New Year in Morocco Trip 13 Days

Day 1: Arrival Casablanca & Rabat

Arrive at Casablanca Mohammed V Airport, where your driver/guide welcomes you. Visit the Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world, perched over the Atlantic. Continue to Rabat, Morocco’s capital, for a tour of the Kasbah of the Udayas, Hassan Tower, and the Royal Palace exterior.
Overnight at hotel/riad in Rabat, B&B (breakfast and bed).

Day 2: Rabat to Chefchaouen

Drive north through rolling countryside to Chefchaouen, the famed Blue City nestled in the Rif Mountains. Afternoon free to wander the striking blue-washed alleyways at your own pace.
Overnight at hotel/riad in Chefchaouen, B&B.

Day 3: Chefchaouen Full Day

A full day to explore Chefchaouen in depth — the Kasbah Museum, the main square (Plaza Uta el-Hammam), the tannery, and the winding blue streets. Optional short hike to the Spanish Mosque for panoramic views over the town.
Overnight at hotel/riad in Chefchaouen, B&B.

Day 4: Chefchaouen to Fez via Volubilis & Meknes

Depart Chefchaouen and drive south, stopping at the Roman ruins of Volubilis, Morocco’s best-preserved archaeological site. Continue to Meknes, one of Morocco’s four Imperial Cities, for a stop at Bab Mansour Gate and the old medina. Arrive in Fez by evening.
Overnight at hotel/riad in Fez, B&B.

Day 5: Fez City Tour with Local Guide

Full day exploring Fez el-Bali, the world’s largest car-free urban area and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a licensed local guide. Highlights include the Chouara Tannery, Al-Qarawiyyin University (one of the oldest in the world), the Nejjarine Fountain, and the medina’s souks.
Overnight at hotel/riad in Fez, B&B.

Day 6: Fez – Ifrane – Arfoud – Merzouga

Cross the Middle Atlas via Ifrane, known as “Morocco’s Switzerland” for its alpine architecture, and the Cedar Forest (look out for Barbary macaques). Continue through Azrou, Midelt, and the Ziz Valley oasis, passing Arfoud before reaching Merzouga at the edge of the Sahara. Optional camel trek into the dunes at sunset.
Overnight in a desert camp or hotel/riad in Merzouga, B&B.

Day 7: Merzouga – Sahara Desert Exploration

A full day around Erg Chebbi’s dunes. Options include a 4×4 desert excursion to nomadic Berber camps, visiting Khamlia village for Gnawa music, or simply enjoying the desert landscape and sunrise/sunset over the dunes.
Overnight in Merzouga, B&B.

Day 8: Merzouga to Todra Gorge

Drive across the desert plains to Todra Gorge, one of Morocco’s most spectacular canyons, with sheer rock walls rising up to 300 meters. Short walk into the gorge in the late afternoon light.
Overnight at hotel/riad near Todra Gorge, B&B.

Day 9: Tinghir – Dades Valley – Valley of Roses – Skoura – Ouarzazate – Ait Benhaddou

Depart Tinghir and drive through the Dades Valley, known for its rock formations. Continue through the Valley of Roses, famed for its rose cultivation, then the palm oasis of Skoura. Pass through Ouarzazate, “the Hollywood of Morocco,” before arriving at Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage kasbah and iconic film location.
Overnight at hotel/riad in Ait Benhaddou, B&B.

Day 10: Ait Benhaddou to Marrakech via Ourika Valley

Cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka pass, one of the highest and most scenic routes in Morocco. Detour through the Ourika Valley, with its Berber villages and mountain streams, before descending into Marrakech.
Overnight at hotel/riad in Marrakech, B&B.

Day 11: Marrakech City Tour

Full day exploring the Red City with a local guide: the Bahia Palace, Saadian Tombs, Koutoubia Mosque, Majorelle Garden, and the medina souks. Evening at Jemaa el-Fna square to experience its street performers and atmosphere.
Overnight at hotel/riad in Marrakech, B&B.

Day 12: Marrakech to Essaouira

Drive west to the Atlantic coast and the fortified port city of Essaouira, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the ramparts, fishing harbor, and blue-and-white medina. Free time to enjoy the coastal breeze and seafood scene.
Overnight at hotel/riad in Essaouira, B&B.

Day 13: Essaouira to Casablanca — Departure

Morning transfer back to Casablanca for your onward flight. En route, enjoy final views of the Moroccan countryside.
Tour ends at Casablanca airport/hotel.

13 Days Morococ Adventure FAQs

1- Is this tour private or shared?
This is a fully private tour — you’ll travel with your own dedicated driver/guide throughout, with no other travelers joining your group.

2- What is included in “B&B” accommodation?
Bed and breakfast: overnight accommodation at a hotel or riad with breakfast included each morning. Other meals are at your own choice and expense.

3- Is this tour suitable for seniors or families?
Yes, the itinerary and pace can be adjusted for seniors, couples, families, or small groups, with comfortable accommodation options at each stop.

4- How much walking is involved?
Most days involve moderate walking in medinas, kasbahs, and natural sites like Todra Gorge. Optional activities (hikes, camel treks) can be skipped or adjusted.

5- Can the itinerary be customized?
Yes, the route, pacing, and stops can be tailored to your interests, mobility, and travel dates.

6- What is the best time of year for this route?
Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) offer the most comfortable temperatures across the desert, mountains, and coast.

7- Do I need a visa to visit Morocco?
Visa requirements depend on nationality; many American, Canadian, and European travelers can enter visa-free for tourism. We recommend checking current requirements before travel.

8- Is the Sahara Desert stay in a permanent camp or hotel?
Merzouga offers both options — a desert camp with tents near the dunes, or hotel/riad accommodation in town, depending on preference. Learn More