Arrive in Fes and check into your traditional riad nestled within the UNESCO-listed medina. Unwind after your journey, then take a gentle evening stroll through the Bab Bou Jeloud gate into the heart of Fes el-Bali. Savor your first Moroccan tagine under the glow of lantern-lit alleyways.

Embark on a guided walking tour of Fes’s historic quarters: marvel at the intricate zellige tilework of Al-Attarine Madrasa, witness the dye vats of the Chouara Tannery from a rooftop café, and explore the Karaouine Mosque (exterior) and University. Visit the Mellah (Jewish Quarter) and end the day with mint tea and panoramic views from the Merenid Tombs.

Travel west through rolling hills and olive groves to **Chefchaouen**, the dreamlike “Blue Pearl” of the Rif Mountains. Settle into your guesthouse and wander the cobalt-washed lanes, framed by vibrant potted plants and mountain breezes. Watch the sunset from the Kasbah gardens.

Enjoy a full day to explore at your own pace. Hike to the Spanish Mosque for sweeping valley views, shop for handwoven rugs and natural soaps, or join a local artisan workshop. Return to Fes in the late afternoon for a relaxed evening.

Begin your desert expedition. Drive south through **Ifrane** (“Morocco’s Switzerland”), pause for photos with the famous stone lion, then enter the **Cedar Forest of Azrou**—home to wild Barbary macaques. Continue through **Midelt**, the “Apple Capital,” and descend into the palm-fringed **Ziz Valley**. Arrive in **Merzouga** by late afternoon.

After a short rest, mount your camel for a serene **sunset ride** into the golden sea of **Erg Chebbi dunes**. Watch the sky ignite in hues of rose and amber before reaching your luxury desert camp. Feast on a traditional Berber dinner under a canopy of stars, accompanied by live drumming and storytelling.

Rise early for a breathtaking **sunrise over the dunes**, then enjoy breakfast at camp. Return to Merzouga by camel, then visit a **nomadic family** to learn about desert life. Optional: 4×4 excursion to hidden dunes or a fossil workshop in **Erfoud**. Overnight in a comfortable desert hotel or return to camp.

Depart the desert and head west through **Rissani**, birthplace of Morocco’s royal dynasty. Pass through **Alnif** and **Tinejdad**, then arrive at the majestic **Todra Gorge**—a narrow canyon with 300-meter red cliffs. Hike along the riverbed and enjoy dinner at a family-run guesthouse.

Drive along the scenic **Route of a Thousand Kasbahs**, stopping in **Tinghir** to admire its lush palm oasis. Continue to the **Dades Gorge**, where dramatic rock formations like the “Monkey Fingers” punctuate the landscape. Overnight in a kasbah-style hotel with mountain views.

Journey through the **Valley of Roses** (best in April–May) to **Skoura**, home to the 17th-century **Amridil Kasbah**. Continue to **Ouarzazate**, Morocco’s cinematic capital. Tour the **Atlas Film Studios** and the grand **Taourirt Kasbah**, once home to the powerful Glaoui family.

Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of **Aït Ben Haddou**, a perfectly preserved earthen ksar used in countless films. Then ascend the **High Atlas Mountains** via the **Tizi n’Tichka Pass** (2,260m), stopping for photos of alpine vistas. Descend into the vibrant chaos of **Marrakech** by evening.

Explore Marrakech’s highlights: the ornate **Bahia Palace**, tranquil **Majorelle Garden**, historic **Saadian Tombs**, and the towering **Koutoubia Minaret**. Lose yourself in the labyrinthine souks, then witness the magic of **Jemaa el-Fna** at dusk—storytellers, musicians, and food stalls come alive.

Drive west to the windswept port city of **Essaouira**, a UNESCO site blending Berber, Arab, and Portuguese influences. Walk the Skala de la Ville ramparts, browse thuya wood workshops, and breathe in the salty Atlantic air. Dine on fresh seafood by the harbor.

Relax on the wide sandy beach, try kite-surfing, or visit the **Sidi Mohammed ben Abdallah Museum**. Stroll through the historic **Mellah**, or take a short camel ride near Diabat dunes. Enjoy a farewell dinner of grilled fish and local wine as the sun sets over the ocean.

Begin your return to Fes with a scenic inland drive (approx. 8–9 hours). Break the journey with a stop at the Roman ruins of **Volubilis**—Morocco’s best-preserved archaeological site—and explore the imperial city of **Meknes** (optional). Arrive back in Fes by evening, concluding your 15-day Moroccan journey.