10-Day Mysteries of the Maghreb Private Tour – 4.5 Star Luxury

When you take the ferry to Tangier, your chauffeur from Journey Morocco will be there to pick you up. You'll spend just a little time in the bright-hued coastal escape Tangier before continuing on to Chefchaouen, the "blue city." There will be some downtime after you arrive in Chefchaouen and take a rest in your riad, as you're welcomed by your hosts with a warm cup of Moroccan mint tea, before doing a bit of exploration.

After breakfast, you will have a tour of this charming blue village, hidden away in the highlands. You will enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the Rif Mountains.​

You will wander the enchanting, narrow alleys of Chefchauen's UNESCO-designated medina and kasbah. You will be enchanted at the colourful and vibrant local costumes. Enjoy a fresh-picked orange or lemonade from fruit that's being chilled at the base of the waterfall nestled in the Rif Mountains.

​Take your heart's delight of photos in this picturesque city as you marvel at the blue buildings and walkways - there's nothing else like it in the entire world!

For lunch and dinner, we will dine on regional delicacies that are only available in the Eastern Rif Mountains. 

You will depart for Fes via Volubilis and Meknes after breakfast. You will spend the morning gaining insight into Roman life by exploring the ancient remains, which date back over two thousand years.

 Volubilis is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest complete Roman city in all of Africa. Marvel at the nearly-perfect frescoes and mosaics. Stand underneath the massive archways, and climb the ancient steps of the main plaza. 

Meknes, one of Morocco's Imperial Cities, is where we'll be having lunch today. Following a lunchtime tour of Meknes, you'll make your way to Fes, Morocco's cultural and spiritual heart.

The tour of the medina, the largest pedestrian-only area and one of the largest waLled cities in the world, will commence after breakfast.

You will travel through the winding streets of Morocco in search of the country's famous Berber carpets, freshly picked fruit, and aromatic spices.

Some of the places you'll go to and see are the Kings Palace, the tanneries, and the pottery stores. The medina is where you will have lunch at a local eatery. The tour will end after lunch, and you will head back to your hotel for the night.

Your journey across the Middle Atlas Mountains will begin after an early breakfast. As you descend from the Atlas Mountains into the Sahara Desert, you'll spend most of the day threading your way through picturesque woods, craggy rock faces, and quaint Berber hideaways.

The village of Midelt, well-known for its abundance of fossils and geological formations, will serve as a halfway point lunch stop. After the long journey, it will be nice to arrive at the Kasbah in Merzouga and relax with a hot shower or swim in the pool (weather permitting). The Kasbah will be the setting for tonight's meal.

After a hearty breakfast, you'll set out on a tour of the desert settlements surrounding the Sahara, seeing places like Khamilia (the center of Gnawa music in the desert) and learning about the nomadic peoples and their way of life.

To reach the magnificent Sahara sand dunes, you will spend the afternoon driving in 4-wheel drive vehicles across the arid landscape. Spend the night in a traditional Berber tent (dinner is provided) and ride camels to watch the sun set over the sand dunes.

You will ride camels back to the 4x4s and then continue on to Erfoud after breakfast. The road from Erfoud to Ouarzazate via the Todra Gorges takes you around the back of the High Atlas Mountains.

We can climb to the top of the towering 600-foot high Todra Gorges. Traveling towards the southeast of Morocco is a pleasant experience thanks to the scenic river valleys.

You will depart for Marrakech via Ait Benhaddou in the morning. It is one of Morocco's crown treasures, and it's hidden away in the High Atlas Mountains. The real gems, in classic Moroccan manner, are hidden away, off the beaten route. 

More movies than any other location in Morocco have used this one. Films like Lawrence of Arabia, Jesus of Nazareth, and The Gladiator have all been shot here. You can stop at Ait Ben Haddou for lunch.

You'll be crossing the highlands to reach Marrakech after lunch. As soon as you arrive in Marrakech, you should make your way to the Jemaa El Fna, the city's main plaza and the heart of the medina.

The area is fantastic, especially in the evening when it comes alive with local storytellers, entertainers, and delicious BBQ grills. Sipping tea in peace on the terrace of a nearby café affords one a breathtaking bird's-eye view of the square below.

A trip of Marrakech, the "southern pearl of Morocco," awaits after a hearty, traditional Moroccan breakfast. Many historical sites and other treasures yet unkown, await your exploration.

When you leave your riad to see the sights of this gem of Morocco, you'll be right back in the middle of the action of a major Moroccan city. There's no shortage of things to do in this metropolis; it's up to you to choose what interests you the most.

The Bahia Palace is an amazing place to visit. Enter the tiled courtyard and you'll feel like you've stepped into the nineteenth century. Relax in the quiet of the gardens even if you're in the middle of a busy metropolis.

The Saadian tombs, where members of the Saadian dynasty have been laid to rest, are another important historical landmark. As you explore the elaborately decorated chambers, you might find it hard to believe that these tombs were once forgotten about, especially given their status as one of Marrakech's most popular tourist destinations today.

After lunch, you'll continue your journey to Marrakech's famous Jemaa El Fna square and the stunning Koutoubia Mosque. The famed medina (market) is the last stop on the tour. A designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, you will encounter many local craftspeople, artisans and chefs plying their trades.

​You'll discover wonders untold, from foot-woodcarving to carpet-weaving, leatherworks, fresh-picked fruit, warm khobz straight off the fire, garments and scarves, music and more.  Shop to your heart's content, and practice your newfound Arabic skills as you haggle with the vendors. 

It's incredible that you'll have accomplished so much in just a week and a half. Do you feel transformed?  

You'll end up in Casablanca. You'll be leaving for Casablanca first thing in the morning. Casablanca is home to the magnificent Hassan II Mosque. You will have a great time in Casablanca on your last night in Morocco. 

Get out and about for a while. You should buy some mementos if you haven't already. Small pieces of pottery, fresh scarves from Morocco, and fragrant spices will fill your bag as you attempt to recreate the delicacies you will soon miss.​

Take in as much of your last day as possible.

Your chauffeur will deliver you to your terminal or port of departure. You and your driver must say farewell to the land that has made such an impression on you.

You are always welcome in Morocco; as we say, "this is your second home."