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ITINERARY
DAY 1: CASABLANCA → VOLUBILIS → MEKNES → FES
(~5 hours driving)
Pick-up from Casablanca airport, hotel, or port. Head north to the UNESCO Roman ruins of Volubilis — Morocco’s finest ancient archaeological site, with extraordinary preserved floor mosaics, a triumphal arch, and ancient pillars standing on a hilltop above the plain. Continue 30 kilometres to Meknes — one of Morocco’s four imperial cities: the monumental Bab al-Mansour gate, the Sahrij Souani royal water basin, the royal stables, and the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail. Drive east to Fes. Overnight in a riad in or near the medina.
DAY 2: FULL GUIDED TOUR OF FES MEDINA
(~4 hours walking with specialist guide)
A day entirely devoted to the extraordinary city of Fes el-Bali. Begin with a driving tour: the ornate Royal Palace Gate, the historic Jewish Mellah quarter, and the Borj Sud fortress for a sweeping panoramic view across the medina rooftops. Then on foot through the medieval labyrinth with a specialist local guide — the Bou Inania Madrasa with its extraordinary carved plasterwork and cedar wood, the Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque and University (founded in 859 AD, the world’s oldest continuously operating university), and the Chouara Tanneries, viewed from balconies above the great circular stone vats of dye. The craft and spice souks fill the afternoon before returning to your riad. Overnight in Fes.
DAY 3: FES → IFRANE → CEDAR FOREST → ZIZ VALLEY → MERZOUGA → LUXURY CAMP
(~7 hours driving)
After breakfast, the road heads south through the alpine town of Ifrane and the cedar forests where Barbary macaques roam freely. Lunch in Midelt. The Tizi-n-Tilghmt mountain pass gives way to the breathtaking Ziz Valley gorge lined with thousands of date palms. The desert approaches. Arriving in Merzouga in the late afternoon, mount a camel and cross the Erg Chebbi dunes at sunset, stopping to watch the extraordinary desert colours. Continue to the luxury camp: a candlelit dinner, Berber drumming around the campfire, and a night under the full Saharan sky. Overnight in camp.
DAY 4: MERZOUGA → RISSANI → ERFOUD → TODRA GORGE → DADES VALLEY
(~5 hours driving)
Wake early for the desert sunrise. After breakfast, visit Rissani — the historic market town that is the ancestral seat of Morocco’s royal dynasty, with a traditional souk active three days a week. Continue to Erfoud for a fossilised marble workshop. Drive through the great palm groves to the Todra Gorge near Tinghir — 300-metre limestone walls rising vertically from the riverbed. Walk freely through the dramatic canyon passage. Continue west to the Dades Valley. Dinner and overnight.
DAY 5: DADES VALLEY → ROSE VALLEY → SKOURA → OUARZAZATE → AIT BEN HADDOU → MARRAKECH
(~6 hours driving)
Drive west through the Rose Valley near Kelaat M’Gouna — famous for its Damascus rose cultivation and the annual May Rose Festival. Continue through the Skoura oasis to Ouarzazate, Africa’s film capital and gateway to the Sahara. Visit the Atlas Studios (optional, ~€8), then continue to the Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou — a UNESCO World Heritage Site of spectacular earthen towers, the filming location for Gladiator, The Mummy, and Game of Thrones. Cross the High Atlas Mountains on the Tizi-N-Tichka pass. Arrive in Marrakech. Drop-off at your accommodation or airport.
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the ideal times to visit. The weather is comfortably warm, making it perfect for exploring the Imperial Cities, trekking in the mountains, or experiencing the desert. Summer can be extremely hot in the south, while winter brings chilly nights, particularly in the Sahara and the High Atlas.
Citizens of the US, Canada, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and most European countries do not need a visa to enter Morocco for tourism purposes for stays of up to 90 days. You only need a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond your date of entry. Always check with your local Moroccan consulate for the most up-to-date requirements.
The official currency is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD). While large hotels, modern restaurants, and bigger shops in cities accept Visa and Mastercard, Morocco is still largely a cash-based society. You will need cash for the medinas, local markets, tipping, and travel in remote areas like the desert or mountains. ATMs are widely available in all major towns.
Yes, Morocco is widely considered one of the safest countries in Africa for tourists. Violent crime is rare. However, like in any major tourist destination, you should practice common sense. Keep an eye on your belongings in crowded souks to avoid pickpockets, and use registered guides for medina tours and remote treks.
The official languages are Arabic and Amazigh (Berber). French is the second, widely spoken language used in business and tourism. English is increasingly common in major tourist hubs, hotels, and among younger generations, but learning a few basic Arabic or French phrases is always highly appreciated by locals.
Morocco is a conservative, predominantly Muslim country, and dressing modestly shows respect for the local culture. Both men and women should aim to cover their shoulders and knees. Loose, lightweight clothing is ideal for staying cool while remaining respectful. In more modern cities like Marrakech, dress codes are relaxed, but modesty is strictly advised in rural villages and the medinas.
With a few exceptions, non-Muslims are generally not permitted to enter active mosques in Morocco. The most notable exception is the spectacular Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, which offers guided tours to all visitors.
Yes, tipping (baksheesh) is an established part of Moroccan culture and is highly appreciated for good service. A general rule is to leave 10% to 15% in restaurants. For drivers and tour guides, tipping around 50 to 100 MAD per person, per day is a standard guideline depending on your satisfaction.
Haggling is an expected and enjoyable part of shopping in Moroccan souks. When you ask for a price, expect the vendor’s first offer to be high. Counter with about a third or half of that price, and negotiate until you meet in the middle. Always negotiate with a smile and a friendly attitude.
While Morocco is an Islamic country, alcohol is legal and available. You can purchase it in licensed bars, hotels, large supermarkets, and tourist-focused restaurants. Drinking in public spaces outside of these licensed venues is not permitted.
To truly enjoy the experience without spending your entire trip in a vehicle, a minimum of 3 days and 2 nights is recommended for a desert tour starting from Marrakech to the Merzouga dunes (Erg Chebbi). If you have more time, a 4-day trip allows for a more relaxed pace to explore the Kasbahs, gorges, and valleys along the way.
Bring comfortable, breathable clothing for daytime camel trekking and a warm fleece or jacket for the night, as desert temperatures drop significantly after sunset. Essential items include sunglasses, a sun hat, sunscreen, closed-toe walking shoes, and a small daypack for your overnight items.
Erg Chebbi (near Merzouga) features the highest, most iconic dunes and is easily accessible by paved roads, making it a popular choice. Erg Chigaga (near Zagora/M’Hamid) offers a wilder, more remote experience that requires off-road 4×4 driving to reach, appealing to those looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure.
We offer trekking experiences for all levels. Gentle day hikes through Berber villages require only basic fitness and a good pair of walking shoes. Multi-day ascents, such as climbing Mount Toubkal, require a good level of physical stamina and proper hiking gear, though no technical climbing skills are needed in the warmer months.
Absolutely. Moroccans love children, and family travel is highly welcomed. Desert camps, camel rides, and short walks in the Atlas Mountains are fantastic experiences for kids. We can customize the pace of the itinerary, limit driving times, and ensure family-friendly accommodations for your comfort.
For maximum flexibility and comfort, hiring a private driver is the most highly recommended way to travel. It allows you to stop at scenic viewpoints, hidden Kasbahs, and local cooperatives at your own pace. For budget travelers, Morocco’s rail network (including the high-speed Al Boraq train) efficiently connects major cities like Casablanca, Rabat, Tangier, and Fes.
While tap water in major cities is treated, it has different mineral contents that can upset a traveler’s stomach. It is highly recommended to stick to sealed bottled water or use a filtered water bottle for drinking and brushing your teeth.
Morocco operates on a 220V supply voltage and uses standard European two-pin round plugs (Type C and Type E). If you are traveling from the US, UK, or Australia, you will need a universal travel adapter.
Wi-Fi is widely available for free in most hotels, riads, and cafes across the country. If you want continuous access on the road, you can easily purchase an inexpensive local prepaid SIM card (from providers like Maroc Telecom, Orange, or Inwi) at the airport upon arrival.
Moroccan cuisine is world-renowned. Must-try dishes include Tagine (a slow-cooked savory stew made with meat, poultry, or fish), Couscous (traditionally served on Fridays), Pastilla (a sweet and savory meat pie), and Harira (a rich tomato and lentil soup). Meals are almost always accompanied by the famous Moroccan sweet mint tea.
