Best of Morocco Tour: Chefchaouen, Essaouira & Sahara Desert is a two weeks Morocco itinerary that kicks off in Marrakech; among the sprawling palatial surrounds of its palaces; city tours; and fine eating in Jemaa el Fna square. You’ll eventually leave the city for the stunning views of the High Atlas Mountains’ southern slopes, stopping off at the UNESCO World Heritage Site Ait Benhaddou, intersecting the Dades Valley’s flourishing crops, irrigation canals and palm trees and going all the way to the Sahara Desert (and your camel-riding experience) It is here that you’ll find a bit of affinity with the desert landscapes.
The next steps in your Moroccan expedition will see you travel across the Middle Atlas Mountains and forests with cheeky monkeys, exploring the walled city Fez, the 2000 years old Roman ruins of Volubilis, the blue town of Chefchaouen, and Africa’s wind city Essaouira. It is here that you’ll find authentic Moroccan Argan oil.
Prepare yourself for an adventure worthy of Cavafy, the famous North African poet. After all, it was he who said: “pray that the road is long.” Because who wants a short journey?
Arrive in Marrakech, the pulse of historic Morocco. Your private transfer will meet you at Marrakech Menara Airport, with a sign and escort you to the hotel. Check in in your iconic hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Should you wish to start exploring the city today, or have dinner at Marrakech’s best local restaurant, we’ll assist you and make sure you’ve got all necessary reservations set up.
After a morning at leisure, explore the magic of Marrakech on a full day guided tour. Your guide will be waiting for you to start your discovery of Marrakech’s palaces and mysteries.
The city life will surround you with incredible daily details as you walk through the narrow streets of the old walled Medina, see the Koutoubia Mosque and its stunning 12th-century minaret, explore the souks and witness fire-eaters, snake charmers and street musicians at every turn, hear the clanging brass of the water-men adorned with colorful tassels, experience an impressive array of aromas wafting from the cafés, restaurants, food stalls and spice shops, sharpen your bartering skills with the help of your experienced local guide as you shop the labyrinth of colorful market stalls, and enjoy fine eating in Jemaa el Fna dreamy rooftops.
Marrakech, Morocco
YSL Museum, Morocco
Once you’re set with the check-out, your driver will be waiting for you to take you south across the gorgeous Atlas Mountains, North Africa’s greatest mountain range and along the “Road of a Thousand Kasbahs” to Dades gorges and your hotel.
En route, you’ll admire majestic views of snow-capped Tizi N’tichka mountains, spy the tiny Berber villages nestled in the hills and explore the craggy hilltop fortress of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home of the region’s most exotic kasbahs, some of which have been featured in famous films, including Lawrence of Arabia and Gladiator.
Tizi N'Tichka Atlas Mountains, Morocco
Ait Benhadou, Morocco
At breakfast steam rises from fresh brewed mint tea, sweetened with honey. Enjoy your breakfast calmly then join your driver who will be waiting for you to drive from Dades To Erg Chebbi dunes.
Beyond Dades gorges the landscape becomes more and more barren, all the way to the village of Merzouga where the road literally peters out into the sand - here begins the ocean of dunes that is the Sahara. We will continue our trip to the heart of the desert speeding toward your luxury desert camp at Erg Chebbi, where you will get the chance to embrace the nomadic lifestyle of Berber people.
As the sun sets over the Saharan dunes, have your first go at dune-climbing to witness the magic of sunset through the golden sand sea before gathering for a candlelight dinner.
Dades Gorges, Morocco
Sahara desert, Morocco
After a resultful night of tented sleep beneath the stars, your camelback journey will begin, walking with the Bedouin across the dunes of Erg Chebbi, with a picnic lunch - an exclusive Absolute Morocco experience.
If you are an early riser, you can wake up before sunrise to catch the most magical sunrise you will ever see as in the morning the desert dresses in levels of pink and purple, orange and red, before settling into shimmering golden hues. Seize the chance and photograph the effect of the light on the mountains of sand.
At sunset, celebrate your unforgettable desert foray with a Scenic Sundowner. Return to your camp for a traditional meal before a campfire, along with distinctively Nomad entertainment.
Erg Chebbi dunes, Morocco
Sahara desert Nomad entertainement, Morocco
Today, bid farewell to the sahara desert, journey over the High Atlas Mountains, observing everyday life in remote rural towns, to the fascinating “Spiritual City” of Fez, where you check into your luxurious hotel.
About halfway through the journey, you will stop for lunch in the town of Midelt. A city known for the incredible work that the artisans create with fossils!
Berber Village, Morocco
Ifran City, Morocco
Begin your day with a guided tour to explore the unchanged mediaeval maze of the medina of Fez. The cobbled streets of Fez el Bali are home to endless stalls of rainbows of scarves and leather goods and tradesmen selling anything from carpets to lanterns. Take in the views from the surrounding balconies over the Chouara tanneries operating since at least the 16th century and one of the city’s most iconic sights. The calls to prayer that echo through Fez’s streets will be one you’ll never forget.
You’ll get to stop for lunch at one of our favorite restaurants where they’ll amaze you with their mouth-watering local cuisine.
Fes, Imperial Morocco
Chouara Tanneries, Morocco
Journey overland to the Roman ruins of Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with some of the best-preserved Roman ruins in North Africa, then to Chefchaouen, the blue picturesque city of Morocco where you will spend the two nights.
Picture a city where almost everything is rinsed in blue, giving an impression of unreality.
Meknes winery, Imperial Morocco
Volubilis, Morocco
After having breakfast in your hotel, you will start your Chefchaouen city tour. Chefchaouen dates back to the 15th century and is one of the most famous images of Morocco. It’s located in the Rif Mountains that overlook a lush valley and culminate at 8,054 feet.
You will quickly notice that the colors of the city change as you walk in the medina. The streets act like steps and climb the foothills. At first you will notice a sporadic blue door, then a blue painted wall. Suddenly the whole alley is blue, from the doors to the stones on the street. The color looks like a clear cloudless sky.
This city will impress you with its artistic streets and traditional vibe. Our clients have loved shooting pictures here! We can arrange for a local photographer who knows all the insta famous spots plus some hidden gems that are rarely photographed to take your pictures - An Absolute Morocco exclusive activity.
The winding streets converge on the Uta el-Hammam square, home to the octagonal minaret of the Great Mosque, cafes, red-walled Kasbah and an ethnographic Museum.
Chefchaouen, Morocco
The Blue City, North Morocco
Transfer overland from Chefchaouen to Casabanca, the best representation of the modern nation. This is where money is being made, where young Moroccans come to seek their fortunes and where business and the creative industries prosper. You will pause along the way to see the coastal city of Rabat, your first experience of the diving seagulls, the blue skies, the fresh sea air, and the coastal breeze.
Hassan Tour In Rabat, Morocco
Rabat, Imperial Morocco
After Breakfast, visit the stunning Hassan II Mosque, which accommodates up to 25,000 worshippers; its minaret stands as the tallest religious structure in the world, and drive the dramatic coastline to the charming fishing town of Essaouira.
Casablanca, Morocco
Casablanca, Morocco
Enjoy a free morning time at leisure in Essaouira, wander through its medina boasting beautiful art and woodcraft, walk up on the old fortified wall and see the old cannons as you look out over the oceans.
For the foodies amongst you, this is the perfect town to explore Morocco’s selection of fresh seafood. You can dine in Port de Peche where you can enjoy freshly caught oysters. This quiet town brings great contrast against Marrakesh, your next stop, yet provides the same level of Luxury.
When you are ready, you and your driver will head towards Marrakech for an afternoon at leisure or to climb aboard a vintage WWII sidecar for a wild tour of the Palmeraie oasis which lies beyond the city.
Essaouira port, Morocco
Essaouira, Morocco
This morning is your last full day in Morocco, but it is a relaxed one so you can do all that last minute shopping or exploring you wanted to do! Go pick up a lantern for your house back home, sip a cup of orange juice, return with your expert guide to see if that shopkeeper would finally budge on the bargain you wanted, or simply relax in the tranquility of your Riad.
Goats in Argan Tree, Morocco
Marrakech Medina, Morocco
Depending on your flight departure – Meet your driver and transfer to Marrakech Airport.
Best Of Morocco Tour : Chefchaouen, Essaouira & Sahara Desert - Map
