Highlights of Morocco

Highlights of Morocco

Highlights of Morocco

Highlights of Morocco

Souks and the Sahara, temples and tombs, Roman ruins and imperial cities: see the top sites of Morocco on this ‘best of’ adventure.

Days: 11 From: $6,890/per person

  • Includes accommodations at best-in-class hotels and charming, luxurious riads
  • Travel with an expert private guide in a comfortable vehicle all your own
  • Journey through history and natural beauty on a series of curated private excursions

Wander the narrow lanes of the ancient medina and discover hidden gems in the souks; explore bustling cities where ancient traditions meet modern; enjoy local art and culture; and venture into vast desert landscapes. This trip covers the highlights of magnificent Morocco. Enjoy a range of private tours and excursions curated to your interests as you journey around the country with your private guide.

Talk to a Vaya Africa Specialist

We tailor itineraries to your dates and interests, adjusting hotels, excursions and length as desired.

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We consistently receive 5 star reviews from our discerning clients.

At a Glance

  • Rabat
    1 night: Arrive to the laid-back coastal capital and spend the night inside the peaceful, whitewashed Medina.
  • Fez
    3 nights: Explore this ancient walled city with your private guide, from breathtaking viewpoints to the most intimate corners of the souk where traditional crafts thrive and time slows down.
  • Erfoud
    1 night: Journey through incredibly varied landscapes and the lush Ziz valley to this southern outpost and the gateway to the desert.
  • Sahara Desert
    1 night: Lose yourself in the towering red dunes of the Sahara. Explore this sea of sand by camel as you watch the sunset in meditative silence. Share stories by the fire and gaze up at the stars from your luxury desert camp.
  • Skoura: Valley of the Kasbahs
    1 night: Venture to the Valley of the Kasbahs, learn about Berber culture, visit the Rose Valley, and explore a slower pace of life in the famous Oasis of Skoura.
  • Marrakesh
    3 nights: Travel over the Tizi n’Tichka Pass and into the Red City, a haven for art, design, and culture. Explore with your private guide, sample local cuisine, and discover a world of markets, fine dining, museums and gardens.

All itineraries are fully customizable. We will send you a personalized variation that reflects your interests and travel dates at no extra cost. Call to discuss your travel plans with one of our Specialists who know this region firsthand.

5-Star Reviews

Find out why our discerning travelers consistently rate us with 5-stars.

Sample Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Morocco

Morocco Clementines

Arrive to Casablanca, where your private guide will be waiting to whisk you away to the laid-back coastal capital, Rabat. This city is a mix of modern and ancient, and moves at a slower pace than the rest of the country. Unwind at your boutique riad and enjoy dinner on the roof or a dip in the pool as you are introduced to Morocco.

Accommodations: Dar Shaan

This beautiful Andalusian house has been lovingly restored and features 11 suites, each decorated with unique art pieces that highlight the history of Morocco. Magnificent stone columns, chiseled arches, wooden ceilings, heavy carved doors and marble floors maintain their historic charm, but modern glass and contemporary furniture create a unique mix in this charming riad. A spa, swimming pool, and rooftop terrace make this an ideal place to while away an afternoon in the medina.

*Includes: Breakfast

Day 2: On the road to Fez

Morocco_Volubilis

Hit the road with your private guide. Watch the landscape transform as you leave the Atlantic coast and venture into picturesque hills and endless olive groves on your way to Fez. Pause for a spectacular lunch in the hillside town of Moulay Idriss. In the afternoon, step back in time with a visit to the ancient ruins of Volubilis and marvel at the intricate mosaics left behind in this stronghold of Rome. In the late afternoon you arrive to Fez and your luxurious boutique riad, nestled in the heart of the ancient Medina.

Accommodations: Riad Laaroussa , 3 nights

Lovingly restored and family run, this 17th century former palace is a haven of calm in the center of the Fez Medina. Spacious suites, some featuring brick fireplaces, cozy common areas, a heated pool, spectacular rooftop views as well as excellent dining and a traditional hammam spa make this the ideal base from which to enjoy the city of Fez.

*Includes: Breakfast

Day 3: Fez through the eyes of a local

Bab Bou Jeloud gate (The Blue Gate)

Explore winding souks and sample the freshest food as you pass by a stall that catches your fancy. Stop for a steaming cup of mint tea, and get a sense of daily life as you watch the world go by and chat with friendly locals. Gaze out at the walled city from a hilltop fort, wander the unique Mellah, and see how architecture and culture are intertwined. Visit the world-famous tanneries, still using ancient methods, tucked away in a hidden courtyard. Opt for a cooking class, or wind down at the end of your day with a relaxing traditional Hammam spa experience at your hotel.

Accommodations: Riad Laaroussa , 3 nights

*Includes: Breakfast

Day 4: Another day to explore Fez

Let your private guide curate the day for you in Fez, offering tours and activities to suit your interests, or opt for a relaxing day at a traditional Hammam spa, sit poolside as you sip a glass of traditional mint tea, or lose yourself in the winding streets of the market.

Accommodations: Riad Laaroussa , 3 nights

*Includes: Breakfast

Day 5: A road trip to the desert

Morocco_Road Scene

Strike out on a classic Moroccan road trip. Departing early, make your way from Fez through the Middle Atlas mountains and the forests of Ifrane, all the way south to the gateway of the Sahara desert. It is almost impossible to imagine that in a day’s journey you could see such a varied landscape. Slowly the views change from mountains to desert, dotted with palm oases and rocky valleys. Drive along the Ziz valley, known for its production of dates and its abundant fossils, until you reach the outpost town of Erphoud, where you will spend the night.

Accommodations: La Rose du Desert

Nestled in palm groves and sand on the edge of the Sahara, this rustic boutique hotel has cozy stone bungalows and well-appointed suites. The garden oasis offers a swimming pool and various pathways and seating areas, and the onsite restaurant features homecooked Moroccan cuisine.

*Includes: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6: Sand dunes in the Sahara

Morocco_ Desert_5

Witness the rising sun lighting the dunes in the distance as the Sahara Desert appears. Climb in your 4X4 Jeep and head into the desert with a local expert guide. Camels wait to carry you further in, to a place where you can watch the sun set in complete meditative quiet as you reflect on your journey. In the evening, sit around the fire as you are treated to dinner and traditional Gnawa music that tells a story of ancient peoples through its enchanting rhythms.

Accommodations: Madu Luxury Desert Sahara Camp

Madu Luxury Desert Camp is hidden among the quiet and idyllic sand dunes of Erg Chebbi in the Sahara desert, and is the perfect glamping getaway to experience this extreme landscape with all the comforts of home. Just ten tents, each with a glass front, offer unspoiled views of the dunes, while comfortable beds and a lounge area give you plenty of places to relax in the heat of the day. Sit around the fire or in one of the many private seating areas around camp. Enjoy an evening of rhythmic Gnawa music, after you explore by camelback for sunset.

*Includes: All Inclusive

Day 7: Date Palms and Kasbahs

Buildings in the old town of Ouarzazate, a city in south-central Morocco. North Africa

As the sun rises over the dunes your journey continues. Make your way out of the desert and head for the famous Skoura Oasis. This island of palm trees, ringed by distant mountains, is home to an impressive array of agriculture, traditional family kasbahs, and a gentle pace of life. Relax in one of the many secluded corners of the incredible garden at your boutique hotel as you unwind before dinner.

Accommodations: L’Ma Lodge

This small boutique lodge is owner-operated, with exquisite attention to detail. Set in a vast, lush garden, there are multiple hidden seating areas overflowing with chairs and cushions, ideal for relaxation. A heated pool, playground and small animal sanctuary complete the huge garden area, and a gorgeous central dining room complete with floating fireplace for cool desert nights offers an ideal place to enjoy an exotic fusion of Moroccan and Mediterranean food. A rooftop terrace offers 360 degree views of the High Atlas Mountains.

*Includes: Breakfast

Day 8: Over the mountains to Marrakesh

Morocco_-Markets

Explore the oasis on foot before you head for the hills with your guide, stopping at view points and villages along the way. Get to know Morocco as you witness real life along the way, climbing mountain passes, dodging donkey carts, and slowing down to drive carefully through a bustling market day. Along the way, stop to see the iconic UNESCO Heritage Ait Ben Haddou, one of the best-preserved Kasbahs in the world and the site of several famous films. Wind your way through the ancient streets and take in the surrounding views.

Cross the Tizi n’ Tichka Pass over the High Atlas Mountains and descend into the Red City of Marrakesh, nestled in the foothills. Once a famed imperial city, today Marrakesh is a bustling, modern metropolis. From the thriving food stalls and performers of Djemaa El Fna square to the hushed palaces and tranquil Marjorelle gardens, this city has something to suit all interests. The ancient souks of the medina are a network of winding lanes and shops just begging to be explored.

Accommodations: Riad L’Orangeraie , 3 nights

This ancient Moroccan riad is located in the souk (market), with a convenient location for exploring Marrakesh. Situated around a courtyard full of fragrant fruit trees, you will find seven beautiful rooms, a mosaic pool, well-appointed seating areas, and a sun-drenched terrace for al fresco dining. Relaxed and intimate, this quiet boutique riad is just a five-minute walk from the famed Jemaa el Fna square.

*Includes: Breakfast

Day 9: Magnificent Marrakesh

Morrco_marrakesh_1

Dive into the hidden beauty of Marrakesh with your private guide. Wander the narrow alleys of the Medina, encountering hidden squares and markets in this impossible-seeming warren of activity. Visit the leather, brass, carpet, straw and spice areas with your expert guide. You may also opt to explore the El-Bahia Palace, known for its ornate tiles and peaceful courtyards, or to take in the history of the Saadia Tombs. See the secret garden, the Museum of Photography and the 12th century Koutoubia Mosque, and sample exquisite local cuisine.

Accommodations: Riad L’Orangeraie , 3 nights

*Includes: Breakfast

Day 10: Marrakesh in depth

Morocco_Fez_Pottery

Stroll through the tranquil Marjorelle Gardens built by Pierre Berger, partner of Yves Saint Laurent. Inside, witness a maze of cactus and bamboo, as well as the villas where these famed designers lived, painted a striking shade of blue. Visit the fascinating Berber Museum and Yves Saint Laurent museum, a shrine to his work and life in Morocco.

In the afternoon enjoy a wander through the souks, traditional marketplaces where herbalists, spice sellers, metal workers, tanners, and food vendors ply their wares in narrow, winding streets. Relax in a traditional Hammam spa, or enjoy some Moroccan tea in the comfort of your riad’s rooftop oasis.

Accommodations: Riad L’Orangeraie , 3 nights

*Includes: Breakfast

Day 11: Farewell Morocco

Bid farewell to Morocco as your guide takes you to Marrakesh or Casablanca Airport to connect with your international flight home.

*Includes: Breakfast

Popular Ways to Customize This Itinerary

  • Choose from a carefully-curated selection of traditional, luxury riads and boutique hotels to ensure this trip fits your travel style and budget.

  • Ask us about the variety of tours and experiences we can curate to make your Moroccan journey truly come to life. From cooking classes to vintage side car tours, there is something for everyone.

  • Include some downtime for rest and relaxation! Adding free time along the way to unwind or have a massage will allow you to feel refreshed and ready for the remainder of your trip. Many of our properties include excellent traditional Hammam spas or wellness centers.

  • Mix and match with other cities, experiences and iconic locations in Morocco to tailor your trip perfectly.

  • Contact us to learn about more options for designing and customizing your trip.

Contact us to learn about more options for designing and customizing your trip.
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