Morocco 3 weeks itinerary: Morocco 3 Weeks Itinerary: The Mediterranean, Imilchil & the Hidden Atlas
22 days · Off the beaten track

Morocco 3 Weeks Itinerary: The Mediterranean, Imilchil & the Hidden Atlas

A Morocco 3 weeks itinerary off the beaten track, from Tangier to Marrakech: the Rif and the Mediterranean, Fes and the Sahara, then the high mountain roads of Imilchil and the lakes of the central Atlas.

See the day-by-day route
22 days / 21 nightsStarts in TangierEnds in MarrakechPrivate tour
Tangier→Tetouan→Chefchaouen→Akchour→Chefchaouen→Al Hoceima→Fes→Volubilis→Meknes→Fes→Ifrane→Azrou→Midelt→Merzouga→Todra Gorge→Imilchil→Ouaouizeght→Bin el Ouidane→Ouzoud→Marrakech→Imlil→Marrakech

About this Morocco 3 weeks itinerary

This Morocco 3 weeks itinerary leaves the classic routes behind. It runs from Tangier to Marrakech through the Mediterranean, the Sahara and the high central Atlas.

First, you visit Tetouan, hike near Chefchaouen and kayak by the cliffs of Al Hoceima. Then you explore Fes, Volubilis and Meknes. After that, camels take you into the dunes of Merzouga. Next, you hike above the Todra Gorge and drive the high road to the lakes of Imilchil. Finally, you kayak on Bin el Ouidane and see the Ouzoud waterfalls before Marrakech. As a result, our Morocco 3 weeks itinerary suits a second trip. It is private and runs on your dates.

Highlights of this Morocco 3 weeks itinerary

  • Tetouan white medina
  • Akchour waterfalls hike
  • Coastal hike & kayak at Al Hoceima
  • Guided Fes medina
  • Camel ride & desert camp
  • Two nights in the Todra Gorge
  • Lakes of Imilchil
  • Kayak on Bin el Ouidane
  • Ouzoud waterfalls

Morocco 3 weeks itinerary: day by day

  1. 1day
    Day 1

    Tangier, Tetouan & Chefchaouen

    We meet you in Tangier, visit the white medina of Tetouan and reach Chefchaouen by evening.

    On the road: about 3 h with TetouanStay: Riad in Chefchaouen
  2. 2day
    Day 2

    Akchour waterfalls hike

    River paths, pools and God’s Bridge in the Talassemtane park.

    On the road: about 45 min each wayStay: Riad in Chefchaouen
  3. 3day
    Day 3

    Across the Rif to the sea

    A mountain road east through the Rif to Al Hoceima on the Mediterranean.

    On the road: about 3.5–4 hStay: Guesthouse in Al Hoceima
  4. 4day
    Day 4

    Al Hoceima national park

    A coastal hike above the cliffs and a kayak along quiet coves.

    Stay: Guesthouse in Al Hoceima
  5. 5day
    Day 5

    South to Fes

    Leave the coast and cross the hills to Fes.

    On the road: about 4–4.5 hStay: Riad in Fes
  6. 6day
    Day 6

    The Fes medina

    A guided day among the madrasas, tanneries and craftsmen.

    Stay: Riad in Fes
  7. 7day
    Day 7

    Volubilis & Meknes

    A day trip to the Roman ruins of Volubilis and the imperial city of Meknes.

    On the road: about 1 h each wayStay: Riad in Fes
  8. 8day
    Day 8

    Cedar forest to Midelt

    Ifrane and a walk in the cedar forest of Azrou, home of the Barbary macaques.

    On the road: about 4–5 h with the cedar walkStay: Guesthouse in Midelt
  9. 9day
    Day 9

    Camels into the dunes

    The Ziz Valley to Merzouga and a sunset camel ride to the desert camp.

    On the road: about 5 h with stopsStay: Desert camp
  10. 10day
    Day 10

    A day in the Sahara

    Sunrise, a quad or buggy ride, sandboarding and a nomad family.

    Stay: Riad in Merzouga
  11. 11day
    Day 11

    Rest day at the dunes

    The pool, a long lunch and Gnawa music in Khamlia.

    Stay: Riad in Merzouga
  12. 12day
    Day 12

    Todra Gorge

    Drive west to the Todra Gorge and walk up the riverbed between its walls.

    On the road: about 3.5–4 hStay: Guesthouse in Todra Gorge
  13. 13day
    Day 13

    Above the gorge

    A day hike to the Berber villages and plateaus above the Todra Gorge, or rock climbing.

    Stay: Guesthouse in Todra Gorge
  14. 14day
    Day 14

    High road to Imilchil

    Follow the mountain road north through Tamtattouchte and Agoudal to Imilchil, at over 2,000 m.

    On the road: about 4–5 h (mountain road)Stay: Guesthouse in Imilchil
  15. 15day
    Day 15

    The lakes of Imilchil

    Walk around the lakes of Tislit and Isli and through the village of Imilchil.

    Stay: Guesthouse in Imilchil
  16. 16day
    Day 16

    Down to Bin el Ouidane

    A long mountain drive west by El Ksiba and Ouaouizeght to the turquoise lake.

    On the road: about 4–5 h (mountain road)Stay: Guesthouse at Bin el Ouidane
  17. 17day
    Day 17

    Kayak on the lake

    A morning kayak on Bin el Ouidane and a free afternoon by the water.

    Stay: Guesthouse at Bin el Ouidane
  18. 18day
    Day 18

    Ouzoud waterfalls

    A short drive to the Ouzoud waterfalls and a walk down to the pools.

    On the road: about 1.5 hStay: Guesthouse in Ouzoud
  19. 19day
    Day 19

    To Marrakech

    Drive to Marrakech and finish the day in a hammam.

    On the road: about 2.5–3 hStay: Riad in Marrakech
  20. 20day
    Day 20

    Marrakech

    A guided visit of the palaces and souks, and Jemaa el-Fna at night.

    Stay: Riad in Marrakech
  21. 21day
    Day 21

    High Atlas day hike

    A day trip to Imlil for a walk between Berber villages, back to Marrakech for dinner.

    On the road: about 1.5 h each wayStay: Riad in Marrakech
  22. 22day
    Day 22

    Departure

    A last walk in the Majorelle Garden before your flight.

What’s included in this Morocco 3 weeks itinerary

Included

  • 21 nights of accommodation as listed (riads, guesthouses and a desert camp)
  • Breakfast every morning
  • Dinner and breakfast at the desert camp
  • Private transport in an air-conditioned vehicle with driver
  • Pick-up in Tangier and drop-off in Marrakech (hotel, riad, airport or port)
  • Camel ride as described in the programme
  • Local guide for the guided visits

Not included

  • International flights
  • Lunches and drinks
  • Entrance fees to monuments and museums
  • Optional activities (for example quad, buggy or balloon) unless listed
  • Travel insurance
  • Tips for drivers and guides

Draft based on this programme – our team confirms the exact list with your quote.

Where you stay

  1. Night 1Riad in Chefchaouen
  2. Night 2Riad in Chefchaouen
  3. Night 3Guesthouse in Al Hoceima
  4. Night 4Guesthouse in Al Hoceima
  5. Night 5Riad in Fes
  6. Night 6Riad in Fes
  7. Night 7Riad in Fes
  8. Night 8Guesthouse in Midelt
  9. Night 9Desert camp
  10. Night 10Riad in Merzouga
  11. Night 11Riad in Merzouga
  12. Night 12Guesthouse in Todra Gorge
  13. Night 13Guesthouse in Todra Gorge
  14. Night 14Guesthouse in Imilchil
  15. Night 15Guesthouse in Imilchil
  16. Night 16Guesthouse at Bin el Ouidane
  17. Night 17Guesthouse at Bin el Ouidane
  18. Night 18Guesthouse in Ouzoud
  19. Night 19Riad in Marrakech
  20. Night 20Riad in Marrakech
  21. Night 21Riad in Marrakech

Comfort level: Standard + – comfortable riads, guesthouses and a traditional desert camp, chosen by our team. Luxury camps and riads are possible on request.

Best time for this trip

May, June, September and October are best: the high road to Imilchil is clear of snow and the Mediterranean is warm enough to kayak. In winter Imilchil can be cut off by snow, and in midsummer the desert is very hot.

  • JanAvoid
  • FebPossible
  • MarPossible
  • AprGood
  • MayBest
  • JunBest
  • JulPossible
  • AugPossible
  • SepBest
  • OctBest
  • NovGood
  • DecAvoid

What to bring for this trip

  • Walking shoes for the hikes
  • Warm fleece for Imilchil, even in summer
  • Light rain jacket for the Rif and the mountains
  • Swimsuit and quick-dry towel
  • Scarf or cheche for sand and sun
  • Sunglasses and sun cream
  • Headtorch for the camp
  • Motion-sickness tablets for the mountain roads
  • Snacks for the long drives
  • Refillable water bottle

Booking & payment

How to book
Send your request; we confirm the programme and the price in writing on WhatsApp or by email.
Payment
A deposit secures your booking and the balance is paid on arrival.
Cancellation
Our cancellation conditions are sent with your quote, before you pay anything.
Weather & changes
If the weather stops an activity, we adapt the day or replace the activity.

Morocco 3 Weeks Itinerary: your questions

Who is this Morocco 3 weeks itinerary for?

For travellers who have seen the classic routes or prefer quiet places: the Mediterranean coast, the mountain road to Imilchil and the lakes of the central Atlas.

Is the road from the Todra Gorge to Imilchil safe?

It is a paved mountain road, narrow in places and sometimes damaged by storms. Our drivers know it well, and we check the conditions before we go.

When is the best time for this Morocco 3 weeks itinerary?

May, June, September and October. In winter Imilchil can be under snow, and in midsummer the desert is very hot.

Can this Morocco 3 weeks itinerary start in Fes?

Yes. Fly into Fes and we visit Chefchaouen and Al Hoceima from there, or start directly with Fes and the Sahara.

Where do we sleep in Imilchil?

In a simple, family-run mountain guesthouse. Comfort is basic, but the welcome and the food are warm.

Local team in MoroccoYour trip is planned and run by our own team on the ground.
Private, on your datesOnly you and your travel companions, starting when you want.
Every day can changeAdd a night, an activity or a slower pace – the plan adapts to you.
Answers on WhatsAppAsk us anything before you book: +212 600 643 098.

What our travellers say

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A holistic experience

Booking a trip with Moroccan active adventures gave us the most memorable new years celebration of our lived. Our guide Mouhssin was especially talented at turning down deserted mountain/desert roads and finding beautiful riads…
A
Quick request

Request this 22-day trip

Fill in the form and press send: your request comes straight to our team’s inbox (or WhatsApp, if you prefer) and we reply with the full programme and a clear price.

  • No payment to send a request
  • Private tour on your dates
  • Or write to us: +212 600 643 098
Quad & buggy rides
Land adventure

Quad & buggy rides

On this trip: Day 10 – A day in the Sahara

Quad biking Marrakech style means leaving the city noise behind in minutes: dusty palm grove tracks, Berber villages and the rocky hills of the Agafay desert, with the Atlas Mountains on the horizon. Our guides ride in front, set the pace to the slowest rider and stop for photos and mint tea. You do not need any experience – we show you the controls and do a short practice loop before we leave.

Where
Marrakech palm grove (Palmeraie), Agafay desert, Merzouga dunes
Duration
1 hour to 6 days
Level
Beginner friendly, no experience needed
Minimum age
Drivers usually 16+; younger children ride as buggy passengers
  • Desert right next to the city
  • Quad or buggy, your choice
  • Real landscapes, not a track
Camel & horseback treks
Land adventure

Camel & horseback treks

On this trip: Day 9 – Camels into the dunes

Camel trekking Morocco’s Sahara is the slow, quiet way into the desert: a line of camels led by a guide on foot, swaying over the orange dunes of Erg Chebbi near Merzouga as the light turns soft. Most of our guests ride at sunset to a camp in the dunes and come back at sunrise. It is calm, not sporty – anyone who can sit on a saddle for an hour can do it.

Where
Merzouga (Erg Chebbi), Agafay desert, Marrakech palm grove
Duration
1 hour to 6 days
Level
Easy, no experience needed for camels
Minimum age
Children ride with an adult; ask us for small kids
  • The classic Sahara moment
  • Local camel men
  • Slow travel
Desert camping & stargazing
Land adventure

Desert camping & stargazing

On this trip: Day 9 – Camels into the dunes

Sahara desert camping in Morocco is about one evening you will not forget: arriving at a camp hidden between the dunes of Erg Chebbi, climbing a ridge for sunset, eating tagine by the fire while drums play, then lying on a rug under more stars than you thought possible. Our camps near Merzouga range from simple nomad-style tents to comfortable tents with real beds and private bathrooms.

Where
Merzouga (Erg Chebbi dunes), Agafay desert near Marrakech
Duration
1 to 3 nights
Level
Easy, for all ages
Camp types
Nomad-style, standard and luxury tents
  • Real dunes
  • A sky full of stars
  • Choose your comfort
Hiking & trekking adventures
Land adventure

Hiking & trekking adventures

On this trip: Day 2 – Akchour waterfalls hike

Hiking Morocco’s High Atlas is a walk through a lived-in landscape: terraced fields, walnut trees, flat-roofed Berber villages built from the same red earth as the mountains, and mule paths that people still use every day. Our local mountain guides grew up around these valleys. They choose the route, set a steady pace and arrange lunch or a night in a village house.

Where
High Atlas (Imlil, Ourika, Toubkal), Dades & Todra gorges, Merzouga dunes
Duration
Day hikes to 5-day treks
Level
Easy valley walks to challenging summit treks
Minimum age
Valley walks for families; Toubkal for fit teens and adults
  • Real mountains near Marrakech
  • Toubkal, the big one
  • Village life on the trail
Wellness and relaxation
Moroccan experience

Wellness and relaxation

On this trip: Day 19 – To Marrakech

A Morocco wellness retreat with us is built around your rhythm, not a fixed timetable. Start with a traditional hammam in Marrakech, rest in a riad courtyard with only the fountain for company, stretch on a yoga mat facing the Atlantic, and end with a night in the Merzouga desert where the silence is almost total. We plan the logistics so you can simply let go.

Where
Marrakech, Agafay, Atlas valleys, Essaouira, Taghazout, Merzouga
Duration
Half-day hammam to 7+ day retreat
Level
Easy – all fitness levels
Group
Solo, couples, friends or private groups
  • The hammam ritual
  • Riads made for rest
  • Yoga with a view
A family in front of the golden doors of the Royal Palace in Fes
Moroccan experience

Cultural exploration

On this trip: Day 1 – Tangier, Tetouan & Chefchaouen

Our Morocco cultural tours are built around people, not just monuments. You walk the medinas of Fes and Marrakech with a guide who grew up there, drink mint tea in a Berber village in the Atlas, watch craftsmen cut zellige tiles or dye leather, and share a meal with a family. The aim is simple: to understand how Moroccans live today, and where those traditions come from.

Where
Fes, Marrakech, Meknes, Chefchaouen, Atlas villages, Merzouga
Duration
Half-day city walk to 10+ day tours
Level
Easy – mostly walking
Group
Private or small group
  • Living medinas
  • Amazigh heritage
  • Crafts you can watch being made
Hot air balloon ride
Air adventure

Hot air balloon ride

Optional extra: Sunrise flight before or after your trip

A hot air balloon Marrakech flight is the quietest way to see Morocco wake up. You leave the city in the dark, watch the burners light up the envelope, and lift off just as the sun climbs over the Atlas Mountains. Below you, red-earth villages, olive groves and dry riverbeds turn gold, and on clear winter mornings the snow on the High Atlas shines on the horizon.

Where
Countryside outside Marrakech (launch site set by the pilot each morning)
Duration
About 1 hour in the air, 4-5 hours door to door
Start time
Very early pick-up, before sunrise
Level
No experience needed
  • Sunrise over the Atlas
  • Silent, slow flying
  • Rural Morocco from above
Authentic culinary experiences
Moroccan experience

Authentic culinary experiences

Optional extra: Cooking class or food walk in the medina

A Morocco food tour is the quickest way into the country’s heart. With one of our local guides you taste fresh msemen pancakes at breakfast, follow the smell of cumin through the spice souk, try harira and grilled meat at the stalls of Jemaa el-Fna, and learn why a tagine needs time. We take you where locals actually eat, not where the menus are in five languages.

Where
Marrakech, Fes, Essaouira, Atlas villages, Merzouga
Duration
3-hour food walk to full-day class
Level
Easy – come hungry
Diets
Vegetarian options on request
  • Street food you would not find alone
  • Markets as a lesson
  • Cooking with real cooks
4x4 & off-road safaris
Land adventure

4x4 & off-road safaris

Optional extra: 4x4 tour around the dunes and nomad families

A 4x4 tour Morocco style takes you where normal cars cannot go: around the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes, across the black stone plains near Merzouga, up rough mountain tracks in the Atlas and down into dry riverbeds where nomads still water their flocks. You sit back with an experienced local driver who knows the pistes, the weather and the best places to stop.

Where
Merzouga & Erg Chebbi, High Atlas tracks, Dades & Todra gorges, Agafay
Duration
Half day to multi-day private tours
Level
Easy – you are a passenger, no driving needed
Group
Private vehicle for your family or group
  • Reach the hidden places
  • Drivers who know the pistes
  • Private and flexible
Cycling & mountain biking
Land adventure

Cycling & mountain biking

Optional extra: Mountain biking on Atlas trails

Mountain biking Morocco’s High Atlas means riding mule paths between Berber villages, rolling down terraced valleys and stopping for tea where the trail meets a walnut grove. Our guides know the tracks around Marrakech, the Ourika and Imlil valleys and the Agafay hills, and pick routes that fit your level – from easy dirt roads to longer climbs and technical descents.

Where
Agafay desert, Ourika and Imlil valleys (High Atlas), Dades and Todra gorges
Duration
Half day to multi-day tours
Level
Easy to challenging – routes chosen for you
Bikes
Mountain bikes and e-bikes, helmet included
  • Mountains near the city
  • Village trails, not empty parks
  • Huge variety
Kayaking through the rivers
Water adventure

Kayaking through the rivers

Optional extra: Kayak on the lake of Bin el Ouidane

Kayaking Morocco is not what most visitors expect from a country famous for its desert, yet the High Atlas feeds clear mountain rivers and big blue reservoirs. In spring, snowmelt turns the Ahansal river into a whitewater run through red canyons; the rest of the year, lakes such as Bin El Ouidane give long, calm paddles between bare mountains. We organise each outing with licensed local operators and experienced river guides.

Where
Ahansal river (High Atlas), Bin El Ouidane lake, Atlantic coast
Duration
2 hours to a multi-day river trip
Level
Calm lake: beginners; whitewater: some experience
Minimum age
Depends on the water; lake paddles suit children with an adult
  • Rivers few people know
  • Huge mountain lakes
  • Easy to add a waterfall
Responsible eco travel
Moroccan experience

Responsible eco travel

Optional extra: Stay with a local family

Good eco tourism Morocco trips are about how you travel as much as where you go. We are a local team, so the money you spend stays with Moroccan guides, drivers, cooks, muleteers and family guesthouses. We favour walking, cycling and small groups, sleep in locally owned places, and plan routes that respect villages, water and wildlife. Responsible travel should feel like a richer trip, not a list of rules.

Where
High Atlas valleys, Merzouga oasis, Essaouira coast
Duration
1 day to 2 weeks
Level
Easy to moderate – walking days
Group
Private or small group
  • Local team, local income
  • Slow, low-impact travel
  • Village guesthouses
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