9-day Morocco tour from Marrakech

On your arrival at Marrakech Menara Airport, your driver will meet you and take you to your hotel or riad in the heart of the medina. the rest of the day should be devoted to relaxing after your journey, enjoying Moroccan mint tea, and maybe going for a brief walk to get your first impression of this lively Red City.

Spend the day exploring the vibrant city of Marrakech. With your local guide, begin at the iconic Koutoubia Mosque,then continue to the Bahia Palace, an elegant 19th-century residence known for its intricate carvings, lush gardens, and colorful tilework. Visit the Saadian Tombs. Next, dive into the heart of the medina. A maze of narrow alleys lined with souks bursting with spices, textiles, lanterns, leather goods, and more.

Your guide will help you uncover hidden corners and unique finds that most travelers miss. Finish the guided tour in Jemaa el-Fnaa square, the beating heart of Marrakech, where snake charmers, street performers, and food stalls create a lively atmosphere. In the afternoon, enjoy some free time: relax in a traditional hammam, sip mint tea at a rooftop café, or continue exploring the city’s vibrant streets at your own pace.

After breakfast, we leave Marrakech and begin our drive southeast across Morocco. Along the way, we cross the Tizi n’Tichka Pass in the High Atlas Mountains (2,260 m), pausing to admire the stunning panoramic views of winding roads and valleys below. Next, we visit the iconic Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and famous backdrop for blockbusters such as Gladiator and Game of Thrones. In Ouarzazate, explore the impressive Taourirt Kasbah and, time permitting, the Atlas Film Studios. The journey continues through the Skoura Oasis and the fragrant Valley of Roses, arriving in the scenic Dades Valley with its winding river for an overnight stay.

Start your day with a short visit to the Dades Gorges, marveling at the spectacular Monkey Finger rock formations. Continue on to the Todgha Gorge, where towering cliffs inspire awe at every turn. Journey through Tinejdad to M’Laaab, where you can try on traditional Berber costumes and capture memorable photos. Stop for lunch in Touroug before driving on to Erfoud, a city famous for its fossils. Next, visit Rissani, the original city of the Alaouite dynasty and home to one of the oldest markets in the region take time for a short stroll and some local shopping. Finally, arrive in Merzouga and board camels for a trek into the desert, arriving at your camp in time for sunset. Enjoy a traditional dinner and music around the campfire beneath the star-filled sky.

Start your day with a stunning sunrise over the golden Sahara dunes, a moment that truly captures the desert’s magic. After breakfast at the camp, your driver will take you on a 4-hour desert adventure. Visit a nomadic family living in traditional tents and share tea while learning about their simple, resilient lifestyle. Continue to the M’ifis mines, once rich in minerals, then on to Khamlia Village to enjoy the spiritual music of the Gnawa people. For lunch, enjoy a delicious homemade Berber pizza. End with a peaceful walk in a quiet desert oasis before heading to your hotel to relax and enjoy the fresh desert air.

After an early breakfast at the desert camp, you depart Merzouga, leaving the golden dunes behind, and head north toward Fes. Your first highlight is the Ziz Valley, an impressive landscape of lush palm groves and traditional fortified villages perfect for photo stops and contrasting the greenery with the rugged desert cliffs. Next, continue to the typical Berber town of Midelt, nestled between the Middle Atlas Mountains, an ideal spot for a coffee break or lunch while enjoying the scenic surroundings. Later, pass through the small town of Zaida, offering glimpses of local markets and everyday Berber life.

Ascend further through cedar forests, where you may spot Barbary macaques playing freely among the trees. The route then winds up to Ifrane, often called “Little Switzerland” for its Alpine-style architecture and clean streets a pleasant place for a brief stroll in a peaceful atmosphere. Finally, arrive in Fes, Morocco’s cultural and spiritual heart, where you’ll check into your riad for the evening to relax and prepare for tomorrow’s exploration of the medina, historic monuments, and artisanal workshops.

First, visit the Royal Palace gates to admire their impressive architecture, followed by a stop at a traditional ceramic factory located just outside the city, where you can see skilled artisans at work. Then, enjoy a panoramic view of the ancient city from Borj Nord. Later, step into the UNESCO-recognized medina a vast labyrinth of narrow lanes filled with market stalls, religious schools (madrassas), and artisans’ workshops.

Visit the University of Al Quaraouiyine, which has been in continuous operation for over eight centuries, and witness the traditional leather tanning process at the colorful Chouara Tanneries. As you walk through the streets, rich in Islamic architecture, take a moment, to admire how this vibrant city was designed for living by pilgrims from around the world in medieval times. Remarkably, it remains just as alive to this day.

After breakfast, leave Fes and drive north toward Chefchaouen. Today’s first stop is Meknes, an imperial city and former capital of Morocco. Here, visit the magnificent Bab Mansour, one of Morocco’s most iconic city gates, and the Royal Stables, once home to thousands of horses. Explore the Moulay Ismail Mausoleum, admired for its exotic architecture and the fascinating history of the sultan. After Meknes, continue to Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the ancient Roman ruins of Morocco. Stroll among well-preserved mosaics, arches, and temples, imagining life in this once-thriving settlement.

From Volubilis, drive through the scenic Rif Mountains toward Chefchaouen, arriving in the late afternoon or early evening. Nestled in the mountains, this picturesque town is famed for its striking blue-painted streets and relaxed atmosphere. After checking into your riad, enjoy an evening wandering the alleys, soaking in the mountain views, and sampling traditional Moroccan dishes. Chefchaouen perfectly blends history, culture, and stunning natural scenery.

On the last day of your 9-day Morocco tour from Marrakech, after breakfast, leave Chefchaouen and head toward Tangier, where the Mediterranean meets the Atlantic. Along the way, enjoy rolling hills and picturesque villages, catching glimpses of everyday life in northern Morocco and the scenic Rif Mountains. Upon arrival Tangier, if time permits. Pay a short visit to the Hercule cave, then take in sweeping views of the Strait of Gibraltar, seemingly close enough to touch Europe.

Explore the city’s colorful heritage, wander through the lively medina. Savor a leisurely lunch at a local café, then stroll along the Corniche, feeling the cool sea breeze. Depending on your flight departure you will be transferred to the airport with your luggage, leaving Morocco with unforgettable memories, stamped in photographs and in the soul, of a truly magical adventure.