Our Grand Tour of Morocco is a comprehensive private tour of Morocco that brings together the sights and sounds of this fantastic destination and the chance to discover more than the well-trodden paths around Marrakech. Furthermore, you’ll be staying in lovely boutique hotels and riads.
You begin in Casablanca, Morocco’s most cosmopolitan city. You’ll spend a night here, also dipping into the Medina and seeing a little of the town.
Without a doubt, having the same driver throughout your time in Morocco is a massive advantage. You first drive to Fez, taking about 3.5 hours of driving, yet you can stop at Volubilis, a Roman town that contains some superbly preserved mosaics. You also visit Meknes, which was once the heart of the Moroccan sultanate.
Fez is one of the oldest medinas globally, steeped in history and less discovered than Marrakech. Stay in a beautifully restored riad in the heart of this ancient city.
Firstly, drive south through dramatic scenery as you cross the Atlas Mountains and then arrive into the desert. Afterwards, arrive at Erg Chebbi, which offers superb desert scenery, with some dunes rising to 800 feet. After freshening up at your private desert camp, ride into the Saharan sunset on the back of a camel. Afterwards, you will return to a hearty evening meal under the stars before retiring to your tent for the night.
You will then drive west towards Skoura via the palm plantations of Tinerhir and the sheer cliffs of Todra Gorge. We suggest spending two nights in the boutique Jardin De Skoura, or you may wish to opt for the deluxe Dar Ahlem nearby.
You will pass Ait Benhaddou on the road to Marrakech, unquestionably one of the more impressive Kasbahs in Morocco. The route takes you over the Atlas Mountains, where you will stay for two nights at the Kasbah Bab Ourika. Spend your second day on a leisurely walk through Berber villages and visiting a local home for a mint tea.
We then suggest driving to Essaouira, located on the Atlantic Coast and a chance to see this side of Morocco. The artsy town is certainly worth exploring, with its pocket-book souk.
You then drive to Marrakech, where you will spend three nights in Dar Zemora. The city itself is a maze of souks, sights and sounds and the best policy is to explore on foot and see where you end up! Explore the busy souks, mosques and palaces for a few days and feel the buzz of the city, particularly the Djemaa el Fna which comes alive at night with acrobats, snake handlers and storytellers.
Our Grand Tour of Morocco can also be adapted to include stays in Rabat, Tangiers and Chefchaouen should you have more time to spend in Morocco.