ITINERARY

Welcome to Morocco and the modern coastal city of Casablanca! The city's main attraction is the impressive Hassan II Mosque, inaugurated in 1993. Situated on an outcrop overlooking the Atlantic, it offers breathtaking views. Its 690-foot (210 m) minaret is the tallest structure in Morocco and the tallest minaret in the world. Uniquely, it is one of the few mosques in the country that non-Muslims can enter. Join a guided tour to appreciate the exquisite Moroccan and Islamic artisanship.

Travel north to the blue-hued streets of Chefchaouen in the Rif Mountains, stopping en route in Rabat, Morocco's capital. Explore the medieval Chellah Necropolis, wandering through its Roman and Islamic ruins. Visit the Bab Oudaia gate and the Kasbah des Oudaias, a 12th-century fortification from the Almohad era. Then, see the Hassan Tower, an incomplete mosque minaret, and the Mausoleum of Mohamed V.

Continue north to Chefchaouen, named after the two peaks above the hillside town, meaning "two horns." Stroll through the steep, cobbled streets and admire the charming blue-washed buildings. Relax in Place Outa el Hammam with a mint tea, then browse colorful shops. Visit the nearby kasbah, a 15th-century fortress and dungeon. As the day ends, head uphill to the abandoned white Spanish Mosque to enjoy a final view of Chefchaouen as the sun sets behind the mountains.

Fes is the oldest of Morocco's four Imperial Cities and perhaps the most fascinating to explore. It has the most complete medina in the Arab world, relatively untouched since its founding over 1,000 years ago. Often regarded as the country's cultural capital, Fes consists of three parts: two medina quarters, Fes el Bali and Fes el Jdid, and the more modern, French colonial-influenced Ville Nouvelle. Spend half a day with a guide learning about the rich history and culture as you navigate the narrow streets of the medinas.

Begin in Fes el Bali at the Bab Boujeloud gate and enter the main street, Talâa Kebira. Notice the Spanish and Tunisian-influenced architecture as you pass by shops and souks. One of the most unique sights in the old medina is the tanneries, and Chouara Tannery is no exception. Climb to the rooftop of a nearby leather shop for a view of the 11th-century stone dye pots and craftsmen still using centuries-old techniques.

Continue to the 14th-century Al Attarine Madrasa, a stunning example of Moroccan architecture with its intricate zellij tilework. Then, visit one of the world’s oldest still-operating universities, Al-Qarawiyyin University, located next to the Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque (founded in 859 CE). While the mosque is only open to Muslims, there are spots where you can glimpse its beautifully decorated interior. Cooking enthusiasts may also join a class to learn how to prepare a traditional Moroccan meal before ending the day.

Start your day bright and early as you travel south toward Merzouga. Along the way, ascend to 7,146 feet (2,178 m) over the Col du Zad pass and through the cedar forests of the Middle Atlas Mountains. Keep an eye out for local Barbary macaque monkeys before stopping for lunch in Midelt, the "apple city," near the Moulouya River. Continue over the Tizi n'Talremt pass and into the Ziz Valley, known for its hidden oases and clusters of palm trees. Along the route, you will see many fortified houses, or ksars, built to protect valuable goods like gold, salt, and spices.

Next, head to Erfoud, famous for its date festival and fossil mining. Here, you can visit a local cooperative to learn about the process and meet some artisans. Continue to Erg Chebbi, an expansive sea of sand dunes spanning 13.5 square miles (35 square km). These massive dunes shift and change with the wind! Upon reaching Merzouga, switch to a camel and ride through the dunes to your pre-set camp. Climb a nearby sand dune to watch the sunset before returning to camp for a delicious dinner and a relaxing evening by the campfire.

Catch the sunrise before renting a sandboard to test your skills on the dunes. Afterward, leave the dunes and head to Khemliya to experience a traditional Saharan village, known for its people who are originally from Mali. Continue west and pass through a dramatic gate into Rissani, a lively market town famous for its livestock auction and unique "donkey parking lot"—a memorable sight to see and experience! Proceed to the desert town of Tinerhir and then to the 984-foot (300 m) deep Todra Gorge. Take time to explore the gorge and cool off in the shallow waters of the Todra River.

Journey through the Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs, where many kasbahs are now in disrepair, though some are still inhabited by local families. You may even encounter nomads herding their animals along the way. Head west to Kela'a M'gouna, famous for its Festival des Roses. Here, you can see expansive farmland bordered by fragrant rose bushes. Continue further west to Ouarzazate, a gateway to the Sahara Desert, made popular by the film industry. Join a studio tour to discover how the nearby desert landscapes have been featured in many films.

Nicknamed the "Red City" for its red sandstone walls and buildings, Marrakech was once an important trading hub for Atlas Mountain tribes and remains a vibrant former imperial city. Begin your exploration of Marrakech's ancient medina with the Koutoubia Mosque and Gardens. While non-Muslims cannot enter the mosque, it is worth seeing its 12th-century foundations and 253-foot (77 m) minaret. Enjoy a stroll through the adjoining gardens, featuring beautiful fountains and pools.

Immerse yourself in the maze-like souks, hidden behind ordinary restaurants and shops. Visit Souk el Attarin, Souk Chouari, and Souk Smata for an array of spices, woodwork, and babouche (traditional Moroccan slippers). At Souk des Teinturiers, the dyers' market, watch how cloth and yarn are dyed using age-old methods. Then, visit the Ben Youssef Madrasa, a 16th-century Koranic school showcasing exquisite Moroccan Islamic architecture. Take note of its ornate interior details, including carved cedar ceilings, sculpted plasterwork, and intricate zellij tiling.

Conclude your day by heading to the airport for your departure flight.