Morocco

A journey through My home country

Morocco by a Moroccan

Immersive, Authentic Morocco

Morocco was my home for nearly 20 years. I lived in Marrakech, Fez, and Rabat, traveled to every corner of the country, and grew up speaking Arabic while attending Moroccan schools. This immersive upbringing gave me the incredible gift of experiencing Morocco in its truest form. Today, my greatest joy as a travel consultant is crafting authentic, unforgettable journeys through this extraordinary country for curious and adventurous travelers. Learn more about my Moroccan identity [crisis] here and scroll down to view my ultimate Morocco travel guide from top to bottom and everything in between.

Itinerary Outline

Day 1 - 3 | Chefchaouen | Lina Ryad

Day 3 - 6 | Fes | Riad Fes

Day 6 - 8 | High Atlas Mountains | Olinto

Day 8 - 11 | Marrakech | La Mamounia

Day 11 - 13 | Skoura | Dar Ahlam

Day 13 - 14 | Erg Chegaga | Azalaï Desert Camp

This itinerary showcases the best of Morocco, offering an ideal journey whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning for another adventure. Designed with a thoughtful rhythm, the trip combines scenic long drives with authentic stays that immerse you in Morocco's rich culture. Throughout your journey, you’ll have a dedicated driver to ensure a seamless experience. Begin in Chefchaouen, just 2.5 hours from Tangier International Airport, before heading south to Fez, a scenic 4-hour drive with stops along the way. From Fez, take a quick 1-hour flight to Marrakech, followed by a 1-hour drive into the stunning High Atlas Mountains. After exploring Marrakech, embark on a 4-hour drive to Skoura for a two-night stay, then continue another 4 hours into the magical Sahara Desert Camp.

Riad Fes, Fez
Olinto, High Atlas Mountains
La Mamounia, Marrakech
Lina Ryad & Spa, Chefchaouen
Dar Ahlam, Skoura
Azalaï Desert Camp, Erg Chegaga

Chefchaouen

Chefchaouen, the "Blue Pearl" of Morocco, is a mountain town founded in 1471 as a fortress to protect against Portuguese invasions. Its distinctive blue-washed walls, introduced by Jewish refugees in the 1930s, symbolize peace and spirituality. Rich in Andalusian and Amazigh influences, Chefchaouen offers a unique blend of history and cultural heritage.

Explore the Medina: Wander through Chefchaouen’s picturesque streets, lined with blue-washed buildings, vibrant markets, and artisan shops showcasing local crafts like woven blankets, leather goods, and pottery.

Visit the Kasbah Museum: Discover the town’s history and cultural heritage at this restored fortress, which features Andalusian gardens, historical exhibits, and a stunning view from the towers.

Hike in the Rif Mountains: Embark on scenic trails such as the hike to Akchour Waterfalls or the God’s Bridge rock formation, offering breathtaking views and a connection to the region’s natural beauty.

Day Trip to Tetouan: A UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its impeccably preserved medina, reflecting Andalusian and Moroccan architectural styles, Tetouan is a cultural hub that boasts vibrant crafts, a rich artistic legacy, and proximity to the Mediterranean coast.

Fes

I lived in Fes for seven formative years, and it remains one of my favorite cities in the world. As the largest urban car-free UNESCO World Heritage Site, Fes preserves Morocco’s traditions like no other city. It is the spiritual heart not only of Morocco but of North Africa, drawing pilgrims from across the region, including sub-Saharan Africa, to honor its revered saints. The city is a living labyrinth of ancient streets, grand palaces, bustling souks, and artisans practicing centuries-old crafts. Fes is alive—a city that breathes culture and history every single day of the year. To visit Fes is to pay tribute to the founders of the country and experience Morocco’s spiritual essence.

Spiritual Tour: Explore the important saint’s tombs, mosques, Quranic schools and old institutions including the world’s oldest university, al-Qarawiyyin.

Cooking Class with a Family: Step into the home of a Fessi family and learn how to prepare a staple meal with them. Walk through the market and get acquainted with the slower pace of life that shapes Fes.

Visit the Tanneries: Witness the centuries-old leather-dyeing process at the Chouara Tannery, where vibrant colors and traditional techniques create a unique spectacle. Enjoy a panoramic view from one of the nearby terraces.

Discover Historic Palaces and Museums: Tour the stunning Bou Inania Madrasa for its intricate architecture or visit the Dar Batha Museum to admire traditional Moroccan arts, crafts, and cultural artifacts.

High Atlas Mountains

From the tranquil comfort of Olinto, the High Atlas Mountains reveal their awe-inspiring majesty, towering above the landscape with snow-capped peaks that shift in hue throughout the day. Surrounded by olive groves and rugged terrain, Olinto offers a peaceful retreat where you can immerse yourself in the raw beauty of the mountains. The crisp, cool air and panoramic views provide a sense of serenity, while the nearby Berber villages, with their terraced fields and adobe homes, offer a glimpse into the timeless traditions that have shaped this region.

Hiking is the main activity here in the Atlas Mountains and it is a pure luxury to trek to remote villages, secluded valleys leading to waterfalls, and to the base of the highest peak of North Africa, Mount Toubkal.

Marrakech

"Marrakech is a city where the past and the future coexist in perfect harmony", said Tahir Shah, explorer and writer. This quote the essence of Marrakech, where ancient traditions blend seamlessly with modern influences, creating a vibrant, dynamic atmosphere. I’ve fallen in love with this city, over and over again. Whether you choose to stay in the maze of the old medina for the full experience or just outside the old city walls, Marrakech will dazzle you.

Stroll through the Medina: Wander through the maze of vibrant souks in the heart of the old city, where you can haggle for everything from spices and textiles to jewelry and traditional crafts, all while soaking in the sensory overload of sights, sounds, and smells.

Visit the Ben Youssef Madrasa: Explore this 14th-century Islamic school, known for its stunning architecture, including intricate stucco work, cedarwood, and mosaics. The madrasa offers a window into Morocco’s educational and religious history.

Relax in a Traditional Hammam: Unwind with a rejuvenating experience at a traditional Moroccan hammam. This centuries-old ritual of cleansing and relaxation provides a serene escape, featuring steam, exfoliation, and massages in an atmosphere of pure tranquility.

Hot Air Balloon Ride: For a breathtaking perspective of Marrakech and the surrounding landscape, take a hot air balloon ride at sunrise. You’ll glide over the majestic Atlas Mountains, Berber villages, and the vast desert, offering panoramic views unlike any other.

Ouarzazate private trip Morocco Luxury tour Dar Ahlam

Skoura

Skoura is a fervent valley located in southern Morocco near the region of Ouarzazate. It is a lush oasis surrounded by dramatic red rock formations and gorges. Known for its palm groves and ancient kasbahs, it offers a serene escape into nature with an emblematic stay at Dar Ahlam – a 200-year old Kasbah. The valley’s traditional mud-brick architecture and vibrant landscapes create a timeless atmosphere.

Picnics: During your stay at Dar Ahlam, you will have the opportunity to enjoy private dining experiences both on its beautiful property as well as deep in the valley.

Hiking: Trek through the Skoura valley to see the historic kasbahs. Stop by a ceramic-making workshop to learn about this ancient craft known to the region.

Rose Valley: Take a day trip to Kelaat M’Gouna (especially in April and May) for an experience of the valley of roses. You might be lucky and witness the rose harvest in the springtime.

Private relaxation: Dar Ahlam is a secluded home with a spa, outdoor pool and stunning gardens where you can relax in complete privacy.

Ait Ben Haddou: Although quite touristy now, take a morning to explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Aid Ben Haddou known to be the set of many famous films.

Erg Chegaga

Erg Chegaga is in the southern reaches of Morocco’s Sahara Desert, and boasts endless dunes that ripple across the vast expanse of North Africa. Steeped in history, it has long been shaped by the Berber tribes, including the Ait Atta, who have called this desert home for centuries. Once a vital crossroads for nomads and traders, its caravan routes connected Morocco to the heart of sub-Saharan Africa.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime journey—sleep under a blanket of stars and awaken to the breathtaking sunrise over the sea of Sahara dunes. Located four hours from Skoura, the trek to Erg Chegaga is long, but the rewards are extraordinary, offering an unforgettable adventure that will leave you speechless.