Morocco Explorer From Costa del Sol 2026-27 - 9 days

Costa del Sol – Tangier (Morocco) – Rabat - Casablanca. We depart from the Costa del Sol and cross the Strait of Gibraltar by ferry to Tangier. On arrival in Morocco, we continue south to Rabat, the capital of the Kingdom, before travelling onward to Casablanca, the country’s economic hub.

Please note: This tour is bi-lingual and will be conducted in Spanish as well as English. Passengers must clear customs with their own luggage and are allowed one piece each; passport details must be provided 72 hours before departure. The itinerary is subject to minor modifications without affecting overall services.

Meeting point: Hotel Sol Principe, P.º del Colorado, 26, 29620 Torremolinos, Málaga at 6:30.

Casablanca – Marrakech. After breakfast, we take a panoramic tour of Casablanca, visiting Hassan II Avenue, United Nations Square and viewing the Royal Palace from the outside, surrounded by beautifully maintained gardens that reflect the city’s dignity and order. The highlight is the impressive Hassan II Mosque – one of the largest in the world – its 210-metre minaret rising above the Atlantic Ocean. You may choose to join an optional interior visit.

You’ll have free time for lunch in Casablanca, with the chance to try fresh seafood, savoury pastilla or a traditional harira in one of the city’s stylish cafés. In the afternoon we travel to Marrakech, the jewel of southern Morocco. After check-in, you may wish to join the optional Marrakech by Night excursion by horse-drawn carriage, which takes you through the illuminated city to Jemaa el-Fna Square – a UNESCO-listed spectacle that comes alive after dark.

Marrakech – Aït Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate. Following breakfast, we embark on a guided tour of Marrakech. We visit the Menara Gardens, symbol of the city since the 12th century, and the exquisite Bahia Palace – a masterpiece of Moroccan architecture featuring ornate courtyards and orange-filled gardens. We stroll through the labyrinthine souks, ending at the legendary Jemaa el-Fna Square, recognised by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, where snake charmers, storytellers and Gnawa musicians bring the city to life.

In the afternoon, we leave Marrakech and cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260 m). There’s free time for lunch en route before continuing to the UNESCO-listed Aït Ben Haddou Kasbah. We explore this remarkable fortified ksar – filming location for many international productions – before travelling onward to Ouarzazate, known as Morocco’s “cinema city”.

Ouarzazate – Todra Gorges – Erfoud. After breakfast, we travel through the scenic Drâa Valley, stopping in Kelaa M’Gouna, famous for its rose cultivation and spring festival. We continue via Boumalne du Dadès, gateway to the Dadès Gorges, before visiting the spectacular Todra Gorges – a narrow canyon framed by sheer 300-metre cliffs. There’s time for lunch at leisure before we journey on to Erfoud, a desert town known for its fossil quarries and bustling date markets, and considered the gateway to the Sahara.

Erfoud – Merzouga. Following breakfast, we transfer to the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi near Merzouga, where the stillness of the desert surrounds us. You may wish to take an optional 4×4 excursion to nearby Berber villages, hidden oases and the village of Khamlia to hear traditional Gnawa music performed by descendants of Saharan slaves.

In the late afternoon, we ride camels into the dunes to watch the sunset – an unforgettable experience – before reaching our desert camp among the sands. Enjoy a traditional dinner beneath the stars, followed by Berber music and drumming around the fire.

Merzouga – Ifrane – Fes. We rise early for breakfast and travel north across the Middle Atlas Mountains, passing through Midelt, a region of apple orchards, and the cedar forests of Azrou, home to the Barbary macaque. We stop in Ifrane, often called the “Switzerland of Morocco” for its alpine-style architecture and well-kept streets. Continuing our journey, we arrive in Fes by afternoon.

After breakfast, the morning is free for you to relax or explore at leisure – perhaps enjoy a traditional Moroccan hammam. In the afternoon, we take a guided tour of Fes el-Bali, the city’s oldest quarter. We view the Royal Palace (Dar al-Makhzen) with its seven ornate bronze gates and enter the medina through Bab Boujloud. Our tour includes the Bou Inania Madrasa, the vibrant souks and artisan workshops of the old city – including the Chouara Tanneries and Seffarine Square – as well as an exterior view of Al Quaraouiyine University, founded in 859 AD.

Lunch is included today in a traditional riad within the medina, featuring authentic local dishes such as tagine, couscous, harira and mint tea. The afternoon is free for shopping or relaxation.

Fes - Chefchaouen - Tangier. After breakfast, we journey through the Rif Mountains to the charming town of Chefchaouen, known as the “Blue Pearl of Morocco”. We wander its maze of sky-blue and indigo-painted streets, explore Outa el Hammam Square and visit local artisan workshops. You’ll have free time for lunch before we continue to Tangier.

Tangier - Costa del Sol (Spain). After breakfast, we transfer to the port for our ferry crossing back to the Costa del Sol, where our Moroccan adventure comes to an end.

Please note: On most departures, the tour ends in the Costa del Sol town of Torremolinos - the exact drop off point and time will be communicated to you.