Today, you will travel to Essaouira, a town made popular for its excellent surfing beaches. The 3-hour route takes you over extensive, rolling plains. On approaching the western seaboard of Morocco, you will enter a unique forest. This is the only ecosystem where argan trees grow, and their fruits are very useful. You will make a slight diversion to visit an association of local women that make argan oil, famed for its excellent health and beauty properties. When you arrive in Essaouira, stroll the impressive seawalls, discover delights in the Old Medina area, or enjoy some time down by the very active fishing harbor. Jewish heritage is very present in Essaouira, where one of the best-preserved Jewish quarters in Morocco is located. It is a perfect example of a community of coexistence and a very interesting place to explore. Lunch and dinner will be on your own, with recommendations from your driver. Make sure to ask about great seafood options!

Next is Azemour, which has inspired many Moroccan artists over the decades, some of whom have chosen to live here. Life there is still traditional despite its close proximity to the cosmopolitan art market of Casablanca. A crumbling 16th-century medina squeezed between the Oud Er-Rbia (Mother of Spring River) and the ocean provide plenty of artistic inspiration. Once in Casablanca, you will check into your hotel. The evening and dinner will be at your leisure.

In the afternoon you will travel to Rabat, the capital of Morocco and home to the Royal Family. Here, you will visit the Hassan Tower monument, which is one of the most magnificent buildings of the Almohad Dynasty. Hassan Tower is a minaret of the incomplete mosque and Mausoleum of Mohamed V. It is home to a 12th-century project that was abandoned, where all that remains today is the red sandstone tower standing at 145 feet, and about 200 columns. Tonight, you will have dinner on your own with recommendations from your driver.

Next, you will visit the Hercules Caves. This unique spot is said to have been partially constructed by the Phoenicians and a place where Hercules, himself, slept. If you’d like, you can pay for a guide to give you some additional information about the site. Lastly, you’ll arrive in Tangier. This northernmost city is the gateway to Europe via a ferry to Spain, and it has quite a diverse culture, due to the high amount of travelers passing through. You will have the night on your own to do some exploring, and dinner will be on your own with your driver’s recommendations.

In the morning, have breakfast and then make your way toward Chefchaouen. On the way, you’ll pass through Tetouan, which is a jewel of a town in a striking location at the foot of the Rif Mountains, just a few kilometers from the sea. The ancient medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, looks like it has not changed in several centuries. You will be able to tour this town on your own with recommendations from your driver. Lunch will be at your leisure. Continuing on, you will arrive in Chefchaouen, a visual delight clad in blue walls, doors, windows, stairways, alleyways, and archways–everything is a combination of soft, pastel sky blue and deeper, more powerful hues. After your check-in at your riad, you are free to explore the town at your own pace or simply relax. Outa el Hammam is the main square, and the place to watch the world go by. Walk up the tiny higgledy-piggledy alleys, away from the more tourist-orientated areas, and you will find the everyday life of the town coming alive.

Good Morning! Take note of Chefchaouen's blue buildings, which glow in the morning light. Make sure to wake up early to watch the sunrise over the mountains from the nearby Spanish mosque. Since many shops don't open until 10 am, you can take this time to wander the serene town. Then, you’ll depart for a guided hike in the Rif Mountains. Here, you’ll get the chance to explore the wilderness among the cedar trees and can hike to the Cascades d’Akchour, a stunning waterfall that will warrant plenty of photos. You’ll also encounter smaller waterfalls along the way, and depending on the weather, you can take a refreshing dip. On the other side of the river, you can take the steep path to God’s Bridge, a natural rock formation. Or, you can follow the canyon to view the bridge from below. Once back in Chefchaouen, visit the medina and surround yourself in the beauty of the town. Take a walk to the market, where you can buy some fresh fruit to enjoy.

The last stop before Fes is the prosperous city of Meknes. It has a smaller medina than Fes and you can explore at a leisurely pace, without worrying about aggressive shopkeepers. Your driver will lead through the Ville Impériale area, where you can see gardens, palaces, the impressive gate of Bab al-Mansour, the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, and the Royal Stables. Many of these palaces were constructed with materials taken from Volubilis, so be on the lookout for Roman columns hidden in unexpected places! You’ll end the day in Fes, one of Morocco's four imperial cities. Fes was founded by Moulay Idriss I and was made the capital of the Idrisid dynasty by his successor, Moulay Idriss II. You will be taken to your riad in the Fes medina, and the late afternoon into the evening will be yours. You’ll end the day in Fes, one of Morocco's four imperial cities. Fes was founded by Moulay Idriss I and was made the capital of the Idrisid dynasty by his successor.

Your tour guide will meet you after breakfast to start your day of exploration in the Fes medina. This UNESCO-protected medina is full of arms-width alleyways and donkey-width roads. Your Fes born-and-bred guide will share hidden stories and show you secluded corners of the medina, and you will observe daily life and the magnificence of Fes's madrasas and palaces. Your guide will help you learn the fabulousness that is Fes as only a true local can. Be sure to ask your guide for lunch suggestions. Fes is a hub of the Moroccan crafts and arts, and you’ll meet artisans to learn about the history and importance of their trades. You’ll visit tanneries and mosaic workshops to observe traditional crafting methods still in use today. In the afternoon, return to your riad and relax for a bit. Afterward, take a guided visit to the local hammam (traditional public bath). This is one of the most relaxing things you can do after a long day of walking.

Near Merzouga, you can take a short break as you prepare for the trip to your desert camp. If you ride a camel, you will arrive at camp just before sunset. You can climb up to watch the colorful sunset reflecting on the sand dunes. Head back to camp for dinner and a night of traditional Berber music by the fire. There is almost no light pollution in this region, so be sure to look at the starry night sky before you head to bed.

You will end the day in Ouarzazate, a town made popular by its involvement in the important Moroccan film industry. There is more to Ouarzazate than movies though, and you can take a guided tour at Aït Benhaddou, the most famous Kasbah in Morocco and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. People believe that the old ksar dates from the 11th century when it held an important position along the trans-Saharan trade route between Marrakech, Ouarzazate, and the southern desert. If you arrive in Ouarzazate late in the day, you can proceed directly to your accommodations in Ouarzazate and visit Aït Benhaddou in the morning.

Once in Marrakech, you can spend the rest of the afternoon at a slower pace. If you did not make it the medina's main square, the Jemaa el Fna, make the time to visit on your last night. The media comes alive with musicians, performers, snake charmers, games, food stalls and more. There are many cafés surrounding the square where you can sit and enjoy the entertainment over a farewell meal.

Today, you will depart Morocco from Marrakech Menara International Airport. Depending on your flight time, you may need to travel to the airport immediately after breakfast, or you may have time to explore the city a bit more. Prepare your goodbyes, and bid Morocco adieu, as you take lifelong memories of the lively culture, the desert, and the artisans home with you.