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Southern Spain and Morocco tour: Southern Spain and Morocco Tour: 16 Days with the Sahara and the Atlantic
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16 days · Spain + Morocco

Southern Spain and Morocco Tour: 16 Days with the Sahara and the Atlantic

Seville, Córdoba and Granada, the ferry to Tangier, Asilah on the Atlantic, Fes, the Sahara and the High Atlas.

See the day-by-day route
16 days / 15 nightsStarts in SevilleEnds in MarrakechPrivate tour

About this southern Spain and Morocco tour

This southern Spain and Morocco tour gives five days to Seville, Córdoba and Granada, then eleven days from Tangier to Marrakech: Asilah on the Atlantic, Chefchaouen and the Akchour waterfalls, Volubilis, Meknes and Fes, a night in the Sahara, the Todra and Dades gorges and Aït Benhaddou.

It ends with a night in the High Atlas villages and a last day in Marrakech. Our suppliers in Andalusia arrange the Spanish hotels and the transfer to the ferry, and our own team runs the eleven days in Morocco.

Background reading: Ifrane on Wikipedia

Highlights of this southern Spain and Morocco tour

  • Seville, Córdoba, Granada: hotels, trains and transfers arranged through our trusted suppliers
  • The ferry across the Strait of Gibraltar from Algeciras to Tangier
  • Ferry from Spain to Tangier
  • Seaside town of Asilah
  • Akchour waterfalls hike
  • Volubilis & Meknes
  • Guided Fes medina

Southern Spain and Morocco tour: day by day

  1. 1day
    Day 1

    Arrival in Seville

    Arrive in Seville and check in near the old town. Evening walk through Santa Cruz and tapas.

    Stay: Hotel in Seville
  2. 2day
    Day 2

    Seville

    The cathedral and the Giralda, the Real Alcázar, and flamenco in Triana in the evening.

    Stay: Hotel in Seville
  3. 3day
    Day 3

    Córdoba

    Train to Córdoba: the Mezquita, the Jewish quarter and the flower-filled patios.

    On the road: Seville → Córdoba: about 45 min by trainStay: Hotel in Córdoba
  4. 4day
    Day 4

    To Granada

    Train to Granada and an evening in the Albaicín, with the Alhambra lit up across the valley.

    On the road: Córdoba → Granada: about 1 h 30 by trainStay: Hotel in Granada
  5. 5day
    Day 5

    The Alhambra

    A morning at the Alhambra and the Generalife gardens (book the ticket weeks ahead), free afternoon.

    Stay: Hotel in Granada
  6. 6day
    Day 6

    Tangier, Asilah & Chefchaouen

    Transfer from Granada to Algeciras (about 3 hours) and ferry to Tanger Med (about 1 h 30). We meet you at the port, then the white-and-blue seaside town of Asilah and the road into the Rif to Chefchaouen.

    On the road: about 3.5 h with the Asilah stopStay: Riad in Chefchaouen
  7. 7day
    Day 7

    Akchour waterfalls hike

    River paths, green pools and the rock arch called God’s Bridge in the Talassemtane park.

    On the road: about 45 min each wayStay: Riad in Chefchaouen
  8. 8day
    Day 8

    Volubilis, Meknes & Fes

    A last morning in the blue lanes, the Roman ruins of Volubilis and Bab Mansour in Meknes, then Fes.

    On the road: about 5 h with visitsStay: Riad in Fes
  9. 9day
    Day 9

    The Fes medina

    A guided day in the lanes of Fes, with its tanneries, madrasas and craftsmen.

    Stay: Riad in Fes
  10. 10day
    Day 10

    Middle Atlas to the Sahara

    Ifrane and the cedar forest, Midelt and the Ziz Valley, arriving at the edge of the dunes.

    On the road: about 8–9 h with stopsStay: Riad in Merzouga
  11. 11day
    Day 11

    4x4 & camels at sunset

    A 4x4 tour with a nomad family and Gnawa music in Khamlia, then camels at sunset to the desert camp.

    Stay: Desert camp
  12. 12day
    Day 12

    Quad, Todra & the Dades

    Sunrise, a quad or buggy ride and sandboarding, then a walk in the Todra Gorge and on to the Dades.

    On the road: about 5–6 h with stopsStay: Riad in Dades Valley
  13. 13day
    Day 13

    Dades hike & Aït Benhaddou

    A morning hike in the Dades canyon, the oasis of Skoura, and sunset at Aït Benhaddou.

    On the road: about 3–4 h with stopsStay: Riad near Aït Benhaddou
  14. 14day
    Day 14

    Over the Tichka to Imlil

    Cross the High Atlas and continue into the Imlil valley, with an afternoon walk to the village of Aroumd.

    On the road: about 4 h with stopsStay: Guesthouse in Imlil
  15. 15day
    Day 15

    Atlas hike & Marrakech

    A morning hike between Berber villages with views of Toubkal, then Marrakech and Jemaa el-Fna at night.

    On the road: about 1.5 hStay: Riad in Marrakech
  16. 16day
    Day 16

    Marrakech & departure

    A guided morning in the medina and the Majorelle Garden before your flight.

What’s included in this southern Spain and Morocco tour

Included

  • Spain: hotels, transfers and train or flight tickets, arranged through our trusted suppliers
  • 15 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 Seville and drop-off in Marrakech (hotel, riad, airport or port)
  • Camel ride as described in the programme
  • 4x4 excursion in the desert
  • 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 1Hotel in Seville
  2. Night 2Hotel in Seville
  3. Night 3Hotel in Córdoba
  4. Night 4Hotel in Granada
  5. Night 5Hotel in Granada
  6. Night 6Riad in Chefchaouen
  7. Night 7Riad in Chefchaouen
  8. Night 8Riad in Fes
  9. Night 9Riad in Fes
  10. Night 10Riad in Merzouga
  11. Night 11Desert camp
  12. Night 12Riad in Dades Valley
  13. Night 13Riad near Aït Benhaddou
  14. Night 14Guesthouse in Imlil
  15. Night 15Riad 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

Spring (April to May) and autumn (late September to October) are the best months for Spain, Portugal and Morocco together: warm days in the cities and comfortable nights in the desert. July and August are very hot in Seville and the Sahara; in winter the cities are quiet and the desert nights are cold.

  • JanPossible
  • FebGood
  • MarBest
  • AprBest
  • MayGood
  • JunPossible
  • JulAvoid
  • AugAvoid
  • SepGood
  • OctBest
  • NovBest
  • DecGood

What to bring for this trip

  • Passport (checked at the port)
  • Walking shoes with grip for Akchour and the Atlas
  • Swimsuit for the river pools
  • Light rain jacket for the Rif
  • Scarf or cheche for sand and sun
  • Warm layer for the desert and Imlil
  • Small overnight bag for the camp
  • Clothes that cover shoulders and knees
  • 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.

Southern Spain and Morocco Tour: your questions

Why spend 11 days in Morocco?

Morocco is bigger than most people expect. Eleven days let you see the north (Asilah, Chefchaouen, Fes), the Sahara and Marrakech with one main drive a day, and still have time for a walk in the High Atlas.

Which ferry port is best from Granada?

Algeciras is the closest port (about 3 hours by road) and has the most crossings, but it arrives at Tanger Med, outside Tangier. Tarifa is a little further and arrives in the city centre.

Is Meknes worth a stop?

Yes, as a half day on the way to Fes: the Bab Mansour gate, the royal granaries and, nearby, the Roman ruins of Volubilis.

Can we shorten it to 14 days?

Yes: we take out the Akchour hike and the night in the High Atlas, and the trip becomes 14 days.

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

5.0 ●●●●●
Moroccan Active Adventures on Tripadvisor
●●●●●

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
Read all reviews on Tripadvisor

Activities on this trip

Read more about each experience – what to expect, who it is for and what to bring.

Quad & buggy ridesQuad & buggy ridesDay 12 – Quad, Todra & the DadesDetails →Camel & horseback treksCamel & horseback treksDay 11 – 4x4 & camels at sunsetDetails →Desert camping & stargazingDesert camping & stargazingDay 11 – 4x4 & camels at sunsetDetails →Hiking & trekking adventuresHiking & trekking adventuresDay 1 – Arrival in SevilleDetails →4x4 & off-road safaris4x4 & off-road safarisDay 11 – 4x4 & camels at sunsetDetails →Cultural explorationCultural explorationDay 9 – The Fes medinaDetails →

Optional activities

Add one or more of these to your 16-day trip. They are not included in the price – ask us and we add them to your programme.

Hot air balloon rideOptional · extraHot air balloon rideSunrise flight before or after your tripSee the activity →Authentic culinary experiencesOptional · extraAuthentic culinary experiencesCooking class or food walk in the medinaSee the activity →Cycling & mountain bikingOptional · extraCycling & mountain bikingMountain biking on Atlas trailsSee the activity →Faith & spiritual journeysOptional · extraFaith & spiritual journeysSpiritual and heritage visitSee the activity →Wellness and relaxationOptional · extraWellness and relaxationTraditional hammam and spa timeSee the activity →Atlas zipline adventureOptional · extraAtlas zipline adventureZipline in the Atlas foothillsSee the activity →
Quick request

Request this 16-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

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See all 10 Spain, Portugal and Morocco itineraries and the map

Quad & buggy rides
Land adventure

Quad & buggy rides

On this trip: Day 12 – Quad, Todra & the Dades

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
See the full activity page
 Camel & horseback treks
Land adventure

Camel & horseback treks

On this trip: Day 11 – 4x4 & camels at sunset

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
See the full activity page
 Desert camping & stargazing
Land adventure

Desert camping & stargazing

On this trip: Day 11 – 4x4 & camels at sunset

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
See the full activity page
 Hiking & trekking adventures
Land adventure

Hiking & trekking adventures

On this trip: Day 1 – Arrival in Seville

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
See the full activity page
 4x4 & off-road safaris
Land adventure

4x4 & off-road safaris

On this trip: Day 11 – 4x4 & camels at sunset

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
See the full activity page
 Cultural exploration
Moroccan experience

Cultural exploration

On this trip: Day 9 – The Fes medina

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
See the full activity page
 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
See the full activity page
 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
See the full activity page
 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
See the full activity page
 Faith & spiritual journeys
Moroccan experience

Faith & spiritual journeys

Optional extra: Spiritual and heritage visit

A Morocco spiritual tour follows the faiths that shaped this country over centuries. Muslim scholars studied in the medersas of Fes, Sufi brotherhoods still gather in their zawiyas to chant and pray, and Jewish families lived in the mellahs of Marrakech, Fes and Essaouira for generations. Our local guides tell these stories with knowledge and respect, whatever your own beliefs.

Where
Fes, Marrakech, Casablanca, Rabat, Essaouira, Meknes, Merzouga
Duration
1 day to 10+ days
Level
Easy – walking and visits
Group
Private, family or faith groups
  • Islamic heritage you can enter
  • Sufi music and zawiyas
  • Jewish heritage of Morocco
See the full activity page
 Wellness and relaxation
Moroccan experience

Wellness and relaxation

Optional extra: Traditional hammam and spa time

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
See the full activity page
 Atlas zipline adventure
Air adventure

Atlas zipline adventure

Optional extra: Zipline in the Atlas foothills

A zipline Marrakech day takes you out of the hot, busy city and into the cool air of the Atlas foothills, where adventure parks stretch long cables across valleys and over trees. You clip in, step off the platform and fly above the red earth, olive terraces and small Berber villages, with the High Atlas peaks behind you. It is one of the easiest ways to feel the mountains without a long trek.

Where
Adventure parks in the Atlas foothills, about an hour from Marrakech
Duration
Half day or full day with transfers
Level
Beginner friendly – no climbing skills needed
Minimum age
Set by each park, often with a minimum height for children
  • Escape the city heat
  • Atlas views from the air
  • More than one ride
See the full activity page
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