Morocco grand tours 15 days
Morocco Grand Tours 15 days
A 15 day grand tour of Morocco is the ideal way to experience the country’s most iconic cities, sweeping deserts, dramatic mountains, and timeless coastal towns in one unforgettable journey. Over two weeks, you can wander through ancient medinas, ride camels into the Sahara, cross the Atlas Mountains, and relax by the Atlantic Ocean, all while discovering Morocco’s rich blend of Arab, Berber, and French influences. This itinerary offers a balanced mix of history, culture, nature, and authentic local encounters, with enough time in each destination to truly soak in the atmosphere. This Morocco grand tours 15 days is really worth it!
Casablanca
Your adventure usually begins in Casablanca, Morocco’s economic heart and a modern gateway to the country. Here, the standout attraction is the Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world, perched dramatically on the oceanfront with intricate tilework and a soaring minaret. After a gentle introduction to Moroccan life with a walk along the Corniche and a taste of fresh seafood, you move on to Rabat, the capital city. Rabat charms with its calm, orderly streets, the Hassan Tower, and the beautifully preserved Kasbah of the Udayas, where blue-and-white houses overlook the Atlantic and hint at the country’s Andalusian past. This first part of the journey eases you into Morocco’s rhythm, blending modern life with evocative historical sites. It’s going to be a good start of Morocco grand tours 15 days.
Rabat
From Rabat, the tour continues to the imperial city of Meknes and the Roman ruins of Volubilis. Meknes, often quieter than other imperial cities, offers grand gates, old stables, and a mellow atmosphere perfect for your first deep dive into Morocco’s royal history. Nearby Volubilis presents a striking contrast: an open landscape scattered with Roman columns, mosaics, and arches that tell stories of a much older era. Strolling through the ruins among olive trees, you get a sense of how ancient and layered Morocco’s history really is. As you leave the plains behind, the road curves towards one of Morocco’s most photogenic towns: Chefchaouen, the Blue City.
Chefchaouen
Chefchaouen, nestled in the Rif Mountains, is a highlight of many 15-day tours thanks to its dreamy blue-painted alleys and relaxed mountain vibe. You can spend a full day or more here wandering the medina, browsing handicrafts, and photographing the ever-changing blues as the light shifts. Local shops sell handwoven blankets, leather goods, and natural products like olive oil and soaps. In the evening, watching the sunset from one of the terraces overlooking the town and surrounding peaks is a memorable experience. Chefchaouen offers a slower pace and a peaceful atmosphere before the tour heads toward the buzz of central Morocco.
Fes
Next, you travel to Fes, one of the oldest and most fascinating cities in the country. Fes el-Bali, the old medina, is a maze of narrow lanes where donkeys carry goods, artisans hammer copper, and the smell of spices mixes with fresh bread and leather. Over a couple of days, you can visit the famous tanneries, historic madrasas like Bou Inania, and traditional workshops where crafts are still made by hand. A guided tour is often the best way to understand Fes’s complex layout and rich heritage, including its long history as a center of learning and religion. Even simple moments—like sipping mint tea on a rooftop while listening to the call to prayer—leave a lasting impression in this deeply atmospheric city.
Merzouga
Leaving Fes, the landscape changes as you cross the Middle Atlas Mountains toward the Sahara. You might pass through cedar forests near Ifrane, sometimes spotting Barbary macaques in the trees, and stop in small Berber towns where life feels far removed from the busy cities. As the day goes on, the scenery gradually shifts from green hills to rocky plateaus and finally to golden desert. By the time you reach Merzouga or another desert gateway, the sand dunes of the Erg Chebbi rise like a glowing wall on the horizon. This is where one of the most anticipated experiences of the grand tour begins: your Sahara adventure.
Erg Chebbi dunes
In the Sahara, you usually trade your vehicle for a camel and ride into the dunes as the sun sets, casting long shadows and turning the sand deep orange and red. Spending a night or two in a desert camp—either traditional or luxury—lets you enjoy star-filled skies far from city lights, music around the campfire, and traditional Moroccan meals in the stillness of the dunes. Early risers can climb a nearby dune to watch the sunrise, when the desert feels almost otherworldly. These moments create powerful memories of silence, space, and connection to nature that many travelers consider the highlight of their 15-day itinerary.
Ouarzazate
When you leave the desert, the route continues through the dramatic Todra and Dades Gorges, where steep rock walls tower above crystal-clear rivers and small villages cling to the sides of valleys. This region is perfect for short hikes, photography, and learning about Berber culture in rural Morocco. Traditional mud-brick kasbahs and green palm oases stand out against the red rock and dusty hills, creating stunning contrasts. The journey through these valleys shows a different side of the country, where agriculture, small communities, and ancient fortifications define the landscape. The road eventually leads to Ouarzazate, sometimes called the “Gateway to the Desert” and known for its film studios and nearby kasbahs.
Marrakech
Close to Ouarzazate lies Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO-listed fortified village that has appeared in many movies and TV series. Walking through its narrow pathways and climbing to the top for a panoramic view is like stepping back in time. From here, the tour climbs over the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka pass, offering winding roads and sweeping views of peaks and valleys. By the time you descend on the other side, you arrive in Marrakech, a city that pulses with energy and color. Marrakech’s medina, gardens, and lively squares provide a vibrant contrast to the calm of the desert and mountains.
Sightseeing in Marrakech
In Marrakech, you can spend a couple of days exploring the famous Jemaa el-Fnaa square, where storytellers, musicians, food stalls, and market vendors fill the air with sounds and aromas. The nearby souks are packed with carpets, lamps, spices, and textiles, inviting you to practice your bargaining skills. Historical sites like the Koutoubia Mosque, Bahia Palace, and the Saadian Tombs offer glimpses into Morocco’s royal past, while modern areas of the city feature cafes, galleries, and stylish riads. Many tours also include a visit to the Majorelle Garden and the Yves Saint Laurent Museum, combining natural beauty with artistic flair. Marrakech is a city that delights the senses and often becomes a favorite stop on the grand tour.
Free time in Marrakech
After the intensity of Marrakech, the final part of a 15-day Morocco grand tour often heads to the Atlantic coast, with Essaouira as a popular choice. This laid-back port town welcomes you with white-and-blue houses, a historic seafront fortress, and long sandy beaches ideal for relaxing walks or water sports. The medina is smaller and calmer than those of Fes or Marrakech, making it easy to explore at your own pace, stopping for fresh grilled fish or coffee in a breezy courtyard. Seagulls wheel above the harbor, and the sound of waves against the ramparts creates a soothing backdrop. Essaouira’s relaxed atmosphere makes it a perfect place to unwind towards the end of your journey.
Departure day
Depending on your flight, the tour usually finishes back in Marrakech or Casablanca, giving you time for any last-minute shopping or sightseeing. Over 15 days, this grand tour lets you see Morocco from many angles: ancient and modern, urban and rural, desert and sea. You experience the warmth of Moroccan hospitality in riads, guesthouses, and desert camps, tasting tagines, couscous, fresh mint tea, and sweet pastries along the way. The variety of landscapes and cultures you encounter ensures that each day feels distinct yet connected. A 15-day grand tour of Morocco is not just a holiday; it is a richly layered journey through history, nature, and daily life in one of North Africa’s most captivating countries. That’s the end of a great Morocco grand tours 15 days.
