* NRV Holiday | Best of Morocco, Self-Drive

Come discover the many facets of Morocco’s cultures and landscapes at your own pace. Visit Marrakech’s fabulous gardens, palaces and souks; Merzouga’s desert and golden dunes and much more, all while driving your car hire...Learn about the impressive history, fascinating local culture, marvel at the diverse landscapes of this incredible country during eleven unforgettable days.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Marrakech: Admire the famous Koutoubia Mosque, the beautiful Bahia Palace, the Saadian Tombs and wander through the bustling Jemaa el-Fnaa market.

Merzouga: Take in the glorious sights of its golden dunes.  

Rabat: Discover the capital’s many attractions, including the Royal Palace, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, the Hassan Tower and the Oudayas Gardens.

Meknes: Behold the ancient city gates of Bab Mansour and Bab El-Khemis. 

Fez: See the magnificent Moulay Idriss Zaouia, enjoy lunch in the Medina, explore the historic Jewish quarter and take in the panoramic views from the Royal Palace and fortifications.

Day 1: ARRIVAL CASABLANCA (30km – 30min)

Welcome to Morocco! Once you have collected your car drive to the hotel for check-in.

Overnight in Casablanca.

Day 2: CASABLANCA – RABAT – MEKNES (240km – 3hrs)

After breakfast at the hotel start your day by driving to Rabat, the capital city of the country. You may visit the Royal Palace (Mechouar), the Kasbah of Oudayas, the Mohamed V Mausoleum and the Hassan Tower. Continue your route to Meknes, the former imperial capital, the glory days of which were under the reign of Moulay Ismail in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. Such was the grandeur of the city that he built, that Meknes became known as the ‘City of a Hundred Minarets’ and is today a UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site. See the imposing city walls and the beautifully decorated gates of Bab Mansour and Bab El-Khemis, the vast El Hedhim Square, and the Dar El Ma souk, before finally arriving at Meknes.

Overnight in Meknes.

Day 3: MEKNES – VOLUBILIS – FEZ (115Km – 2hrs)

Start the day with breakfast at the hotel before departing to the ruins of the ancient Phoenician city of Volubilis and past the holy city of Moulay Idriss. Drive to Fez.

Overnight in Fez.

Day 4: FEZ

Breakfast at the hotel is followed by a day exploring the fascinating city of Fez at your own pace. Boasting more than 12 centuries of history, as well as a medina that is a UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site and the oldest university on the planet, Fez is a multifarious city renowned for the splendour of its faded glory. The medina, Fez el Bali, is a vast network of winding alleys hemmed in by ancient walls. Despite being car-free, the bustle, noise, shouting, and the smells of tanned leather, oriental perfumes, barbecues and sweet pastries create a sense of movement and vibrancy that draws you deep into its soul. See the Quaraouiyine Mosque as well as the Nejjarrine fountain and smell the cedar from the carpenters’ district. The alleys are lined with places of study or prayer such as madrasahs or the magnificent mausoleum of Moulay Idriss Zaouia, the most important saint’s shrine in Morocco. In the afternoon, continue through the rustic narrow streets of the Mellah, the former Jewish district, and head to the outskirts to see the Royal Palace and enjoy the extraordinary panoramic view of the whole city offered by the fortifications of the north. Return to the hotel.

Overnight in Fez.

Day 5: FEZ – ERFOUD (400km – 6hrs)

Depart after breakfast at the hotel and drive to Erfoud. Here you’ll check in and have dinner at the hotel. 

Overnight in Erfoud.

Day 6: ERFOUD – MERZOUGA (55km – 45min)

After breakfast at the hotel, bid farewell to Erfoud and depart for Merzouga to continue your desert odyssey. Upon arrival check in and dinner at the hotel. Alternatively, you can choose to spend the night in a tented camp in the desert, once in a lifetime experience (upon an additional cost, available as an optional extra).

Overnight in Merzouga.

Day 7: MERZOUGA – BOUMALNE DADES (245km – 4hrs)

Charge your batteries with breakfast before departing to Boumalne Dades, located at the edge of a desert plateau. Then you’ll eventually reach El Kelaa M’Gouna, a city located in the heart of the fragrant Rose Valley, thus known for its extensive cultivation of roses for cosmetic purposes. Here are grown other local delicacies such as saffron. The location is also famous for celebrating an annual rose festival. Check in to your hotel and savour dinner. 

Overnight in Boumalne Dades.

Day 8: BOUMALNE DADES – OUARZAZATE (125km – 1.5hr)

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, hop on your rental car and depart Boumalne Dades heading towards Ouarzazate. Pass through the winding roads and admire the impressive landscape. Perhaps make a stop at Ait Ben Haddou, one of the famous ksars (castles) of the south, classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and a preferred filming site for many famous TV shows and films. On arrival in Ouarzazate, check-in and a well-deserved rest. 

Overnight in Ouarzazate.

Day 9: OUARZAZATE – MARRAKECH (210km – 4hrs)

After breakfast, drive up into the stunning Atlas Mountains to the Tizi-n-Test pass, which has some unforgettable views that will make you feel like the king of the world. Once you descend from the mountains, you’ll reach Marrakech, where you’ll check in to your hotel.

Overnight in Marrakech.

Day 10: MARRAKECH

Breakfast at the hotel. Today you can visit the top monuments charting the history of Marrakech. Contemplate the magnificent Koutoubia mosque, whose 70-metre-high minaret is the city’s most famous landmark. It dates from the late 12th century when most of northern Africa and the southern Iberian Peninsula were part of the Almohad Empire. Later, behold the beautiful Bahia Palace, with its exceptional cedar and marble decorations, and then discover the fascinating Heritage Museum. You can then continue to the walled Medina and its maze of alleys and side streets. Browse the souks and admire the rich craftsmanship of their wares before arriving at Jemaa el-Fnaa square, the beating heart of Marrakech. Marvel at this bustling hive of activity as the sun sets over this vast space packed with stalls, snake charmers, Gnawa musicians and myriad colorful characters. If you want to end the day on a high note, have dinner in an old palace in the Medina while watching a folkloric show. 

Overnight in Marrakech.

Day 11: DEPARTURE MARRAKECH (8km – 20min)

Wake up to one last breakfast at the hotel. Then check out and bid farewell to Morocco as you drive to the airport to catch your return flight.

Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting religious or official buildings in Morocco. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.