dinner in medina square
• Overnight in Chefchaouen

Accommodation: Riad in Chefchaouen Driving: ~5 hours total

Day 3: Chefchaouen - The Blue Pearl

Full Day:

• Morning exploration of blue-painted medina
• Visit Ras El Maa waterfall
• Climb to Spanish Mosque for panoramic views
• Photography session in the bluest alleys
• Lunch at a rooftop restaurant

Afternoon:

• Visit the Kasbah and Ethnographic Museum
• Shop for local crafts (wool garments, woven blankets)
• Relax at Plaza Uta el-Hammam
• Optional: Hike to nearby waterfalls

Evening:

• Sunset from a terrace café
• Traditional Moroccan dinner
• Overnight in Chefchaouen

Accommodation: Riad in Chefchaouen

Day 4: Chefchaouen to Fes via Volubilis & Meknes

Morning:

• Depart Chefchaouen
• Drive to Volubilis (2 hours)
• Explore UNESCO Roman ruins (2 hours)
• See stunning mosaics and ancient columns

Afternoon:

• Lunch near Volubilis
• Visit Moulay Idriss holy town
• Continue to Meknes (30 minutes)
• Tour Bab Mansour gate and Place el-Hedim
• Visit Moulay Ismail Mausoleum

Evening:

• Arrive in Fes (1 hour from Meknes)
• Check into riad in medina
• Welcome dinner
• Overnight in Fes

Accommodation: Riad in Fes medina Driving: ~4 hours total

Day 5: Fes - Imperial City Exploration

Morning:

• Full day with local guide in Fes el-Bali
• Visit Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque/University (exterior)
• Explore Bou Inania Madrasa
• Walk through world's largest car-free urban area
• Visit the famous tanneries

Lunch:

• Traditional Fassi cuisine

Afternoon:

• See Nejjarine Museum of Wood Arts & Crafts
• Explore artisan quarters (pottery, metalwork, weaving)
• Visit Mellah (Jewish quarter)
• Merenid Tombs viewpoint for sunset

Evening:

• Free time in medina
• Dinner at palace restaurant
• Overnight in Fes

Accommodation: Riad in Fes medina

Day 6: Fes to Merzouga via Middle Atlas

Morning:

• Early departure for long but scenic drive
• Pass through Ifrane ("Little Switzerland")
• Cedar forests of Azrou (feed Barbary macaques)
• Lunch in Midelt

Afternoon:

• Drive through Ziz Valley with stunning gorges
• Date palm oases
• Arrive in Merzouga late afternoon
• Check into desert hotel

Evening:

• Sunset camel trek into Erg Chebbi dunes
• Arrive at luxury desert camp
• Traditional Berber dinner under stars
• Campfire with drumming and music
• Sleep in nomad tent

Accommodation: Luxury desert camp Driving: ~7 hours (long day but incredibly scenic)

Day 7: Sahara Desert Experience

Morning:

• Wake up for Sahara sunrise (unforgettable!)
• Breakfast at camp
• Camel ride back to Merzouga
• Shower and rest at hotel

Late Morning/Afternoon (choose activities):

• 4x4 desert tour to nomad families
• Visit Khamlia village for Gnaoua music
• Quad biking on dunes
• Fossil hunting
• Relaxation by hotel pool
• Or simply enjoy the desert tranquility

Evening:

• Second night option:
  • Stay another night in desert camp
  • Or stay at hotel in Merzouga
• Stargazing (incredible in the desert)
• Overnight in Merzouga area

Accommodation: Hotel or desert camp

Day 8: Merzouga to Dades Valley via Todra Gorge

Morning:

• Depart Merzouga
• Drive to Rissani (fossil and date market)
• Continue to Erfoud

Midday:

• Visit Todra Gorge (massive 300m canyon walls)
• Walk through the gorge
• Lunch with gorge views

Afternoon:

• Drive through Valley of 1000 Kasbahs
• Arrive in Dades Valley
• Check into kasbah hotel
• Short walk to see rock formations ("Monkey Fingers")

Evening:

• Sunset over the valley
• Traditional dinner at kasbah
• Overnight in Dades Valley

Accommodation: Kasbah hotel in Dades Driving: ~5 hours

Day 9: Dades Valley to Marrakech via Ait Benhaddou

Morning:

• Drive through Valley of Roses (Kelaa M'Gouna)
• Stop at rose cooperative (if April-May, rose harvest)
• Continue through Skoura palm groves

Midday:

• Arrive at Ait Benhaddou
• Guided tour of UNESCO kasbah
• Recognize filming locations (Game of Thrones, Gladiator)
• Lunch with kasbah views

Afternoon:

• Cross High Atlas Mountains via Tizi n'Tichka pass (2,260m)
• Stunning mountain scenery
• Arrive in Marrakech evening
• Check into riad

Evening:

• Quick visit to Jemaa el-Fnaa square
• Dinner and rest
• Overnight in Marrakech

Accommodation: Riad in Marrakech medina Driving: ~6 hours

Day 10: Marrakech - The Red City

Morning:

• Visit Bahia Palace
• Explore Saadian Tombs
• Walk through Mellah (Jewish Quarter)
• El Badi Palace ruins

Lunch:

• Traditional Moroccan lunch

Afternoon:

• Visit Ben Youssef Madrasa
• Get lost in the souks
• See Koutoubia Mosque (exterior)
• Optional: Visit Jardin Majorelle

Evening:

• Hammam and massage experience
• Sunset from rooftop terrace
• Dinner at fine dining restaurant
• Evening in Jemaa el-Fnaa square
• Overnight in Marrakech

Accommodation: Riad in Marrakech medina

Day 11: Atlas Mountains & Berber Villages

Full Day:

• Early departure to Imlil (1.5 hours)
• Hike in Toubkal National Park
• Visit traditional Berber villages
• Mint tea with local family
• Lunch with mountain views

Alternative Options:

• Visit Ourika Valley and Setti Fatma waterfalls
• Drive to Ouzoud Waterfalls (2.5 hours away)
• Hot air balloon ride over Marrakech (early morning)

Evening:

• Return to Marrakech
• Free evening for personal exploration
• Optional: Fantasia dinner show
• Overnight in Marrakech

Accommodation: Riad in Marrakech medina

Day 12: Marrakech to Essaouira

Morning:

• Depart for Essaouira (2.5-3 hours)
• Stop at argan oil cooperative
• Photo op at famous goat trees

Afternoon:

• Arrive in Essaouira
• Check into oceanfront riad
• Fresh seafood lunch at the port
• Explore UNESCO medina
• Walk along Skala de la Ville ramparts

Evening:

• Beach sunset walk
• Dinner at rooftop restaurant
• Optional: Live Gnaoua music
• Overnight in Essaouira

Accommodation: Riad in Essaouira Driving: ~3 hours

Day 13: Essaouira - The Windy City

Full Day:

• Morning beach walk or water sports
  • Kitesurfing lessons
  • Surfing
  • Or simply beach relaxation

Midday:

• Visit art galleries and artisan workshops
• Explore Moulay Hassan Square
• Thuya wood craftsmen
• Shopping for souvenirs

Afternoon:

• Visit Mellah (Jewish heritage)
• Île de Mogador boat trip (if weather permits)
• Horseback riding on beach
• Or spa/hammam experience

Evening:

• Final Moroccan sunset
• Farewell seafood dinner
• Overnight in Essaouira

Accommodation: Riad in Essaouira

Day 14: Essaouira to Marrakech & Departure

Morning:

• Leisurely breakfast
• Last stroll through medina
• Final souvenir shopping

Midday:

• Drive back to Marrakech (2.5-3 hours)
• Lunch in Marrakech

Afternoon:

• Last-minute shopping in Marrakech souks
• Transfer to airport
• Departure flight
• Or extend stay if flight is next day

End of Tour

What's Included

✓ 13 nights accommodation (riads, kasbahs, desert camp) ✓ Daily breakfast + some dinners ✓ Private transportation (4x4 or minivan with A/C) ✓ English-speaking driver throughout ✓ Camel trek in Sahara Desert ✓ 1 night in luxury desert camp ✓ Local guides in Fes and Ait Benhaddou

What's Not Included

✗ International flights ✗ Most lunches and dinners ✗ Monument entrance fees (~$80-100 total) ✗ Tips for guides and drivers ✗ Personal expenses and souvenirs ✗ Travel insurance ✗ Optional activities

Budget Breakdown (per person, based on 2 people)

Mid-Range ($1,800-2,500):

• Accommodation: $60-90/night
• Meals: $25-35/day
• Transportation: $600-800
• Activities & guides: $200-300
• Entrance fees: $100

Luxury ($3,000-4,500):

• Accommodation: $150-250/night
• Meals: $50-80/day
• Transportation: $1,000-1,200
• Activities & guides: $400-600
• Entrance fees: $100

Best Time to Travel

Ideal Months:

• March-May: Perfect weather, spring blooms, comfortable temperatures
• September-November: Post-summer comfort, harvest season, fewer crowds

Avoid:

• July-August: Extremely hot in desert and cities
• December-February: Cold in mountains and desert nights, rain possible

Packing Essentials

Clothing:

• Layers for temperature changes
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Sandals
• Light scarf/shawl
• Warm jacket for desert nights
• Modest clothing for cities
• Swimwear
• Sun hat

Other Items:

• Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
• Sunglasses
• Camera + extra batteries
• Power bank
• Travel adapter (European 2-pin)
• Reusable water bottle
• Small daypack
• Hand sanitizer
• Basic first aid kit
• Flashlight for desert

Health & Safety

• Morocco is safe for tourists
• Drink only bottled water
• Be cautious with street food at first
• Travel insurance highly recommended
• Bring anti-diarrheal medication
• Sun protection essential
• Stay hydrated in desert

Transportation Tips

• Roads are generally good but mountain passes can be winding
• Long driving days are necessary to cover distances
• Domestic flights available (Casablanca-Fes, Fes-Marrakech) to reduce driving
• Private driver recommended for comfort and flexibility
• Rental car option for experienced drivers

Cultural Considerations

Ramadan:

• Restaurants may be closed during day
• Different atmosphere (quieter days, festive nights)
• Plan accordingly

Friday:

• Prayer day - some sites have limited hours
• Busy at mosques

Photography:

• Ask permission before photographing people
• Some may expect small tip

Bargaining:

• Expected in souks
• Start at 40-50% of asking price
• Be friendly and patient

Optional Extensions

Add 2-3 Days:

• Tangier and northern coast
• More time in Chefchaouen
• Extended Sahara experience
• Ouzoud Waterfalls
• Agafay Desert (near Marrakech)

Reduce to 10-12 Days:

• Skip Casablanca and Rabat
• Reduce time in one imperial city
• Take flight instead of driving some segments

Who This Trip Is For

✓ First-time visitors wanting comprehensive Morocco experience ✓ Couples, families, small groups ✓ Those with 2 weeks available ✓ Culture and nature enthusiasts ✓ Photography lovers ✓ Adventure seekers (moderate level)

Not Suitable For:

✗ Those uncomfortable with long drives ✗ Travelers needing luxury amenities everywhere ✗ People with severe mobility issues ✗ Those seeking beach resort vacation

Booking Tips

1. Book 3-6 months in advance for better prices and availability
2. Consider shoulder season (March-April, October-November)
3. Read reviews of accommodation and tour operators
4. Confirm inclusions before booking
5. Get travel insurance with medical coverage
6. Check visa requirements for your nationality

This comprehensive 14-day itinerary offers the complete Morocco experience, from Atlantic coast to Sahara dunes, from imperial cities to mountain villages, creating memories that will last a lifetime.