14-day tour of the highlights of Morocco from Tangier. Beginning in the bustling port city of Tangier and weaving through a tapestry of cultural wonders and natural beauty. This itinerary invites you to discover the diverse landscapes and rich heritage of Morocco. From the vibrant markets and ancient medinas to the serene desert dunes and historic kasbahs. Each destination along this route offers a glimpse into Morocco’s storied past. Shaped by centuries of trade, conquest, and cultural exchange. Join us as we take a voyage through Tangier, Rabat, Casablanca, Essaouira, Marrakech, Ait Benhaddou, Dades Gorges, Merzouga Desert, Fes, Chefchaouen, and back to Tangier, uncovering the treasures and traditions that define this captivating North African nation.
14-day tour of the highlights of Morocco from Tangier
Arrival in Tangier on your first day of 14-day tour of the highlights of Morocco from Tangier.
Your journey begins in Tangier, a city with a rich history dating back to ancient times. Tangier has been a strategic port city for millennia, influenced by Phoenicians, Romans, Vandals, and Arabs. Upon arrival, explore the medina, a labyrinth of narrow streets filled with shops, cafes, and historical sites. Visit the Kasbah Museum housed within the ancient Kasbah fortress. Offering insights into Tangier’s multicultural heritage and its significance as a crossroads of civilizations.
Day 2: Tangier to Rabat
Travel south to Rabat, the capital city of Morocco. Rabat blends modernity with historical richness, evident in its well-preserved landmarks. Visit the 12th-century Kasbah of the Udayas, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, which served as a military fortress and royal residence. Explore the Hassan Tower, an unfinished minaret from the 12th century, and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, a masterpiece of modern Moroccan architecture and the final resting place of Morocco’s late king.
Day 3: Rabat to Casablanca
Continue your journey to Casablanca, Morocco’s largest city and economic hub. Casablanca is a blend of tradition and modernity, symbolized by its iconic Hassan II Mosque. One of the largest mosques in the world. Built on the Atlantic coast, this architectural marvel showcases intricate tile work. Exquisite marble interiors, and a towering minaret that reflects Morocco’s Islamic heritage and craftsmanship.
Day 4: Casablanca to Essaouira
Travel westward to Essaouira, a picturesque coastal town known for its Portuguese and Moorish influences. Explore the UNESCO-listed Medina of Essaouira, surrounded by impressive ramparts and filled with whitewashed buildings adorned with blue doors and windows. The town’s maritime history is evident in its bustling harbor, where fishermen bring in their daily catch. Essaouira’s relaxed atmosphere, artistic vibe, and historic significance make it a charming stop on your journey.
Explore Essaouira on the 5th 14-day tour of the highlights of Morocco from Tangier
A relaxing day in Essaouira allows you to unwind amidst the city’s laid-back coastal atmosphere and explore its charming sights at a leisurely pace. Begin with a tranquil stroll along the sandy beaches, where the Atlantic Ocean’s breeze offers a refreshing start to the day. Discover the historic Medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site, wandering through its narrow streets lined with blue and white houses and artisan shops.
Visit the Skala de la Ville, a seaside fortification with panoramic views of the bustling harbor and the vast ocean beyond. Enjoy a seafood lunch at a local restaurant, savoring the fresh catches of the day. In the afternoon, indulge in a traditional hammam spa experience to rejuvenate both body and spirit. Conclude your day with a leisurely walk along the harbor, watching fishing boats return with their bounty against the backdrop of a picturesque sunset. Essaouira’s serene ambiance and scenic beauty create the perfect setting for a relaxing day of exploration and rejuvenation.
Day 6: Essaouira to Marrakech
From the coastal charm of Essaouira, travel eastward to Marrakech. It is a vibrant hub of Moroccan culture and history. Begin your exploration in the medina, where you can wander through the bustling souks filled with spices, textiles, and handicrafts. Visit the iconic Jemaa el-Fnaa square, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where storytellers, musicians, and street performers create an electric atmosphere. Admire the intricate architecture of the Koutoubia Mosque, a landmark of Marrakech’s skyline. Night in Riad in the medina.
Day 7: Marrakech
Dedicate another day to uncovering Marrakech’s treasures. Visit the Saadian Tombs, dating back to the 16th century and known for their beautifully decorated mausoleums. Explore the 19th-century Bahia Palace, showcasing Moroccan and Islamic architecture with its ornate ceilings, tiled courtyards, and lush gardens. Delve into Moroccan history at the Museum of Marrakech, housed in a beautifully restored palace, where exhibits include traditional art, textiles, and historical artifacts. For a moment of tranquility, visit the Menara Gardens, with its pavilion overlooking a vast olive grove and reflecting pool, offering panoramic views of the Atlas Mountains.
Day 8: Marrakech to Ait Benhaddou, Ouarzazate, and Dades Gorges
Depart Marrakech and head towards the High Atlas Mountains, crossing the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, which offers spectacular views of the rugged landscape. Stop at Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Morocco’s most iconic ksars (fortified villages). Explore its ancient mud-brick buildings and kasbahs, which have been featured in numerous films and TV series. Continue to Ouarzazate, home to the Atlas Film Studios, where you can learn about Morocco’s thriving film industry. Journey through the Dades Valley, known as the “Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs,” renowned for its stunning gorges and traditional Berber villages.
Day 9: Dades Gorges to Merzouga Desert
From the Dades Gorges, continue your journey towards the Sahara Desert. Pass through the Todra Gorges, where steep canyon walls offer breathtaking views and opportunities for hiking and rock climbing. Arrive in Merzouga, a gateway to the Erg Chebbi dunes, where the vast desert landscape unfolds before you. Experience a camel trek into the dunes at sunset, a highlight of any visit to the Sahara, before settling into a desert camp for a night under the starry sky. Immerse yourself in Berber hospitality, enjoying traditional music and cuisine around a campfire.
Day 10: Merzouga Desert Experience
Spend a full day exploring the Merzouga Desert and its unique ecosystem. Learn about the desert’s flora and fauna, adapted to survive in this harsh environment. Visit nearby nomadic settlements to gain insights into Berber culture and daily life in the desert. In the evening, witness a mesmerizing sunset over the dunes, casting a golden glow across the vast Sahara landscape. Reflect on the tranquility and beauty of the desert before returning to your desert camp for another night of stargazing and cultural experiences.
Day 11: Merzouga to Fes
Leave the desert behind and journey north towards Fes, Morocco’s cultural capital. En route, pass through the Middle Atlas Mountains, known for their cedar forests and Barbary macaques. Stop in Ifrane, often referred to as “Little Switzerland” for its alpine architecture and clean streets. Continue to Fes, where you’ll settle into the city known for its ancient medina, bustling souks, and rich history as a center of Islamic learning and culture.
Day 12: Fes
Explore Fes el-Bali, the UNESCO-listed medina, and one of the world’s largest car-free urban areas. Wander through its labyrinthine streets, discovering historic mosques, madrasas (Islamic schools), and traditional tanneries where leather is still processed using age-old methods. Visit the University of Al Quaraouiyine, founded in 859 AD and considered the oldest continuously operating university in the world. Delve into the city’s artisan traditions at the Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts and Crafts, showcasing Morocco’s craftsmanship through exquisite woodwork and artifacts.
Day 13: Fes to Chefchaouen via Meknes
After exploring the cultural treasures of Fes, embark on a scenic drive towards Chefchaouen, a journey that takes you through another historically significant city, Meknes.
- Meknes: Begin your day with a visit to Meknes, one of Morocco’s imperial cities and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore the grandeur of the Moulay Ismail Mausoleum, the final resting place of Sultan Moulay Ismail, known for its exquisite Moroccan architecture and tranquil courtyards. Discover the Bab Mansour gate, an impressive gateway adorned with intricate tile work and calligraphy, symbolizing Meknes’ historical significance as a former capital of Morocco.
- Volubilis: En route to Chefchaouen, make a stop at the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis, another UNESCO World Heritage site. Wander through the well-preserved archaeological site, where you can admire intricate mosaics depicting scenes from Roman mythology, Roman villas, and the remnants of basilicas and temples. Volubilis offers a fascinating glimpse into Morocco’s Roman past and the architectural legacy left behind by ancient civilizations.
- Chefchaouen: Arrive in Chefchaouen, famously known as the “Blue Pearl” or “Blue City” of Morocco, nestled in the Rif Mountains. Explore the medina’s narrow streets lined with buildings painted in varying shades of blue, creating a picturesque and serene atmosphere. Wander through the bustling souks filled with locally made handicrafts, spices, and textiles. Visit the historic kasbah, originally built to defend against Portuguese invasions, which now houses a museum showcasing artifacts and exhibits on Chefchaouen’s history and culture.
Day 14: Chefchaouen to Tangier
Conclude your journey by traveling back to Tangier, where you began your exploration of Morocco’s diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and historical landmarks. Reflect on your adventure through Morocco’s imperial cities, vibrant markets, and breathtaking natural scenery before departing from Ibn Battuta International Airport or the port of Tangier.
14-day tour of the highlights of Morocco from Tangier
Tangier: Begin your adventure in this vibrant port city known for its cosmopolitan atmosphere and historic medina. Explore the Kasbah Museum, stroll along the bustling Grand Socco, and enjoy panoramic views from the Mendoubia Gardens.
Rabat: Discover Morocco’s capital with visits to the Hassan Tower, Mausoleum of Mohammed V, and the ancient Kasbah of the Udayas. Rabat blends modernity with rich historical sites and picturesque coastal views.
Casablanca: Explore the economic heart of Morocco and visit the iconic Hassan II Mosque, a masterpiece of Islamic architecture set on the Atlantic coast. Discover the vibrant Corniche seaside promenade and explore the bustling medina.
Essaouira: Relax in this charming coastal town with its distinctive blue and white architecture. Explore the UNESCO-listed medina, stroll along the picturesque harbor, and soak in the artistic vibe that has drawn artists and musicians for centuries.
Marrakech: Immerse yourself in the bustling souks, vibrant squares, and historic landmarks of Marrakech. Visit the Koutoubia Mosque, Bahia Palace, and the lively Jemaa el-Fnaa square, where you can experience local cuisine and traditional performances.
Ait Benhaddou: Step back in time at this UNESCO World Heritage site, a well-preserved kasbah and fortified village that has served as a backdrop for numerous films. Explore its narrow streets and mud-brick buildings, reflecting centuries of Berber architecture.
Dades Gorges: Journey through the dramatic landscapes of the Dades Valley, known for its stunning rock formations and kasbahs. Marvel at the towering cliffs and enjoy scenic drives through this picturesque region.
Morocco desert
Merzouga Desert: Experience the magic of the Sahara Desert with a camel trek into the Erg Chebbi dunes. Spend a night under the stars in a traditional Berber desert camp, enjoying local hospitality, music, and cuisine amidst the serene desert landscape.
Fes: Explore Morocco’s cultural capital, Fes, with its UNESCO-listed medina, ancient madrasas, and vibrant souks. Visit the University of Al Quaraouiyine, the oldest continuously operating university in the world, and immerse yourself in the city’s artisan traditions.
Chefchaouen: Discover the “Blue City” nestled in the Rif Mountains, famous for its blue-washed buildings and serene ambiance. Explore the medina’s narrow streets, visit local craft shops, and hike to viewpoints offering panoramic views of the town.
Included: 14-day tour of the highlights of Morocco from Tangier
- Accommodation as per itinerary (hotels, desert camp)
- Transportation (private vehicle, camel trek in Merzouga)
- Guided tours and activities (city tours, visits to attractions)
- Meals as specified (typically breakfast included, some dinners in desert)
- Entrance fees to monuments and attractions mentioned in the itinerary
- Berber cultural experiences (desert camp stay, music, storytelling)
- Local taxes and service charges
Excluded: 14-day tour of the highlights of Morocco from Tangier
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Lunch meals not specified in the itinerary.
- Optional activities and excursions
- Personal expenses (such as souvenirs, laundry, drinks, etc.)
- Tips and gratuities
