Private guided tour · Northern Morocco
6 Days — Fès to the North
From the imperial splendour of Rabat to the blue-washed streets of Chefchaouen, through the white walls of Tangier and the Roman ruins of Volubilis — a captivating private journey across Morocco's northern treasures.
6-Day Fès to the North Tour via Tangier & Chefchaouen
Discover a completely different side of Morocco on this immersive 6-day private tour from Fès to the country's enchanting north. Leave the Sahara behind and head towards the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts, where Morocco reveals its Andalusian, Roman and colonial layers. Your private English-speaking driver will guide you through the elegant capital of Rabat, the artistic seaside town of Assilah, the legendary medina of Tangier, the Mauresque heritage of Tétouan, and the fairy-tale blue city of Chefchaouen nestled in the Rif Mountains. The journey concludes with the awe-inspiring Roman ruins of Volubilis and the imperial grandeur of Meknès before returning to Fès. This is the perfect itinerary for travellers arriving from Europe or seeking cooler climates, culture-rich cities and coastal charm.
Trip Highlights
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Rabat — explore the UNESCO-listed Kasbah des Oudayas, Hassan Tower and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V
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Assilah — a whitewashed Atlantic fishing town famous for its vibrant murals, ramparts and unspoiled beaches
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Tangier — stroll through the historic medina, sip mint tea at Café Tingis and watch the sunset over the Strait of Gibraltar
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Tétouan — discover the rich Mauresque heritage, Andalusian architecture and UNESCO-listed medina
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Chefchaouen — lose yourself in the iconic blue-washed alleys of the Rif Mountains' most photogenic town
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Volubilis — walk among the best-preserved Roman ruins in Morocco, with stunning mosaics and ancient columns
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Meknès — admire the monumental Bab Mansour gate and the historic granaries of Sultan Moulay Ismail
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Moulay Idriss — visit Morocco's holiest village, perched dramatically above the rolling countryside
Your Route
A scenic 850 km loop from Fès to the Atlantic coast, the Mediterranean Strait, the blue Rif Mountains and back through Roman antiquity.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Fès → Rabat
Your private driver collects you from your riad or the airport in Fès. We drive west towards the Atlantic to reach Rabat, Morocco's elegant administrative capital. Begin at the Kasbah des Oudayas, a 12th-century fortress with blue-painted walls, flower-filled lanes and panoramic views over the Bou Regreg river — recently inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Wander through the relaxed medina with its traditional craft souks, then visit the iconic Hassan Tower, the unfinished 12th-century mosque that remains a masterpiece of Almohad architecture. Next door, pay respects at the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, a stunning example of modern Alaouite craftsmanship with its white walls and green-tiled roof. End the day at Chellah, where ancient Roman ruins blend with a serene Merenid necropolis and gardens frequented by nesting storks. Overnight in Rabat with dinner included.
Rabat → Assilah
After breakfast, we follow the Atlantic coastline north to the enchanting town of Assilah. This small 10th-century medina owes its present charm to Portuguese ramparts and a 1970s creative renaissance that turned its whitewashed walls into an open-air gallery. Stroll through spotless alleyways adorned with colourful murals, visit local art galleries, and walk along the restored sea ramparts where the sound of waves mingles with the scent of fresh bread. Enjoy lunch with freshly grilled seafood by the port, then relax on the unspoiled beach south of town. In the evening, soak up the peaceful, bohemian atmosphere that has made Assilah a favourite retreat for artists and writers. Overnight in a charming riad within the medina walls.
Assilah → Tangier
A short scenic drive along the coast brings us to Tangier, the legendary port city where the Mediterranean meets the Atlantic. Begin in the Marshan district with its Roman tombs, then enter the intricate medina through the Kasbah gate. Visit St Andrew's Church with its surprising Moorish interiors, and stop at the American Legation — the first American diplomatic property ever opened outside the United States. Cross the lively fish market to reach the Jewish cemetery overlooking the sea, then descend to Petit Socco for a mint tea at the historic Café Tingis, a favourite haunt of the Beat Generation. End the day with a drink on a rooftop terrace as the sun sinks into the Atlantic, painting the Strait of Gibraltar in gold. Overnight in a restored riad in the Kasbah.
Tangier → Tétouan → Chefchaouen
Leave Tangier and head south-east through the dramatic gorges of Oued Laou towards Tétouan. Known as the "White Dove", Tétouan was rebuilt by Andalusian refugees after the fall of Granada in 1492, and its UNESCO-listed medina is considered the most complete example of Mauresque heritage in Morocco. Explore the Ethnographic Museum, admire the intricate patios and palaces, and feel the Spanish influence in the local cuisine and craftsmanship. Continue into the Rif Mountains to reach Chefchaouen, Morocco's famous blue city. As the afternoon light softens, wander the first blue-washed alleys, visit the cobbled Plaza Uta el-Hammam dominated by the kasbah, and settle into your riad with breathtaking mountain views. Overnight in Chefchaouen.
Chefchaouen
Spend a full day immersed in the magic of Chefchaouen. After breakfast, explore the labyrinth of powder-blue streets with your local guide, discovering hidden staircases, ornate doorways and flower-draped balconies at every turn. Visit the 15th-century Kasbah with its ethnographic museum and tranquil Andalusian gardens. Climb to the Spanish Mosque for a panoramic view over the blue rooftops against the rugged Rif Mountains. For the adventurous, an optional half-day hike leads to the Cascades d'Akchour, where turquoise natural pools and waterfalls await in a lush canyon. Return to the medina for a leisurely afternoon of shopping for local woollen blankets, artisanal soaps and Rif honey. Dinner and overnight in your riad.
Chefchaouen → Volubilis → Meknès → Fès
After a final breakfast in the blue city, we descend from the Rif Mountains towards the ancient Roman city of Volubilis, the best-preserved archaeological site in Morocco and a UNESCO World Heritage treasure. Walk among triumphal arches, ancient olive presses, and remarkably intact floor mosaics depicting mythological scenes. Just nearby, pause at Moulay Idriss, Morocco's holiest village and the burial place of the founder of the first Moroccan dynasty, its whitewashed houses tumbling dramatically down two hills. Continue to Meknès, the 17th-century capital of Sultan Moulay Ismail, to admire the monumental Bab Mansour gate — considered the most beautiful in Morocco — and explore the vast granaries and royal stables. In the late afternoon, your driver returns you to Fès, dropping you at your riad or Fès-Saïss Airport. End of our services.
Tour Overview
- Day 1: Fès → Rabat (Kasbah des Oudayas, Hassan Tower, Mausoleum Mohammed V, Chellah)
- Day 2: Rabat → Assilah (Atlantic coast, medina murals, ramparts, beach)
- Day 3: Assilah → Tangier (Medina, Kasbah, Petit Socco, Café Tingis, sunset)
- Day 4: Tangier → Tétouan → Chefchaouen (Mauresque heritage, blue city)
- Day 5: Chefchaouen (Full day in the blue medina, optional Akchour waterfalls)
- Day 6: Chefchaouen → Volubilis → Meknès → Fès (Roman ruins, holy village, imperial gate)
Frequently Asked Questions
Day 1 from Fès to Rabat is roughly 2.5–3 hours. Day 2 to Assilah is about 1.5 hours. Day 3 to Tangier is only 1 hour. Day 4 to Chefchaouen via Tétouan is around 3.5–4 hours with stops. Day 5 has no driving — you explore Chefchaouen on foot. Day 6 back to Fès is the longest at 4–5 hours, broken up with visits to Volubilis and Meknès. Your private 4x4 is comfortable and air-conditioned.
Yes, this itinerary can be fully reversed — starting in Tangier and ending in Fès — or even adapted to start in Casablanca or Rabat. Just let us know your arrival point and we will tailor the route accordingly.
We hand-pick charming riads, boutique hotels and characterful guesthouses in the heart of each medina or within walking distance of the main sites. All rooms have private bathrooms, heating and Wi-Fi. Upgrades to luxury properties are available on request.
Daily breakfast is included at all accommodations. Dinner is included in Rabat, Assilah, Tangier and Chefchaouen (5 dinners total). Lunches are not included, giving you the freedom to choose from our recommended local restaurants, seaside grills or casual cafés along the route.
Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are ideal, with mild temperatures perfect for medina walking and coastal breezes. Summer is pleasant on the coast but can be warm inland. Winter is crisp and quiet, with fewer tourists — excellent for photography in Chefchaouen.