Signature: Morocco's Fez, Marrakech & the Sahara Desert - 13 Days

Welcome to Morocco. Your expedition begins as you touch down in Casablanca, where the salt-heavy Atlantic breeze mixes with the kinetic energy of the country’s cultural traditions. You will be met at the airport and whisked to your hotel to settle in. As the city lights flicker to life against the darkening ocean, gather with your National Geographic Expedition Leader and fellow travellers. An engaging presentation sets the historical stage for the days ahead, followed by a welcome reception and dinner to mark the start of your Moroccan exploration.

Stand at the edge of the Atlantic beneath the soaring minaret of the Hassan II Mosque, where the sound of crashing waves combines with the call to prayer. Step inside to feel the cool marble underfoot and admire the sheer scale of this modern masterpiece. Travel north for the day to Rabat, the capital, where the 12th-century Hassan Tower stands sentinel over the city like a sandstone giant. Pay respects in the hushed silence of the Mausoleum of Mohammed V before winding through the medina souks, inhaling the scent of spices and cured leather. Emerge at the walled Kasbah of the Udayas, walking its blue-and-white alleys before sipping mint tea where the Bouregreg River meets the sea.

Leave the coast for the sanctuary of the Rif Mountains, winding upward until you arrive in Chefchaouen — a city draped in mesmerizing washes of indigo, powder blue, and azure. Follow your National Geographic Expedition Leader through this enchanting labyrinth, the cobblestones echoing underfoot as you climb steep streets past the historic kasbah and intricate Hispano-Moorish architecture. As the late afternoon light softens into the "golden hour," hike up to the Spanish Mosque. From this vantage point, watch the city glow against the mountain peaks as the sun dips below the horizon, casting the valley in deep violet shadow before you travel to your accommodation in Akchour.

Breathe in the crisp mountain air with a short morning hike or yoga session in Akchour, surrounded by the sound of rushing water and rustling leaves. After lunch in the small mountainside town of Moulay Driss Zarhoun, travel south to Volubilis, the evocative ruins at the western edge of the Roman Empire. Walk across intricate mosaics baked by the sun and stand beneath the triumphal arch, tracing the layers of history in this ancient outpost. Continue to Fez. Step into the cool, tiled tranquility of your traditional riad , where the chaos of the city fades away and refined hospitality awaits. End the day with dinner on the rooftop, watching the lights of the ancient city flicker below like a sea of stars.

Immerse yourself in the sensory labyrinth of the Fez Medina. Pass through the grand gates into the world’s largest walled old city, navigating thousands of winding streets defined by their craft. Hear the rhythmic tapping of coppersmiths, smell the sawdust of cedar woodworkers, and brace yourself for the distinct, pungent aroma of the famous tanneries, viewing the honeycomb of dyeing pits from above. Visit the historic Al Qarawiyin University before escaping the bustle for an exclusive rooftop tea experience, finding a moment of quiet above the medina’s chaotic charm.

Engage all your senses with a unique cooking experience. Join Chef Najat at a local market to touch, smell, and select fresh ingredients before heading to an open-air kitchen in Sidi Harazem. Hosted by a local family, featuring a world-famous chef, you’ll learn the secrets of Moroccan cuisine — the balance of sweet and savory, the heat of the oven — and bake bread in a traditional clay kiln. Share the feast you’ve created at a long communal table outdoors. In the afternoon, travel to the calm, reflective waters of Sidi Ali. Relax on the terrace with cocktails as your expert shares insights into the deep traditions of Moroccan hospitality.

Journey toward the gateway of the Sahara, watching the landscape shift from rocky plains to the endless, shifting sands of Merzouga. Transfer by Land Cruisers to reach your secluded desert camp. As the heat of the day fades into the golden hour, climb a high dune to witness the desert panorama stretch to the horizon. Watch the sands shift from burning orange to cool violet while the sun sets. Dinner is served at camp, accompanied by the hypnotic, rhythmic music of local Berber musicians under a canopy of stars so bright they feel within reach.

Venture deeper into the dunes of Erg Chebbi by Land Cruiser to meet Amazigh nomads. Share mint tea in the shade of their traditional dwelling, listening to stories of life in the sands. Continue to Khamlia to hear the hypnotic rhythms of Gnaoua music, the castanets echoing the history of the Sahara. Later, roll up your sleeves for a cooking class to prepare Medfouna — the traditional "hidden pizza" of the desert. Enjoy your creation for lunch back at camp, surrounded by the absolute silence of the dunes.

Leave the desert behind and ascend toward the High Atlas Mountains. Stop at the Todra Gorges, where massive rock walls soar 400 meters (1,300 ft) above the valley floor, creating a cathedral of stone. Walk the path that winds through this natural canyon, feeling the scale of the geology and the cool air trapped between the cliffs. After lunch near the gorges, continue the drive through the dramatic Dades Valley, where the road carves through red rock landscapes dotted with green oases. Arrive at your accommodation in the late afternoon to refresh before dinner.

Step back in time at Aït Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Morocco’s best-preserved ksars . Wander the earthen alleyways of this fortified village, admiring the traditional clay architecture that glows red against the blue sky — a scene straight out of a movie. Continue the journey by crossing the dramatic Tizi n'Tichka pass in the High Atlas Mountains, winding down toward the red city of Marrakech. Check into your superb hotel and refresh before dinner.

Leave Marrakech behind and participate in a the tour operator-supported community initiative dedicated to sustainability in the Atlas foothills. Start with a visit to the Ancient Jewish Cemetery and tree nursery to learn about reforestation. Plant a sapling and leave a living mark on the landscape that will be given to land owners to replenish their soil. Meet a local farmer to understand the project’s impact before a short walk to the Ashbarou Women's Cooperative. This women-led initiative is focused on preserving Amazigh heritage and fostering economic empowerment through traditional carpet weaving. Share a homemade lunch prepared by the women and feel the texture of raw wool as you try your hand at traditional weaving, connecting directly with the artisans who sustain their community through this craft. Travel back to Marrakech for a free evening at your leisure.

Discover the soul of Marrakech through the ancient art of Hikayat (storytelling). Join a master storyteller to navigate the Medina, where history and fable intertwine in the smoky air of the souks. Visit the intricate Bahia Palace and the stunning Medersa Ben Youssef, admiring the craftsmanship of a bygone era. Enjoy a traditional tangia lunch in the heart of the old city. Conclude your expedition with a farewell dinner on a rooftop terrace, toasting the sights and sounds of Morocco as the city hums below.

Your expedition to Morocco concludes today. After breakfast, individual transfers are provided to the airport at any time during the day.