Morocco Itinerary 13 Days: Complete Tour from Tangier

Your Morocco Itinerary 13 Days begins with a pick-up from the airport, port, or your accommodation in Tangier. Our first stop is the Grotto of Hercules, a fascinating cave linked to the legend of Hercules and his mythical connection to Atlas. Passing the point where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Mediterranean, we visit the historic Cape Spartel Lighthouse, marking the entrance to the Strait of Gibraltar.

After a brief visit to the Medina of Tangier, we continue inland towards Chefchaouen, the famous blue-washed town nestled in the Rif Mountains. Arriving around midday, you’ll have time to explore the medina, known for its colorful art galleries and vibrant murals. Enjoy an overnight stay in a Charming Riad.

Enjoy a free day in Chefchaouen to immerse yourself in the charm of this blue-washed town nestled in the Rif Mountains. Wander through the medina’s narrow alleys, where you’ll find local shops offering traditional goods, crafts, and souvenirs. Visit the 15th-century Kasbah, explore its museum, or relax at a local hammam for an authentic Moroccan experience.

For nature enthusiasts, the wild watercourses and fountains around Chefchaouen provide peaceful spots to unwind. As the day ends, hike to the Spanish Mosque for a breathtaking sunset view over Chefchaouen and the surrounding mountains. Enjoy another night at your riad or hotel.

After breakfast at your riad in Chefchaouen, we depart towards Fes, with fascinating stops along the way. Our first visit is to Volubilis, a well-preserved Roman settlement from the 3rd century featuring impressive arches, mosaics, and ancient ruins. This UNESCO World Heritage Site provides insight into Morocco’s Roman history.

Next, we head to the imperial city of Meknes, known for its fortress walls, lush gardens, and architectural marvels from the reign of Sultan Moulay Ismail (1672-1727). Explore the medina, where remnants of old palaces and military buildings have survived the 1755 earthquake and were partially restored.

After lunch in Meknes, we continue our journey to Fes, the cultural capital of Morocco. Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to your accommodation in a traditional riad, ready to explore more of Fes the following day.

Begin your day with a guided city tour of Fes, one of Morocco’s most culturally rich and historic cities. After breakfast, your local guide will meet you at your riad to explore the Fes Medina (Fes el-Bali), a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its maze-like alleys, spice stalls, Berber carpets, and traditional handicrafts.

Visit the Royal Palace with its grand golden gate, the intricate Medersa Al Attarine, and the elegant Nejjarine Fountain. Discover the iconic Chouara Tanneries, where leather goods are made using centuries-old techniques.

Explore Al-Qarawiyyin University, recognized as the oldest university in the world and a symbol of Morocco’s intellectual and religious heritage.

After a traditional lunch at a local restaurant, return to your riad for a relaxing evening, preparing for the next leg of your Morocco Itinerary 13 Days.

Today, we depart early from Fes for a long yet scenic drive towards Merzouga, crossing diverse landscapes that transform from lush greenery to the golden dunes of the Sahara Desert. As we journey through the Middle Atlas Mountains, you’ll pass through Ifrane, known as the Moroccan Switzerland for its European-style alpine architecture and cool climate.

Driving through Ifrane National Park, you’ll encounter one of Morocco’s largest cedar forests, home to the playful Barbary macaques. Feeding them is possible, but caution is advised. Continuing through the Middle Atlas, we stop at breathtaking viewpoints before descending towards Erfoud.

In Erfoud, visit a local manufactory crafting jewelry and artifacts from the region’s fossil finds. We then head to Merzouga, where the first golden sand dunes of the Sahara rise behind your accommodation.

Enjoy a memorable camel ride across the dunes to catch a spectacular sunset, capturing the beauty of the desert. Overnight stay at your hotel or desert camp in Merzouga.

After a hearty Moroccan breakfast featuring olives, tajine dishes, warm bread, and desserts, your day continues with a regional tour of Merzouga. This adventure takes you through the golden dunes, showcasing the vast plains known for fossil finds and the old eyeliner coal mines that tell stories of the region’s past.

Visit the Gnawa musicians, where you’ll experience ancient drum rhythms and gain insight into their rich cultural heritage. This immersive encounter offers a glimpse into the traditions preserved by the Gnawa community.

You’ll then enjoy tea with nomads under their hand-woven dark wool tent, experiencing genuine Berber hospitality. For lunch, savor the famous Berber pizza (Madfouna) at a regional restaurant, known for its authentic preparation over an open fire.

The afternoon is yours to relax or explore the sand dunes. Your hotel can provide a sandboard if you wish to try sand surfing on the towering dunes. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at your hotel or desert camp in Merzouga.

After a leisurely breakfast, we depart Merzouga and continue your Morocco Itinerary 13 Days journey towards Boumalne Dades. Traveling along the famous Road of 1000 Kasbahs, you’ll witness a landscape rich with half-ruined castles, old settlements, oasis valleys, and dramatic rock formations.

Our first major stop is at the Todgha Gorge, located at the foothills of the High Atlas Mountains near Tinghir. At an elevation of 1550 m.a.s.l., this narrow gorge boasts towering rock walls with crystal-clear water running through the valley—an ideal spot for trekking and photography.

Next, we visit the Dades Gorge, renowned for its stunning red rock formations and winding Dades Valley. After exploring the gorges, we continue to Boumalne Dades for an overnight stay at your accommodation.

Today, we journey from Boumalne Dades back to Marrakech, with several remarkable stops along the way. Passing through the Valley of the Roses, you’ll discover local products like rose perfume, soap, body cream, and the sought-after essential oils made from fragrant roses grown in the region.

Continuing to Ouarzazate, known as Morocco’s film capital, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the legendary Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its well-preserved clay architecture. This iconic ksar has been featured in numerous films and series, including Game of Thrones.

We then ascend the High Atlas Mountains, crossing the Tizi-n-Tichka Pass (2260 m), where breathtaking panoramic views await. As we descend towards the plains, we arrive in Marrakech.

You will be dropped off at your riad in Marrakech for a relaxing evening, ready to explore the vibrant city the next day.

Today, your local guide will take you on a fascinating sightseeing tour of Marrakech, known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning Moroccan architecture.

Your tour begins with a visit to the Koutoubia Mosque, the largest mosque in Marrakech, famous for its imposing minaret visible from across the city. Continue to the Saadian Tombs, hidden for centuries and only rediscovered in 1917, showcasing intricate Moroccan craftsmanship.

Explore the elegant Bahia Palace, a magnificent 19th-century royal residence adorned with beautiful courtyards, gardens, and detailed tilework.

In the afternoon or evening, stroll through the bustling Djemaa-el-Fna Square at your leisure. This iconic spot is filled with storytellers, musicians, jugglers, and market stalls offering a variety of traditional products and exotic goods.

After a lively day of exploration, you’ll be taken back to your riad or hotel—unless you prefer to enjoy a charming ride in a horse-drawn carriage.

After a leisurely breakfast at your hotel or riad, we drive west to the coastal town of Essaouira, known for its relaxed atmosphere, historic medina, and vibrant arts scene.

Along the way, enjoy the fascinating sight of goats climbing argan trees, a unique spectacle that offers a great photo opportunity. We stop to observe the goats and capture memorable moments before continuing to Essaouira.

Upon arrival, explore the old Portuguese fortress with its imposing cannons overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Visit the bustling fishing port, where you can choose from a variety of freshly caught fish, shellfish, and seafood prepared on the spot. For adventurous food lovers, trying a freshly caught oyster is a must.

After enjoying a stroll through Essaouira’s historic medina, featuring whitewashed buildings and blue doors, we bring you to your riad or hotel for an overnight stay.

After breakfast at your riad in Essaouira, we begin the drive to Casablanca, Morocco’s largest city and economic capital. The journey primarily follows the highway from Essaouira to Casablanca, providing a smooth and direct route with occasional glimpses of the Atlantic coastline.

Upon arrival in the afternoon, we will check you into your hotel in Casablanca for an overnight stay. You can take the remainder of the day to relax or explore nearby attractions if you wish.

Today, we start with a visit to the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, an architectural masterpiece and the second largest mosque in Africa. Located on a headland overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, its grandeur and intricate craftsmanship make it a must-see attraction.

We then continue to Rabat, the capital of Morocco and one of the four imperial cities. Highlights include the impressive Hassan Tower, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, and the historical Kasbah of Oudaya. This Andalusian-style kasbah offers spectacular views over the Bou Regreg River, Morocco’s longest river.

From Rabat, we drive along the Atlantic coast towards Asilah, arriving in the late afternoon or evening. This artistic seaside town is known for its charming medina, art galleries, and colorful murals. Once a year, the Asilah Arts Festival brings the town to life with vibrant street art.

Settle into your accommodation in Asilah and take a leisurely stroll through the medina if time permits.

After breakfast at your hotel in Asilah, we drive to Tangier for the conclusion of your Morocco Itinerary 13 Days. Upon arrival in Tangier, you will be transferred to the airport, port, or your accommodation, marking the end of an unforgettable journey through Morocco’s diverse landscapes, imperial cities, coastal towns, and desert wonders.