Overview
The 14-day Grand Morocco tour from Rabat is our most complete itinerary from the capital, built for travelers who want to see the country properly rather than sample it. It combines every region covered in the shorter Rabat itineraries — the north, the imperial cities, the Sahara, and the southern kasbah country — and adds two sections that shorter routes cannot fit: the far north around Tangier and Asilah, and the palm groves of the Draa Valley at Zagora.
The extra days are not filler. Tangier's cosmopolitan history and Asilah's mural-covered ramparts give the northern leg a genuinely different character from Chefchaouen, while the detour south to Zagora after Merzouga adds a second, distinct desert landscape and one of Morocco's most storied old caravan towns before the route climbs back to Marrakech.
For travelers with two weeks to give Morocco, this is the itinerary that leaves the least out.
Highlights
- The most complete Morocco route we offer from Rabat, at a comfortable 14-day pace
- Chefchaouen, Tangier, and Asilah across the north
- Fes, Meknes, and the Roman ruins of Volubilis
- Two nights in the Merzouga desert with a 4x4 excursion
- Todra Gorge, Dades Valley, and the Draa Valley at Zagora
- Ait Ben Haddou and the High Atlas crossing into Marrakech
Rabat carries its status as Morocco's capital with a quiet confidence that sets it apart from the country's other major cities. The Hassan Tower is the first landmark most visitors seek out — an unfinished 12th-century minaret once intended to be the tallest in the Islamic world — standing beside the Mohammed V Mausoleum, where the current king's father and grandfather rest in a chamber of carved plaster, painted cedar, and Italian marble. The Kasbah of the Udayas occupies the river mouth, a fortified quarter of blue-and-white lanes opening onto a garden terrace above the Atlantic, with views across to Salé on the far bank. Rabat's medina is small and easy to navigate, and the broad, tree-lined avenues of the French-built new town give the city an ordered, unhurried feel.
What Is Included
- Pick-up in Rabat and transport throughout the route
- Thirteen nights' accommodation
- Camel rides, 4x4 desert excursion, and two separate desert camp stays
- Driver-guide service
- Dinners and breakfasts as scheduled
- Scenic and cultural route stops, including Volubilis and the Draa Valley
What Is Not Included
- Lunches and beverages
- Monument entry 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
Is 14 days too long for a first trip to Morocco?
Not at all. It is a comfortable, well-paced way to see nearly all of the country's major regions without rushing any of them.
What does this tour include that the shorter Rabat itineraries do not?
Tangier, Asilah, a second night in the Sahara, and a detour south to the Draa Valley at Zagora.
Is Zagora different from Merzouga?
Yes. Merzouga sits beside the tall dunes of Erg Chebbi, while Zagora is the gateway to the Draa Valley and a different, more palm-lined desert landscape further south.
Is this suitable for couples and private travel?
Yes. It is especially well suited to private, customized travel with upgraded accommodation.
Do I need a local guide at each city?
Not strictly required, but a licensed local guide adds considerable depth — especially in complex medinas like Fes. 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, keep valuables secure in busy souks, and you will have an enjoyable experience.
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.
