9 Nights / 10 Days
Everyone has a few places they’ve always planned to visit but never did. Those corners of the world some call exotic, enigmatic, and maybe even a touch surreal. The real contenders for your travel bucket list.
We’re talking about places like Morocco and Egypt.
Now, maybe you just haven’t gotten around to it yet. Maybe you were saving the best for last. Or maybe, you just needed someone to go with. Some fellow adventurers who also dreamt of seeing blue villages, raiding kasbahs, and riding camelback across the Sahara desert. And who knows, maybe even topping it all off with a glimpse of the Great Pyramids.
Well, with the following journey from Groups by Travelive, now you can.
- 1 Night in Rabat
- 1 Night in Tangier
- 3 Nights in Fes
- 1 Night in Merzouga
- 1 Night in Ouarzazate
- 2 Nights in Marrakech
Optional Extension
- 3 Nights in Cairo
Day 1 | Unlocking the Gateway to North Africa
You did it. You finally took that leap and made it to Morocco, which wastes little time in welcoming you into its spell. Upon arrival in Casablanca, a private transfer shall lead your group onward to Rabat, the kingdom’s elegant capital where royal history and coastal charm exist side by side. Settle in before spending the evening at leisure, perhaps wandering past grand boulevards, tranquil gardens, and historic landmarks that offer the perfect first glimpse into the rhythm, mystery, and beauty of North Africa.
Day 2 | Between Kingdoms and Coastlines
Today, Rabat gets to offer your group a proper imperial welcome through landmarks such as the Royal Palace, Hassan Tower, the peaceful ruins of Chellah, and the blue-and-white streets of the Oudayas Kasbah overlooking the Atlantic.
Not long after, Tangier will come calling, and like many artists and writers of the past, you will answer it. Perched between two seas and two continents, this legendary port city carries an unmistakable air of intrigue and cosmopolitan spirit, offering the perfect introduction to Morocco’s more mysterious side.
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Tangier’s Legendary Visitors
Throughout its history, Tangier has drawn some of the world’s most celebrated artists and writers into its spell. Literary icons such as Paul Bowles, William S. Burroughs, and Tennessee Williams once found inspiration in its cafés and winding streets, while painters like Henri Matisse were captivated by the city’s light, colors, and atmosphere.
Day 3 | Into the Blue
Speaking of mysteries, how about the one of a town painted completely blue?
For that’s exactly what awaits as you venture deep into the Rif Mountains toward Chefchaouen, the world-famous mountain town washed in every shade of sapphire imaginable.
After brightening up your day among the charming streets of Chefchaouen, make a stop at the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis, where weathered columns and centuries-old mosaics stand as reminders of Morocco’s layered past, before continuing to Fes and settling into one of the kingdom’s most storied and culturally rich cities.
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Shades of Blue
Nicknamed Morocco’s “Blue Pearl,” the true origin of Chefchaouen’s blue hues remains a mystery. Many believe the color was introduced by Jewish communities in the 1930s as a symbol of spirituality and heaven. Others suggest the blue shades help keep the town cool during warmer months or even repel mosquitoes. Whatever the reason, the result is one of Morocco’s most magical and unforgettable sights.
Day 4 | The Cultural Soul of Morocco
If Morocco has a soul, many believe it lies in Fes. Today, step into the kingdom’s spiritual and cultural heart with a guided journey through its legendary medina, where the scent of spices drifts through maze-like alleyways and centuries-old traditions still shape everyday life. Wander past vibrant souks, ornate madrasas, colorful tanneries, and hidden courtyards while discovering landmarks such as the Royal Palace, the historic Mellah, and the famed University of Al Quaraouiyine. In Fes, every winding street seems to tell another story about Morocco’s rich and fascinating past.
Day 5 | Beneath the Surface of Fes
By now, Morocco has likely begun to work its way into your group’s hearts, and today offers the chance to fall even deeper in love with it through its universal language: food. Step inside a traditional riad where Moroccan mint tea, fragrant spices, and generations of tradition await. Under the guidance of a local chef, explore Morocco’s kingdom of flavors by preparing classic dishes such as tagine and couscous before gathering together to enjoy the meal you helped create.
Later, venture deeper into the medina and spend the rest of the day uncovering hidden corners, meeting artisans, and experiencing the rhythm of everyday Moroccan life.
Day 6 | Toward the Edge of the Desert
What’s a trip to North Africa without a glimpse of its golden deserts? Prepare for one of Morocco’s most exciting adventures as your group travels south through the Middle Atlas Mountains, passing cedar forests, wide-open valleys, and the unexpected alpine charm of Ifrane.
As the route winds through dramatic gorges and the lush Ziz Oasis, the golden dunes of Merzouga will finally begin to rise from the horizon, marking your arrival at the gateway to the Sahara. It is there that you shall settle into a luxury desert camp and experience the magic of Morocco beneath a sky overflowing with stars.
The “Switzerland of Morocco”
Tucked within the Middle Atlas Mountains, Ifrane surprises many travelers with its alpine-style architecture, cedar forests, cool climate, and remarkably tidy streets. Built during the French colonial period as a mountain resort town, its chalet-like homes and European atmosphere earned it the nickname “The Switzerland of Morocco,” offering a striking contrast to the desert landscapes found elsewhere in the kingdom.
Day 7 | Across the Sands of the Sahara
Come morning, gather and watch the desert awaken as the first light spills in shades of gold and amber across the dunes of Erg Chebbi, right before setting off across them on a camel ride like the nomadic tribes of old.
The adventure then continues along the legendary Road of a Thousand Kasbahs through dramatic canyons, fertile valleys, palm groves, and ancient Berber villages. Pause at the towering Todra Gorges and watch Morocco blossom at the fragrant “City of Roses,” Kalaat M’gouna. By evening, arrive in Ouarzazate, the famed Gateway to the Sahara where countless desert stories have begun.
Day 8 | Along Morocco’s Ancient Caravan Routes
Some roads simply lead from one destination to another. The one you take today, however, travels through centuries of Moroccan history. Depart Ouarzazate and head west through a landscape shaped by kasbahs, mountain passes, and ancient trade routes once crossed by caravans bound for the Sahara.
Before long, the legendary fortified village of Aït Benhaddou rises from the desert like something imagined for the silver screen (which perhaps explains why so many famous films and series have been shot here). From there, continue across the spectacular High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass before arriving and checking into the vibrant heart of Marrakesh.
Day 9 | Shades of Red
Just when you thought Morocco couldn’t get more colorful, your group finds itself in Marrakech, the Red City. Spend the day uncovering its many layers, from the soaring Koutoubia Mosque and ornate Saadian Tombs to the elegance of Bahia Palace and the bustling maze of its vibrant souks. All before embracing its intoxicating energy in the legendary Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, where storytellers, musicians, performers, and sizzling street food bring the city to life beneath the glow of sunset, perhaps the only thing that can match its colors.
Day 10 | Until the Next Adventure
Now that you have checked Morocco off your bucket list, depart from Marrakech with memories of blue mountain villages, bustling souks, ancient kasbahs, desert sunsets, and the unforgettable spirit of North Africa that now lives within you.
Of course, some adventures have a way of inspiring others. In which case, Morocco is not only the perfect introduction to North Africa, but perhaps the gateway to even greater discoveries still waiting beyond the horizon… such as the timeless wonders of Egypt!
Extend Your Trip
Egypt Post-Extension
For those wondering what may lie beyond Morocco’s horizons, the answer rises from the desert sands of Cairo, where the echoes of one of history’s greatest civilizations await beneath the golden Egyptian sun.
Upon arrival in Egypt’s glowing capital, settle into a luxurious Nile-view property before embarking on a journey through its timeless wonders alongside an expert Egyptologist.
Stand before the mighty Pyramids of Giza and share a secret with the Sphinx. Uncover the treasures of the spectacular Grand Egyptian Museum, home to over 100,000 artifacts and the most complete collection of Tutankhamun’s treasures. And roam the unforgettable Royal Mummies Hall before revealing Cairo after dark at the legendary Khan el-Khalili Bazaar, where the sounds, colors, and energy of centuries past still linger around every corner.
As your North African adventure finally reaches its closing chapter, depart from Cairo having fulfilled the kind of journey travelers dream about for years before finally deciding to take. And one that promises many more to come.
