11-Day Royal Moroccan Journey Private Tour – 5 Star Luxury

Even before you arrive at the Casablanca airport, the anticipation of your custom tour will begin. You won't believe it until you leave the airport and are greeted by your English-speaking chauffeur and new friend.

Journey Morocco's drivers are a big part of what sets them apart; visitors consistently praise them as among the highlight of their trip because of the insight they provide into everyday life in Morocco.​

Envision being greeted by palm trees and Moroccan flags as you exit the airport...

​Your own personal chauffeur will transport you to your lodgings. Your driver will take you to Hassan II, one of the largest mosques in the world, as soon as you feel comfortable there. Its size and amazing architecture will astound you, and its religious and historical significance will fill you with awe.

The interior was meticulously planned, and you'll get to see it on your tour.

Glass flooring in part of the mosque allows visitors and worshipers a breathtaking view of the Atlantic Ocean below. Step back outside to snap a photo of the stunning minaret and breathe in the sea air.

Envision yourself waking up in Morocco, ready to experience the plan you've been working on for weeks.

You'll be taking a road trip to Fes today, stopping in Rabat, a coastal city, on the route. Before you and your driver set out on your journey, stop for a traditional Moroccan breakfast.​

Rabat is of particular relevance as it is the seat of government in Morocco and the official residence of King Mohammed VI. After a delicious lunch in Rabat, you'll continue on to the historic city of Fes. Car rides are a great way to unwind, get to know your driver, and pick his brain about the best of Morocco and what you shouldn't miss.

Fes is the next stop on your trip. Fes is one of my favorite cities since it is full with interesting locals, unique stores, and thrilling streets. Don't pass up the orange juice from the roadside stand; after all, this is your one and only vacation!

The medieval city of Fes, and its famous, vibrant walled medina (a UNESCO World Heritage site and the world's largest pedestrian area), is the focus of today's excursion. In order to properly describe this once-in-a-lifetime event to your loved ones, you will want to memorize every aspect of these crowded streets.

Picture donkeys bringing cases of Coke into the ancient city, a shop stocked with colorful spices, a warehouse bursting with carpets in every imaginable color and pattern, and the perfume of freshly baked bread wafting through the air.

You will walk by stalls selling fresh fruit and have the chance to feel the silky blue and white pottery. The call to prayer will sound, prompting the people of the city to do their religious rites. You can get a glimpse of authentic Fes here. If you're a curious traveler, your guide will be pleased to fill your curiosity about the places you'll visit.

After weaving your way deep enough into the medina, you will be able to enjoy lunch at one of the top restaurants in the area, even though you probably won't be very hungry (since the top way to travel is trying every amazing roadside snack). Envision a spread of salads so vast that you won't be able to eat them all before you're too full to enjoy your main course of steaming tagine or couscous.

Fresh round Moroccan flatbread, called "khobz," will be consumed by the basketful because it is that delicious. And just when you thought you were too full for dessert, there it is: seasonal fresh fruit, delectable Moroccan biscuits, and sugary mint tea.

The tanneries (the fragrance is unforgettable), the King's Palace, and the potters will also be on your itinerary. Get some rest at the end of the day in your hotel room.

Volubilis is home to well-preserved Roman remains from the first century AD, so it takes very little creative energy to imagine what life was like in the Roman Empire. You should definitely stop here because both the buildings and your guide's expertise will blow your mind.​

One of the holiest cities in Morocco is going to be open for you to explore. Mulay Idris, a founder of Fes, is buried in this white and green town.

Your trip of Meknes, a former imperial capital and now a UNESCO World Heritage site, will begin after lunch. After supper, get back to your hotel or riad and relax for the night.

Your journey across the Middle Atlas Mountains will begin after an early breakfast. As you make your journey across the Atlas Mountains and down into the Sahara Desert, you'll spend most of the day threading your way through lush woods, jagged rock walls, and Berber settlements. 

You'll be thankful for your driver's commentary as you go through various settings. He will share with you the pride he has in his nation. If you want to stop for lunch at his favorite site along the way or have your photo taken in front of the Atlas Mountains, he'll be happy to accommodate you.

As you get closer to the Sahara, you'll notice that the air is dryer.

Picture the structures turning a dusty pink as the sun sets. You can make out the sand dunes off in the distance.

You'll be looking forward to your four-wheel drive across the arid landscape this afternoon to the spectacular Sahara sand dunes. The Sahara looks much smaller in images than it does in person.

The dunes stretch out as far as the eye can see, casting deep shadows and gentle waves. Feel the warm sand between your toes as you gaze out over the golden brown sea on a crisp morning. As night falls, you'll be able to pick a camel and ride out to the Berber tents, where you can spend the night if you'd like.​

Envision drifting off to sleep surrounded by more stars than you've ever seen before.

If you get up early enough, you can witness the sunrise from the top of a tall dune in the desert.

Envision relaxing in the open air with some orange juice and Moroccan bread before climbing back on the camel and making the return trip. You'll get off the camel and into a 4x4 for the return trip to Erfoud. To reach the Todra Gorges from Erfoud, we will travel behind the High Atlas Mountains.

You can go for a stroll through the impressive (600-foot-tall) Todra Gorges. On either side of you are towering cliffs of pink and grey granite. Traveling towards the southeast of Morocco is a pleasant experience thanks to the scenic river valleys.​

After exploring the bustling towns of Morocco, here is your chance to experience the country side. The Gorges or Ouarzazate will be your overnight destination.

You will depart for Marrakech via Ouarzazate after a hearty breakfast. Kasbah Ait Benhaddou, one of Morocco's crown jewels, will be your next stop. This cluster of buildings represents the style of southern Morocco and is rich in history and scenic beauty. The real gems, in classic Moroccan manner, are hidden away, off the beaten route.

You'll be crossing the highlands to reach Marrakech after lunch.

When you finally make it to Marrakech, you'll get to experience a city that's fusing its ancient past with the present. Just seeing Marrakech is worth a trip to Morocco.

You can't visit Marrakech without checking out the Jma El Fna, the city's central plaza. Tell your friends about the snake charmer you saw, the blaring music from the square at night, and the delicious dried fruit you tried from the kiosks.

​Try to conjure up the aroma of roasted peanuts and the rush of adrenaline from the revelers who have come out to enjoy Marrakech's night life.

When you leave your riad to see the sights of this southern gem of Morocco, you'll be right back in the middle of the action of a major Moroccan city. There is no shortage of things to do in this city; 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.

Envision sipping mint tea and people-watching in this picturesque city.

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

You'll go full circle and end up back in Casablanca, where your journey began. 

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.

You will be taken via shuttle to the terminal.

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 the locals would say, "this is your second home."