Morocco Grand Tour: Cities Mountains Desert – 14 Days

Morocco is your home! Casablanca, a modern and commercial capital of Morocco has fewer sights than the imperial cities Marrakech and Fes. For a quick overview of the highlights, you will only need one day.

Casablanca’s Hassan II Mosque is a beautiful spot by the sea that you should visit if you only have one choice. It was inaugurated in 1993 and is the tallest structure of Morocco. The courtyard is capable of holding 80,000 worshippers, and there is enough space for 25,000 inside. This mosque is unique because it allows non-Muslims to enter.

The Hobous and Casablanca’s New Medina are just a few of the other sights. French built it in the 1930’s. You can enjoy a little bit of art deco architecture here. You can find crafts here, as well as a vegetable, spice, and olive market. You can also take a stroll along Boulevard de la Corniche or the Beach Promenade, often called Morocco’s « Miami. »

Relax and enjoy a relaxing evening at your hotel.

Begin your day in Rabat, Morocco’s capital. You can explore the medieval fortification of Chellah Necropolis, located in the city’s heart. Also, you can wander the Roman and Islamic ruins. The Kasbah des Oudaias is a 12-century fortification constructed during the Almohad era. Enter through the Bab Oudaia Gate. Next, you can relax in the tranquil space of the Andalusian Gardens, which were built in 20th century.

Enjoy the picturesque drive to Chefchaouen in the afternoon as rolling hills and flat landscapes transform into the mountainous Rif range. Chefchaouen is a peaceful, unspoiled area that has been inhabited since the 15th Century. It also boasts some of the most friendly people in the country. Before you go, explore Plaza Outa el-Hammam.

You can also climb up to the city walls, and then follow the path to Hotel Atlas. The rooftop offers a panoramic view of the Blue City. To reach the Spanish Mosque, you can walk eastwards towards the end of your day. This spot is a wonderful place to see the sunset behind the mountains.

You may get an hour of peace to walk the streets painted in blue if you rise early. You can continue on to the Roman Ruins of Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that houses Morocco’s finest preserved Roman ruins. It is a pleasant break from the bustle and bustle in Meknes. Today, you can explore the vast complex and see large merchant houses with visible heating systems beneath, temples, as well as colorful mosaics in situ.

Optionally, you can make a stop in Meknes if you wish. This wealthy city is a great way to prepare for Fes. The medina here is smaller and less crowded, and the shopkeepers aren’t as pushy. The Ville Imperiale (Imperial City), and the medina are the main attractions in the large city.

Your day ends in Fes. To get a panoramic view of Fes and to help you orientate yourself, climb the hill to the Merenid Tombs. As the city lights begin to turn on, and the muezzin’s call to worship echoes through the valley, it is best to visit the tombs at dusk. You will return to the medina to find your accommodation in a traditional riad.

Fes is the oldest imperial city in Morocco (Meknes Rabat and Marrakech are others). It also has the largest medina (old quarter), in the Arab world. Many parts of the city have remained unaltered over the centuries, giving it a more medieval feel. You will be exploring three areas of interest. These are the Fes el Bali, Fes el Jdid and Ville Nouvelle. Begin your Fes el Bali tour at the Bab Boujeloud Gate. Follow the main thoroughfare Talaa Kebira.

You will find the Chouara Tannery by following the winding streets. For a panoramic view of the men working, climb up to the roof of a nearby leather shop. This is a tradition that has not changed for hundreds of years. The Al-Qarawiyyin University is one of the oldest universities worldwide. It dates back to the 9th century. Visit the Al Attarine madrasa to view examples of Moroccan craftsmanship throughout. You can visit Fes el Jdid for a tour of the Mellah (Jewish quarter/cemetery) and to take in the views from its location.

Create your tour

Start early today! You’ll cover a lot of ground crossing the Middle Atlas, through the cedar forest and into the desert. Before reaching the Sahara dunes near Merzouga, there are several places to stop.

Continue onwards to Azrou and climb the Col du Zad pass. You will find families of Barbary macaque monkeys along the roadside and in trees. Midelt is known as the Apple City. A nearby River Moulouya permits orchards to be grown in the desert. Continue on to the Ziz Valley by crossing the Tizi-n Talremt Pass. You’ll pass fortified houses called ksars, which were built by merchants in order to protect valuable wares such as gold, salt, or spices.

Erfoud, a lively market town, is known for its date festival as well as its fossil mining and artisans factories. You may have seen fossils at the markets. Stop by a local artisan group to learn more about the types and how fossil-rich rocks are transformed into beautiful items, large and small.

Soon, you’ll see Erg Chebbi visible in the distance. This is an extensive sand dunes sea. Some dunes are more than 200m high and change colors depending on the time of day. They become most vivid at sunset. Take a camel ride through dunes near Merzouga, arriving at camp shortly before sunset. Enjoy traditional Berber music as you climb up to the highest sand dunes.

Spend the morning exploring the Sahara. Rent a sandboard and try your skills on the dunes. You can also join the Erg Shibi tour or quad ATV tours. Or just relax by the pool. You’ll have a sunrise you will never forget if you are an early riser. You can also visit Khamleya in nearby Sahara, where you can dance and drum before visiting the sandy plots.

Stop in Rissani as you leave the Merzouga area. This market town has a very impressive gate at its entrance. You can take a stroll around the traditional market, especially during market days when many animals will be bought and sold. While you are there, make sure to stop at the « donkey parking area ».

Tinerhir is a great place to stop and admire the river oasis on both sides of the town. You will find impressive mesas and plateaus in the surrounding desert landscape. You can explore the Todra Gorge (300m deep, 984ft) located near the Todra River.

You can witness the Saharan sunrise early in the morning. Before exploring further, rent a sandboard or join the Erg Shibi tour (around sand dunes), or an ATV quad tour. To explore this Saharan village, head south to Khemliya. Rissani will offer you a second opportunity to visit Maison Tuareg. This storehouse sells traditional carpets and jewelry as well as leather goods. Continue onwards through the umbrella-shaped trees that make up the Acacia forests, before you reach Alnif for lunch. Continue through the Draa Valley to get a box of dates and a lot more date palmeries.

Continue on to the medieval Ait Benhaddou. Ait Benhaddou, a protected UNESCO site is one of the most iconic kasbahs in Morocco. It once held an important spot along the trans-Saharan route between Marrakech and Ouarzazate and the southern desert. After the day-crowds are gone, spend the night in the old city and explore the narrow alleyways. You can pay a nominal fee for entry to a few kasbahs, and then climb to the top to enjoy beautiful views of the surrounding Ksours (individual Kasbahs) as well as Ouarzazate valley.

Today you will head up the High Atlas and look out for Mount Toubkal. You can see the entire mountain range from the top. The road down the mountainside is also visible.

Taddert is the first town after the pass. Here you can visit an Argan Oil Cooperative and learn about how olives are used for different purposes. As you ascend the high Atlas’s north-facing slopes, you’ll notice a drastic change in the climate and landscape. River valleys are carved into the hillsides. You will soon find yourself in vibrant Marrakech, after all the peace and tranquility of the desert.

Jemaa el Fna Square is alive in the evening with performers, snake charmers and games. You can also enjoy the show from afar at the many cafes that surround the square.

Marrakech, also known as the « Red City », is a major economic hub. Its red sandstone buildings and walls are over 1000 years old. Marrakech, unlike Fes, is Berber and not Arab. It was once a major trading center for the Atlas Mountains tribes.

Marrakech’s lively Jemaa El-Fna Square is where you should be orientated. The souks (markets), the Koutoubia Mosque, Gardens and Gardens are to your west, while the kasbah area (fortification or fortification) with the Saadian Tombs and Bahia Palace and El Badi Palace to the south are all to your right. The Majorelle Gardens can be found in the Ville Nouvelle.

A caleche is a horse-drawn carriage that you can board to explore the old quarter of the medina. Fondouks are medieval inns that offered shelter and supplies to merchants and travelers. Many of these have been transformed into large shopping areas, residences, and workshops that you can visit. You can find your way to Koutoubia Mosque, and enjoy a break from the heat in the gardens with fountains and palms. It is not possible to enter the mosque by non-muslims. However, it is worth visiting its 12th-century foundations as well as its minaret.

Jemaa el-Fna becomes more lively with storytellers, acrobats, dancers, and even snake-charters as the evening progresses. You will find a variety of food stalls offering everything from small snacks to full-sized meals, fruit drinks, dried dates, or fruit drinks. You can grab a bite to eat or go for a more relaxing experience by choosing one of the cafes above the square. Here you can enjoy a meal and watch the show from the top.

Amizmiz, a small town located just south of Marrakech, is home to the High Atlas Mountains’ foothills. Visit the small market in the old city before meeting a mountain guide who will take you on a hike along the trails and mule paths that run through the hills.

As you walk between Berber villages on the mountainside, it’s unlikely that you will see other tourists in this area. The landscape is shared by local farmers, shepherds and mules as well as goats. You can hike as far as you want, however long or strenuous, with your mountain guide. You will find great views as you climb higher.

Lunch with a local family to learn about how they make their bread in traditional ovens. You can continue hiking for as long as necessary before reaching your homestay for the evening. Enjoy the evening with your family, enjoy the natural beauty, and a delicious dinner.

After breakfast, say farewell to your family and head out on the trail. You have two options: you can either go on another day of hiking or return to Marrakech the next morning. You’ll spend tonight in Marrakech, regardless of which way you go.

Start your day with breakfast and head west towards the Atlantic coast, where you will find Essaouira, a laid-back beach resort. You will travel along rolling plains and through endemic argan forest. You may be able to see goats grazing on argan fruits if you are lucky. This is a sight you can only see when grass pasture is scarce or unavailable.

You can spend the rest of your day in Essaouira port city, which is a pleasant contrast to hectic Marrakech. The 18th-century seafront ramparts, the Skala de la Kasbah, can be walked along the coast. European engineers designed the wall. Old brass canons are lining the walls, offering views over 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 the end Essaouira’s beach where he was reputed to have spent time. Enjoy freshly caught seafood as you walk back to Essaouira.

Follow the coast route to Casablanca, stopping at seaside towns on the way. Stay the night in Casablanca

You may want to explore Casablanca a little more depending on the time you have before flying.