PRIVATE TOUR — NORTHERN MOROCCO CIRCUIT (NO DESERT)

OVERVIEW

Five days exploring the very best of northern Morocco — a private tour that begins in Tangier, crosses the Rif Mountains to Chefchaouen, visits the UNESCO Roman ruins of Volubilis, the imperial city of Meknes, the cultural capital of Fes, the Atlantic capital of Rabat, and ends in Casablanca. This tour covers the imperial cities, the Blue City, and Morocco’s finest ancient sites without venturing south to the desert — the ideal northern Morocco circuit.

Every element is private, tailored, and delivered by a dedicated driver/guide throughout.

HIGHLIGHTS

– Tangier — Cape Spartel, the legendary Caves of Hercules, and the ancient Kasbah
– Crossing the Rif Mountains to the enchanting Blue City of Chefchaouen
– A full day exploring Chefchaouen’s cobalt medina, artisan souks, and mountain panoramas
– UNESCO Roman ruins of Volubilis — extraordinary preserved mosaics, triumphal arch, ancient columns
– Imperial city of Meknes — Bab Mansour gate, Sahrij Souani, royal stables, Moulay Ismail Mausoleum
– Full guided day in the Fes medina — Al-Qarawiyyin, Chouara tanneries, Bou Inania Madrasa, Mellah
– Rabat — Morocco’s Atlantic capital: Hassan Tower, Mausoleum of Mohammed V, Oudayas Kasbah
– Casablanca and the spectacular Hassan II Mosque

ITINERARY

DAY 1: TANGIER → CAPE SPARTEL → HERCULES CAVES → CHEFCHAOUEN

Pick-up from your accommodation, airport, or port in Tangier — Morocco’s legendary northern city at the tip of Africa, where the Mediterranean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean at Cape Spartel in the Strait of Gibraltar. Drive to Cape Spartel for sweeping views over two oceans. Visit the fascinating Caves of Hercules, whose sea-facing opening is said to resemble the shape of the African continent. Continue through the Rif Mountains to arrive in the extraordinary Blue City of Chefchaouen — a medina of cobalt-painted alleyways, arched doorways, and cascading bougainvillea. Explore the blue medina at leisure. Overnight in a hotel.

DAY 2: FULL DAY IN CHEFCHAOUEN — GUIDED WALK IN THE BLUE CITY

An entire day to explore Chefchaouen with a local guide. Wander the charming blue alleyways of the medina — one of Morocco’s most visually extraordinary places. Visit the craft shops with their hand-woven blankets, leather goods, and jewellery. Hike above the city to the Spanish Mosque for panoramic views over the blue rooftops and forested Rif Mountains. Sit at a mountain café and absorb the atmosphere. Overnight in Chefchaouen.

DAY 3: CHEFCHAOUEN → VOLUBILIS → MEKNES → FES

After breakfast, stroll freely through Chefchaouen’s blue medina one last time. Drive south to the UNESCO Roman ruins of Volubilis — Morocco’s finest ancient archaeological site, remarkably well preserved on a hilltop above the plain with extraordinary floor mosaics, ancient columns, and a triumphal arch. Continue 30 kilometres to the imperial city of Meknes — visit Bab al-Mansour, the Sahrij Souani basin, the royal stables and granaries, and the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail. Drive east to Fes. Overnight in a riad.

DAY 4: FULL GUIDED TOUR OF FES MEDINA

A full day in Fes el-Bali with a specialist local guide. Driving tour: the Royal Palace Gate, the historic Jewish Mellah quarter, and the panoramic Borj Sud fortress viewpoint. Walking tour of the medieval medina — a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s most complex urban environments: the Al-Attarine Madrasa, the Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque and University (the world’s oldest continuously operating university, founded in 859 AD), the Chouara Tanneries viewed from a balcony above the vivid dye vats, and the vibrant craft and spice souks. Overnight in a riad.

DAY 5: FES → RABAT → CASABLANCA

After breakfast, drive west to Rabat — Morocco’s elegant Atlantic capital and imperial city. Visit the Hassan Tower, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, and the Oudayas Kasbah perched above the river estuary. Continue south to Casablanca, where the tour ends with a visit to the spectacular Hassan II Mosque. Drop-off at Casablanca airport or your accommodation.

IMPORTANT NOTES

– This is a northern Morocco tour only — no desert is included.
– To add the desert, see the 5 Days Tour from Tangier to Marrakech.
– Pickup from any location in Tangier including airport, port, or hotel.
– Vehicles: Land Cruiser Prado (up to 4 pax) or Mercedes/Ford minivan (up to 8 pax).
– Price varies by group size and accommodation category.
– Please advise of any dietary requirements at time of booking.
– The itinerary is fully customisable — contact us with your preferences.