Description
Embark on the ultimate Moroccan adventure with this unforgettable 13-day, 12-night Grand Tour of Morocco with Wanderlust in Morocco. Starting and ending in Marrakech, this carefully designed journey takes you through Morocco’s most iconic destinations, combining imperial cities, spectacular mountain landscapes, ancient kasbahs, the golden Sahara Desert, charming blue streets, and the beautiful Atlantic coast.
Begin your adventure in the vibrant city of Marrakech, where you can discover historic landmarks, colorful souks, traditional architecture, and the unique atmosphere of Morocco’s famous Red City. From Marrakech, journey through the breathtaking High Atlas Mountains, enjoying panoramic views and passing traditional Amazigh villages along the way.
Join Wanderlust in Morocco and discover the authentic soul of Morocco through a journey filled with spectacular scenery, fascinating history, rich traditions, and lasting memories.
Book Your TourNo experience needed. Safe, smooth landing guaranteed — unforgettable memories included.
Your journey through Morocco begins the moment you land. A member of our WanderlustInMorocco team will be waiting to welcome you at the airport or your Casablanca hotel, ready to whisk you off on your 13-day adventure. We'll ease into things with a scenic drive past the city's most iconic districts before arriving at the magnificent Hassan II Mosque, perched dramatically on the Atlantic coastline. Settle in for a relaxed first night at a handpicked hotel in Casablanca.
Following breakfast, we'll set off around 8:00 AM for Rabat, Morocco's elegant capital. Here you'll tour the Royal Palace, admire the towering Hassan Tower alongside the Mohammed V Mausoleum, and wander through the Kasbah of the Oudayas — a UNESCO-listed enclave whose whitewashed alleys have long captivated artists and travelers alike. Don't miss the legendary Café Maure, tucked within its winding lanes, for a moment of quiet reflection over mint tea. From Rabat, we'll wind our way into the Rif Mountains toward Chefchaouen, Morocco's beloved "Blue Pearl," where you'll have free time to lose yourself in the cascading blue lanes of the medina. Overnight at a traditional riad, breakfast included.
Wake up in one of Morocco's most photographed towns and spend the day discovering why Chefchaouen holds such a special place in travelers' hearts. Its whitewashed walls, turquoise-painted doors, wrought-iron balconies and tiled rooftops create a dreamlike atmosphere at every turn. Relax on a café terrace overlooking the striking Tarik-Ben-Ziad Mosque, then explore the Andalusian-style kasbah at the heart of the medina. With a local guide, you'll browse workshops known for traditional basketry and pottery, admire the flowing djellaba robes native to this region, and dive into the lively souk that still pulses with authentic Moroccan life. Another peaceful night awaits in a charming riad within the medina.
After a satisfying riad breakfast, we continue toward the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis, passing through Ouazzane and a string of picturesque Rif villages along the way. At Volubilis, step back nearly two thousand years into Morocco's history among the well-preserved mosaics and columns. From there, we'll roll into Meknes — an imperial city dating to the 17th century — for lunch, a walk along its historic ramparts, a look at the grand Bab el-Mansour gate, and a visit to the Royal Stables at Moulay Ismail's greenery. As afternoon settles in, we head onward to Fes, where you'll spend the night.
Today belongs entirely to Fes, Morocco's spiritual and artisanal heart. After breakfast, a local guide will lead you through Fes el Bali, the UNESCO-protected old city founded in the 9th century and home to the world's oldest continuously operating university. Once the political and cultural capital of the kingdom under the Merinid dynasty, Fes remains the country's craft capital to this day, with workshops still practicing centuries-old trades in leather, metal, ceramics, silk and weaving inside its labyrinth of roughly 9,000 narrow lanes. Your guided exploration will take you through the Jewish Mellah quarter, the famous tanneries, the silk, wool and cotton dyers' souks, the Zellij tile cooperative, Al Quaraouiyine University, the Royal Palace of Fes, and a weavers' cooperative, finishing with a sweeping panoramic view over Fes el Bali. Afterward, enjoy free time to wander at your own pace before a second peaceful night in the medina.
Your driver-guide collects you around 8:00 AM for the long, beautiful drive south toward the Sahara. We'll pass through Ifrane, often called "Little Switzerland" for its alpine-style architecture, then stop at the Cedar Forest to spot the resident monkeys climbing among the trees. Crossing the Middle Atlas Mountains, we descend into the Ziz Valley, one of southern Morocco's grandest palm oases, before reaching Erfoud, known for its fossil museums and workshops. On arrival in Merzouga, you'll have time to connect with local villagers, and — if you like — set off on an ATV quad adventure to catch a golden sunset atop the Erg Chebbi dunes. Overnight at a riad near the dunes.
After breakfast, we head deeper into the Sahara to meet nomadic families and share tea at an oasis that has featured in films such as "Sahara" starring Penélope Cruz. In Rissani, the first imperial city of the Alaouite dynasty, we'll browse one of southern Morocco's oldest souks. Following lunch in the village of Khamlia, the real magic begins: a camel trek into the dunes of Erg Chebbi to watch an unforgettable Sahara sunset, with the option to try sandboarding along the way. As night falls, settle into a private nomadic tent in a Berber desert camp for a traditional dinner, live music beneath a blanket of stars, and the rare thrill of shooting stars over the dunes.
Rise early (optional) to witness a spectacular sunrise over Erg Chebbi before breakfast and a shower at camp. You'll then return to Merzouga village either by camel or 4WD, whichever you prefer. From here, our route continues through Berber villages including Mellab, Tinjdad and Jorf — the latter known for its historic underground irrigation wells, well worth a stop. Lunch (optional) will be in Mellab or Tinjdad. Next comes the Todra Valley, home to lush palm oases and the dramatic Todra Gorges, whose 300-metre canyon walls were carved over millennia by rushing water and remain a favorite for climbers and hikers. We'll finish the day near the Dades Gorge, where a charming riad awaits.
After breakfast, we pass through the fragrant Valley of Roses, famous for its May Rose Festival, and the kasbahs of Skoura, including the beautifully preserved Kasbah Amridil — once featured on the 50-dirham banknote. Continuing through Ouarzazate, we arrive at the legendary Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and backdrop for numerous Hollywood films, widely regarded as Morocco's most iconic kasbah. From there, the newly paved road leads to Telouet, once the seat of El Glaoui, the last Pasha of Marrakech, who controlled the high Tizi-n-Tichka pass — the highest in Africa. We arrive in Marrakech as evening settles in.
Around 8:30–9:00 AM, your guide will meet you for a full day exploring the Red City. Marrakech is famous above all for Jemaa el-Fnaa square, alive with juice stalls, henna artists, snake charmers, storytellers and nightly food vendors. Depending on your pace and preferences, you'll visit the Majorelle Garden, once owned by Yves Saint Laurent and known for its signature "Majorelle blue," and Le Jardin Secret, a traditional four-quadrant Islamic paradise garden fed by channels from the Atlas Mountains. Pass by the Koutoubia Mosque, Marrakech's tallest landmark (non-Muslim visitors cannot enter, but the surrounding gardens are lovely in spring). Continue to the Bahia Palace, the Ben Youssef Medersa (once home to some 80 Quranic students), and the Saadian Tombs. In the souks, browse the tanneries, metalwork lamps, carpets and Berber rugs, and the beautifully restored Mellah quarter. Your guide will accompany you back to your riad as the tour wraps up.
This morning we head to the coast, just three hours from Marrakech, to the breezy Portuguese-built city of Essaouira. Explore at your own pace, including the historic port of Mogador, built on a narrow peninsula beside a sweeping crescent of sand and guarded by striking 18th-century ramparts. Walk along the Skala for views over the fishing harbor, old fortresses and Spanish cannons, and browse the town's celebrated woodwork crafts, inlaid with lemon wood, ebony, mother-of-pearl, copper and silver. Seafood lovers will want to sample the fresh catch at the port. In the evening, we return to Marrakech, where you can soak up the electric atmosphere of Jemaa el-Fnaa once more. Overnight in a charming medina riad.
Enjoy a full free day in Marrakech to shop for souvenirs, wander the medina at your own rhythm, or unwind with a traditional hammam and Argan oil massage. As the sun sets, return to Jemaa el-Fnaa to soak in the evening buzz, then relax back at your riad or enjoy dinner at a classic Marrakech restaurant.
After a final breakfast and some last moments to explore Marrakech, you'll be transferred to Marrakech or Casablanca Airport in line with your flight schedule, bringing your Moroccan adventure to a close.