Compare Morocco: See & Experience it ALL in 11 Days, 1st Class Custom Tours by Charlie The Traveler vs 13 Day Kasbahs & Deserts of Morocco by Gate 1 Travel

Day 1: The ‘Red City’, the ‘Ochre City’ & the ‘Daughter of the Desert’

Our tour starts in Marrakesh, a city with more nicknames than most. Marrakesh is the fourth largest city in the country and yet, its most popular. It is from Marrakesh several daytrips are made. Today’s activities will depend on your arrival time. There is much to explore in and around the old town and it is easy to get lost. Thankfully, however, we have a private tour guide to show us Marrakesh’s impressive attractions: palaces, city views, a citadel, garden oases, tanneries, mosques and much more.

Day 2: Hiking to the Top of Giant Waterfalls & Approaching Them by Boat

We make a daytrip today to Ouzoud Falls. There we have a guided hiking tour as well as take a paddle boat ride. Ouzoud Falls is the collective name for several tall waterfalls which empty into the El-Abid River gorge. Ouzoud Falls, standing 600 meters tall, is unsurprisingly the most visited site in the region.

Day 3: Tree-Climbing Goats, an Organic Oil Factory & a Charming Coastal Town

We make another daytrip today, this time heading to Essaouira. En route, we pass by tree-climbing goats (really, no joke!) and stop at a small factory where organic argan oil is produced. This oil is good for skin and hair. Once in Essaouira, we are provided with a guided tour. The partially fortified old town (a.k.a. medina) has a layout designed by European colonists in the late 18th century. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the medina is dotted with bastions, ramparts, art galleries and lively outdoor markets.

On a side note, swimming is encouraged only in the summer months, as the water is too cold during the winter and even fall seasons.

Day 4: Over a Dozen Outdoor Markets, Street Entertainers & Architectural Landmarks

Today is all about exploring Marrakesh. Home to around 18 markets (a.k.a. souks), some describe this city as ‘one giant marketplace’. Historically, Marrakesh has served as a marketplace where tribesmen and Berber villagers would buy and sell goods (such as carpets) and find entertainment on the streets. Hundreds of years later, the goods and especially the entertainment are as alive as ever. The heart of the city is Jemaa el-Fnaa Square. Expect to see acrobats, drummers, pipe musicians, dancers, storytellers, comedians and fairground acts. No less compelling than these entertainers are the city’s architectural attractions. We spend the day visiting them.

Day 5: The Country’s Iconic Village & One of the Largest Movie Studios in the World

Although we relocate from Marrakesh ultimately to a village in the desert, we make two must-visit stops along the way. The first stop is to the historic and fortified village of Ait Benhaddou and second, to the town of Ouarzazate. Ait Benhaddou serves as a fine example of Morocco’s earthen clay architecture. Several films shot in Morocco have used both Ait Benhaddou and Ouarzazate as locations. Movies filmed there include The Mummy, Gladiator and Game of Thrones. Ouarzazate is a town best known for its film studio called Atlas Studios. Atlas is one of the largest movie studios in the world in terms of land area. We visit a cinema museum which displays many of the studio's props.

Day 6: Camel Riding on Red Sand Dunes, Dinner & a Show Under the Stars & Sleeping in a Luxury Camp

We are relocating once again. Our desert exploration continues north today. The first destination is Dades Gorges. They are a series of rugged wadi gorges carved out by the river. The next destination is Todgha (a.k.a. Todra) Gorges. They are a series of limestone river canyons. En route to our final destination, Erg Chebbi, we make a stop in the village of Rissani, home to a locally famous pizza-like dish called madfouna. Erg Chebbi is where our luxury camp is located. We sleep in a tent. Erg Chebbi is essentially a large sea of red dunes formed by wind-blown sand. After arrival, we go camel riding with a tour guide. Dinner is included on today’s tour. Before the night ends, we watch a traditional show with music and fire.

Important to note, although the camp usually has Wi-Fi and should have electricity, outages do happen from time to time.

Day 7: Monkeys & the Middle Ages Meet the 21st Century

After breakfast, which is included on today’s tour, we relocate from the desert to the city of Fez (also spelled Fes). Several scenic stops are made along the way, such as to Ziz Valley and the Cèdre Gouraud Forest, the latter of which is home to monkeys. Fez will for sure stimulate our senses. It is the firstborn of Morocco’s four royal capitals and arguably the best-preserved medieval city of the Arab world.

Day 8: Meal Inside a Native’s Home & the Best-Preserved Medieval City of the Arab World

Fez is truly a crossbreed between the Middle Ages and the modern times. Today we dive right into the sightseeing: fortresses, mosques, a tannery, centuries-old brass-working shops, a historic university, city views, souks and more. Fez is Morocco’s second most popular tourist destination after Marrakesh, but it hosts no fewer must-see landmarks. Following the tour, we are taken to a native Moroccan’s home. There we watch how traditional food is prepared as well as have dinner. The combination of tasty cuisine, rich culture and good company creates an unforgettable experience.

Day 9: The Blue Pearl Village of Africa

Today we relocate to a charming blue village called Chefchaouen. It is nicknamed the 'blue pearl of Morocco'. The beauty of Chefchaouen's mountainous surroundings is enhanced by the contrast of the brightly painted old town. It is an attractive place for tourists generally and influencers especially. There are so many postcard-perfection locations to take a selfie. Among the places we visit is, of course, the main square. It is lined with cafes and is filled to the brim with locals and tourists mingling.

Day 10: Casablanca or Tangier, Your Choice!

Where we relocate today depends on whether you will be leaving the country from Casablanca or from Tangier. If the former, then we will visit the giant Hassan II Mosque. Completed in 1993, it is the second largest functioning mosque in Africa and is the 7th largest in the world. Its minaret is the world's second tallest at 210 metres (689 feet). If you are departing Morocco tomorrow from Tangier, then we do a city tour: a citadel, ramparts, street shops, public squares, markets, gardens, mosques and more.

Day 11: Our Tour Ends Today

Transportation will be arranged for you to reach Tangier's airport or harbor (or Casablanca's airport), whichever you prefer. Note there is an additional charge to be dropped off in Casablanca.