Morocco: From the Coast to the Atlas Mountains, All the Way to the Sahara

An adventurous and cultural journey to discover the soul of Morocco: from the whitewashed cities along the Atlantic Ocean to the blue-hued medinas, from desert oases to the majestic Atlas Mountains, all the way to the vibrant energy of Marrakech and the coastal breeze of Essaouira. An authentic route through history, nature, and tradition.

DAY 1

Arrival at Casablanca Airport and departure towards Assilah, a beautiful fortified town located 42 km south of Tangier, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Founded by the Phoenicians around 1500 BC, Assilah today is a peaceful town with a charming Mediterranean feel, its whitewashed buildings reminiscent of the Greek islands. We’ll stroll along the Portuguese ramparts, ancient gates, flower-filled alleys of the medina, and Andalusian-style architecture. Its long sandy beaches and relaxed atmosphere make it the perfect starting point for our 12-day Morocco tour.
Dinner at your leisure and overnight stay in a riad.

DAY 2

After breakfast, departure towards Chefchaouen, nestled in the Rif Mountains. Known as the “Blue Pearl of Morocco”, this enchanting town stands out for its buildings, doors, windows, and streets painted in countless shades of blue. Founded by Andalusian exiles and home to Berber communities, Chefchaouen preserves a deeply authentic and spiritual soul. The medina is a maze of alleys, lush plants, and local handicrafts. We will visit Outa el-Hammam Square, the Tarik-Ben-Ziad Mosque with its unique octagonal minaret, and the adjacent kasbah.
Dinner at leisure and overnight stay in a riad.

DAY 3

After breakfast, we depart for Volubilis, the best-preserved Roman site in Morocco and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, we’ll explore ancient temples, mosaics, and Roman columns set in a mesmerizing landscape. We continue to Meknes, an imperial city steeped in history, also known as the “Versailles of Morocco”. Highlights include traditional souks, the Jewish quarter, and the grand gates of the medina. In the afternoon, we arrive in Fes, one of Morocco’s oldest and most vibrant cities, where the medieval atmosphere begins to unfold.
Dinner included and overnight stay in a riad.

DAY 4

After breakfast, a full day is dedicated to exploring Fes, the cultural and spiritual capital of Morocco. The Fes el-Bali medina, a UNESCO-listed site, is a medieval labyrinth alive with energy: narrow alleys, lively souks, caravanserais, and artisan workshops. We will visit the al-Qarawiyyin Mosque (founded in 859), the Bou Inania Madrasa, the Nejjarine Fountain, and the renowned tanneries, where leather is still dyed using traditional methods. A deep dive into the colors and history of Morocco.
Dinner at leisure and overnight stay in a riad.

DAY 5

After breakfast, we leave vibrant Fes heading south, crossing the Middle Atlas Mountains. Our first stop is Ifrane, often called the “Switzerland of Morocco” for its Alpine-style architecture and well-kept parks. We continue to the Cedar Forest of Azrou, where you might encounter the native Barbary macaques. Lunch en route. In the afternoon, arrival in Midelt, a town at the foot of the Eastern Atlas, perfect as a stopover before entering the desert.
Dinner and overnight stay in a riad.

DAY 6

After breakfast, we set off for the Sahara Desert, driving through dramatic mountain landscapes, canyons, and palm groves. We’ll follow the stunning Ziz Valley, dotted with green oases and Berber villages. After passing Erfoud, we reach Merzouga, at the foot of the majestic Erg Chebbi dunes. In the afternoon, a 4×4 excursion across the dunes, visiting nomadic families and local villages. At sunset, we arrive at our desert camp, where a magical evening awaits under the stars, complete with dinner and traditional music by the fire.
Dinner and overnight stay in a desert camp.

DAY 7

Early wake-up call to watch the sunrise over the dunes, followed by breakfast in Merzouga. Then we depart for the spectacular Todra Gorges, a deep canyon flanked by vertical walls up to 300 meters high — a paradise for climbers and nature lovers. After a short walk through the gorge, we head towards the Dades Valley, famous for its wind-carved landscapes, ancient kasbahs, and rose-tinted cliffs.
Dinner and overnight stay in a riad in the valley.

DAY 8

After breakfast, we travel the iconic Road of a Thousand Kasbahs, passing through lush palm groves and fortified villages. Stop in Ouarzazate, known as the “Hollywood of Morocco”, with an optional visit to the Atlas Film Studios. A must-see is the UNESCO-listed Ait Ben Haddou kasbah, a striking mudbrick fortress featured in films like Gladiator and Game of Thrones. We then cross the Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260 m) to reach Marrakech, where the vibrant atmosphere of the medina awaits.
Dinner at leisure and overnight stay in a riad.

DAY 9

Today we explore imperial Marrakech with a local guide, known for its explosion of colors, scents, and sounds. Highlights include the serene Majorelle Garden, the ornate Bahia Palace, the Koutoubia Mosque, and the artisanal souks that unfold around the legendary Jemaa el-Fna Square — the city’s beating heart, alive with musicians, snake charmers, and food stalls.
Dinner at leisure and overnight stay in a riad.

DAY 10

After breakfast, we head to the coastal town of Essaouira, formerly known as Mogador. Along the way, we’ll spot the iconic goats in argan trees, unique to this region. Essaouira is an Atlantic gem with seafront ramparts, a colorful medina, art galleries, and unforgettable sunsets. We’ll stroll through the fishing port, with its blue boats and bustling seafood markets.
Dinner at leisure and overnight stay in a riad.

DAY 11

Free morning in Essaouira for a walk along the beachfront, shopping in the artisan souks, or relaxing by the ocean. After lunch, we return to Marrakech in the afternoon. Free time for shopping or revisiting your favorite corners of the city.
Dinner at leisure and overnight stay in a riad.

•⁠ ⁠airport transfers (arrival and departure)
•⁠ ⁠pick-up from your hotel or riad
•⁠ ⁠Toyota Prado Land Cruiser / Mitsubishi 4×4 / minivan / minibus with air conditioning
•⁠ ⁠driver speaking Italian / French / English / Spanish
•⁠ ⁠fuel, tolls, and associated taxes
•⁠ ⁠overnight stays and breakfasts in traditional riads
•⁠ ⁠half board treatment as specified in the itinerary
•⁠ ⁠camel trekking experience
•⁠ ⁠4×4 desert excursion by jeep
•⁠ ⁠sandboarding experience on the desert dunes

•⁠ ⁠flights
•⁠ ⁠lunches
•⁠ ⁠drinks
•⁠ ⁠tips (always appreciated)
•⁠ ⁠entrance fees to museums, monuments, parks, and archaeological sites
•⁠ ⁠optional travel insurance (recommended)
•⁠ ⁠anything not expressly mentioned in the “Included” section