12-Day Moroccan Adventure: From Fez to Marrakech & Essaouira

Welcome to Morocco! Arrive at Fez Airport. Meet and greet by our team, then transfer to your traditional riad in the medina. Depending on arrival time, enjoy an orientation tour of the vibrant city. Rest and relax at your accommodation before beginning your Moroccan adventure. Overnight in Fez.

Full day guided tour of Fez, the cultural and spiritual capital of Morocco. Visit the Royal Palace gates, the Jewish quarter (Mellah), and the famous tanneries. Explore the University of Al Quaraouiyine, the oldest continuously operating university in the world. Wander through the narrow streets of the medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and discover traditional crafts. Overnight in Fez.

Depart from Fez towards the Sahara desert. Travel through the Middle Atlas Mountains, passing through Ifrane, known as "Little Switzerland" for its European-style architecture. Continue to Midelt, famous for its apples and fossils. Cross the Ziz Valley with its palm groves and arrive at the majestic Erg Chebbi dunes near Merzouga. Check into your hotel with views of the desert. Overnight in Merzouga.

Full day exploring the Merzouga desert region. Visit the Khamlia village to experience Gnawa music, originally from Sub-Saharan Africa. Explore nomadic settlements and learn about desert life. Afternoon camel trek through the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi to witness spectacular sunset over the Sahara. Arrive at luxury desert camp nestled among the dunes. Enjoy traditional dinner and Berber music under the stars. Overnight in luxury desert camp.

Wake up early for a spectacular desert sunrise over the Erg Chebbi dunes. After breakfast at camp, depart for Todra Gorge. Travel through Rissani, the birthplace of the Alaouite dynasty. Visit the spectacular Todra Gorge with 300-meter high canyon walls. Continue to the beautiful Dades Valley with its unique rock formations. Evening walk through the valley. Overnight at hotel in Dades Valley.

Morning exploration of Dades Valley. Travel through the Valley of the Roses (spectacular in April-May) to Ait Benhaddou, UNESCO World Heritage site and famous film location for movies like Gladiator and Lawrence of Arabia. Explore the ancient kasbah and learn about its history. Cross the High Atlas Mountains via Tizi n'Tichka pass with panoramic views. Arrive in Marrakech in the evening. Overnight in Marrakech.

Full day guided tour of Marrakech, the "Red City." Visit the Koutoubia Mosque with its 77-meter minaret, Bahia Palace with exquisite Moroccan architecture, Saadian Tombs dating back to the 16th century, and the bustling Jemaa el-Fna square. Explore the vibrant souks with traditional crafts including leather, metalwork, spices, and textiles. Afternoon free for shopping or optional activities. Overnight in Marrakech.

Depart from Marrakech towards the Atlantic coast. Travel through argan tree forests where you might see goats climbing the trees. Arrive in Essaouira, a charming coastal town with Portuguese and French influences. Explore the medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with its blue and white buildings. Visit the fishing port and Scala du Port, a fortress with cannons facing the ocean. Enjoy fresh seafood. Overnight in Essaouira.

Free day to enjoy Essaouira at your own pace. Options include: relaxing on the beach, windsurfing or kite surfing (the town is known as "Windy City"), exploring the art galleries and workshops in the medina, visiting the Jewish quarter (Mellah), or taking a camel ride on the beach. Enjoy the laid-back atmosphere and fresh seafood. Overnight in Essaouira.

After breakfast, depart from Essaouira. Travel back to Marrakech or continue to Casablanca depending on your departure plans. If returning to Marrakech, enjoy free time for last-minute shopping or sightseeing. If continuing to Casablanca, visit the Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world with a minaret that's the world's tallest. Overnight in Marrakech or Casablanca.

After breakfast, free time depending on your flight schedule. Transfer to the airport (Fez, Marrakech, or Casablanca) for your departure flight. End of our services with wonderful memories of your 12-day Moroccan adventure from Fez to Marrakech and Essaouira.