7-day tour from Tangier to Marrakech via Chefchaouen and Fes

Tour itinerary

Day 1

Arrival and Tangier sightseeing:

Begin your Moroccan adventure in Tangier, where Europe and Africa almost touch. Explore the historic Kasbah, walk through the whitewashed medina and enjoy panoramic views from Cape Spartel. Don’t miss the legendary Caves of Hercules. Relax with a mint tea in a café near the beach.

Day 2

Tangier > Tetouan > Blue City (Chefchaouen):

Cross the Rif Mountains to reach Chefchaouen, one of the most photogenic towns in Morocco. Its medina is famous for every imaginable shade of blue. Wander through its quiet lanes, shop for woven rugs and leather goods, or hike up to the Spanish Mosque to watch the sunset.

Day 3

Blue City > Volubilis > Meknes > Fes:

Travel south to Fes, stopping at the UNESCO-listed Roman ruins of Volubilis, where the mosaic floors are still intact. Then continue to Meknes, a quieter imperial city with majestic gates and the mausoleum of Moulay Ismail.
This long leg south is driven by Omar or another of our local drivers, who break up the journey with stops in the right places.
Arrive in Fes in the late afternoon and enjoy your first taste of its rich cultural atmosphere.

Day 4

Fes city tour:

On the fourth day you explore Fes, the oldest imperial city in Morocco and its enduring cultural capital. A city with more than 1,200 years of history, Fes is a maze of stories carved into stone, tiles and tradition.
Start the day with a guided walking tour of Fes el-Bali, the ancient fortified, UNESCO-listed medina. With more than 9,000 winding lanes, this medieval city is considered the largest car-free urban area in the world. Here is what your day includes:
Al-Qarawiyyin University and Mosque
Founded in 859 AD by a woman, Fatima al-Fihri, Al-Qarawiyyin is recognised as the oldest operating university in the world. Although only Muslims may enter the mosque, non-Muslims can admire the intricate zellij tiles, the carved cedar wood and the peaceful courtyard from the entrance.
Chouara tannery
One of the oldest and most iconic tanneries in Morocco, Chouara is an experience for all the senses. Watch the artisans dye leather in large stone vats using traditional methods unchanged for centuries. Be prepared for a strong smell, which can be masked with a sprig of mint!
Bou Inania Madrasa
An outstanding example of Marinid architecture, this 14th-century madrasa is open to non-Muslim visitors. Admire the intricate stucco, the carved cedar ceilings and the peaceful courtyard with its beautiful marble fountain.
Craft quarters
Visit the Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts or stop at the workshops of coppersmiths, potters and weavers. Watch zellij tiles being hand-chiselled and see the looms producing colourful fabrics.
Take a break in a traditional café for mint tea and Moroccan pastries, then keep exploring the narrow lanes lined with spice merchants, apothecaries and perfume shops.
In the evening, return to your riad for a home-cooked dinner, perhaps pastilla (a sweet and savoury pie) or couscous made with seasonal vegetables.

Day 5

Fes > Rabat:

After breakfast, leave the medieval charm of Fes behind and head west to Rabat, the coastal capital and political heart of Morocco. Known for its clean streets, calm atmosphere and palm-lined avenues, Rabat offers a mix of modernity and history.
Hassan Tower and Mausoleum of Mohammed V
Explore the Hassan Tower, an unfinished 12th-century minaret standing 44 metres tall. Next to it is the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, a white marble tomb holding Morocco’s beloved late king and his two sons. Guards in traditional dress add to the regal atmosphere.
Kasbah of the Udayas
Walk through the Kasbah of the Udayas, a fortress quarter of white and blue façades perched above the Atlantic. In its quiet lanes, visit the Andalusian Garden and the small museum. Stop at the terrace café overlooking the Bouregreg River to admire nearby Salé.

End the day with a seaside walk along the Rabat Corniche, or enjoy a relaxed evening in the Ville Nouvelle (New Town), where French Art Deco architecture blends with modern Moroccan style.

Day 6

Rabat > Casablanca:

Today you head south-west to Casablanca, the country’s economic centre and a city full of contrasts, where colonial buildings meet Art Deco and cutting-edge skyscrapers.
Hassan II Mosque
Start your tour at the Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest in the world. Built partly over the ocean, it has the tallest minaret in the world at 210 metres. Non-Muslims can join a guided tour of the interior to admire marble columns, Venetian chandeliers and retractable ceilings.
The Corniche
Walk along the Ain Diab Corniche, a lively promenade lined with upmarket cafés, fish restaurants and beach clubs. On sunny days, locals and tourists gather here to relax by the ocean.
Rick’s Café
For a dose of nostalgia and cinematic charm, visit the recreation of Rick’s Café, inspired by the film Casablanca. Although the film was shot in Hollywood, this restaurant and bar pays tribute to its romantic aura with live piano music and vintage decor.

Day 7

Casablanca > Marrakech:

On the last day you travel inland to Marrakech, the most dynamic and fascinating city in Morocco. Known as the “Red City” for its rose-tinted walls, Marrakech is a feast for the senses.
Begin your exploration at the Bahia Palace, a 19th-century masterpiece built for a former grand vizier. Walk through mosaic-covered courtyards, lush gardens and tranquil fountains that once echoed with royal footsteps.
Admire the iconic Koutoubia Mosque, the largest and most recognisable symbol of Marrakech. Its 77-metre minaret is visible from kilometres away and served as the model for the Giralda in Seville. Although non-Muslims cannot enter, the exterior is a marvel of Almohad architecture.
At sunset, head to the legendary Jemaa el-Fna, the beating heart of Marrakech. By day the square is full of juice sellers, henna artists and street performers. By night it turns into a carnival of lights, food stalls, drummers, snake charmers and storytellers.