10-Day Morocco Grand Northern Loop: Cities, Culture & Nature
- from Marrakech
Durations
10 Days/ 9 Nights
Tour Highlights
The Ultimate Northern Route: See Morocco’s coastlines, northern mountain ranges, and historic imperial capitals all in one trip.
The Famous Blue City: Spend a peaceful evening and morning exploring the magical blue-painted alleyways of Chefchaouen.
Where the Oceans Meet: Visit Tangier, the historic gateway city where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Mediterranean Sea.
Hidden Nature Paradise: Escape the crowds with a night by the stunning blue waters of Lake Bin El Ouidane and a walk by the giant Ouzoud Waterfalls
Stress-Free Travel: Skip the confusion of local buses and trains. Your private climate-controlled vehicle and driver handle everything door-to-door.
Detailed Itinerary
Your private driver will track your flight schedule and meet you right outside the arrivals gate at the Marrakech airport. We will drive you directly to your cozy Riad (a traditional home with an indoor garden courtyard). Take the afternoon to unpack, rest from your flight, or take a short walk to see the lively main square.
Driving Time: About 20 minutes.
Accommodations: Charming Riad in the Marrakech Medina.
Meals: Welcome tea included.
You do not need to drive at all today. After breakfast, an expert local history guide will meet you at your Riad for a fun walking tour. You will see the beautiful tile mosaics at the Bahia Palace, see the tall Koutoubia Mosque, and walk through the historic markets. You will have a free afternoon to relax at a rooftop cafe or shop for handmade gifts.
Driving Time: None (Walking Tour).
Accommodations: Charming Riad in the Marrakech Medina.
Meals: Breakfast included.
We leave Marrakech after breakfast and head north toward the coast. We stop in Casablanca, Morocco’s biggest city, to take a guided tour of the magnificent Hassan II Mosque—a giant, beautiful building sitting right over the Atlantic Ocean waves. Afterward, we take a short drive to Rabat, the peaceful capital city, to see the historic Hassan Tower and spend the night.
Driving Time: About 4 hours total.
Accommodations: Authentic Riad or hotel in Rabat.
Meals: Breakfast included.
We follow the beautiful Atlantic coastline north today. Our first stop is Asilah, a quiet, historic seaside town famous for its clean white walls and colorful street art painted by local artists. After a lunch of fresh seafood, we drive to Tangier, the famous city where Europe and Africa almost touch. You can walk the old fort walls and look out across the sea to Spain.
Driving Time: About 3 hours.
Accommodations: Boutique Riad or hotel in Tangier.
Meals: Breakfast included.
After breakfast, we drive east along the green Rif Mountains. We stop to explore Tetouan, a beautiful city filled with unique Spanish-Moroccan style architecture and history. In the afternoon, we head up into the mountains to arrive at Chefchaouen, the world-famous “Blue City.” You will have a wonderful evening to wander through the dreamy, blue-washed streets and take incredible photos.
Driving Time: About 2.5 hours.
Accommodations: Charming traditional Riad in Chefchaouen.
Meals: Breakfast included.
We leave the mountains and head south into the open countryside. Our first stop is Volubilis, where you will walk through ancient, 2,000-year-old Roman ruins and see beautiful stone floor mosaics. Next, we stop in the quiet imperial city of Meknes to see the giant Bab Mansour gate. By evening, we arrive at your traditional Riad inside the grand medieval city of Fes.
Driving Time: About 4.5 hours total with historical stops.
Accommodations: Authentic Riad inside the Fes Medina.
Meals: Breakfast included.
Today is all about discovering Fes, the cultural heart of Morocco. A friendly local history guide will take you on a walking tour of the ancient medieval city. You will see the beautiful Blue Gate, the historic Al-Qarawiyyin University, and the famous leather tanneries where craftsmen still dye leather using centuries-old methods. Enjoy a quiet, free afternoon to explore the vibrant market stalls at your own pace.
Driving Time: None (Walking Tour).
Accommodations: Authentic Riad inside the Fes Medina.
Meals: Breakfast included.
We leave the busy cities behind today and travel south toward the Middle Atlas Mountains. We drive past green fields, pine forests, and small mountain towns. By afternoon, we arrive at Bin El Ouidane, a giant, crystal-blue lake hidden deep inside the mountains. It is a peaceful paradise where you can relax by the water, take a quiet boat ride, and enjoy the absolute silence of nature.
Driving Time: About 5 hours.
Accommodations: Relaxing lakeside hotel or resort at Bin El Ouidane.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner included.
After a relaxing morning by the lake, we drive to the nearby Ouzoud Waterfalls. These are the highest and most famous waterfalls in North Africa, plunging over 100 meters down red rock cliffs. You can take an easy walk down the shaded paths to see the falls up close and spot the friendly wild monkeys that live in the olive trees. In the afternoon, we make the short drive back to Marrakech for your final night.
Driving Time: About 3 hours total.
Accommodations: Traditional Riad in Marrakech.
Meals: Breakfast included.
Enjoy your final Moroccan breakfast on your Riad’s rooftop terrace. When it is time for your flight home, your private driver will pick you up directly from your accommodation door, handle all your heavy luggage, and drive you safely to the Marrakech airport for your departure.
Driving Time: About 20 minutes.
Meals: Breakfast included.
What’s Included / Excluded
Included:
- Private transport in a comfortable, modern car or minivan with air conditioning.
- A professional, private driver who handles all roads and navigation.
- All airport transfers and daily door-to-door Riad pick-ups.
- All 9 nights of accommodation inside top-rated Medina Riads and a lakeside resort.
- Official local step-guides for private walking tours in Marrakech and Fes.
- All daily breakfasts, plus a special traditional dinner at the lakeside mountain resort.
- All vehicle fuel, road tolls, and parking fees.
Excluded:
- Midday lunches and daily drinks.
- Monument entrance fees (approx. $2 - $7 USD per site)
- Tips for drivers and guides (completely up to you).
Tour Map
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why does this tour not go to the Sahara Desert?
Going to the desert requires a massive amount of driving (usually 8 to 10 hours in a single day) down to the far southern border. This northern loop is designed for travelers who prefer a cooler climate, shorter drives, beautiful ocean coastlines, and lush green mountain nature over hot sand dunes.
Can we customize this trip or change the hotels?
Yes! We specialize in custom private tours. If you want to upgrade to a 5-star luxury lake resort in Bin El Ouidane, stay an extra night in the Blue City of Chefchaouen, or start your tour at the Casablanca Airport instead of Marrakech, our team can easily adjust the route for you.
Are the walks and tours difficult on this trip?
Not at all. The walking tours in Fes and Marrakech are done at an easy, relaxed pace with plenty of stops for coffee and photos. The paths at the Ouzoud Waterfalls are well-maintained and easy to walk. Because this tour is 100% private, your guides can move at whatever pace feels most comfortable for you.