Morocco adventure & photo tour

Arrive at Tangier Ibn Battuta Airport, where you’ll be welcomed with a private transfer to your carefully selected hotel located just outside Tangier (about 35–40 minutes from the airport), chosen for comfort and an easy, traffic-free start tomorrow.

After settling in, join Jan, Pavlína, and your fellow travelers for a relaxed welcome dinner at the hotel or a nearby restaurant at 6:30 PM. This evening is all about easing into the Moroccan rhythm, meeting your small group, and enjoying your first taste of the region’s warm hospitality. Jan and Pavlína will share an informal orientation and set the stage for the journey ahead. There are no formal shoots tonight—simply enjoy your arrival and settle in for the adventure.

Note: If you arrive earlier in the day, you’re free to relax at the hotel or explore the surroundings. Private airport transfers are arranged individually to suit your flight schedule.

Note: If you arrive earlier in the day, you’re free to relax at the hotel or explore the surroundings. Private airport transfers are arranged individually to suit your flight schedule.

After breakfast, depart for Chefchaouen, the famed “blue city” nestled in the Rif Mountains. The drive takes around 2.5 hours and avoids city traffic thanks to our strategic hotel location. We’ll likely arrive before hotel check-in, so we’ll have lunch in the medina, store our luggage, and start exploring right away.

This afternoon, we begin exploring Chefchaouen’s iconic blue-washed center: winding alleys, the lively Plaza Uta el-Hammam, the Grand Mosque (with a chance to visit the interior, if open), the old kasbah, and colorful souks. Today’s focus is to soak up the unique atmosphere, orient yourself, and discover some of the town’s most photogenic corners—though our main photography walks through the sleepy, empty streets are saved for tomorrow morning.

As evening falls, we set up for a sunset and blue hour shoot overlooking the city’s blue labyrinth, capturing Chefchaouenas dusk softens the walls and the town lights begin to glow. Dinner is at a local restaurant, with time to share first impressions and enjoy Moroccan cuisine.

Note: Key sites and hidden corners will be explored across today and tomorrow, allowing for the best light and a relaxed pace. Non-photographers will enjoy the relaxed vibe, shops, and cafés throughout the afternoon and evening.

Photographers can join an early morning walk through Chefchaouen’s peaceful blue alleys—perfect for capturing quiet moments and soft light before the town wakes. After breakfast, the whole group continues to explore the town together with a local guide: visit the kasbah museum, browse artisanal shops, or relax with mint tea in a traditional café.

We’ll have lunch together at a restaurant with a terrace and panoramic view—an ideal spot to unwind and soak up the scenery.

In the afternoon, our guide will introduce more of Chefchaouen’s hidden gems before some flexible free time—wander local markets, photograph street life, or simply relax at the riad or a rooftop café.

In the evening, we regroup and walk together up to the Spanish Mosque, the city’s classic sunset viewpoint. Here, everyone can take in sweeping views as Chefchaouen’s blue maze glows in the golden light, with photographers capturing cityscapes through sunset and into blue hour. Dinner follows back in town, rounding out a day of exploration and shared experiences.

Note: Non-photographers are always welcome on the photo walks, or can enjoy the town’s relaxed vibe, shops, and cafés at their own pace.

Early risers can make the most of one final morning in Chefchaouen, capturing its quiet alleys and blue-washed facades before the day’s visitors arrive. After breakfast, we say goodbye to the Rif Mountains and set off for Fes.

A scenic three-hour drive brings us to Volubilis, Morocco’s best-preserved Roman ruins and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Set on a hill with sweeping views, Volubilis was once a thriving Roman city and remains famed for its remarkably intact mosaics, triumphal arch, and columns set against the distant mountains. We’ll have time to wander ancient streets, photograph intricate details, and learn how this crossroads of empires shaped the region’s history and culture.

Lunch will be enjoyed en route—perhaps at a countryside restaurant or picnic spot—before continuing the final 1.5-hour stretch to Fes.

Upon arrival in Fes, we’ll check in and begin exploring the city in the late afternoon and evening. Our program includes:

• Chouara Tannery: We’ll visit the iconic tanneries, trying to arrange a private morning visit for tomorrow, and see leatherwork as it has been done for centuries.
• Old Medina (Fes el-Bali): Step into the maze of the world’s largest car-free urban area, with over 9,000 alleys and centuries-old souks.
• Bab Bou Jeloud (“Blue Gate”): The ornate main entrance to the medina, famous for its blue-and-green tilework.
• The University of al-Qarawiyyin: Founded in 859, it’s the world’s oldest existing university and a spiritual center of learning.
• Al Attarine Madrasa & Bou Inania Madrasa: Both are masterpieces of Marinid architecture, with carved cedar, mosaics, and tranquil courtyards.
• Fez Royal Palace (Dar el-Makhzen): Admire the gilded gates and intricate patterns at the ceremonial heart of Fes.
• Nejjarine Square & Museum: Known for its historic fountain and woodworking museum, a glimpse into Fes’s artisanal heritage.
• Additional options, time permitting: Seffarine Square (metalworkers), Mellah (Jewish Quarter), or a walk along the ramparts at sunset.

As dusk falls, we set up for an evening cityscape shoot over the medina, capturing the golden light as it fades over Fes’s rooftops. Dinner is in town, with options for classic Moroccan cuisine and the energy of Fes after dark.

Note: The medina is a feast for the senses, and non-photographers will enjoy exploring its culture, crafts, and cafés alongside the group.

Photographers can make an early morning visit to the tannery in Fes for final shots before departure. After breakfast, we set out on what is honestly a very long transfer day across Morocco—from the imperial north to the edge of the Sahara.

Route & stops:

• Fes to Azrou (2 hours): Our first real break is a short walk in the cedar forest outside Azrou, where we’ll try to spot and photograph wild Barbary macaques.
• Azrou to Midelt (2.5 hours): The drive continues through the highlands, with a quick scenic stop in Midelt for mountain views.
• Midelt to Ziz Oasis (2.5 hours): Descend through the Tizi n’Talghamt Pass for a leg-stretch and sweeping views of the palm-filled Ziz Valley.
• Ziz Oasis to Merzouga (2 hours): The landscape grows ever more arid as we approach the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi.

Lunch is taken en route at a local restaurant or roadside stop.

We arrive in Merzouga by evening and settle into a comfortable desert hotel with a swimming pool—your reward for a tough day on the road. Dinner is served at the hotel. Due to the travel schedule, it’s unlikely we’ll catch sunset tonight, but you’ll feel the anticipation build for tomorrow’s first true Sahara experience.

Note: This is the trip’s most demanding travel day, but the changing scenery and regular breaks (especially the Azrou forest) help make it manageable.

After a well-deserved rest, we take a slower pace today in Merzouga. Early risers can join a sunrise walk into the Erg Chebbi dunes—capturing first light over golden sands and endless sculpted curves. Return to the hotel for breakfast and time to relax: lounge by the pool, review photos, or simply recharge after yesterday’s journey.

By late morning, we set out on a jeep safari across the desert, exploring farther-flung dunes and remote corners of the Sahara. We’ll enjoy a picnic lunch amid the sand—plenty of time to photograph, explore, and soak up the silence and scale of Erg Chebbi.

After returning to the hotel, the afternoon is free to swim, nap, or simply relax in the shade.

Later, as the sun lowers and the heat fades, we mount up for a classic camel ride into the dunes—timed to catch the best afternoon light and arrive at a perfect spot for our sunset shoot. The evening light turns the sand to gold as we capture the drama and beauty of the Sahara.

After returning to the traditional berber hotel, we enjoy dinner together. If conditions allow, we’ll head back out for an optional astrophotography session—this is an ideal night for star-filled Sahara skies, thanks to the new moon.

Note: We have a full day here tomorrow, so if you’d rather take it slow, there’s no rush—more desert experiences and activities are on the horizon. Non-photographers can enjoy the pool, spa, or simply soak up the unique atmosphere of the desert hotel.

Photographers can start the day with another sunrise shoot in the Erg Chebbi dunes—this time featuring a staged session with a local camel man and his camels, creating timeless images that capture the spirit of the Sahara at dawn.

After breakfast, the day is yours to recharge and enjoy the unique desert atmosphere. Options include lounging by the pool, catching up on photo reviews, or joining a gentle walk at the edge of the dunes. Those looking for more adventure might try sandboarding, explore Merzouga village, or visit a local Berber family for tea and insight into traditional desert life (activities can be arranged based on interest).

Lunch is at the hotel, followed by relaxed free time in the afternoon—ideal for rest, reflection, or quiet exploration.

As the sun lowers, we head back into the dunes for another golden hour and sunset photo session—the soft light and changing shadows offer a fresh perspective on Erg Chebbi’s ever-shifting landscape. The evening brings dinner at the hotel, with time to share stories under desert stars.

Note: With two full days in the Sahara, everyone can find their own balance of activity and downtime—non-photographers will enjoy the peaceful pace and unique scenery throughout.

After breakfast, we embark on another long but richly rewarding journey—crossing a dramatic stretch of southern Morocco filled with photogenic stops and legendary landscapes.

• Merzouga to Tinghir/Todra Gorge (3 hours): We pause at the lush Tinghir Palm Grove before reaching the towering cliffs of Todra Gorge, where a short walk lets you experience Morocco’s most famous canyon—an iconic site for both photographers and nature lovers.
• Todra Gorge to Dades Gorge (1.5 hours): We follow the road through the Kasbahs of the Dades Valley, stopping to see the dramatic Dades River canyons, traditional oasis villages, and the famously winding mountain road—a must-capture scene.
• Dades Gorge to Skoura (1.5 hours): A brief visit to the Palmeraie de Skoura and the historic Kasbah Amridil, a perfectly preserved mud-brick fortress straight from a film set.
• Skoura to Ait Ben Haddou (1.5 hours): Our journey ends at the UNESCO-listed ksar of Ait Ben Haddou. After checking in, we position ourselves for a sunset shoot—capturing this ancient, earthen citadel as evening light sets the walls aglow.

Lunch is taken en route, with several chances to stretch, snack, and take photos as the scenery evolves.

Dinner and overnight are at a boutique property near Ait Ben Haddou.

Note: Today’s travel is long, but packed with visual highlights and regular breaks to make the miles pass easier. Non-photographers will enjoy the sweeping landscapes, local color, and Morocco’s most beautiful valleys.

Begin the day with a sunrise shoot at Ait Ben Haddou, photographing the ksar’s ancient earthen walls in the morning light. After breakfast, we depart for Marrakech, crossing the High Atlas via the spectacular and winding Tizi n’Tichka Pass—a route renowned for its switchbacks, panoramic views, and ever-changing scenery.

It’s a 3.5-hour drive to Marrakech, with short stops for photos and to stretch along the way. Watch for terraced mountain villages, rocky valleys, and distant peaks as we descend from the highlands.

Upon arrival in Marrakech, we enjoy lunch and settle into our boutique riad or a favorite city restaurant.

Afternoon program:

• Koutoubia Mosque: Admire the city’s iconic minaret and peaceful gardens (exterior only).
• Souks of the Medina: Explore the labyrinth of covered markets filled with vibrant textiles, spices, and local crafts.

As evening falls, we head to the Djemaa el-Fna Square for a sunset and blue hour photo session—capturing the golden light, lively crowds, and shifting scene as night arrives. Dinner is at a rooftop terrace restaurant overlooking the square, giving you a front-row seat to Marrakech’s most magical show.

Note: Marrakech is Morocco’s sensory capital—photographers and non-photographers alike will find endless inspiration in its colors, sounds, and cultural energy.

We start the day with an early morning street photography walk in Marrakech, capturing the city as it wakes—soft light, quiet alleys, and local life before the crowds arrive.

After breakfast, enjoy some downtime at the riad to rest, edit photos, or simply take in the atmosphere.

Mid-morning, we set out to explore two of the city’s architectural gems:

• Bahia Palace: Wander lavish courtyards, intricate mosaics, and tranquil spaces—a true masterpiece of Moroccan architecture.
• Ben Youssef Madrasa (if open): Marvel at the exquisite tilework and atmospheric halls of this historic Islamic college.

Afterwards, we visit the celebrated Majorelle Garden—Yves Saint Laurent’s iconic botanical oasis bursting with color, exotic plants, and art deco charm.

The afternoon is free for individual exploration: return to your favorite spots, browse the souks for treasures, visit additional museums, or relax in a café.

As evening approaches, we regroup for a final city photography session, focusing on Marrakech’s major landmarks and street life as the golden light returns. The day ends with dinner at a rooftop terrace restaurant, offering sweeping views over the medina and Djemaa el-Fna Square—a perfect finale to your time in the Red City.

Note: Today balances structured highlights and free time, giving everyone the chance to tailor their Marrakech experience to their own pace and interests.

Early risers have the option for one more sunrise shoot in Marrakech before breakfast—perfect for capturing quiet streets and iconic sights.

After breakfast, we set out for the Atlantic coast and the captivating port town of Essaouira. The drive takes about 3 hours, leading you from the red city through rolling argan groves to the cool ocean air.

Essaouira is known for its whitewashed medina, fortified ramparts, blue boats, fresh seafood, and laid-back vibe. A favorite retreat for artists and musicians, the city’s unique blend of Moroccan and European influences makes it an inspiring place to end your journey.

Upon arrival, we have lunch and then time to rest at our boutique hotel.

Late afternoon & evening:

• Explore the Skala de la Ville—the city’s dramatic sea bastions and ramparts, with sweeping Atlantic views and photogenic cannons.
• Wander the fishing port, alive with blue boats, fishmongers, and seagulls.
• Sunset photography session: capture the changing light over the harbor, medina walls, and sea.
• Dinner on the beach, with the sound of the ocean as your backdrop.

Note: Non-photographers will enjoy Essaouira’s relaxed pace, artisan shops, and atmospheric old town. Tomorrow, there’s more time to soak up the city and the Atlantic coast.

We start the day with an early morning walk to Moulay Hassan Square—the lively heart of Essaouira’s medina. This is a prime time to capture the soft morning light, colorful boats, and quiet waterfront before the city awakens.

After breakfast, there’s space to unwind at the hotel, stroll the ramparts, or simply enjoy a relaxed pace.

As midday approaches, we head into the medina’s spice and fish markets to soak up the vibrant colors, local flavors, and everyday bustle—an authentic slice of Essaouira life that’s ideal for photography and cultural immersion.
We gather for lunch together at a seafood restaurant or a terrace café with ocean views.

The afternoon is yours to enjoy at your own rhythm: explore artisan shops, visit a gallery, walk along the beach, or relax with a coffee and people-watch in a shady square. Participants interested in Essaouira’s history and crafts may want to visit the Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdallah Museum on their own.

Later in the afternoon, we invite you to experience a traditional Moroccan hammam—a deeply relaxing bath and steam ritual that’s part of local life. It’s the perfect way to unwind after a day of walking and shopping, and to immerse yourself in the wellness culture of Morocco.

As the sun drops, we regroup near the fort and ramparts for a sunset shoot—framing the changing light on the Atlantic, the ancient walls, and the bustle of the port below.
Dinner is at a favorite local spot, rounding out another memorable day by the sea.

Note: Non-photographers will find plenty to savor—Essaouira’s gentle pace, welcoming cafés, and fresh sea air make it a highlight for all.

Our final full day in Morocco starts with breakfast, followed by a short trip outside Essaouira in search of the famous goats in argan trees—a quirky, iconic sight of the Atlantic coast.

Next, we visit a local argan oil workshop to learn about traditional production methods and sample this “liquid gold” in its purest form.

Lunch is together at a favorite spot back in Essaouira.

The afternoon is free: catch up on souvenir shopping, unwind on the beach, visit your favorite cafés, or simply relax and take in the ocean air.

As evening nears, we’ll discuss as a group where to gather for one last sunset shoot—choosing the best location based on weather, light, and group preference.

We end with a festive farewell dinner, celebrating new friendships and a journey filled with extraordinary images and memories.

Note: Non-photographers will enjoy the variety today—rural experiences, artisan workshops, and relaxed time in one of Morocco’s most welcoming towns.

Enjoy a final breakfast by the Atlantic before saying farewell to Morocco.
Private airport transfers will be arranged for you to either Essaouira International Airport (about 25 minutes away) or Marrakech International Airport (about a 3-hour drive).

Please plan your flights accordingly— evening departures are recommended if flying from Marrakech to allow for a comfortable transfer.

Thank you for traveling with us and being part of an unforgettable Morocco adventure!