Day 1: Arrival in Casablanca – City Tour 

Arrive in Casablanca, Morocco’s largest city and economic hub, where you’ll be welcomed at the airport or from your accommodation. Begin your discovery with a visit to the spectacular Hassan II Mosque, perched above the Atlantic Ocean and renowned for its intricate architecture. After free time for lunch, continue exploring the city’s highlights, which may include Mohammed V Square, known for its colonial-era architecture, a photo stop at the iconic Rick’s Café (inspired by the classic film), and a stroll along the lively Corniche. The order and number of stops may vary depending on your arrival time. Overnight in a comfortable hotel in Casablanca.

Day 2: Casablanca – Rabat – Chefchaouen 

After breakfast, drive along the coast to Rabat, Morocco’s capital and one of its imperial cities. Visit the city’s highlights, including the Hassan Tower, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, and the Kasbah of Oudaya. Enjoy free time for lunch, then continue north through Ouazzane to reach Chefchaouen, the famous Blue City nestled in the Rif Mountains. Overnight stay in a hotel.

Day 3: Chefchaouen – Roman Ruins of Volubilis – Meknes – Fes 

After breakfast, take some free time to wander the beautiful alleyways of the Blue City, Chefchaouen. Then drive to the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis, a well-preserved UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring striking mosaics, ancient pillars, and archways. After exploring the ruins, continue 30 km to Meknes, the Ismaili capital and one of Morocco’s imperial cities, where you’ll visit Bab Al-Mansour, the Sahrij Souani basin, the Royal Stables, the granary, and the Moulay Ismail Mausoleum. Continue to Fes for an overnight stay in a riad.

Day 4: Sightseeing Tour of Fes with a Local Guide 

After breakfast, you’ll be picked up from your riad in Fes for an immersive exploration of one of Morocco’s most iconic imperial cities — the country’s cultural and spiritual heart. The day begins with a driving tour, including stops at the magnificent Royal Palace Gate and “The Mellah,” the historic Jewish Quarter, followed by sweeping views over the ancient Medina from the Borj Sud fortress. The final stop is the Ceramic Village & School, where you’ll see traditional craftsmanship in action. Next, embark on a walking tour through the medieval Medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best-preserved historic towns in the Arab world. With a knowledgeable local guide, explore highlights such as the Al Attarine Madrasa, the University and Mosque of Al Quaraouiyine — considered the oldest existing university in the world — and the colorful Chouara Tanneries, where leather is dyed using centuries-old methods. Afterward, return to your riad to relax.

Day 5: Fes – Ifrane – Cedars Forest – Midelt – Ziz Valley – Merzouga Sahara 

After breakfast, drive south through Imouzzer to Ifrane, known for its cool climate, snowfall, and alpine-style architecture — earning it the nickname “Switzerland of Morocco.” Continue to the Cedars Forest, home to Barbary macaques you can observe along the way. From there, head to Midelt for free time at lunch, then drive to Merzouga through the Tizi-n-Tilghmt pass and along the scenic Ziz Valley, with stops for panoramic views. In the afternoon, arrive at the Sahara Desert of Merzouga, switch to camels, and cross the dunes to a high point for a spectacular sunset. Continue to the desert camp, where you’ll enjoy Berber drum music and dancing around the campfire beneath a sky full of stars. Dinner and overnight in the camp.

Day 6: Merzouga Region – Nomads – Khamlia – Merzouga Lake – Erg Chebbi – Palm Grove 

Rise early to take in a beautiful desert sunrise, followed by free time for breakfast. Return to Merzouga by camel or 4×4, where your driver will be waiting. Spend the day exploring the Merzouga region’s varied landscapes — sand dunes, a wild lake, old mines, and fossil sites. Start with an off-road visit to an ancient eyeliner mine, then meet local nomads in their handmade woven tent and learn about their traditional way of life over Berber tea. Continue to Khamlia village to enjoy Gnaoua music and dance performed by residents descended from sub-Saharan countries such as Mali, Sudan, and Niger. After free time for lunch, take a stroll through a palm grove and drive a short distance to see Merzouga’s wild lake, also known as Flamingo Lake. Dinner and overnight in a hotel.

Day 7: Merzouga Sahara – Rissani – Erfoud – Todra Gorges – Dades Valley 

After breakfast, leave the desert for Rissani, the ancient capital of Tafilalet and still a major trading hub with a large, lively souk. After exploring the market, continue to Erfoud to visit a fossilized marble workshop. Drive through the palm groves of Touroug and Tinjdad to reach the Todra Gorges, where the Todra River has carved a dramatic red-cliffed canyon through the mountains — a popular spot for rock climbers. Enjoy free time to explore before lunch at a local restaurant. Continue to the Dades Valley via Boumalne Dades, stopping to see the “monkey fingers” rock formations and taking in panoramic views from a viewpoint above the valley. Dinner and overnight in a hotel.

Day 8: Dades Valley – Roses Valley – Skoura Palm Groves – Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah – High Atlas Mountains – Marrakech (6 Hours Drive)

After breakfast, continue to Kalaa M’Gouna to visit the Roses Valley, home to an annual Rose Festival held each May. Drive through the palm groves of Skoura before reaching Ouarzazate, known as the “gate of the desert,” where you’ll visit film studios that have hosted famous movie productions. Continue to the Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage fortified village that has appeared in films such as Gladiator, Alexander, and The Mummy, as well as the TV series Game of Thrones. From there, cross the Tizi-n-Tichka pass through the High Atlas Mountains toward Marrakech, with stops for lunch and photos along the way. Overnight stay in a riad in Marrakech.

Day 9: Guided Sightseeing Tour of Marrakech 

After breakfast, explore the highlights of Marrakech with a local guide. Visit the stunning 19th-century Bahia Palace and the beautifully preserved Ben Youssef Madrasa, a former Islamic school showcasing traditional Moroccan design. Wander through the lively Medina and its souks, filled with artisans and colorful stalls, and take in the atmosphere of Jamaa El Fna Square and the exterior of the Koutoubia Mosque, the city’s largest. After free time for lunch, visit the iconic Majorelle Garden in the afternoon (online pre-booking required), followed by a drive through Gueliz, Marrakech’s modern district, before returning to your riad.

Day 10: Marrakech – Essaouira 

After breakfast, drive west to Essaouira, stopping along the way to see argan tree plantations and cooperatives — and, if you’re lucky, the goats climbing among the branches. Arrive in Essaouira, formerly known as Mogador, one of Morocco’s most charming coastal towns, celebrated for its fresh seafood, beautiful beach, and surfing. Enjoy free time to explore the fishing port, the historic ramparts and cannons, and the old Medina. Transfer to your hotel for an overnight stay in Essaouira.

Day 11: Essaouira – Casablanca 

On your final day, depart Essaouira for Casablanca, with drop-off at the airport for your departure flight. We recommend booking a flight departing around 4 PM or later. It is also possible to end the tour in Marrakech instead. This marks the end of your 11-Day Morocco Discovery Tour.