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Grand Tour of Morocco – A 21-Day Journey from Coast to Desert

This three-week adventure is designed for those who want to really get under Morocco’s skin. You’ll take in the full sweep of the country — from the Atlantic coastline to the ancient cities of the north, the dramatic landscapes of the Atlas Mountains, and the vast silence of the Sahara.

We’ve paced it carefully to give you a mix of guided discovery and time to explore at your own rhythm. Along the way, you’ll stay in handpicked riads and guesthouses full of charm, meet welcoming locals, and experience the colours, flavours and warmth that make Morocco so special. Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip, this is a journey that shows you the country in all its variety.

Your Itinerary

Grand Tour Morocco - Casablanca

Day 1 - Arrive in Casablanca

Begin your Moroccan adventure in Casablanca, the country’s modern commercial hub. This afternoon, enjoy a half-day private tour including the magnificent Hassan II Mosque, perched dramatically over the Atlantic. Take in the city’s Art Deco architecture and lively seaside promenade.

Overnight in Casablanca.

Travel Time: Airport to city centre ~45 mins

Grand Tour Morocco - Rabat

Day 2 - Casablanca to Rabat

Travel north along the coast to elegant Rabat, Morocco’s relaxed capital city. This afternoon, set off on a half-day private guided tour that takes in the 12th-century Hassan Tower, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, the Andalusian Gardens, and the ancient ruins of Chellah, where Roman and Islamic history intertwine. End your tour with a stroll through the Oudayas Kasbah, overlooking the mouth of the Bou Regreg River.

Overnight in Rabat (2 nights).

Travel Time: 1 hr 20 mins

Discover Rabat

Day 3 - Explore Rabat at Leisure

Spend the day at your own pace, perhaps visiting one of Rabat’s excellent museums or enjoying lunch by the ocean. The peaceful streets of the Ville Nouvelle are perfect for a wander, or you may wish to relax in one of the city’s leafy cafés. Optional add-ons such as cooking classes or hammam experiences are available.

Grand Tour Morocco - Tangier

Day 4 - Rabat to Tangier

Head north along Morocco’s Atlantic edge to Tangier, a city steeped in literary and artistic heritage. Your half-day private tour will reveal the history of this once-international city, from the Kasbah Museum to the medina and Grand Socco. You’ll also visit Cap Spartel, where the Mediterranean meets the Atlantic.

Overnight in Tangier (2 nights).

Travel Time: 3 hrs 30 mins

Tangier

Day 5 - Tangier at Leisure

A day to soak in the atmosphere of Tangier at your own pace. Browse local galleries, sip mint tea with a view, or perhaps visit the Caves of Hercules for a glimpse into legend and history.

Morocco Grand Tour - Tangier

Day 6 - Tangier to Chefchaouen

Journey inland to the blue-hued mountain town of Chefchaouen, nestled in the Rif Mountains. This afternoon, enjoy a half-day walking tour through the charming medina, with its winding alleys, artisan shops and vibrant squares. The town is a photographer’s dream and a peaceful spot to unwind.

Overnight in Chefchaouen.

Travel Time: 2 hrs 30 mins

Day 7 - Chefchaouen to Fes via Volubilis

Today’s journey takes you south to Fes with a fascinating stop at Volubilis, Morocco’s best-preserved Roman ruins. Explore ancient mosaics and columns before continuing on to Fes, where you’ll arrive in time to settle in for the evening.

Overnight in Fes (3 nights).

Travel Time:
Chefchaouen to Volubilis – 1 hr 30 mins
Volubilis to Fes – 2 hrs 30 mins
Total: ~4 hrs

Morocco Grand Tour - Fes

Day 8-9 - Discover Fes & Day Trip to Meknes

Spend your first full day in Fes on a private full-day guided tour, diving into the maze-like medina, one of the world’s oldest and most fascinating. Visit the famed tanneries, the medieval university of Al Quaraouiyine, and traditional artisan quarters. On the second day, take a day trip to Meknes, another imperial city with beautiful gates, royal granaries, and the mausoleum of Moulay Ismail.

Travel Time to Meknes: 1 hr each way

Grand Tour Morocco

Day 10 - Fes to Merzouga (Sahara Gateway)

Travel through the Middle Atlas Mountains, past cedar forests and Berber villages, to reach the desert town of Merzouga. This scenic and varied journey is long, but offers a dramatic shift in landscape as you head towards the Sahara.

Overnight in Merzouga.

Travel Time: ~8 hrs

Grand Tour Morocco - Erg Chebbi

Day 11 - Into the Dunes of Erg Chebbi

Switch to a 4×4 or camel for your journey into the Erg Chebbi dunes, where a luxury desert camp awaits. Watch the sun set over the sands and enjoy traditional music and stargazing around the campfire.

Overnight in Sahara camp.

Travel Time: ~1 hr (4×4 or camel ride)

Grand Tour Morocco - Todra Gorge

Day 12 - Erg Chebbi to Skoura via Todra Gorge

Depart the desert and head through the dramatic Todra Gorge, a favourite for photographers and climbers alike. Continue to Skoura, a peaceful palm oasis dotted with ancient kasbahs.

Overnight in Skoura (2 nights).

Travel Time: ~6 hrs 30 mins

Grand Tour Morocco - Skoura

Day 13 - Explore Skoura

Enjoy a restful day in Skoura. Visit the beautifully restored Kasbah Amridil, stroll among date palms, or simply relax in your tranquil riad surrounded by gardens and birdsong.

Grand Tour Morocco - Ait ben Haddou

Day 14 - Skoura to Taroudant via Ait Ben Haddou

Today’s journey takes you to the fortified village of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site and famous film location. After your visit, continue through the rugged Anti-Atlas Mountains to reach Taroudant, often referred to as a mini-Marrakech.

Overnight in Taroudant.

Travel Time:
Skoura to Ait Ben Haddou – 1 hr 30 mins
Ait Ben Haddou to Taroudant – 3 hrs
Total: ~4 hrs 30 mins (excluding stop)

Grand Tour Morocco - Essaouira

Day 15-17 - Taroudant to Essaouira

Travel west to the laid-back Atlantic town of Essaouira, a former Portuguese port with a breezy, bohemian charm. Spend three nights here enjoying seafood, browsing the medina’s artisan shops, or walking along the city’s windswept beaches.

Overnight in Essaouira (3 nights).

Travel Time: ~4 hrs 30 mins

Grand Tour Morocco - Marrakech

Days 18-20 - Essaouira to Marrakech

Finish your journey in Marrakech, Morocco’s most iconic city. On arrival, enjoy a half-day private tour of the medina, Bahia Palace, Koutoubia Mosque, and the vibrant Jemaa el-Fnaa square. Your final days can include optional visits to Majorelle Garden, a traditional hammam, or a rooftop cooking class.

Overnight in Marrakech (3 nights).

Travel Time: ~2 hrs 45 mins

Grand Tour Morocco

Day 21 - Depart from Marrakech

Private transfer to the airport for your return flight, carrying home unforgettable memories from Morocco’s imperial cities, Sahara dunes, and coastal towns.

Details -

Cost for the 20 nights including private transfers in air-conditioned vehicle is from £3,200 per person B&B (excludes flights) based on 2 sharing a double room.

All prices correct at the time of writing.  Give us a call or email us at morocco@fleewinter.com to discuss your requirements and get a confirmed price.

Just to note: This is a sample itinerary and can be completely tailored to suit your plans. We can adjust the number of days, swap out places, or look at different styles of accommodation — whatever works best for you. The trip can also start from whichever city fits your flights or travel plans best — Marrakech, Rabat, Tangier or Fes. Just let us know what you have in mind!

 

What's included?

INCLUDED:
  • Accommodation on B&B basis (Half Board in Merzouga, Erg Chebbi, Skoura, Taroudant)
  • Private airport transfer on arrival
  • Private driver from Tangier until Essaouira
  • Private Transfer Essaouira – Marrakech
  • Private airport Transfer on departure
  • Half Day Guided Tour in Casablanca, Rabat, Tangier, Fes, Marrakech)
  • Local taxes
  • All trips are ATOL protected or ABTA bonded to ensure you are fully covered
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Marrakech
The start and finish for most Morocco Holidays. Highlights are the souks in the old Medina, the main square in the evening, the Majorelle gardens and the historical sites. You should definitely stay in a Marrakech Riad for at least a few nights but also some beautiful villas and hotels on the edge of town in rural Marrakech. Click for suggested riads More
Essaouira
Essaouira is our favourite at all times of year. Probably the prettiest coastal town in Morocco and loads to see and do. Great camel trekking, horse-riding, surfing kite/windsurfing, cooking lessons, lovely medina (more relaxing shopping than Marrakech). Also great places to stay in town and in the village click below for suggestions More
High Atlas Mountains
Incredibly close to Marrakech but a world apart, the Atlas mountains are an essential visit. Go for a day trip (trekking or driving tour), or stay in one of the beautiful kasbahs perched on a hilltop to relax and soak up the views More
Sahara Desert
The massive dunes of the Sahara should be on anyone's "bucket list" and it is easy to do a trip into the desert from Marrakech, Fes or the coast with a bit of planning More
Ait Ben Haddou
One of the most famous sights in Morocco, Ait Ben Haddou is a rock fortress on the south side of the Atlas. Always a good stopping point on our desert tours and a must for the photo album More
The Gorges
The Todra and Dades Gorges maybe a little over-hyped but certainly worth a stop on the way to Mezourga - part of our Desert & Gorges Tour More
Taroudant
A pretty walled town within easy reach of Agadir (so a lot of day trippers from the package hotels) but also a great place for a night's stop between the desert and the coast More
Agadir
Having been re-built after and earthquake 50 years ago it doesn't have as much charm as other Moroccan cities but the beach and climate are lovely More
Oualidia Lagoon
A small seaside town built up around a pretty estuary and lagoon. Home to La Sultana, the best coastal hotel in Morocco and can easily be combined with a visit to Marrakech and Essaouira More
Rabat
Less well known as a tourist destination but with recently introduced direct flights from the UK it is an interesting city where you can see the modern Morocco alongside the rivermouth Kasbah and the medina More
Casablanca
The biggest city in Morocco and an industrial sprawl. We generally advise not stopping there and even if flying to Casablanca head North to Fes/Rabat or south to Marrakech/Essaouira. If you are passing through it is worth visiting the spectacular seafront mosque.
Chefchaouen
The town of Chefchaouen is beautifully situated on a mountainside, often referred to as the blue pearl due to its shimmering blue buildings. It's worth learning the history behind the choice of this color, which contributed to the town's fame, making it one of the most photographed places in Morocco. In Chefchaouen, explore the picturesque medina with winding alleys and the Kasbah with its lush gardens, serving as a haven of freshness in the city center. Chefchaouen is a paradise for walkers, not only because of its most beautiful streets and alleys, which create an unreal impression but also due to the hiking trails around the city. Besides the Old Town, it's worth visiting the main square, Uta el Hamman, with numerous cafes, and seeing the 15th-century El Adamaa Masjid mosque in white-orange colors with its characteristic octagonal minaret. Chefchaouen is an excellent choice for a one-day trip or a relaxing overnight stay. More
Fes
Fes makes for a fabulous long weekend or as part of our "Grand Tour". The highlight is the medina which most people prefer to Marrakech, partly as it is on a hill you are much more aware of the geography. Also, do a day trip to the Roman ruins at Volubilis and ask about a night or two in the village of Bhalil More
Merzouga
The second good dune area of Morocco is Erg Chebbi by Merzouga - easier to get to (no 4x4 needed) and whilst the dunes are stunning we prefer Erg Cheggaga for a proper desert experience. More

Your adventure starts here!

Do you fancy having a chat about 3 weeks in Morocco: From Coast to Desert and Back? Personally, it's one of our favourite things to talk about.

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