Morocco Grand Tour: Cities Desert & Coast – 10 Days

The Hassan II Mosque is lit by the rising sun
Welcome to Morocco’s West Coast! Casablanca, the largest city of Morocco, is a modern and thriving city with a lot of French influence. Visit the Hassan II Mosque to see its stunning architecture. The Hassan II Mosque, which sits on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, can accommodate 25,000 worshippers and has additional space for 80,000 in its enclosed courtyard. Hassan II mosque is the only one in Morocco where non-Muslims can enter. Admire the intricate marble work, wood- and stone carvings, and gilded cedar ceilings.
Visit Parc de la Ligue Arabe, and the Casablanca Cathedral (no more in use), for a fine example mid-19th-century Mauresque architecture that combines European art deco with Moorish style. Before you visit the Hobous or new medina, make sure to check out the Old Medina, the oldest part of the city that predates the French protectorate. Hobous, a French-built district, is a great spot to find the French vegetable and spice markets. You can also admire more Mauresque buildings. You can take a walk along the Boulevard de la Corniche. This is often called the « Miami of Morocco. »

As you stroll through the Roman ruins of Volubilis, step back in time

Your driver will meet you at the station and take you north towards Fes. Stop and stretch your legs as you travel to Meknes. Meknes is a smaller version of Fes. Shopkeepers are less pushy and Meknes has a more peaceful medina. Although Meknes is large, two areas that are most interesting to visitors are the Ville Imperiale (Imperial City), and the medina. Make sure you visit the magnificent Bab al-Mansour Gate and the Mausoleum Of Moulay Ismail. Next, you can visit the Roman ruins at Volubilis. It was founded in the 3rd Century BCE and is UNESCO-protected.

Continue eastward towards Fes. For a panoramic view of the medieval city, make a short climb up a hill to reach the Merenid Tombs before you venture into the medina. At dusk, the best time to visit tombs is As the city lights start to glow, the muezzin’s calls for worship can be heard throughout the valley. For a warm meal, return to your traditional riad and settle in for the evening.

Interior of Al Attarine Madrasa

Fes is the oldest imperial city in Morocco and one of the most fascinating and interesting to explore. It has also been subject to very little colonial development, adding to its medieval appeal. Fes, which is the largest medina in the Arab World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, consists of three main points: Fes el Bali, (old Fes and where you’ll spend most of your time), Fes el Jdid, (‘new Fes’), and the French-influenced Villa Nouvelle. Your guide will help you navigate the medina and provide information about Fes’ history and culture.

Start your tour in Fes el Bali by visiting the Bab Boujeloudgate, which welcomes you to Talaa Kebira. As you travel through the Spanish- and Tunisian-influenced architecture, discover the souks and shops. The tanneries are one of the most striking sights in Medina. Chouara Tannery has no exception. To get a better view, climb to the top of a nearby leather shop. Follow the guide to Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque (859 CE). You may get a glimpse inside the Library if you are lucky.

Early morning camel trek through Erg Chebbi near Merzouga

As you travel south towards your final destination, Merzouga, you’ll cover a lot of ground. You will ascend the Middle Atlas mountains via fragrant cedar forests, and then cross the Col du Zadpass. You can rest your legs at the « Apple City », Midelt, which is well-known for its fruit trees. Also, eat lunch near the Moulouya River. Continue on to the Ziz Valley via the Tizi N’Talremt Pass, taking note of the numerous fortified Ksars merchants built to safeguard and store their valuable goods (gold, salt and spices).

To learn more about the fossils in the area, visit Erfoud. You’ll then head towards Erg Chebbi where you will find dunes that are over 600 feet high. Meet your camel in Merzouga and board the camel to travel to your accommodation, a Bedouin-style tent. You can race to the top of a nearby dunes to see the sunset over the dunes, then return to your campsite for dinner and a campfire beneath the starry night sky.

Plan your trip in Morocco
Talk to a local expert who can help you organize your trip.

Get Started

Create your tour

Relax in the river between the sheer cliffs at the Todra Gorge.

Before you rent a sandboard, catch the sunrise. To visit a traditional Saharan village, its inhabitants are originally from Mali, leave the dunes behind and go to Khemliya. Continue on to Rissani. Rissani is a market town and home to a livestock auction. It also has a « donkey parking area », which is worth seeing (and hearing). You will reach the deep Todra Gorge at 984 feet (390 m). Enjoy the gorge, and then relax in the refreshing waters of the Todra river.

The Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs is a place to explore. Although many kasbahs, or old fortresses or fortifications, are in decline, some local families still live within them. Nomads may be seen tending to their livestock. Go west to Kelaat M’Gouna. This area is known for its Festival des Roses. Here you will find extensive cultivated farmland, dotted with fragrant rosebushes. Continue on to Ouarzazate to reach the Sahara Desert which has been popularized by the film industry. Take a studio tour to see how desert landscapes in the area have been used in many films.

Many ksars at Ait Benhaddou

You can visit the Ait Benhaddou nearby, a UNESCO World Heritage Site believed to date back to the 11th Century, when it was an important point along the trans-Saharan route between Marrakech and Ouarzazate. For a panoramic view of the surrounding landscapes, follow the narrow streets to the Granary. You can then climb the High Atlas mountain ridge and see Mount Toubkal (4,167 m) at the top. To enjoy the panoramic views of the mountain range, stop near the Tizi N’Tichka pass (7.415 feet or 2260 m).

You will see a drastic change in the landscape and climate as you descend the High Atlas. You will soon be part of the bustle and bustle of Marrakech. After a tiring day on the road, you will be able to settle in your hotel and enjoy the rest of the afternoon. The main square, which is the busiest in Africa, Jemaa El-Fna comes alive in the evening with performers, snake charmers and games. There are also food stalls that offer a wide range of entertainment. You can also enjoy the spectacle from afar by visiting one of the cafes around the square, where you can enjoy a cup or mint tea and a delicious meal.

Jemaa El-Fna is alive in the early hours of the evening

Marrakech, also known as the « Red City », is a major economic hub. Its red sandstone buildings and walls are over 1000 years old. Start your day by exploring the 12th-century Koutoubia Mosque. After that, take a break in the gardens surrounded by fountains and palms. You can indulge your senses by exploring the Souk el-Attarin or Souk Smata to find slippers, rugs and other leather goods. Next, stop by the Islamic school, Ben Youssef Mdrasa for a taste 16th-century architecture. Marvel at the intricate details such as arabesques and Islamic calligraphy and colorful geometric tilework.

As you walk Marrakech’s alleys, notice the Fondouks or Caravanserai–medieval inns along ancient trade routes that provided travelers and traders with shelter and supplies. Depending on your energy level and timing, you might want to visit a few sites south Jemaa el-Fna. You might want to visit the 500-year-old Saadian Tombs or the expansive courtyard and sunken gardens at the 17th-century El Badi Palace. Or the intricate woodwork, painted ceilings, and intricate woodwork of the 19th century Bahia Palace. For a quick bite, return to Jemma el-Fna before retiring to your accommodation.

Fortifications on Essaouira’s coast

After breakfast, head west towards the Atlantic coast and the laid-back beach resort of Essaouira. You will travel over vast rolling plains and through endemic argan forest. You may be able to see goats grazing on argan fruit if you are lucky. This is a rare sight when grass pasture is scarce or unavailable. You can stop at an Argan Oil Cooperative along the way to learn how the valuable oil is extracted from this nut.

You can spend the day in Essaouira (a port city) and enjoy a pleasant contrast to hectic Marrakech. The Skala de la Kasbah, an 18th-century seafront fortification, is a great place to walk along the coast. European engineers designed the wall, which is lined with old brass cannons that offer views of the Atlantic. Before you head to the beach, take a look at the UNESCO-protected Medina. Jimi Hendrix lovers may wish to take a taxi to Diabat at Essaouira’s end, where he is said to have spent some time. Enjoy freshly caught seafood as you walk back to Essaouira.

Essaouira, a popular spot for kiteboarding and windsurfing, is also a great place to go.

Essaouira, also known as « Windy City », is well-known for its strong alizee trade winds which hit the crescent beach. Enjoy the sunrise to see windsurfers and kiteboarders, or take a lesson before you return to Casablanca. You can break up the coastal drive into shorter segments with stops at seaside towns along the route.

You can explore Casablanca’s Old Medina and bargain with the local vendors at the bazaar. Also, you can pick up any last-minute souvenirs or gifts.

Admire the exquisite craftsmanship of the Hassan II Mosque

You may want to walk along Boulevard de la Corniche, depending on your departure details. There you will find Rick’s Cafe. This is a bar/restaurant/cafe inspired by the film classic Casablanca. Grab a bite to eat.