After settling into your riad, take a relaxed stroll to Place Mohammed V to admire its French colonial architecture and lively fountains, then visit the nearby Mahkama du Pacha to glimpse ornate Moorish interiors (check opening times for guided access). Finish with a light brunch at a café along Avenue des Forces Armées Royales, sampling fresh mint tea and msemen while watching the city wake up.
Stroll along the Corniche at Ain Diab and pause for a seaside mint tea at Le Cabestan or a casual seafood plate at La Sqala while watching the Atlantic light shift toward sunset. Continue with a visit to the striking exterior of Hassan II Mosque (evening guided tours may be available-check times) and finish by exploring the lively cafés and street art around Quartier des Habous for a gentle, authentic introduction to Casablanca's evening rhythm.
As twilight deepens, head to the atmospheric waterfront promenade at Ain Diab Corniche Boardwalk for a relaxed seaside walk and people-watching, then step into the lively night market stalls near Marché Central to sample grilled sardines and local pastries. Finish with a nightcap at the rooftop bar of Sky 28 for panoramic city views and Moroccan cocktails, letting the ocean breeze and the mosque silhouette set the tone for tomorrow's deeper exploration.
Begin with a peaceful stroll through Chellah Necropolis, where Roman ruins and serene gardens set a reflective tone before the day warms up; watch storks nesting on minarets and read the weathered inscriptions as you wander. Continue to the nearby Kasbah of the Udayas Museum to explore traditional Andalusian ceramics and climb its ramparts for sweeping views of the Bou Regreg, then pause at the blue-and-white lanes of the Udayas Garden (Jardin des Oudayas) for mint tea under orange trees before moving on to the medina's narrow alleys.
Step down from the kasbah ramparts into the lively lanes of the medina and duck into the fragrant Rue des Consuls to browse workshops where artisans handcraft leather goods and brassware; pause for a fresh orange juice at Café Maure while watching locals haggle. Wander toward the riverside to visit the atmospheric Necropolis of Chellah Gardens' outer promenades (explore corners not seen in the morning) and finish with a relaxing late-afternoon stroll through the manicured paths of Jardin d'Essais Botaniques, enjoying rare plants and a shaded bench before an early evening transfer or dinner in the medina.
As dusk falls, wander the lantern-lit alleys of Souk el Had to sample street-food bites like b'stilla slices and honeyed chebakia from friendly vendors, then follow locals toward the riverfront promenade for a peaceful walk along the Bou Regreg. Finish the night with a relaxed dinner at Le Dhow, the converted boat-restaurant moored on the river, enjoying fresh seafood and mint tea while city lights gleam across to Salé-an intimate, riverside close to a day spent among Rabat's historic sites.
Ease into Fez with a guided stroll starting at Bab Bou Jeloud (Blue Gate) to admire its tiled façade before slipping into the winding alleys; your guide will point out hidden madrasas and lead you to the atmospheric tanneries of Chouara where leather is dyed by hand-watch the colorful vats from a safe terrace and learn about the age-old process. Continue to the lively Place Seffarine, listen to metalworkers hammering brass, then pause for a mint tea and a slice of msemen at a nearby riad courtyard as the medina wakes, linking the calmer arrival in Casablanca and Rabat to the bustling craft heart of Fez.
After the morning's highlights, lose yourself deeper in the medina by visiting the vibrant Souk el Henna to see traditional henna artists and aromatic spice stalls, then step into the serene courtyard of Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts & Crafts to learn about carpentry traditions and enjoy a rooftop tea with panoramic views. Continue with a hands-on stop at Attarine Quarter to watch potters shaping ceramics and visit a family-run tannery suppliers' workshop (observe from the terrace) before finishing the afternoon with a leisurely stroll through the shaded alleys toward Bab Ftouh, linking this immersive craft-focused afternoon to your earlier peek at Fez's artisanal heart.
As lanterns warm the alleys, follow locals to Place R'cif for an evening coffee or sweet pastries while street performers and vendors set up, then drift toward the quieter artisan quarters to watch master woodworkers finishing inlayed shutters at a family workshop near Rue Talaa Kbira. Finish with a relaxed dinner in a restored riad at Dar Hatim, where you can savor traditional tajine and listen to live Andalusian melodies-an intimate close to a day spent among Fez's living crafts and a gentle bridge to tomorrow's deeper Atlas adventures.
Start the morning with a crisp walk through Ifrane's Alpine-style central park, stopping for coffee at a local café near the clock tower while enjoying the town's tidy chalets and crisp mountain air; the atmosphere provides a gentle contrast to Fez's medina. Then head into the nearby Cedar Forest of Azrou for a guided short hike where you'll spot Barbary macaques, fossilized cedars, and visit the traditional Amazigh artisan stalls in the village of Azrou to watch woodcarvers and sip spiced tea before continuing the day through the Atlas landscapes.
Drive higher into the Atlas to explore the sweeping plateaus around Michlifen, where you can take a short guided snowwalk (or alpine meadow stroll depending on season) and enjoy panoramic views over the valleys with a thermos of mint tea. Continue to the nearby village of Timahdite for a visit to a local shepherd cooperative-sample fresh goat cheese and learn about transhumance traditions-then finish the afternoon with a scenic photo stop at the red-rock outcrops of Lağoua Lookout, watching light soften over the cedar-lined ridges before dinner back in Ifrane.
As dusk settles, take a tranquil drive to the nearby village of Aït Hachim for a rooftop tea at a family-run guesthouse overlooking terraced fields, then wander its quiet lanes to see traditional stone farmhouses lit by lanterns. Afterwards, enjoy a farm-to-table dinner at Chez Aziz in Ifrane, savoring slow-cooked lamb and seasonal vegetables while sharing stories with locals-an intimate, slow-paced close that links the day's mountain walks to tomorrow's descent toward the Sahara.
Depart the Atlas foothills at dawn and pause in the palm-dotted oasis of Tafilalet to stretch your legs and browse local date stalls, then continue toward the Erg Chebbi dunes with a scenic stop at the photogenic village of Rissani to visit its lively souk and the centuries-old Ksar ruins for a taste of Saharan trade-route history. Arrive in Merzouga by late morning for a guided 4x4 excursion across the sandy outskirts to explore fossil-rich sebkhas and the natural springs of Ain Hamra, finishing with mint tea around a nomad-style tent as you prepare for the afternoon camel trek into the dunes.
Saddle up for a late-afternoon camel trek from the village toward the golden ridges, pausing to watch light pour across Erg Chebbi Dunes as local guides share Berber stories and prepare a tea ceremony at a quiet dune saddle. Continue to a traditional nomad camp near Khamlia Village to enjoy Gnawa music around a fire, taste a simple communal tagine, and settle into your desert bivouac for an unforgettable sunset-to-starlight desert evening.
After settling into your desert camp, wander to the nearby Nomad Market Square where local women sell hand-stitched rugs and amber jewelry as the sky cools, then join a guided stargazing talk beside the campfire to learn Berber constellations from an experienced local guide. Finish the night with a communal supper under canvas at Camp Oasis Dining Tent, sampling a saffron-spiced lamb tagine and sweet mint tea while Gnawa rhythms drift across the dunes, linking your day's camel trek and sunset into a slow, music-filled desert evening.
Rise early to watch the sun climb over Erg Chebbi's highest dunes, then return to Merzouga village for a hearty breakfast of msemen and spiced omelette at a family-run guesthouse. Afterward, join a local guide for a desert activity morning-try sandboarding down a quiet slope near Dune 45 and visit a nearby fossil workshop where artisans show polished ammonites and explain local geology before a relaxed mint-tea break under tamarisk trees.
After a morning of dunes and sand-boarding, spend the afternoon on a guided 4x4 excursion to explore the salt flats and fossil-strewn corridors of Sebkha al Majhoul, stopping at a secluded palm grove near Ksar Merzouga Oasis for a picnic of dates and spiced tea while your driver explains local nomadic life. Continue with a visit to a nearby artisan cooperative where you can watch women weave Berber rugs and try your hand at weaving a small motif, then meet a local storyteller in the village square of Hassi Labied to hear tales of desert trade routes before preparing for the evening camel trek into the dunes.
As twilight cools, wander to the lively stalls around Khamlia Square to sample spiced tea and listen to a local Gnawa trio before a hands-on short workshop in traditional percussion. Afterward, take a short twilight walk out to Sunset Ridge Lookout (a quieter spot than the main dune crests) to watch the dunes shift color, then return to Camp Oasis Dining Tent for a communal dinner of slow-cooked lamb and toasted flatbread while guides share desert legends around the fire.
Wake early for a dramatic canyon walk through M'Goun Gorge Trailhead, where a local guide leads you along riverside paths past palm-lined pools and ancient irrigation channels, pausing to inspect fossil-bearing limestone walls and watch cliff swifts dart overhead. Continue toward the Todgha rim to visit the cliffside hamlet of Tamtattouchte, meet a Berber family for a home-brewed mint tea and freshly baked khobz, then take a short photo stop at the iconic rock formations of Monkey Fingers Viewpoint as the morning light sculpts the valley ahead.
After the morning canyon walk, take a leisurely drive along the gorge rim to the photogenic village of Boumalne du Dades, stopping at the windswept terraces of Tizi n'Tazazert for panoramic photos and a chance to meet shepherds tending goats; sample freshly baked local flatbread with honey at a family-run roadside stand. Continue down the valley to explore the ochre villages of Aït Oudinar, visit a cooperative where women press argan oil and handcraft rose-water products, then pause at the dramatic rock formations of The Monkey Fingers (Dades Road) viewpoint to watch late-afternoon light carve the canyon walls before a relaxed dinner in a traditional guesthouse.
As the light softens, drive to the cliffside village of Tinghir Plateau Overlook for a short walk among terraced orchards and to watch farmers bring goats home, then descend to the peaceful riverside hamlet of Imidlaten to share mint tea with a local family and learn about traditional irrigation (khettara) practices. Finish with dinner at Kasbah Aït Sidi, savoring a slow-cooked lamb tagine on a rooftop terrace while candlelight illuminates the canyon walls and soft Gnawa melodies drift across the valley, linking today's canyon hikes to the winding road toward Ouarzazate tomorrow.
Drive out early to explore the cinematic landscapes around Taourirt Kasbah with a guided tour of its painted reception rooms and hidden passageways, then continue to the nearby Atlas Film Studios for a behind-the-scenes look at famous sets and prop storage where classics were filmed. Finish the morning with a stroll through the ancient mud-brick lanes of Ait Benhaddou Village (below the ksar) to meet local potters and sip mint tea on a rooftop terrace overlooking the fortified kasbah, connecting the desert roads you've crossed to Morocco's storied film and trading heritage.
Cross the valley to visit the hilltop village of Telouet and explore the faded splendour of the Glaoui Palace with its carved cedar ceilings and tiled salons, learning about caravan-era power and Marrakech road history. Continue with a guided walk through the ochre lanes of Ksar Ait Hammou to meet local potters and herbalists, then pause at Agdez Palm Grove for a riverside picnic of fresh dates and mint tea while your guide explains ancient irrigation and the shift from the high Atlas towards the plains - a gentle, story-rich bridge between morning film sets and the road toward Marrakech.
As dusk falls, wander the shaded courtyards of Kasbah Tifoultoute to watch lamp-lit windows and hear locals recall caravan tales, then enjoy a rooftop aperitif at Café des Kasbahs with views across the palm-dotted valley toward the fortified skyline. Finish with a traditional music-and-dinner experience at Maison Glaoui Restaurant, savoring a saffron-scented tagine and warm hospitality that gently bridges the day's cinematic sets and ancient trade-route history as you prepare to descend toward Marrakech tomorrow.
Set out early from Ouarzazate and climb the winding Tizi n'Tichka pass, pausing at the panoramic Tizi n'Tichka Viewpoint to admire the serrated High Atlas skyline and sip mint tea with a Berber family in a roadside auberge. Continue to the hillside village of Telouet Kasbah for a guided walk through its faded painted salons and fragrant courtyard gardens, then stop at a cooperative in Aït Ben Moro to taste freshly baked khobz and learn about local argan and olive-pressing traditions before descending toward Marrakech.
Descend from the pass toward the plains with a leisurely stop at Aït Ourir to browse a bustling roadside market and taste freshly fried beghrir from a family stall, then continue to the fragrant gardens of Le Jardin Majorelle for a restorative walk among cactus and cobalt-blue pavilions. Finish the afternoon with a short guided intro to Marrakech's medina by visiting Bab Agnaou and wandering the nearby artisan lanes to watch copperworkers and dyers at their benches, easing you from mountain roads into the city's vibrant urban rhythm.
As twilight settles, wander the aromatic lanes of Rue des Épices to sample fresh harira and spice-scented street snacks from lively vendors, then duck into the intimate courtyard of Maison de la Photographie for a late-afternoon exhibition of local scenes and rooftop views over the medina. Finish the night with a music-filled dinner at Le Foundouk, enjoying a rooftop table that looks down onto the lantern-lit alleys and live gnawa or Andalusian performances-an inviting urban welcome after your mountain crossing.
Begin with a calm riad breakfast before slipping into the quieter side streets to explore Bahia Palace's sunlit courtyards and intricate zellij tiles, then wander the adjoining Mellah Jewish Quarter to visit its aromatic spice shops and the historic Slat al-Azama Synagogue. Continue to the tranquil Le Jardin Secret for a guided tour of its restored Islamic gardens and rooftop tea with views over the medina, a peaceful morning that bridges your High Atlas descent with the bustling souks to come.
After a morning among palaces and the mellah, drift into the heart of Marrakech by exploring the lively craft corridors around Souk Semmarine, watching master leatherworkers and dyers at their benches and picking up a handcrafted babouche or woven belt. Pause for a light lunch and people-watching on the rooftop of Café Argana overlooking Jemaa el-Fnaa, then wander the nearby alleys to discover the peaceful refuge of Maison de la Photographie's rooftop for panoramic medina views before an evening of street-food theatre.
As night falls, follow the hum of street life toward Place des Ferblantiers to watch metalworkers and lantern-makers light their forges, then slip into the intimate lanes around Rue Mouassine for a mezze-style supper at a cozy bistro accompanied by live oud music. Afterwards, drift to the elevated terraces of Café des Épices to sip mint tea while watching the incandescent bustle of Jemaa el-Fnaa unfold below-storytellers, snake-charmers and grill stalls creating a final sensory crescendo that ties your journey from Casablanca to the High Atlas into Marrakech's nocturnal heartbeat.
| Place / Activity | Cost |
|---|---|
| Place Mohammed V | Free |
| Mahkama du Pacha | $5 |
| Brunch at café on Avenue des Forces Armées Royales (mint tea + msemen) | $6 |
| Ain Diab Corniche stroll | Free |
| Le Cabestan (tea or casual drink) | $10 |
| La Sqala (casual seafood plate) | $12 |
| Hassan II Mosque (exterior viewing) | Free |
| Hassan II Mosque guided tour (if available) | $15 |
| Quartier des Habous exploration | Free |
| Ain Diab Corniche Boardwalk (evening walk) | Free |
| Marché Central (street food: grilled sardines & pastries) | $4 |
| Sky 28 (cocktail / rooftop bar) | $12 |
| Chellah Necropolis (Rabat) | $3 |
| Kasbah of the Udayas Museum | $2 |
| Jardin des Oudayas (Udayas Garden) / mint tea | $3 |
| Rue des Consuls (artisan browsing) | Free |
| Café Maure (fresh orange juice / tea) | $4 |
| Jardin d'Essais Botaniques | $2 |
| Souk el Had (street-food tasting) | $5 |
| Le Dhow (riverboat restaurant dinner) | $20 |
| Bab Bou Jeloud (Blue Gate) | Free |
| Chouara Tanneries (viewing from terrace) | $1 |
| Place Seffarine (watching metalworkers) | Free |
| Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts & Crafts | $4 |
| Souk el Henna | Free |
| Attarine Quarter (potters / workshops) | Free |
| Dar Hatim (dinner at riad) | $18 |
| Ifrane central park / clock tower | Free |
| Cedar Forest of Azrou (guided short hike + macaques) | $10 |
| Amazigh artisan stalls (Azrou) | $3 |
| Michlifen panoramic walk / snowwalk (guide) | $12 |
| Timahdite shepherd cooperative (cheese tasting) | $5 |
| Lağoua Lookout / photo stop | Free |
| Aït Hachim rooftop tea | $3 |
| Chez Aziz (Ifrane farm-to-table dinner) | $15 |
| Tafilalet oasis stop / date stalls | $2 |
| Rissani souk & Ksar ruins visit | Free |
| 4x4 excursion outskirts of Merzouga (fossil sebkha & Ain Hamra) | $25 |
| Camel trek into Erg Chebbi (late-afternoon to camp) | $30 |
| Khamlia Gnawa music at camp | $8 |
| Desert bivouac / nomad camp overnight (shared) | $35 |
| Nomad Market Square (shopping) | $5 |
| Stargazing talk (guided) | $6 |
| Camp Oasis Dining Tent (communal supper) | $10 |
| Sunrise over Erg Chebbi | Free |
| Merzouga village breakfast (msemen + omelette) | $4 |
| Sandboarding (local guide / board rental) | $10 |
| Fossil workshop visit (Merzouga) | $4 |
| 4x4 excursion to Sebkha al Majhoul (afternoon) | $20 |
| Artisan cooperative (weaving workshop) | $6 |
| Hassi Labied village storyteller (donation/fee) | $3 |
| Khamlia Square stalls (tea / percussion workshop) | $5 |
| Sunset Ridge Lookout | Free |
| M'Goun Gorge Trailhead guided canyon walk | $18 |
| Tamtattouchte home visit (mint tea) | $2 |
| Monkey Fingers Viewpoint (photo stop) | Free |
| Boumalne du Dades visit / local flatbread snack | $3 |
| Aït Oudinar cooperative (argan/rose-water products) | $4 |
| Tinghir Plateau Overlook walk | Free |
| Imidlaten riverside mint tea with family | $2 |
| Kasbah Aït Sidi dinner | $14 |
| Taourirt Kasbah guided tour (Ouarzazate) | $5 |
| Atlas Film Studios (behind-the-scenes visit) | $10 |
| Ait Benhaddou village rooftop mint tea | $3 |
| Telouet Glaoui Palace visit | $6 |
| Ksar Ait Hammou walk / potters | Free |
| Agdez Palm Grove picnic stop | $4 |
| Kasbah Tifoultoute courtyard visit | $3 |
| Maison Glaoui Restaurant dinner | $16 |
| Tizi n'Tichka Viewpoint stop / mint tea | $3 |
| Le Jardin Majorelle (entrance fee) | $15 |
| Bab Agnaou (Marrakech) | Free |
| Souk Semmarine browsing | Free |
| Café Argana rooftop lunch (Jemaa el-Fnaa view) | $8 |
| Maison de la Photographie (entrance / rooftop) | $5 |
| Bahia Palace (entrance fee) | $7 |
| Mellah / Slat al-Azama Synagogue (exterior / visit) | Free |
| Le Jardin Secret (guided tour) | $6 |
| Souk Semmarine purchases (small item) | $8 |
| Café des Épices (mint tea / rooftop) | $4 |
| Rue Mouassine bistro mezze-style supper | $12 |
| Place des Ferblantiers (watching forges) | Free |
| Estimated Total (per person) | $580 |