* NRV Holiday | Highlights of Morocco, Self-Drive

Learn about Moroccan culture and art on this sixteen-day expedition and marvel at the diverse landscapes that fill this incredible country. Visit the imperial cities of Marrakech, Casablanca, Rabat, and Fez among others and contemplate the Atlas Mountains, the Sahara Desert and the Atlantic waters.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Casablanca: a city whose name evokes classical Hollywood glamour, but is in fact the kingdom’s commercial powerhouse. Discover the charms of this cosmopolitan coastal capital.

Rabat: The ‘Fortified Place’, the literal meaning of Rabat is the capital city of Morocco. Its wide boulevards are filled with out of the ordinary historical monuments, some dating back as far as the 7th century

Chefchaouen: is part of the territory protected by UNESCO’s Intercontinental Biosphere Reserve of the Mediterranean, so take advantage and admire the surroundings.

Fes: Boasting more than 12 centuries of history, as well as a medina that is a UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site and the oldest university on the planet, Fes is a multifarious city renowned for the splendour of its faded glory.

Marrakech: visit lively Marrakech and admire the famous Koutoubia Mosque, the beautiful Bahia Palace, the Saadian Tombs, Agdal Garden, and the bustling Jemaa el-Fnaa market.

Day 1: ARRIVAL CASABLANCA (30km – 30min)

Welcome to Morocco! Once you have collected your car drive to the hotel for check-in.

Overnight in Casablanca.

Day 2: CASABLANCA – RABAT (90km – 1hr)

Take to the road after breakfast at the hotel and follow the Atlantic coastline north towards the capital, Rabat. Once there, enjoy the city and set eyes upon the Royal Palace, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V and the Hassan Tower before wandering through the Kasbah of the Oudayas to explore its famous gardens. You can also make an optional stop for lunch before going on to spend the remainder of the day in Rabat at leisure. 

Overnight in Rabat.

Day 3: RABAT – CHEFCHAOUEN (250km – 4hrs)

Start the day with breakfast at the hotel and drive to the Blue Pearl of Morocco “Chefchaouen”. 

Overnight in Chefchaouen.

Day 4: CHEFCHAOUEN

Wake up to breakfast at the hotel. Perhaps wander around and discover Chefchaouen many ideal corners for photographers. Admire the traditional buildings, especially the whitewashed and blue walls of the medina. Then ramble through the souks, which are brimming with local handicrafts, all while taking in the wonderful views of the Rif Mountains.

Overnight in Chefchaouen.

Day 5: CHEFCHAOUEN – FEZ (220km – 3.5hrs)

Begin your day with breakfast at your hotel and drive towards Fez by crossing the Rif Mountain via Ouazzane and other charming Rif Villages that are sure to make the journey worthwhile. Upon arrival, check in at your selected hotel and spend the rest of the afternoon getting to know this new exciting location.

Overnight in Fez.

Day 6: FEZ

Breakfast at the hotel is followed by a day of exploring the fascinating city of Fez at your own pace. This magnificent city is known for its more than 12 centuries of history, as well as its lively Medina, which is a UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site. The main sights of the city include the Fez el Bali, the interior of Mederssa Bou Inania, the Attarine madrasah, the Quaraouiyine Mosque, the Nejjarine fountain and the mausoleum of Moulay Idriss. After wandering around the unforgettable streets of Fez, you can also rest and indulge in lunch in its exotic Medina. 

Overnight in Fez.

Day 7: FEZ – ERFOUD (400km – 6hrs)

Depart after breakfast at the hotel and drive to Erfoud. Here you’ll check-in and have dinner at the hotel. 

Overnight in Erfoud.

Day 8: ERFOUD – MERZOUGA (55km – 45min)

After breakfast at the hotel, bid farewell to Erfoud and depart for Merzouga to continue your desert odyssey. Upon arrival check-in and dinner at the hotel. Alternatively, you can choose to spend the night in a tented camp in the desert, once in a lifetime experience (at an additional cost, available as an optional extra).

Overnight in Merzouga.

Day 9: MERZOUGA – BOUMALNE DADES (245km – 4hrs)

Charge your batteries with breakfast before departing to Boumalne Dades, located at the edge of a desert plateau. Then you’ll eventually reach El Kelaa M’Gouna, a city located in the heart of the fragrant Rose Valley, thus known for its extensive cultivation of roses for cosmetic purposes. Here are grown other local delicacies such as saffron. The location is also famous for celebrating an annual rose festival. Check in to your hotel and savour dinner. 

Overnight in Boumalne Dades.

Day 10: BOUMALNE DADES – OUARZAZATE (125km – 1.5hr)

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, hop on your rental car and depart Boumalne Dades heading towards Ouarzazate. Pass through the winding roads and admire the impressive landscape. Perhaps make a stop at Ait Ben Haddou, one of the famous ksars (castles) of the south, classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and a preferred filming site for many famous TV shows and films. On arrival in Ouarzazate, check-in and a well-deserved rest. 

Overnight in Ouarzazate.

Day 11: OUARZAZATE – MARRAKECH (210km – 4hrs)

After breakfast, drive up into the stunning Atlas Mountains to the Tizi-n-Test pass, which has some unforgettable views that will make you feel like the king of the world. Once you descend from the mountains, you’ll reach Marrakech, where you’ll check in to your hotel.

Overnight in Marrakech.

Day 12: MARRAKECH

Discover Marrakech at your own pace after a delightful breakfast at the hotel. The historical visit of the city is a journey marked by the various stages of its construction: the famous Koutoubia Mosque, everlasting proof of Hispano-Moresque art, with a 70-metre-high minaret, the Bahia Palace and its garden lined with orange trees, cypress, jasmine, splendours of cedar tree domes and the marble columns in the Saadian Tombs. 

Overnight in Marrakech.

Day 13: MARRAKECH – ESSAOUIRA (175km – 3hrs)

Wake up to breakfast at the hotel, followed by morning for you to spend at leisure. Then drive from your hotel to Essaouira, a pleasant seaside resort rich in history. Check-in at the selected hotel and then spend the rest of the day getting to know this wonderful city at your own pace. Explore the local shops and landmarks and find a nice place in which to further explore Moroccan cuisine.

Overnight in Essaouira.

Day 14: ESSAOUIRA

After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a walk through the windy city to set eyes upon its famous old port and Portuguese fortifications. Check out too the Sqala of the Kasbah, where a number of marquetry workshops huddle together and continue by losing yourself in its vibrant medina. Make sure to enjoy a fresh fish grille in a local restaurant or in the old port. Then wrap this day up by taking a magnificent photo of the sunset while walking along the sands of Essaouira beach (Warm clothes recommended in every season).

Overnight in Essaouira.

Day 15: ESSAOUIRA – MARRAKECH (175km – 3hrs)

Recharge your batteries with breakfast at the hotel and then step out into the street to make the most of these last hours in Essaouira before continuing with your journey through Morocco. Then drive to Marrakech City along a road flanked by this country’s renowned argan trees.

Overnight in Marrakech.

Day 16: DEPARTURE MARRAKECH (10km – 30min)

Wake up to one last breakfast at the hotel. Then check out and bid farewell to Morocco as you drive to the airport to catch your return flight.

Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting religious or official buildings in Morocco. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.