Welcome to Marrakech! Upon your arrival, your private driver and guide will greet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. Unwind and rest up for the exciting week ahead, or venture out for a short tour of the city. If time permits, consider visiting the Jemaa El Fna Square, located just few minutes from the medina.

Today, dive into the wonders of Marrakech! Your private guide will take you through the historic Medersa (old school) and the city's grand palaces, engaging you with interactive activities along the way. Enjoy delicious treats from the lively open-air souk and explore the vibrant medina.

With a good feel for the city, your afternoon offers a few options. You can shop for souvenirs in the souks or visit one of Marrakech's famous gardens, such as the Jardin Majorelle, which can be explored as part of a city bike tour, or the lush Anima Garden. Alternatively, head to the bustling Jemaa el-Fna square, where you will marvel at snake charmers, storytellers, and vibrant food stalls. Wind down with a visit to a rooftop café or a restaurant and be sure to savor the traditional thé à la menthe (mint tea).

Begin your day with an unforgettable sunrise hot air balloon ride over the desert! The early wake-up call will be more than worth it as you experience the thrill of soaring above villages, rolling hills, and vast desert landscapes, framed by a stunning mountain backdrop. Feel the peace of the early morning as you take in the soft colors and crisp air, a stark contrast to the bustling city that comes alive later in the day. To make the experience even sweeter, enjoy a breakfast of delicious Moroccan pastries while floating through the sky.

But the culinary delights don't stop there—get involved in a hands-on cooking workshop at the Amal Center. Start with a fun blindfolded spice-identifying challenge (with a pastry prize for the winner!), then move on to preparing a classic chicken tajine. While your dish cooks over an open fire, you'll learn about the center's inspiring work in training disadvantaged women for employment. Leave not only with newfound cooking skills but also with a deeper appreciation for the local culture and community.

Today's journey covers about 6.5 hours of driving, but the time will fly by with a series of captivating stops along the way. Traveling over the Tizi n'Tichka Pass and through the High Atlas Mountains, you'll be treated to breathtaking views, traditional Berber villages made of mud brick, and stretches of farmland.

The first stop is in Taddert, where you'll visit an argan oil cooperative to see how this valuable oil is extracted and used in food, cosmetics, and health products.

As you descend the pass, you'll arrive at the iconic Aït Benhaddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take some time to wander its ancient streets before continuing to Ouarzazate, known as Morocco's "Hollywood." Here, you can tour a film studio or visit the Musée du Cinema to explore props and sets from movies produced in the area.

The journey then takes you into the Dadès Valley, continuing to Kelâat M'Gouna, the "Valley of the Roses." You'll pause here to visit a collective and learn how artisans transform rose petals into fragrant water and oil. As you travel through this region, keep an eye out for traditional nomadic communities and lush farmland. The day concludes in Boumalne Dades, a bustling town along the Dades River.

Today's adventure takes you on a journey to Merzouga, with stops at various Saharan desert communities along the way. You'll drive through the breathtaking Todra Gorge, a stunning 984-foot (300 m) red limestone canyon, before reaching Erfoud, where you can observe artisans transforming fossil-rich rock into beautifully crafted tables, plates, and bowls.

The next stop is Rissani, known for its lively market and the unique sight of a bustling donkey "parking lot." Don't miss a visit to Maison Tuareg, a treasure trove of traditional arts and crafts.

Continuing the journey, you'll soon catch sight of the towering dunes of Erg Chebbi, which span nearly 14 square miles (35 sq km) with some peaks reaching over 650 feet (200 m). Their shifting colors and shapes are mesmerizing, especially as the light changes throughout the day. Upon arrival, rent a sandboard for an exhilarating ride—whether you opt for the smaller slopes or take on the tallest dunes for a longer descent.

As you near Merzouga, prepare for a memorable experience: reaching your luxury desert camp by camel. Glide over the sands on these "ships of the desert" before settling into your tent. As the sun begins to set, hike up a nearby dune for a breathtaking view. The evening unfolds around a campfire with traditional Berber music, followed by stargazing under an unpolluted desert sky—a truly unforgettable night.

Sit back and relax as your private driver takes you to the captivating city of Fes. Along the way, you'll pass through the scenic Ziz Valley, famous for its hidden oases and clusters of palm trees. Keep an eye out for historic ksars—fortified villages built by merchants in centuries past to protect their goods. Stop in Midelt, known as "the Apple City," for a break and lunch, and take in the remarkable sight of fruit growing in the desert, thanks to the nearby River Moulouya.

The journey continues over the Col du Zad pass (7,146 ft/2,178 m), through the beautiful cedar forests of the Middle Atlas mountains. Look out for Barbary macaque monkeys, often seen in the trees or along the road. As you pass through Azrou, you'll arrive in Fes in the late afternoon, just in time to explore the vibrant shops of the medina and enjoy a delicious dinner in this historic Imperial city.

Spend the day immersed in the vibrant atmosphere of one of Morocco's most significant cities. Fes, home to the world’s oldest university, has long been a hub of Arab-Muslim civilization. Explore the ancient medina with your guide, discovering its narrow alleyways and panoramic rooftops. In the largest urban pedestrian area in the world, you'll encounter skilled craftsmen, bakers, mosques, foundouks (roadside inns), and tanneries, truly absorbing the energy of local life. Take a moment to relax on a terrace with a refreshing mint tea and soak in the surroundings.

For a more hands-on experience, join a pottery and mosaic workshop where you'll learn the intricate art of creating zellige tiles from a local craftsman. Take a break for tea, and gain deeper insight into this beautiful art form that decorates the buildings throughout the city.

In the evening, step off the beaten path and enjoy a special culinary experience. Fes is renowned for its delicious cuisine, and there's no better way to discover it than through the hospitality of a local family. You'll have the opportunity to learn about Moroccan life, culture, and recipes passed down through generations, offering a truly authentic experience.

After breakfast, head toward the Rif Mountains and the "Blue Pearl of Morocco," Chefchaouen. On the way, stop at the ancient Roman outpost of Volubilis to explore its spectacular UNESCO-listed ruins. Several townhouses are well-preserved, including intricate rooms and mosaic decorations, offering a fascinating glimpse into life in what was once Rome’s farthest outpost.

Continue your journey north, arriving in Chefchaouen by early afternoon. Known for its striking blue-washed buildings, this charming mountain town offers an artsy, other-worldly atmosphere. The car-free medina is perfect for leisurely exploration, with fresh orange juice or ice cream stands to enjoy. The heart of the town is Outa El Hamam square, where you can take in live music and entertainment. You can also visit the kasbah or simply relax and soak in the vibrant surroundings.

Break your journey from Fes to Casablanca with a quick visit to Rabat. After lunch, continue your journey to Casablanca. Join a guided visit of the Hassan II Mosque, the second-largest mosque in the world. This stunning structure includes a museum, baths, a Koranic school, a library, and a prayer hall that accommodates 25,000 worshippers (the courtyard can hold an additional 80,000!). Be sure to admire the intricate craftsmanship and ornate details, and don't forget to look up at the tallest minaret in the world. Afterward, enjoy dinner at one of the restaurants overlooking the ocean.

Today is the final day of your Moroccan adventure. Your private driver will take you to the airport, but before you go, why not enjoy a relaxing breakfast and take a final stroll around the Cournich? If time permits, head to Plage Lalla Meryem for a couple of hours of beach relaxation before your flight. Safe travels!