Grand Tour of Morocco

Arrive at the airport and board your flight to Tangier, where your Moroccan adventure begins.  

Upon landing, we’ll transfer to the hotel, where you can settle in and unwind after your journey. After check-in, take some time to relax or soak up the first impressions of this storied port city, perched between the Mediterranean and Atlantic. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner and your first overnight stay in Tangier. 

Today, we set off on a guided tour of Tangier in our small group. With our English-speaking guide and Tour Manager, we’ll be whisked away for a full day of discovery.

We begin at the Kasbah, perched above the harbour and city heights, where ancient walls and the archaeological museum offer glimpses into Tangier’s layered history and Moroccan craftsmanship.

We’ll pause at the legendary El Hafa Café  - a favourite haunt of icons from The Beatles to Sean Connery. Enjoy a quick coffee as you take in sweeping views over the Bay of Tangier, a vista that’s inspired artists for generations.

Dive into the bustling old medina, wandering through the lively large and small Socco squares, past the grand mosque and the petit Socco’s storied hotels, once home to icons like French artist, Matisse.

Next, journey to the mythical Hercules Grottoes, where myth and nature meet on Morocco’s Atlantic coast. Step inside these ancient sea caves, carved by the waves and steeped in stories - local legend claims Hercules himself rested here after his epic labours. Marvel at the famous opening shaped like the map of Africa and listen to the ocean echoing through the chambers. Then, continue to Cape Spartel for sweeping vistas of Gibraltar and the meeting point of the Mediterranean and Atlantic.

Lunch is a celebration of Tangier’s culinary heritage, enjoyed at a welcoming local restaurant, where the aromas of spices fill the air. Settle in with your fellow travellers and savour classic Moroccan dishes, each bite mirroring the city’s exotic spirit. It’s the perfect moment to relax and share stories before returning to the hotel to unwind and reflect on the day’s discoveries.

As evening falls, gather for dinner at another local favourite, sampling Tangier’s delicacies and sharing stories from your day of adventure.

After breakfast, we bid farewell to Tangier and set off for Tétouan - a city that charms with its lively streets, untouched by the usual tourist crowds. Here, the spirit of Morocco is palpable, woven into every bustling market and sunlit square. 

Tétouan’s name, meaning “the eyes” or “water springs” in Berber, hints at its unique character - a captivating blend of Andalusian and Arab influences. In our small group, we'll take a walking tour through both old and new quarters, from the vibrant souk and Jewish quarter to the elegant Spanish protectorate area. Rivera Square, Spanish Square and the grand Hassan II Boulevard all stand out, each with their own stories to tell.

We’ll pause for a stroll outside the Governor’s Palace, admire the first North African mosque and wander through the Spanish garden before enjoying free time for lunch. 

From here, we leave the bay behind and wind our way into the Rif Mountains, arriving in Chefchaouen, Morocco’s blue jewel. Nestled between towering peaks, this enchanting town dazzles with its freshly painted blue and white walls, intricate ironwork, and cool, vaulted passages echoing with trickling water.

Explore the maze of alleyways at the top of the medina, where studded doors and carved cornices overlook the valley.  

We’ll visit the historic Kasbah, a 15th-century fortress built in 1471 by Moulay Ali Ben Rachid that has stood as a sentinel of history, culture and resilience. Then enjoy a refreshment at one of the inviting café terraces around the main plaza, sampling local dishes as you soak up the atmosphere.

Later, we journey to the Ras Elma spring, passing oil and watermills, a gentle waterfall, and a natural bridge - nature’s own masterpiece.

This afternoon, we’ll check into our hotel in Chefchaouen, to relax and reflect on a day filled with discovery.  

After a leisurely breakfast, we say goodbye to Chefchaouen and set off for Meknes, pausing for a refreshment in the charming town of Ouazzane. The journey continues through scenic landscapes until we reach Meknes, a city where history and grandeur go hand in hand. 

In our small group, our guided tour begins at Bab El Khemis gate, which translates to “Thursday Gate” in Arabic and refers to a traditional market day. It was also once the grand entrance to the city of Medinet Er-Ryad El'Anbari, or "the city of the amber garden". Here, we'll meander through the winding alleys of the medina, each one leading you to architectural gems like the Great Mosque and the beautiful Nejjari Mosque.

Step inside the Idrisid Palace (El Mansour), now home to a bustling bazaar, and marvel at the intricate artistry of the Bou Inania Madrasa - a true masterpiece of Hispano-Moorish design. Stroll across El Hédim Square, where the Dar Jamaï Ethnographic Museum offers a window into local culture, and visit the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismaïl, resting place of the legendary sultan. We'll also see the Sahrij Souani, once used to store the city's food reserves and now a peaceful spot to admire Meknes’ gardens from above.  

Then, it’s off to the Royal Academy for a visit to the renowned Meknes Stud Farm, where Morocco’s finest thoroughbreds are bred - a treat for horse lovers and the curious alike.

After a day steeped in history and discovery, we'll check into our hotel in Meknes. 

Today, we immerse ourselves in the soul of Morocco as we explore the captivating city of Fez — a place deeply rooted in spiritual and cultural heritage.

From the moment we arrive, Fez greets us with its radiant energy, a whirlwind of colour, sound, and scent that awakens every sense. In our small group along with a local guide, our journey begins in Fes el Bali, the ancient medina, often described as one of the most intricate and mesmerising old cities in the world.

As we wander through its labyrinthine alleys, we’ll uncover the legacy of Fez as a medieval powerhouse of learning and faith — home to revered Islamic and Jewish institutions, historic libraries, and majestic mosques. The souks are divided into specialised quarters, each brimming with life: from the rhythmic clang of copper being shaped, to the fragrant stalls of herbs and spices, and the vivid dye pits that have operated for centuries.

We’ll take our time to absorb the atmosphere, visiting famous landmarks such as the Medresse el Attarine, the renowned tanneries, and a beautifully restored 18th-century caravanserai that offers a glimpse into the city’s rich past.

We then make out way back to Meknes.

After breakfast, we say goodbye to Meknes and set out for Erfoud, travelling through the heart of Morocco’s dramatic landscapes. Today’s journey is a long one - around six hours - but it’s filled with scenic stops and unforgettable moments.

Our route winds through the incredible mid-Atlas Mountains, with a refreshment break in the charming town of Ouazzane. Keep your camera close as we pass through the picturesque Ziz Valley, where imposing mountains and lush oases create a photographer’s dream.  

As we leave behind the lively cities of Tangier and Fez, the scenery shifts to the arid backlands near Midelt, with winding roads and sweeping views of Jbel Ayachi rising majestically from the plains. Here, we’re welcomed by a local Berber community - step inside a Bedouin tent, share smiles and stories, and experience genuine Moroccan hospitality.

Lunch is yours to enjoy in Midelt, before we continue to the region of Ait Merghad and the Ait Atta Tribes in Errachidia, where centuries of tribal cultures blend in a vibrant tapestry. We’ll pause for refreshments and soak up the atmosphere before continuing our journey.

By late afternoon, we arrive in Erfoud, ready to check in to our hotel for a two-night stay with dinner.

After a leisurely breakfast, enjoy a relaxed morning making the most of your hotel’s facilities.

In the afternoon, we set out for an orientation tour of Erfoud and Rissani, two towns brimming with character. Erfoud is famed for its fossils, and you’ll spot shops filled with unique tables and home accessories crafted from ancient stones.

Next, we journey to Rissani to visit the ancient ksar Moulay Slimane, the ancestral home of Morocco’s royal family. Dive into the lively souk, where the air buzzes with traders selling everything from fresh vegetables to livestock - a true taste of local life.

We continue through the lush oasis of Tafilalt, renowned for its sweet dates, before arriving at the golden dunes of Merzouga. Here, the Erg Chebbi desert stretches for miles, its orange sands creating a haven of peace and natural beauty.

Picture this: you settle into a cosy nomadic tent, ready for a magical evening. The rhythmic beats of a drum performance fill the air as you watch the sunset cast its golden hues over the dunes, whilst savouring a delicious Moroccan dinner featuring spiced tomato soup, kefta tagine, chicken or couscous.

After this unforgettable desert experience, we’ll return to the hotel.

After breakfast, we leave Erfoud behind and set out for a day of unique and extraordinary landscapes.

Our journey takes us through the spectacular Todra Gorge, where sheer cliffs rise up to 300 metres and sunlight dances across the rock faces, creating magical illuminations. Keep an eye out for nomads and locals tending their animals along the riverbanks and winding roads.

We’ll continue through the Dades Valley, a tapestry of limestone cliffs, flower-filled fields, and fortified ksours, before pausing for lunch in Boumalen Dades. The scenery here is unparalleled, with uniquely shaped erosions and the valley’s famous piste roads - a traditional construction method that involves compacting damp earth to create solid walls or structures, including roads.

After lunch, we travel through the perfumed Valley of Roses, where the air is sweet with the scent of blooms and local kasbahs produce Morocco’s finest eau de rose (rose water). If the timing is right, you might catch a glimpse of the lively Rose Festival celebrations.

We’ll then continue onwards to Skoura - the “Valley of One Thousand Kasbahs” - a fertile oasis lined with palm groves and sweeping views of the Atlas Mountains. Many of the kasbahs here are still partially inhabited, adding to the region’s timeless charm.

By evening, we arrive in Ouarzazate to check into the hotel.  

Set out to discover the best of Ouarzazate, the gateway to the desert, on a half-day adventure. After breakfast, our small group will be picked up from the hotel and whisked away to Tifoultoute village, where a panoramic kasbah unveils sweeping views of the vast desert plains, lush palm groves, and far-off mountain ranges. 

Next, step behind the scenes at the legendary Atlas Film Studios, nestled at the foot of the Atlas Mountains. Wander the sets where cinematic magic was made - think Gladiator, Star Wars, The Mummy, and more - and soak up the creative spirit that lingers in the desert air. 

Our journey continues with a scenic drive to the picturesque village of Ait Benhaddou. Our local guide will lead us through its towered kasbahs and winding lanes, once vital to the caravan routes of the Atlas. Take time to explore on foot, capture the incredible views, and relax on a terrace overlooking the mountains and streams of Oued Elmaleh. Lunch is a celebration of traditional Moroccan flavours. 

Return to Ouarzazate and visit the historic Taourirt Kasbah, built by the Pasha Glaoui – a Moroccan politician, also known as ‘the Lord of the Atlas’. Explore its nooks and crannies, meet local artists selling their work, and browse the silver shops just outside.

As evening falls, we’ll return to the hotel in Ouarzazate, reflecting on a day filled with cinematic history, Berber heritage, and desert beauty. 

This morning, we wave goodbye to Ouarzazate and set off on a journey where the Atlas Mountains trade their desert browns for a patchwork of green. Today, the road is a ribbon winding through valleys bursting with life - fields of vegetables, fruit trees clinging to terraces, and adobe villages that appear like a mirage in the morning light.

As we meander along, we’ll catch glimpses of Berber life unfolding just as it has for centuries. There’s time to pause and perhaps share a story or two with the locals, who are keepers of traditions as old as the hills themselves.

Lunch is served at a local restaurant, where the cuisine represents true Moroccan flavours and is as fresh as the mountain air.  

Then, it’s onwards and upwards, crossing the legendary Tiz n Tichka pass - a road once trodden by camels and now a serpentine adventure through peaks and valleys.

We’ll stop for refreshments in the village of Taddert, before our route pirouettes past the famous valleys of Zat, Ourika, and Ghighaya. By afternoon, we arrive in Ouirgane, a peaceful mountain haven where the serenity of the Atlas wraps around you like a soft Berber blanket.  

The evening is at leisure at the hotel.

After a leisurely breakfast, our mountain guide joins us for a gentle trek through Ouirgane’s enchanting landscape. Step eastward, where fields of corn and wildflowers sway beside the river, and red juniper dots the hills like confetti.

Pause for an unbelievable panorama of Jbel Toubkal, the Atlas’ mighty peak, standing watch over Morocco’s patchwork of valleys and villages. Here, the mountains are more than scenery - they’re storytellers, weather-makers, and guardians of ancient times.

As you wander higher, snow sometimes dusts the peaks, and the air is crisp and clear. Our guide will introduce us to a local family, where we’re welcomed in for fresh mint tea - a polite tradition, shared with new friends.

Lunch is served at a local restaurant, where mountain flavours and laughter mingle. Then it’s back to our hotel, where the evening is yours to relax, reflect, and let the spirit of the Atlas linger a little longer.

This morning, we set off towards the southern slopes of the High Atlas, where the landscape transforms into a patchwork of olive groves, fruit trees, and tiny Berber villages that seem to tumble down the hillsides. The valleys - Asni, Tahnnaout, and Oued Nfiss - are a riot of green, perfect for glimpsing everyday Berber life among orchards of fig, walnut, quince, and almond.

As we wind through this spectacular scenery, the mountains rise and fall in dramatic fashion, offering views that beg for a photo stop (and we’ll have plenty!). Soon, the lush valleys give way to the sun-baked plains of Marrakesh, before we journey onwards to the breezy seaside town of Essaouira. 

In our small group, we’ll begin our tour at Bab El Marse port, where colourful boats bob on the Atlantic and the air is alive with the chatter of fishermen. Take in the sweeping ocean views and the medina’s ancient ramparts before heading inside to meet local artisans, spice sellers, and rug merchants. Don’t miss the women’s cooperative, where you’ll learn the secrets of Morocco’s famous argan oil. 

Enjoy free time to wander the medina’s winding pathways, try your hand at bartering, or simply relax on the golden sands of Essaouira’s beach. We recommend lunch at a seafood restaurant, with the Atlantic as your backdrop. Before the day ends, pop into the Frederic Damgaard gallery to discover the town’s creative heritage.

We’ll then check into our hotel in Essaouira, to unwind after a day of mountain magic and coastal charm. 

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, you’ll have the entire day free to unwind and make the most of our time in Essaouira.

Whether you choose to relax by the pool, take a gentle stroll through the medina, or simply soak up the coastal atmosphere, today is all about slowing down and enjoying the laid-back charm of this seaside town at your own pace.

In the evening, we’ll gather for dinner and settle in for another overnight stay at our hotel in Essaouira.

Ease into the day with a leisurely breakfast, then bid a fond farewell to the sea breeze and set off for the vibrant heart of Morocco. The road to Marrakesh is a ribbon of anticipation, winding towards a city that’s equal parts legend and living colour.

Upon arrival in Marrakesh, we’ll check into the hotel and then the afternoon is yours. You may wish to wander the labyrinthine souks, sip mint tea in a hidden courtyard, or simply bask in the golden glow of Marrakesh’s endless sunshine. The city is a treasure chest - open it as you please. 

As the sun begins its slow descent, we’ll be whisked away to the legendary Jemaa el-Fnaa Square. But tonight, we’re not just spectators- we’re guests of honour. 
Climb to a rooftop restaurant where the city unfurls beneath you: a tapestry of minarets, market stalls, and the distant hum of storytellers. Here, we'll raise a glass and toast to the view, the company, and the promise of the night ahead.

Next, step through the ornate doors of Dar Essalam - a palace turned restaurant, once home to a Kaid and now host to the world’s wanderers. 
Here, you’ll savour a three-course Moroccan feast: salads bursting with herbs, golden briouates, fragrant tagines, and pastries so good they’ll make you believe in magic. Mint tea flows, and the wine list is as tempting as the tales swirling through the air.

As you dine, the evening comes alive with oud music and the hypnotic swirl of belly dancers. The walls themselves seem to whisper stories of illustrious guests - Winston Churchill, Charles Trenet, Alfred Hitchcock - who once sat where we are now this enchanting evening.