MOROCCAN GRAND TOUR : 14 DAYS FROM CASABLANCA TO THE ATLANTIC COAST , NORTH AND SAHARA DESERT

• 09:01 CASABLANCA TO MARRAKECH : After your Breakfast, depart from Casablanca and travel south toward Marrakech. The drive typically takes around 2.5 to 3 hours. Along the way, you’ll pass through scenic plains and small towns as you drive outside of Casablanca. As you arrive, begin your Visit in Marrakech with a relaxed morning visit to the Majorelle Garden, one of the city’s most iconic and peaceful attractions. Designed by the French painter Jacques Majorelle and later restored by Yves Saint Laurent, the garden is a beautiful blend of exotic plants, vibrant cobalt-blue buildings, and artistic pathways. Enjoy a leisurely walk through its bamboo gardens, fountains, and colourful architecture, perfect for photos and moments of tranquillity before your journey. In the early evening, Jemaa el Fna Square comes alive, with musicians, performers, snake charmers, games, footstalls, and more. If you want to enjoy from a distance, there are many cafes surrounding the square where you can sit and enjoy the show with your meal.

• 09:30 EXPLORE RED CITY OF MARRAKECH: Known as the “Red City” due to its striking red sandstone walls and buildings, Marrakesh was once a key trading hub for the Atlas Mountain tribes and remains a vibrant former imperial city today. Begin your exploration in the historic medina, starting with the iconic Koutoubia Mosque and its serene gardens. Although non-Muslims are not permitted to enter the mosque, its 12th-century architecture and 77-metre (253-foot) minaret make it a landmark worth admiring. Take a leisurely stroll through the nearby gardens, featuring elegant fountains and tranquil pools. Immerse yourself in the sensory delights of Marrakesh’s intricate network of souks, hidden behind unassuming restaurants and shops. Wander through Souk el Attarin, Souk Chouari, and Souk Smata, where you’ll find vibrant spices, intricate woodwork, and the famous babouche slippers. At the Souk des Teinturiers, or dyers’ market, watch artisans at work using age-old techniques to colour fabrics and yarns. Continue to the 16th-century Ben Youssef Madrasa, a masterpiece of Moroccan Islamic architecture, and admire its breathtaking craftsmanship—from carved cedar ceilings and sculpted plasterwork to the exquisite zellij tile mosaics that adorn its walls.

• 09:00 MARRAKECH TO ESSAOUIRA : You will have the option of visiting the bustling wharf with a knowledgeable guide. Here, you will have the opportunity to pick out your lunch from the fresh catch of the day, choosing from a variety of fish and seafood gathered by local fishers. Take your selections to a local restaurant, where they will expertly grill them up Moroccan style. The enchanting town of Essaouira has so much to offer, and there are many ways to explore its wonders. Take a leisurely stroll around the labyrinth of streets, where you can purchase unique souvenirs or sit back and relax while sipping on traditional mint tea while observing people passing by. If you're feeling more adventurous, try your hand at kite or windsurfing, two of the town's most popular activities. As the day begins to wind down, make your way to the city ramparts to catch a glimpse of the stunning sunset over the vast Atlantic Ocean. This is a breathtaking sight that you will not want to miss, and it is the perfect way to end your unforgettable day in Essaouira.

• 09:00 ESSAOUIRA TO TAROUDANT VIA AGADIR : Travel from Essaouira to Taroudant via Agadir by taking the coastal N1 road south. The drive from Essaouira to Agadir is about three hours and offers beautiful ocean views, with optional short stops in Sidi Kaouki, Tamanar’s argan cooperatives .In Agadir, you can take a quick break along the beach promenade or visit the hilltop Agadir Oufella before continuing your journey inland. From Agadir to Taroudant is a comfortable 1.5–2-hour drive through farmland and orange groves. Known as the “Little Marrakech,” Taroudant is a peaceful, historic town surrounded by impressive earthen ramparts. Inside the walls, you’ll find lively Berber markets, a traditional tannery, charming squares like Assarag, and narrow alleys filled with local crafts. It’s less hectic than big cities, offering an authentic and relaxed Moroccan atmosphere.

• 09:00 TAROUDANT TO OUARZAZATE VIA TALIOUINE AND TAZNAKHT : Travel from Taroudant to Ouarzazate via Talouine and Taznakht by taking the scenic N10, a beautiful route that crosses saffron country and traditional weaving villages. From Taroudant, head east toward Talouine (about 1.5 hours), a quiet town famous for its saffron fields and cooperative shops where you can learn about saffron production and taste local products. After a short stop, continue another 1.5 hours to Taznakht, a major center for Berber carpets. Here you’ll find workshops and cooperatives producing handwoven rugs in distinctive Southern Moroccan styles, making it a great place to see craftsmanship or shop directly from artisans. From Taznakht, the final stretch to Ouarzazate takes about 1–1.5 hours through semi-desert landscapes and wide open valleys. As you approach the city, the scenery becomes more dramatic, with kasbahs appearing along the road and views toward the High Atlas. Ouarzazate, known as the “Gateway to the Desert”, is home to the Taourirt Kasbah, film studios, and easy access to Aït Benhaddou. This route is smooth, well-paved, and full of cultural stops, making it one of the most interesting drives in southern Morocco.

• 09:00 OUARZAZATE TO MERZOUGA VIA ROSE VALLEY AND TODRA GORGE : Travel from Ouarzazate to Merzouga by following the classic southern Morocco route through the Rose Valley and Toudra Gorges, one of the most scenic drives in the country. Begin by heading east toward Skoura, where palm groves and the Kasbah Amridil make a great early stop. Continue to Kelaat M’Gouna, the gateway to the Rose Valley, known for its rose distilleries and dramatic landscapes dotted with small Berber villages. From here, take the road through the valley toward Boumalne Dades, enjoying viewpoints over the fertile riverbed before joining the main route again. Continue east to Tinghir, then turn north toward the spectacular Toudra Gorges, where 300-meter limestone cliffs rise dramatically above a narrow canyon. After exploring the gorge, return to the main road and drive toward Erfoud , watching the scenery shift from mountains to desert plains. The final stretch brings you to Merzouga and the Erg Chebbi dunes, where you can end the day with a camel trek and sunset over the sand. This route offers a perfect blend of valleys, gorges, kasbahs, and desert scenery, making it an unforgettable journey to the Sahara.

• 10:00 MERZOUGA Merzouga : Following breakfast at your hotel, you’ll have time to explore the Merzouga area. You’ll visit the Gnawa people to experience their music and culture, stop at the lake of Merzouga to observe its birdlife, and tour a nomadic Berber warehouse offering authentic handicrafts. In the afternoon, embark on a guided camel trek through the golden dunes. Dinner will be served in front of your luxury Berber tent, equipped with modern facilities, where you’ll spend the night.

• 09:00 MERZOUGA TO FES : ZIZ VALLEY AND IFRANE : Start early, as your driver will stop at a few cultural spots as you savor the vast and extensive views across a unique landscape. Enjoy the desert plains, high mountains, and endless plateaus. Continue over the Tizi n'Talrhemt Pass and into the Ziz Valley, famous for its hidden oases and palm tree clusters. Along the road, you'll see many fortified houses known as ksars. Merchants built these homes to protect precious products and items such as gold, salt, and spices. Stop for lunch in Midelt, known as the "Apple City," thanks to the nearby Moulouya River and its surrounding fruit orchards. Next, you'll climb an elevation of 7,146 feet (2,178 m) over the Col du Zad Pass. Enjoy the scenery as you twist through the cedar forests of the Atlas Mountains. Keep your eyes peeled for the local Barbary macaque monkeys that socialize in the trees! You'll arrive in Fes late in the afternoon. After settling into your accommodation, head out to explore the city. Start at the Marinid Tombs, where you can enjoy a lovely panorama of the old city. On the hillside below, you may see leather drying in the sun. Then make your way into the bustling Medina and enjoy navigating Fes' charming streets.Overnight in Fes.

• 09:30 EXPLORW THE MEDIEVAL CITY OF FES : Fes is the oldest of the imperial cities in Morocco (Marrakech and Rabat are the other two) and perhaps the most interesting to explore. A UNESCO protected site, the city hasn't undergone much colonial development, leaving you to experience its medieval charm. Fes consists of two old medina quarters, Fes el Bali (and where you will spend most of your time) and Fes el Jdid (a slightly newer part of the city), and the early 20th-century French designed Ville Nouvelle. Meet your guide to help you navigate the narrow and maze-like ancient streets of the medinas, starting in Fes el Bali (789 CE). Note the Spanish and Tunisian influenced architecture as you pass the variety of souks (markets) offering spices, leather goods, and pewter. Known for its tanneries and the acrid smell associated with them, visit the popular Chouara Tannery and climb to the roof of a nearby shop for a better view of the goings-on. Visit the 14th-century Al Attarine Madrasa and admire the zellij tile work before checking out one of the oldest, still operating universities in the world, Al-Qarawiyyin University (859 CE). Find the Mellah (old Jewish quarter) in Fes el Jdid for another encompassing view of the city.

• 09:00 FES TO CHEFCHAOUEN VIA MEKNES AND VOLUBILIS : Travel from Fes to Chefchaouen via Meknes and Volubilis by taking the main road west toward Meknes, about 1.5 hours from Fes. Spend time exploring Meknes’ highlights such as the impressive Bab Mansour, the vast El Hedim Square, and the historic Royal Stables. Afterward, continue 30 minutes to Volubilis, Morocco’s best-preserved Roman archaeological site. Walk among ancient mosaics, basilicas, arches, and wide Roman streets with views of rolling countryside—an ideal mid-day stop full of history and scenery. From Volubilis, head north toward the Rif Mountains for approximately 2.5 hours until you reach Chefchaouen, the famous blue town. The drive becomes increasingly picturesque as the landscape changes to mountains and forests. Once in Chefchaouen, wander its blue-washed alleys, climb to the Spanish Mosque for sunset views, and explore the relaxed main square, Outa el Hammam. This route blends imperial cities, Roman history, and mountain beauty, creating a rich and varied journey from Fes to Morocco’s most photogenic town.

• 09:00 CHEFCHAOUEN TO TANGIER : Travel from Chefchaouen to Tangier by heading northwest through the Rif Mountains, a scenic 2–2.5-hour drive. Leaving Chefchaouen, the road winds through pine-covered hills and rural villages, offering beautiful viewpoints as you descend toward the coast. As you get closer to Tangier, the landscape opens toward the Mediterranean and the city’s modern skyline. Once in Tangier, explore the renovated Medina, stroll along the Corniche, visit the Kasbah Museum, or head to Cape Spartel and the Caves of Hercules for coastal views. This short trip connects the calm blue charm of Chefchaouen with Tangier’s lively, cosmopolitan atmosphere.

• 09:00 TANGIER TO CASABLANCA : ASILAH AND ARABAT : Travel from Tangier to Asilah in about 45 minutes along the Atlantic coast. In Asilah, enjoy the peaceful medina with its white walls and colorful murals, walk along the old Portuguese ramparts, and have a seaside lunch before heading south. Continue 2 hours to Rabat, Morocco’s capital. Visit the Kasbah of the Udayas, a beautiful blue-and-white fortress quarter overlooking the ocean, perfect for panoramic views and relaxed walking. Stop at the Hassan Tower, the unfinished 12th-century minaret standing beside an open plaza of ancient columns. Right next to it is the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, a stunning white-and-green landmark known for its intricate zellige tiles and royal tombs. After exploring Rabat, drive 1–1.5 hours to Casablanca to finish your trip,Overnight in Casablanca.

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