Explore Morocco on the Grand Tour

Day 1 – Marrakech
Welcome to the Grand Tour of Morocco! On arrival at Marrakech Menara Airport, you’ll be welcomed by your private driver for a transfer to your hotel in the city. Marrakesh is known for its colourful chaos, where you can leave your cares behind and go with the flow, exploring the labyrinth of twisting alleyways, with spice sellers, fortune tellers, snake charmers, and monkey handlers. Your driver will provide you with an overview of what to expect before you check-in and enjoy dinner at your hotel this evening.
Overnight at the Riad & Spa Bahia Salam (D)

Marrakesh (Marrakech)
Situated to the north of the foothills of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains and fringing the famed Sahara, the bustling UNESCO-listed city of Marrakesh is an enchanting travel destination. It is also home to the largest traditional Berber market in Morocco and one of the busiest squares in the world, known as Djemaa el Fna. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit this square in the evening as it transforms into an enormous, open-air restaurant, and browse through exquisite carpets, spices and a myriad of other items. Art, design and architecture enthusiasts flock to the city to see its incredible artisan achievements, so beautifully expressed at the glorious Bahia Palace, Dar Si Said and Saadian Tombs, as well as at several museums. The other-worldly Jardin Majorelle is also unmissable.

Day 2 – Explore Marrakesh
Today you'll enjoy a full day guided tour of Marrakech, the second oldest imperial city in Morocco (after Fes). Also known as the Red City, it is home to numerous prestigious monuments which bear witness to the colourful history of North Africa. In the morning you'll take in key sites such as the Bahia Palace, the UNESCO Heritage Agdal Gardens, and Koutoubia Mosque. The afternoon will then be dedicated to local life, taking in the mesmerizing souks and famous Djemaa el Fna square, the epicentre of Marrakech in the medina (old town). The lively atmosphere that never slows down generates an exciting buzz accommodating a variety of tastes with everything from monkey tamers to musicians, tattoo artists, and merchants with fascinating shops.
Overnight at the Riad & Spa Bahia Salam (BD)

Day 3 – A free day to explore
You’ll have the day to do as you wish today, with options (payable locally) for day trips to coastal Essouira or the Atlas Mountains. If you’d like to see more of Marrakech, stick around and relax or take advantage of one of the many spas with hammams for a tranquil soak and perhaps some indulgent treatments. You might delve into the culture through its food with a cooking class, or just wander the enticing streets. Enjoy dinner at a typical Moroccan restaurant, or at your hotel.
Overnight at the Riad & Spa Bahia Salam (BD)

Day 4 - Ait Ben Haddou
We will say goodbye to Marrakech this morning, setting off with your private driver on a scenic journey up and over the Atlas Mountains. Enjoy spectacular views as you rise through a series of mountains and valleys before descending down the other side and stopping to visit Ait Ben Haddou, a remarkable fortified kasbah that sits high atop a hill. The medieval city has been featured in famous films like “Lawrence of Arabia” and “Gladiator,” thanks to its unrivalled beauty. You’ll continue the short distance Ouarzazate, another popular Hollywood filming site for everything from “Game of Thrones” to James Bond movies. On arrival check in to your hotel and relax for the rest of the day. Driving time today will be around 4 hours.
Overnight at the Riad Ksar Ighnda (BD)

Ait Ben Haddou
Set along the former caravan route between Marrakech and the Sahara, Ait Benhaddou is a popular destination in the Ouarzazate province. This ancient Moroccan village is a traditional mud-brick city edging the High Atlas Mountains. It has featured in many Hollywood movies, including Lawrence of Arabia, Jesus of Nazareth, Jewel of the Nile, and Gladiator. Thanks to the Hollywood touch-ups through the years, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is well preserved. It is a ‘ksar’ which means fortified village and served as a convenient stopover for hundreds of caravans of camels following the renowned trans-Saharan trade route. Travellers can wander the ancient alleyways, view the traditional architecture, and visit the granary perched at the top of the hill. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the Mausoleum of Ben-Haddon at the foot of the hill on the opposite side of town, and soak up the breath-taking views.

Day 5 – Erg Chebbi Desert
After breakfast you’ll be taken to visit the world-famous Atlas Cinema Studios in Ouarzazate. Known as the Hollywood of Africa, it is the largest film studio in the world and has been used to film many well-known classics. You’ll then venture into the desert, passing through palm groves and fields of roses before stopping at magnificent Todra Gorge, the Grand Canyon of Morocco, with its towering limestone cliffs that change colour with the position of the sun. We then arrive in the Merzouga region of the desert, changing to travel in a 4x4 for an exhilarating ride over the sand dunes before arriving at the desert camp. Marvel at the Sahara sunset before enjoying dinner around the campfire and settling in to spend the night in a Berber-style tent.
Overnight at the Desert Luxury Camp (BD)

Erg Chebbi Desert
Situated in the vast desert region of Saharan Morocco, dividing Morocco and Algeria, Erg Chebbi is one of two Moroccan ‘ergs’, which are a sea of dunes. What it lacks in size - compared to the deserts of Algeria, Libya and Namibia - it makes up for in its extraordinarily scenic golden landscape, which changes colours dramatically at sunset. The dunes of Erg Chebbi span over 30 kilometres and rise up to 160 metres.

Day 6 – Erg Chebbi to Fes
Wake up and join a camel ride out in the dunes to enjoy a stunning desert sunrise. Then return to the camp for a hearty Berber breakfast, before checking out and continuing by road to Fes. This long journey will take you back up and over the Atlas Mountains, passing cedar forests filled with Barbary monkeys, and maybe glimpses of the nomadic Berbers as they travel through the mountains. Stop in Ifrane, with its Swiss alpine looks, before reaching your hotel in Fes where you’ll enjoy dinner tonight.
Overnight at Palais Ommeyad (BD)

Fes
Morocco’s second-largest city and the country’s former capital, Fes (Fez) is an exotic mix of Arabic architecture, ancient alleyway calls to prayer and colourful markets; all mixed in with a good dose of modern culture. Home to the venerated Karaouine Mosque, which dates back to 859 AD and incorporates an Islamic university, and to the country’s most hallowed shrine, the Zaouia Moulay Idriss II; Fes is regarded as the spiritual seat of Morocco. Music lovers should try to synchronise their trips with the annual Festival of Sacred Music, one of the highlights of the city’s cultural calendar showcasing diverse performances of spiritual and religious music; while those with a penchant for shopping can browse the mesmerizing colourful markets selling an exquisite array of silver, leather, and other handicrafts up for grabs.

Day 7 – Fes (Fez)
Meet up with a local guide for a fascinating tour of this ancient city, considered to be the cultural capital of the country. Walk through the bustling streets, just a few of some 9,000 different passageways, taking in the atmospheric souks and medina. Look out for colourful spices and skilled artisans and visit Nejjarine Square with its famous fountain. You'll also visit alluring madrasa Bouanania Medersa, the mausoleum of Mouley Driss, Karaouiyine Mosque, and the oldest university in the world, founded in 859AD.
Overnight at Palais Ommeyad (BD)

Day 8 – A day at leisure in Fes
You’ll get a full day to enjoy the country’s cultural capital at your leisure. No activities are included today. For an authentic local experience, relax at one of the many hammams throughout the city. You might want to do some shopping at one of the oldest souks, like the Henna Souk which offers traditional cosmetics like henna and ceramics. Be sure to visit the Golden Gates at Royal Palace, one of the top spots in Fes for photos, before returning to your hotel for dinner.
Overnight at Palais Ommeyad (BD)

Day 9 – Fes to Chefchaouen
This enchanting adventure continues as we leave Fes after breakfast, taking a scenic drive toward the Rif mountains and the famous Blue City, Chefchaouen. Stop for a guided tour of Meknes, the fortified Ismailia capital visiting the imposing port, the Herri Essouani, and the Jewish Quarter. You’ll also visit the Moulay Ismail Shrine, an 18th-century mausoleum with Islamic architecture, and the Roman ruins of Volubilis - the 3rd century BC capital of Mauritania. Continue to Chefchaouen, with its vibrant blue architecture nestled in the hills. We arrive late afternoon and check-in to your hotel. Driving time should be around 4-4.5hrs today.
Overnight at Dar Echchaouen Maison d'hôtes & Riad (BD)

Chefchaouen
Hidden high up in the Rif Mountains of north-eastern Morocco, Chefchaouen is a relatively large historical town known for the striking, variously hued blue-washed buildings of its picturesque Medina. Visitors can look forward to wandering along narrow, cobblestone streets lined with leather and weaving workshops and an array of historical monuments. Must-see attractions include the town's exquisite waterfall; the ruins of an old mosque on a hill behind it; and the shady main square of Uta el Hammam, which is home to the red-walled casbah - a 15th-century fortress and dungeon displaying ethnographic and art exhibits. This charming town also serves as an ideal base for travellers eager to explore the traditional villages and dramatic mountains of the scenic surrounding area.

Day 10 – Explore Chefchaouen
Chefchaouen is a truly beautiful mountain town, renowned for its azure Andalusian architecture. The town was originally established in the 15th century by Moors and Jews fleeing the Reconquista of Spain. Walk through truly unique structures, stopping at Uta el-Hammam, the town's central medina (old town) where the locals meet in cafes. Chefchaouen gives visitors a glimpse of a more rural way of life as opposed to the large busy cities.
Overnight at Dar Echchaouen Maison d'hôtes & Riad (BD)

Day 11 – Chefchaouen via Rabat to Casablanca
After breakfast and checking out of your Chefchaouen hotel, your driver will transfer you to Rabat, the capital city of Morocco. On arrival you'll meet a local guide to explore the city which is located on the Atlantic coast at the mouth of the river Bou Regreg. You'll visit the 12th-century Hassan Tower and Mausoleum, a masterpiece of modern Alaouite architecture, along with Roman ruins and the Kasbah des Oudaias which overlooks the sea. You'll then take the last leg of your journey into Casablanca, arriving mid-afternoon.
Overnight at Gray Boutique Hotel (BD)

Casablanca
Casablanca lies on the Atlantic coast, in central-western Morocco. Fondly known by locals simply as ‘Casa', the capital is the industrial, economic, and cultural heart of this remarkable country, as well as its most cosmopolitan, liberal, and progressive city. While most visitors overlook Casablanca in favour of Morocco’s more popular and exotic tourist areas, this sprawling metropolis has plenty to offer the discerning traveller and has many hidden historical and cultural gems just waiting to be discovered. The city is famous for its spectacular Art Deco and Moorish Revival architecture, constructed during the Colonial Period. Explore the Old Medina, a tiny, ancient, walled village; visit the impressive King Hassan II Mosque; discover the ornate rooms, masterfully tiled floors, and intricately carved wooden ceilings of the Hispanic-Moorish Mahkama du Pacha; or simply watch the world go by at one of the many ocean-view cafes along the waterfront boulevard.

Day 12 – Casablanca
Casablanca is the largest city in Morocco located on the Atlantic coast, it is the country's chief port and its economic hub. The town and the medina of Casablanca, as it is today, was founded in 1770 AD by Sultan Muhammad III ben Abdallah and there has been a settlement in this location since the 7th Century B.C. This morning your driver will meet you and take you on a guided tour of the city, including a visit to Mohammed V Square, the spectacular Hasan II Mosque, and a walk along the evocative 'corniche' waterfront.
Overnight at Gray Boutique Hotel (BD)

Day 13 – The end of the grand tour of Morocco
Sadly, your Grand Tour of Morocco has come to an end. At an appropriate time your driver will transfer you privately from the hotel to Casablanca International Airport, arriving in plenty of time to check in for your onward flight. (B)