As Morocco's largest city, Casablanca blends modern energy with rich French influence. A highlight is the renowned Hassan II Mosque, an architectural marvel perched above the Atlantic Ocean. This breathtaking mosque, which welcomes non-Muslim visitors—a rarity in Morocco—can accommodate 25,000 worshippers inside and an additional 80,000 in its expansive courtyard. Prepare to be awed by intricate marble work, wood and stone carvings, and magnificent gilded cedar ceilings.

Discover Parc de la Ligue Arabe and visit the Casablanca Cathedral (no longer active) for an impressive example of Mauresque architecture—a fusion of art deco and Moorish styles dating back to the mid-19th century. Stroll through the city’s Old Medina, the only district predating the French protectorate, and continue to the Hobous (New Medina), built by the French in the 1930s. This area is ideal for browsing markets filled with olives, vegetables, and spices, and admiring more Mauresque architecture. Finish your day with a walk along Boulevard de la Corniche, often called the "Miami of Morocco."

Head north to Rabat, Morocco's imperial city and modern capital, where history comes alive. Explore the ancient Chellah Necropolis with its fascinating Roman and Islamic ruins in the city’s heart. Visit the impressive Kasbah des Oudaias, which leads into Rabat's original city center, and wander the serene, blue and white-washed streets. Discover the 20th-century Andalusian Gardens and marvel at the Hassan Tower, an unfinished 12th-century minaret, alongside the Mausoleum of Mohamed V.

Continue your journey north, watching the landscape transition from plains and hills to the rugged Rif Mountains. Arrive in Chefchaouen, the famed "Blue City," with its maze of narrow streets and blue-painted buildings. Stroll through the medina on the northern hillside and enjoy a meal in Plaza Outa el Hammam before exploring the kasbah (old fortification). End the day at the abandoned Spanish Mosque for a stunning sunset view over Chefchaouen and the surrounding mountains.

Rise early to capture unobstructed photos before heading to the Roman city of Volubilis. This UNESCO-protected site is Morocco's most well-preserved Roman ruins, with impressive remnants of ancient columns, merchant homes, temples, and vibrant mosaics, including the famous Labors of Hercules.

Continue south to Meknes, your second imperial city. Explore Ville Impériale (Imperial City) and the bustling medina. Don’t miss the striking Bab al-Mansour gate and the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, both rich with history and beauty.

Next, head east to Fes. check-in to your traditional riad, enjoying a warm meal in a cozy setting.

As the oldest and perhaps most captivating of Morocco’s imperial cities, Fes offers an unparalleled glimpse into medieval life, untouched by significant colonial development. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Fes is home to the most complete medina in the Arab world, divided into three main areas: Fes el Bali (the ancient medina, where you'll spend much of your time), Fes el Jdid (the "new" medina), and the French-inspired Ville Nouvelle. Join your guide to delve into Fes's rich history and culture—and to expertly navigate the intricate medina.

Begin in Fes el Bali, entering through the iconic Bab Boujeloud gate, which leads you onto Talâa Kebira. Stroll through the vibrant souks, where Spanish and Tunisian-inspired architecture lines the way. A highlight is the Chouara Tannery, where you can climb to a leather shop rooftop for a view over the 11th-century stone pots filled with colorful dyes, as artisans continue the centuries-old tradition.

Next, visit the Al-Qarawiyyin Library and Mosque, founded in 859 CE. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse inside this ancient library, a true treasure of Fes.

Today’s journey takes you south toward Merzouga, on the edge of the Sahara Desert. Begin by ascending through the Middle Atlas Mountains with cedar forests and scenic views over the Col du Zad pass. Take a break in Midelt, the "Apple City," known for its orchards, and enjoy lunch near the Moulouya River. Continue toward the Ziz Valley through the Tizi n'Talremt pass, where fortified ksars built by merchants to protect their goods line the landscape.

Arriving in Erfoud, famed for dates and fossils, visit a local artisan collective to discover the diverse fossils found here. Then, head to the sweeping sand dunes of Erg Chebbi, where dunes rise over 600 feet. In Merzouga, meet your camel for a trek to your evening’s Bedouin-style camp stopping on the way to witness the sunset over the Sahara before enjoying dinner and a campfire beneath a stunningly starry desert sky..

Journey through the dunes of Erg Chebbi in a Jeep to uncover the hidden wonders of this enchanting land. Connect with local nomads, share tea with a welcoming family, and visit the Gnawa House in Khemliya village to immerse yourself in traditional music. Later, if you’re up for more adventure, try sandboarding on the dunes or take an exhilarating quad ATV tour. As evening approaches, climb a nearby dune to watch the sun set over the landscape, then return to camp for another night under the starlit sky.

Rise early to watch the sunrise over the desert, then prepare for some adventure with sandboarding, or opt for an ATV ride or a tour of the Erg Chebbi dunes. If relaxation is more your style, you can also lounge by a pool in Merzouga.

Afterward, leave the dunes to visit the traditional Saharan village of Khemliya, home to people with roots in Mali. Here, enjoy traditional music, drumming, and dancing, followed by a stroll through the village and its small, sand-based farms. Next, head to Rissani, a lively market town where you can see a live animal auction and explore the unique ‘donkey parking lot.’

Continue west to Tinerhir, where you’ll admire an extensive oasis and a vibrant community nestled along its lush landscape. Stop by the breathtaking Todra Gorge to descend to the river’s edge and relax by the refreshing waters of the Todra River. Then drive straight to your hotel in Dades Valley.

Your journey westward takes you through the Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs, where the ancient pisé clay structures evoke Morocco’s rich past. Travel through Boumalne Dades until you reach Kela'a M'gouna, where carefully tended rose fields line the landscape. Known for rose water and rose oil production, the blooms here are prized in the cosmetics industry.

Continue to the desert hub of Ouarzazate, a famous film location where you can tour movie studio.

Next, reach the iconic Kasbah of Aït Benhaddou, a fortified pisé village nestled in a valley at the foot of the Atlas Mountains. This UNESCO site played a vital role along the ancient trans-Saharan trade route between Marrakech and the southern desert. Climb to the old granary for sweeping views over the surrounding ksours (individual kasbahs) and the Ouarzazate Valley. Wander through the narrow lanes and pay a small fee to enter a few of the historic kasbahs.

As you head northwest, ascend through the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n'Tichka pass. Pause near the summit for breathtaking views, including Morocco's highest peak, Mount Toubkal (13,671 feet or 4,167 m). Stop in Taddert to visit an argan oil cooperative and learn about the traditional process of extracting oil from argan nuts, used widely in health and beauty products.

Descending the mountains, observe the striking change in climate and scenery from arid and sparse to lush and green. Finally, arrive in Marrakech and settle into your hotel before heading out to explore the lively main square, Jemaa el-Fna.

Start your exploration of Marrakech with the Koutoubia Mosque, home to the city’s tallest minaret at 253 feet (77 m). Continue to the Ben Youssef Madrasa, a 16th-century Islamic school, where you’ll admire the breathtaking Moroccan artisanship with intricate arabesques, Islamic calligraphy, and colorful geometric tile work.

Take a peaceful break at the Majorelle Gardens in Ville Nouvelle, a cool escape from the afternoon heat. Then, explore the Saadian Tombs, only uncovered in the 1930s, followed by the grand 19th-century Bahia Palace, known for its lavish woodwork and painted ceilings.

If time permits, visit the El Badi Palace and its unique sunken gardens, then wander through the Mellah (Jewish quarter) of Marrakech. As you make your way back to Jemaa el-Fna, notice the spacious fondouks (or caravanserais) that once served as inns for travelers along ancient trade routes.

Unlike Fes, Marrakech has Berber origins and remains a major economic hub. Founded in the 11th century, it’s often called the “Red City” for the natural red pigment in its walls. With your guide, uncover the hidden gems of the medina, including bustling souks filled with vibrant wares, offering an immersive journey into Marrakech’s culture and history.

After lunch, begin the return trip to Casablanca (about 3.5 hours). Stop for a quick drink on the way before catching your return flight.