10 Day Morocco Grand Tour from Marrakech

DAY 1: ARRIVAL TO MARRAKECH

Your tour begins with a pickup from Marrakech airport, followed by a brief drive through the city of Marrakech. Afterward, you’ll be transferred to your accommodation for an overnight stay in a traditional riad.

Approximate driving distance/time: 15 minutes

DAY 2: MARRAKECH -> ESSAOUIRA

After breakfast, we head west toward the coastal city of Essaouira. Along the way, we’ll stop to visit an Argan tree plantation and a local cooperative. If you’re lucky, you might even spot goats climbing the trees! We’ll also pause for panoramic views before arriving in Essaouira — formerly known as Mogador — one of Morocco’s most charming coastal towns. Enjoy free time to explore the fishing port, stroll along the ancient ramparts lined with cannons, and wander through the atmospheric old medina. Overnight stay in Essaouira.

Approximate driving distance/time: 3 hours

DAY 3: ESSAOUIRA -> GUIDED SIGHTSEEING TOUR OF MARRAKECH

We return to Marrakech to discover the city’s most iconic landmarks with a local guide. As one of Morocco’s historic imperial cities, Marrakech is rich in culture and architectural beauty. The tour includes a visit to the stunning 19th-century Bahia Palace, followed by the beautifully preserved Ben Youssef Madrasa, a former Islamic school showcasing traditional Moroccan design. You’ll also explore the lively Medina and its souks, filled with colorful stalls and skilled artisans, experience the vibrant atmosphere of Jamaa El Fna Square, and admire the grandeur of the Koutoubia Mosque, the largest in the city.

Approximate driving distance/time: 3 hours drive + 3 hours walking tour

DAY 4: MARRAKECH -> HIGH ATLAS MOUNTAINS -> AIT BEN HADDOU KASBAH -> ROSE VALLEY -> DADES VALLEY

Drive through the fascinating High Atlas Mountains and the Tizi-N-Tichka pass. Stops are made for panoramic views of the breathtaking landscapes and Berber villages.

Our next stop is the renowned Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, a fortified village and UNESCO World Heritage Site. This iconic site has served as the backdrop for numerous films, including Gladiator, Alexander, The Mummy, and popular TV series like Game of Thrones. Enjoy a 40-minute hike to explore the kasbah on foot and take in panoramic views from the top.

Then we head to “the gate of the desert,” Ouarzazate. After free time for lunch, we continue to visit the Rose Valley, passing through the large palm grove of Skoura. Finally, we drive to Boumalne Dades, where we spend the night. (Dinner included)

Approximate driving distance/time: 6 hours

DAY 5: DADES VALLEY -> TODRA GORGE -> MERZOUGA DUNES -> CAMEL TREKKING -> OVERNIGHT IN A LUXURY CAMP

After breakfast, we drive through the scenic Dades Valley, making a stop at a panoramic viewpoint. We then continue to the spectacular Todra Gorge, where the Todra River has carved a dramatic canyon with towering red cliffs. You’ll have free time to walk through the gorge and enjoy the natural beauty of this unique setting.

The journey then takes us through the lush palm groves of Touroug and Tinjdad, with free time for lunch along the way.

In the afternoon, we arrive in the golden dunes of the Merzouga Sahara Desert, where your camels await. Embark on a peaceful camel trek across the dunes, with a stop atop a high dune to witness the magical desert sunset. You’ll then continue to a luxury desert camp, where you’ll be welcomed with traditional Berber hospitality. Enjoy dinner, accompanied by Berber drumming and dancing around the campfire. Overnight stay in the camp.

Approximate driving distance/time: 5 hours

DAY 6: EXPLORE MERZOUGA REGION -> NOMADS -> KHAMLIA -> MERZOUGA LAKE -> ERG CHEBBI -> PALM GROVE

Waking up early in the morning is a must-do, in order to contemplate the beautiful sunrise in the middle of the desert. Free time for breakfast. Then you return on camels or a 4×4 ride to Merzouga, where the driver awaits. We dedicate the day to exploring the region of Merzouga. The area has so many incredible sites, from sand dunes, a wild lake, mines, and fossil areas to fabulous oases, which are ideal places for so many outdoor activities.

Firstly, we start our journey in Merzouga by driving off-road to visit an ancient eyeliner mine. Then we pay the nomads a visit in their handmade woven tent, learning how they live while drinking a Berber tea. Our next destination is the Khamlia village, where you will enjoy the Gnaoua music and dancing performances. Its inhabitants originate from sub-Saharan countries like Mali, Sudan, and Niger. Free time for lunch in a restaurant. After that, we take a stroll in a palm trees grove, then drive a few kilometres to see the wild lake of Merzouga, also called flamingos lake. Dinner and overnight in a Riad next to the dunes.

Approximate driving distance/time: 2 hours

DAY 7: MERZOUGA DUNES -> ERFOUD -> MIDELT -> CEDAR FOREST -> IFRANE -> FES

After breakfast, we leave the desert to visit Rissani town, the ancient capital of Tafilalet. Rissani is still a major trading center in the region, with a large souk lively on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. After a stroll in Rissani souk, we continue to Erfoud, where we visit one of the workshops of fossilized marble.

After that, we drive along the Ziz river and stop for a panoramic view of the Ziz valley. Free time for lunch in Midelt or on the way. Then we continue to the cedar forest, where the Barbary Macaques live. Feel free to feed them while wandering in the forest. After that, we visit Ifrane, famous for its low temperature, snow, and alpine-style houses — no wonder it is called the Switzerland of Morocco. Finally, night in Fes, with a free evening in the Medina.

Approximate driving distance/time: 7 hours

DAY 8: GUIDED SIGHTSEEING TOUR OF FES (30 min / 3 to 4 hours walking tour)

We’ll pick you up from your accommodation in Fes after breakfast to begin your immersive exploration of one of Morocco’s most iconic imperial cities — Fes, the country’s cultural and spiritual heart.

Your journey starts with a driving tour. First, we’ll stop at the magnificent Royal Palace Gate, followed by a visit to “The Mellah,” the historic Jewish Quarter. Then, enjoy breathtaking views from the Borj Sud fortress, offering a stunning overlook of the ancient Medina. The final stop of this portion is the Ceramic Village & School, where you’ll witness traditional craftsmanship in action.

Next, a walking tour: step back in time as you enter the medieval Medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best-preserved historic towns in the Arab world. Accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide, you’ll 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.

After this unforgettable journey through history, you’ll be returned to your riad to relax.

DAY 9: FES -> MEKNES -> VOLUBILIS RUINS -> CHEFCHAOUEN

After breakfast, we depart to visit Meknes, the Ismaili capital and one of the imperial cities, where we visit Bab Al-Mansour, the Sahrij Souani basin, the Royal stables, the granary, and the Moulay Ismail Mausoleum. Free time for lunch. Next, we drive 30 km away from Meknes to visit the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis. It is well preserved, as it is recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It has many beautiful mosaics scattered here and there, along with ancient pillars and archways.

After exploring the ancient ruins, we continue our journey north through Ouazzane, making our way to Chefchaouen, nestled in the Rif Mountains. Often referred to as the Blue City, Chefchaouen is renowned for its charming streets and buildings painted in various shades of blue. You’ll have the evening to relax and soak in the town’s unique atmosphere. Overnight stay in a local Riad.

Approximate driving distance/time: 4 hours

DAY 10: TRANSFER TO TANGIER AIRPORT

After breakfast, we drive through the scenic Rif Mountains en route to Tangier Airport, marking the end of your unforgettable 10 day trip from Marrakech.

Depending on your flight time, you may enjoy some free time to wander through the charming blue-painted alleyways of Chefchaouen or even take a short city tour in Tangier.

Approximate driving distance/time: 2 hours