13-Day Around Morocco Grand Loop Tour from Casablanca

Day 1: Arrival in Casablanca, Hassan II Mosque Tour, and the Atlantic Corniche

Your premium 13-day around Morocco tour and expedition from Casablanca begins the moment your private English-speaking driver greets you warmly at the airport arrival terminal or your local accommodation in Casablanca. As Morocco’s bustling economic capital, this sprawling coastal metropolis houses spectacular modern architectural masterworks, headlined by an immediate morning visit to the magnificent Hassan II Mosque. Standing proudly on a dramatic rocky platform extending over the crashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean, this grand landmark represents one of the largest and most intricate mosques in the world, showcasing hand-carved wood accents and detailed mosaic tiling before enjoying lunch.

Following a relaxing lunch break by the water, your comfortable air-conditioned private vehicle leaves the mosque gates to explore the wider historic sights of the city. Depending on your arrival schedule, you will tour the iconic Mohammed V Square to admire the colonial architecture, stop for pictures outside the cinematic Rick’s Café, and take a scenic stroll along the vibrant Casablanca Corniche. As the late afternoon sun sets over the ocean horizon, your driver will escort you directly to your excellent local hotel for a smooth check-in process. The evening remains completely at your leisure to enjoy a traditional coastal dinner and unpack your bags comfortably for a relaxing overnight stay ahead of the coastal tracks scheduled for the next morning.

Day 2: Casablanca to Imperial Capital Rabat and Artistic Coastal Asilah

Following a warm breakfast at your hotel, your exceptional 13-day journey in Morocco heads north along the Atlantic shoreline highway to reach the imperial city of Rabat, the current capital of Morocco. Your driver will guide you straight to the city’s most iconic historic landmarks, including the monumental Hassan Tower standing high above its stone columns, the beautifully carved white marble Mausoleum of Mohammed V, and the ancient clifftop fortress walls of the Kasbah of the Oudayas overlooking the ocean waves. Following a relaxing lunch break at a traditional seaside café, your private vehicle continues traveling north along the coast road.

By mid-afternoon, you will arrive in the charming, artistic seaside town of Asilah, famous for its beautifully preserved whitewashed walls, pristine coastal bastions, and vibrant painted murals. You will check into your excellent local hotel and have a free evening to enjoy a peaceful stroll along the quiet oceanfront ramparts, browse the local artisan galleries, and sample fresh seafood by the harbor before a relaxing overnight stay.

Day 3: Asilah to Tangier Gateway, Hercules Caves, and the Blue Rif City of Chefchaouen

Savor a fresh breakfast before departing Asilah to travel further north along the scenic coastline toward Tangier, famously known as the bride of the north. Located strategically where the Mediterranean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean off Cape Spartel, this ancient gateway city offers a fascinating blend of international cultures. You will explore the beautiful historic sights alongside your driver, including a scenic visit to the dramatic geographic overlook at Cape Spartel and a walk through the myth-rich Hercules Caves to admire the famous sea-facing opening carved into the shape of Africa.

Following a relaxing lunch break by the water, your comfortable air-conditioned private vehicle leaves the coast and turns inland, tracking through the historic city of Tetouan. Your driver navigates smoothly up the winding mountain roads of the Rif range, stopping at strategic viewpoints to ensure you capture perfect panoramic photographs of the deep valley landscapes. As the late afternoon sun casts long shadows over the mountain peaks, you will make a grand arrival into the breathtaking town of Chefchaouen, widely celebrated for its vibrant, striking blue-painted architecture, checking into your hotel for a comfortable overnight stay.

Day 4: Full Day Guided Sightseeing Exploration of the Blue Medina of Chefchaouen

Savor a beautiful morning breakfast at your hotel before joining your knowledgeable local guide for an immersive walking tour through the fairytale alleyways of Chefchaouen, traditionally known as Achaoun in the native Berber language. You will spend your morning wandering past rows of uniquely decorated houses, photographing the vividly painted blue doorways, and browsing the colorful mountain markets filled with handmade wool garments and regional crafts. Your guide will share the fascinating history behind the town’s white and blue walls, leading you past bustling public fountains and hidden historic squares where local artisans display their work before enjoying free time for lunch.

In the afternoon, you can embark on a peaceful, highly scenic hike up the hillside path leading directly to the historic Spanish Mosque, which sits proudly on high ground overlooking the valley. This vantage point offers an incredible, bird’s-eye panoramic view of the entire blue city as the late afternoon light changes the color of the mountains. Feel free to sit along the grassy slopes, capture stunning photographs of the landscape, and watch the sunset over the horizon before walking back down into the heart of the town center. The evening remains completely at your leisure to explore the lively main plaza of Utta El-Hammam or simply relax inside your comfortable hotel room.

Day 5: Chefchaouen’s Blue Medina to Volubilis Roman Ruins, Ismaili Meknes, and Fes

Following a fresh breakfast at your hotel, your signature Morocco itinerary: 13-day tour from Casablanca route travels south out of the Rif range, driving past green rolling valleys toward the agricultural plains. Our first major stop brings us to the extraordinary archaeological site of Volubilis, an exceptionally well-preserved ancient Roman city officially recognized as a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will take an inspiring walk across the vast open-air museum, admiring towering triumphal arches, grand historical columns, and remarkably detailed floor mosaics that accurately depict ancient mythological scenes.

After completing your walk through this ancient empire, your private vehicle travels just 30 kilometers away to reach the neighboring imperial city of Meknes, the historic Ismaili capital of Morocco. You will enjoy a scenic tour to discover the grand architectural monuments built by Sultan Moulay Ismail, highlighted by the massive Bab Al-Mansour gate, the vast Sahrij Souani water basin, the royal stables, and the peaceful Moulay Ismail Mausoleum. Following a relaxing lunch break at a traditional restaurant in the historic center, your private vehicle covers the short remaining distance eastward toward the spiritual heart of the kingdom, dropping you off at your traditional Riad in Fes for a comfortable overnight stay.

Day 6: Full Day Guided Sightseeing Tour of Historic Fes Medina

After enjoying a delicious breakfast at your riad, you will meet your knowledgeable local city guide to begin an immersive sightseeing exploration of Fes, the cultural and spiritual heart of Morocco. Your morning begins with an air-conditioned driving tour to witness the spectacular golden gates of the Royal Palace, followed by a cultural walk through the historic streets of the Mellah, Morocco’s ancient Jewish quarter. Next, you will drive up to the historic Borj Sud fortress to take in a spectacular, bird’s-eye panoramic view of the massive old medina landscape before approaching the old town gates. We will conclude the driving segment with a quick visit to a traditional ceramic school to watch local craftsmen build intricate mosaic tiles.

You will step back in time as you enter the medieval Medina of Fes, a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with ancient heritage. Accompanied by your guide on this walking tour, you will explore architectural highlights such as the Al Attarine Madrasa, the iconic Najjarine Fountain, and the colorful Chouara Tanneries, where leather is dyed using centuries-old methods. You will view the grand architecture of the Al Quaraouiyine Mosque and University, officially recognized as the oldest existing university in the world, before returning to your boutique Riad for a relaxing evening at your leisure.

Day 7: Fes to Ifrane, Cedar Forest, Midelt, Ziz Valley, and Merzouga Desert Camp

Savor a warm breakfast before your exceptional cross-country route travels south through Imouzzer to reach Ifrane, globally celebrated as the Switzerland of Morocco due to its alpine architecture and cool mountain climate. Next, your scenic route leads deep into the protected cedar forests of Azrou, where you will have the delightful opportunity to see and feed the friendly resident wild Barbary macaques playing in the trees. After a relaxing lunch break in the mid-mountain town of Midelt, your cross-country expedition continues across the High Atlas peaks via the Tizi N-Tilghmt pass, stopping along the highway for dramatic photographs.

You will drive along the winding paths of the Ziz River canyon, stopping at a spectacular panoramic overlook to ensure you capture perfect photographs of the massive green palm oases stretching out below. In the afternoon, your unforgettable route makes its final approach toward the majestic Sahara Desert of Merzouga. Upon arriving at the edge of the striking Erg Chebbi dunes, you will switch to your gentle camel to begin an authentic trek across the vast shifting sands. Your guide will lead you to the peak of a massive golden dune to witness a magical desert sunset casting deep orange hues before checking into your luxury camp for dinner and live traditional drumming around the campfire.

Day 8: Complete Off-Road Sahara 4×4 Excursion, Remote Nomads, and Khamlia Village

Waking up early in the morning is a rewarding highlight in order to contemplate a truly breathtaking Sahara sunrise in the middle of the dunes. After savoring a warm breakfast at the camp, you will return via camel or premium 4×4 to Merzouga to start a full day dedicated to exploring the wonders of the desert region on this premium package. Your expert driver takes you off-road across the rugged desert plains to visit an ancient, historical eyeliner mine perched near the rocky hills. From there, your journey moves deep into the wilderness to pay a remote nomad family an authentic visit inside their handmade woven tents.

You will learn about their traditional daily lifestyles, resilient heritage, and unique customs while sharing a hot cup of fresh Berber tea. Following your memorable nomad encounter, your private vehicle travels to the traditional village of Khamlia, where you will experience a deeply captivating cultural performance featuring spiritual Gnaoua music and traditional dancing. After a relaxing lunch break to enjoy local desert specialties at a village restaurant, you will take a peaceful stroll through a lush green palm tree grove and view the unique seasonal wild lake of Merzouga before checking into an excellent local hotel facing the dunes for a relaxing dinner and comfortable overnight stay.

Day 7: Merzouga Desert to Rissani Market, Erfoud, Todra Gorges, and Dades Valley

After breakfast at your hotel, you will meet your driver and travel directly to the historic town of Rissani. This ancient capital of Tafilalet remains a major regional trading center, hosting a vibrant, bustling traditional marketplace that comes alive on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. After an authentic stroll through the lively souk corridors, we proceed north to Erfoud to tour a professional fossilized marble workshop before driving toward the High Atlas range.

Next, our journey continues through the vast desert palm oases of Touroug and Tinjdad to reach the magnificent Todra Gorges, where the flowing river has carved an incredible 300-meter-high red limestone canyon through the mountain range. Feel free to wander along the cool riverbed, breathe the crisp mountain air, and take stunning photographs of this popular rock-climbing paradise before enjoying lunch at a local restaurant. As the afternoon winds down, you will proceed into the dramatic cliffside roads of the Dades Valley, stopping to view the unique “monkey fingers” rock formations and a panoramic mountaintop overlook before checking into your hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 10: Dades Valley to Rose Valley, Skoura Oasis, Ouarzazate, and Marrakech

Your tenth day of this premier grand loop begins with a warm breakfast before traveling through the fragrant landscapes of Kalaat M’gouna, famously known as the Rose Valley, where organic cosmetic oils and pure rose water are produced. Next, you will explore the spectacular green palm groves of Skoura and travel onward to the peaceful city of Ouarzazate, widely celebrated as the gate of the desert, where you can tour the sprawling historical film studios. Following your studio excursion, your private vehicle continues westward to visit the world-renowned Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a beautifully preserved fortified village recognized globally as a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site.

You will enjoy an immersive walking tour through the ancient earthen corridors that famously served as dramatic backdrops for blockbuster Hollywood epics, including Gladiator, Lawrence of Arabia, and Game of Thrones. Following a relaxing lunch break, your driver navigates smoothly back up the winding mountain roads of the High Atlas, crossing the majestic Tizi N’Tichka pass once more to ensure you catch perfect late afternoon photographs of local settlements. Your driver navigates smoothly back into the red city, dropping you off safely directly at your boutique riad in Marrakech for a comfortable overnight stay.

Day 11: Full Day Historical Guided Sightseeing Tour of Imperial Marrakech

After enjoying a delicious breakfast at your riad, you will meet your knowledgeable local city guide to begin an immersive sightseeing exploration of Marrakech, the historic red city. Your morning begins with a cultural walk to witness the breathtaking 19th-century Bahia Palace, where you will marvel at the grand mosaic courtyards, carved cedarwood ceilings, and lush harem gardens. Next, your guide leads you through the beautifully preserved Ben Youssef Madrasa, a masterfully designed 14th-century Islamic college showcasing some of the finest Moorish architecture.

After exploring the lively Medina and its traditional souks, filled with colorful stalls and skilled artisans, you will step out onto the world-famous Jemaa El-Fnaa Square to admire the Koutoubia Mosque minaret from the outside, the largest in the city. Following a relaxing lunch break, you will meet your private vehicle to tour the vibrant botanical walkways of the iconic Majorelle Garden and drive through Gueliz, the modern district of Marrakech, before returning to your riad for a peaceful evening.

Day 12: Marrakech to the Atlantic Coast and Historic Medina of Essaouira

Following a warm breakfast at your Riad, your signature holiday heads west toward the refreshing Atlantic coast. Along this scenic three-hour highway, we will make a special stop to tour an authentic Argan tree plantation and a local women’s cooperative where premium oils are meticulously extracted using traditional heritage methods. Keep your camera ready along this route, as you will likely spot local goats balancing skillfully on the high branches of the native Argan trees.

Consequently, we arrive in the charming coastal town of Essaouira, historically known as Mogador, just in time for lunch. You will have a completely free afternoon to explore the fishing port, walk along the fortified stone ramparts lined with historic bronze cannons, sample freshly caught grilled seafood right by the water, and wander through the atmospheric old medina. Finally, you will transfer directly to your local hotel for a comfortable overnight stay and a relaxing evening listening to coastal music by the sea.

Day 13: Essaouira to Casablanca and Airport Departure Transfer

Your final day of this premier cross-country expedition begins with a warm breakfast at your hotel before your private vehicle heads north toward the rolling Atlantic plains. Depending on your official flight schedule, your professional driver will meet you directly at your accommodation to help load your luggage into your private vehicle. You will enjoy a highly scenic coastal driving transfer, wrapping through the rolling landscapes on the highway, heading straight back toward the commercial capital of Casablanca.

Your driver will navigate smoothly directly to the Mohammed V International Airport or your local hotel terminal to assist with your bags and ensure you arrive by early afternoon, ideally matching flights scheduled for 4:00 PM or later. As you prepare for your check-in and your departure flight home, your spectacular thirteen-day cross-country expedition across the high mountains and golden Sahara Desert dunes with Morocco Experience Tours officially draws to a successful close.