10 days from Marrakech to Fes – Chefchaouen – Essaouira

Your Moroccan journey begins with your arrival in Marrakech, where you will be welcomed at the airport and transferred to your riad or hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you might take a first stroll through the nearby streets, hearing the distant hum of the medina and catching your first glimpses of the Red City’s vibrant colors. The evening is yours to relax, adjust to the new atmosphere, and perhaps enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner while anticipating the adventures ahead.

Today is dedicated to discovering Marrakech’s treasures with the help of an expert local guide. Highlights include the iconic Koutoubia Mosque, the intricate Saadian Tombs, and the ornate Bahia Palace. You’ll explore the labyrinthine souks, where artisans sell leather goods, carpets, spices, and lanterns. The medina’s hidden courtyards and historic madrasas reveal the city’s rich history. In the afternoon, you might visit the tranquil Majorelle Garden and Yves Saint Laurent Museum before ending your day in the lively Djemaa el-Fna square, where music, storytelling, and food stalls create an unforgettable atmosphere.

Leaving Marrakech behind, you climb into the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, enjoying dramatic views of valleys and Berber villages. The first major stop is Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO-listed ksar famous for its mud-brick architecture and cinematic history. Continuing east, you pass through Ouarzazate and the lush Skoura oasis before reaching the Dades Valley, known as the “Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs.” The road winds through the spectacular Dades Gorges, where steep rock formations tower over the narrow river. The night is spent here, surrounded by some of Morocco’s most beautiful mountain landscapes.

The morning begins with soft light over the Dades cliffs before you travel toward the Todra Gorges. Here, vertical limestone walls rise hundreds of meters above a narrow canyon floor, making for a stunning walk or photo stop. Heading deeper into the desert region, you pass through Erfoud, known for its fossils and dates, before arriving in Merzouga at the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes. A camel trek carries you into the golden sands just in time for sunset, and you spend the night in a desert camp under a vast starlit sky, enjoying traditional Berber music around the campfire.

After witnessing a breathtaking sunrise over the dunes, you ride back to Merzouga for breakfast. The day’s journey takes you to Rissani, an ancient market town that once served as a caravan hub. Traveling north, you pass through the Ziz Valley, where a ribbon of palm groves winds between rocky cliffs. The road climbs into the Middle Atlas Mountains, with possible stops in Midelt and the cedar forests near Azrou, home to Barbary macaques. By evening, you arrive in Fes, Morocco’s cultural and spiritual heart, and settle into a traditional riad in the old medina.

A full day in Fes reveals the wonders of one of the best-preserved medieval cities in the world. Your local guide will lead you through the UNESCO-listed medina, with its narrow alleys, bustling souks, and historic monuments. You’ll visit the Bou Inania Madrasa, the colorful Chouara Tannery, the ancient Karaouiyine Mosque and University, and artisan workshops where traditions have been passed down for centuries. The sensory experience of Fes—from the smell of spices to the call to prayer echoing through the maze-like streets—is unlike anywhere else in Morocco.

Leaving Fes, you travel to Meknes, another imperial city known for its monumental gates, royal stables, and the impressive Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail. After exploring Meknes, the road takes you north through scenic countryside and rolling hills until you reach Chefchaouen. Known as the “Blue Pearl,” this mountain town enchants visitors with its blue-washed streets, flower-filled courtyards, and relaxed pace. The evening is yours to wander the medina, enjoy a rooftop view, and breathe in the fresh Rif Mountain air.

Your journey continues westward to Rabat, Morocco’s political capital. Here, you can visit the Hassan Tower, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, and the picturesque Oudayas Kasbah overlooking the Atlantic. The trip then takes you south to Casablanca, where the highlight is the majestic Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest in the world, built partly over the ocean. The city’s modern boulevards and seaside promenade offer a glimpse into Morocco’s contemporary life before settling in for the night.

Heading down the Atlantic coast, your first stop is El Jadida, a former Portuguese settlement with a UNESCO-listed fortified medina. Continuing along the coast, you reach Safi, a city famed for its pottery and seafood. The road then leads to Essaouira, a charming port city with whitewashed buildings, blue shutters, and a relaxed, artistic vibe. The bustling harbor, fresh ocean breeze, and sunset over the ramparts make for a memorable evening.

On your final day, enjoy a leisurely breakfast in Essaouira before making your way back to Marrakech. The drive passes argan tree groves, often dotted with goats balancing in their branches. Arriving in Marrakech, you may have a bit of time for last-minute shopping or sightseeing before your transfer to the airport. Your journey ends here, but the memories of Morocco’s mountains, deserts, coasts, and cities will stay with you long after your return home.