Winds of the Sahara: A Moroccan Adventure
From the moment you set foot in Morocco, you will be swept into a world of color, contrast, and sensory delight. This is a land where ancient medinas buzz with life, spices fill the air with warm, earthy fragrance, and golden dunes stretch endlessly beneath a sky full of stars. Whether you’re sipping mint tea in a tiled courtyard, weaving through the vibrant chaos of Marrakech’s souks, or watching the sun rise over the Sahara from the back of a camel, Morocco feels like stepping into a dream woven from history, culture, and magic.
This journey invites you to wander through imperial cities steeped in tradition, lose yourself in blue-washed mountain villages, and find serenity in luxurious riads and desert camps. Morocco doesn’t just offer sights—it offers stories, rhythm, and wonder. It’s not just a destination—it’s an experience that lingers long after the journey ends.
Sample Itinerary
Day 1. Rabat. Upon arrival in Casablanca you will be transferred to Rabat, the capital of the Kingdom of Morocco.
Day 2. Chefchaouen. Enjoy a morning of sightseeing in the city starting with a walk through the boulevards of the Ville Nouvelle, home to the ruins of the Citadel of Challah followed by a visit to the Tour Hassan Mosque with its massive minaret towering over the city, dating back to 1195. Conclude the morning at the Kasbah des Oudayas which houses the Palace of the Andalusian Gardens before making your way by train or by car to Chefchaouen.
Day 3. Fez. Perched in the Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen is a dreamy maze of blue-washed alleys and whitewashed walls where very corner feels like a watercolor painting. It is known as the “Blue Pearl of Morocco”. Enjoy your morning in this tranquil town before driving to Fez.
Day 4. Fez. Full day excursion to the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Meknes, designated for its impressive imperial architecture and historical medina as well as Volubilis, recognized for its exceptionally well-preserved Roman ruins.
Day 5. Fez. Enjoy a full day in Fez visiting Fez el-Bali medina, the city’s historic quarter, Al Quaraouiyine University and one of the many tanneries. The leather produced in Fes is renowned worldwide and the manufacturing methods remain the same today as in the medieval times. Browse some artisan workshops and sample some delicious food before the end of the day.
Day 6. Merzouga. Depart early this morning bound for the Sahara, crossing the Middle Atlas Mountains as you make your way to Merzouga. En route stop at Ifrance, known as the “Switzerland of Morocco” and the cedar forests of Azrou. Upon your arrival in Merzouga by late afternoon, embark on a camel trek into the dunes of Erg Chebbi and overnight at a Berber camp.
Day 7. Dades Valley. This will be a full day of traveling and a highlight for many Morocco travelers where you can expect ever changing scenery, a chance to stop for mint tea with the locals and plenty of photo opportunities. Visit Erfoud, known for its date palms, Tinghir and Todra Gorge with its towering limestone cliffs. Here the road winds through the gorge with sheer rock walls rising up to 900 feet. Then pass through Berber villages with mud-brick houses until you finally reach Boumaine Dades where the landscape shifts to the famous “Valley of A Thousand Kasbahs.”
Day 8. Skoura. A leisurely morning drive takes you to Skoura through the Valley of Roses. Skoura is a hidden gem, and a lush, green expanse dotted with ancient mud-brick fortresses offering a peaceful glimpse into rural Moroccan life.
Day 9. Skoura. Enjoy a relaxing day meandering through this town to see Kasbah Amridil, one of Morocco’s most iconic kasbah and take a bicycle ride along the palm grove walk for a chance to meet the local farmers along the way.
Day 10. Asni. The last long leg of this trip will take you high into the Atlas Mountains via Tizi n’Tichka Pass. The road is winding and offers jaw-dropping vistas as you pass many Berber villages. Upon arrival in Asni check-in at the famous Kasbah Tamadot, Sir Richard Branson’s award-winning luxury retreat.
Day 11. Asni. Spend the day immersing yourself into the world of the Berber people as you stroll through the villages of Asni and Imlil (two of the larger ones). Here you will be hosted by local families in their humble homes to see how life in the mountains unfolds day by day. Taste some home baked bread, fresh mint tea and learn about the history and culture of these fascinating tribes.
Day 12. Marrakech. A short morning drive takes you to Marrakech, the “Pearl of the South”, a vibrant, living tapestry woven with color, sound, scent and history. In the afternoon visit the legendary Jemaa el-Fnaa, where snake charmers, storytellers, and sizzling street food stalls create an intoxicating energy.
Day 13. Marrakech. Wander through the tranquil gardens of Le Jardin Majorelle, once owned by Yves Saint Laurent, visit Bahia Palace to marvel at the intricate mosaics and step into the serene world of Islamic art at the ben Youssef Madrasa. At sunset retreat to a rooftop café for mint tea and a panoramic view of the city’s rose-hued skyline.
Day 14. Marrakech. Enjoy a free morning followed by a mid-day hands-on cooking class in a traditional riad and learn how to perfect harira soup and homemade bread. As the day winds down explore the emerging art scene in the Gueliz district where contemporary galleries, chic boutiques and stylish cafes line the streets.
Day 15. Departure. Transfer back to Casablanca in time for your return flight.
This itinerary serves as a sample outline, providing a glimpse of what your journey could look like. However, we understand that every traveler is unique, and we are delighted to tailor every detail to your individual preferences, ensuring a personalized and unforgettable experience.
Our Top-Choice Hotel Picks:
Rabat
Story Rabat
Chefchaouen
Lina Riyad & Spa
Fez
Riyad Fez
Dades Valley
Xaluca Dades Hotel
Skoura
Kasar El Kabbaba
Asni
Kasbah Tamadot
Marrakech
La Mamounia
El Fenn
Royal Mansour
La Maison Arabe
Best Time to Visit:
March to May / September through October
Optional inclusions and activities:
Visit the stunning vineyard of Domaine de la Zouina, located between the foothills of the Rif, the Middle Atlas Mountains and between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea for a 3-course gourmet lunch and wine tasting.
Explore the dunes or beaches on horseback in Essaouria, a coastal town near Marrakech.
Indulge in a traditional Hammam ritual (steam bath and scrub).