Overview
The 14-day Grand Morocco tour from Fes is our fullest itinerary starting in the city, built for travelers who have committed real time to the country and want as few gaps as possible. It carries over everything from our 12-day Discovery route — Meknes and Volubilis, Chefchaouen, Tangier and Asilah, the Sahara at Merzouga — and adds two further dimensions: the Draa Valley and Zagora on the way south, and a final coastal day in Essaouira.
Zagora extends the desert experience beyond Merzouga into a different kind of Saharan landscape, following the Draa Valley's palm groves down toward the old caravan routes that once linked Morocco to Timbuktu. Essaouira, at the very end, gives the trip an Atlantic close after two weeks that otherwise run through mountains, medinas, and dunes.
This is the itinerary we recommend when time is not the limiting factor and the goal is the most complete possible reading of the country from a single route.
Highlights
- Our most comprehensive Fes-based itinerary at 14 days
- Meknes, Volubilis, Chefchaouen, Tangier, and Asilah in the first week
- Camel trek and a night under canvas at Merzouga
- Extends south to Zagora and the Draa Valley beyond the standard kasbah road
- Ait Ben Haddou and a full day in Marrakech
- Closes with a day trip to the Atlantic coast at Essaouira
Fes el-Bali is a UNESCO World Heritage medina whose basic layout has changed remarkably little since the 9th century. Use the first afternoon for orientation: settle into your riad, walk the routes connecting the main souks, and let the call to prayer and the smell of woodsmoke set the tone before a licensed local guide takes you deeper the next day.
What Is Included
- Pick-up in Fes and transport throughout the route
- Thirteen nights' accommodation
- Camel ride and one night in a desert camp
- Driver-guide service
- Dinners and breakfasts as scheduled
- Cultural and scenic stops along the route
What Is Not Included
- Lunches and drinks
- Entrance fees and local guides unless stated
- Tips and personal expenses
- Travel insurance
Practical Tips
- Explore early: Morocco's medinas are cooler and less crowded in the morning — aim to start sightseeing before 10:00 AM
- What to wear: Dress modestly in medinas and near mosques; avoid very short shorts or sleeveless tops out of respect for local culture
- Money: Carry Moroccan dirhams (MAD) for souks, entry fees, and tips; card payments are limited in traditional markets — ATMs are available in all major cities
- Bargaining: Haggling is expected in souks; start at roughly half the asking price and negotiate respectfully — it is part of the culture
- Guided visits: A licensed local guide significantly enriches the experience in large medinas like Fes or Marrakech; we can arrange this on request
- Security: Morocco's imperial cities are generally safe for tourists; keep standard urban awareness in busy markets and watch your belongings
FAQ
Why does this route go to Zagora as well as Merzouga?
Zagora and the Draa Valley are a genuinely different landscape from the Ziz Valley route to Merzouga, tracing the old caravan roads south rather than the more commonly used Middle Atlas corridor, so the two together give a fuller picture of southern Morocco.
Is 14 days too much time in one country?
For travelers with the time available, no — the extra days go toward real additions (Tangier, Asilah, Zagora, Essaouira) rather than slower pacing of the same stops.
Is this suitable for couples or families?
Yes. The pacing works well for most travelers, including families with older children, though it is a substantial trip best suited to those genuinely committed to seeing the whole country.
Can this be customized into a private luxury trip?
Yes. Upgraded riads, private guides, and added experiences can usually be arranged.
Do I need a local guide at each city?
Not strictly required, but a licensed local guide adds considerable depth, especially in Fes, Meknes, Tangier, and Marrakech. We can arrange guided visits if requested.
Is it safe to explore Moroccan cities independently?
Yes. Morocco's main cities are generally safe for tourists. Use standard urban awareness and keep valuables secure in busy souks.
What currency should I use?
Moroccan dirhams (MAD). Exchange at official bureaux de change or banks — avoid street money changers. ATMs are available in all major cities.
