There aren’t many countries in the world that boast the same amount of amazing diversity of climates and cultures as Morocco.
Though it lies in the north of the African Continent, in many ways, it’s more Middle Eastern than it is African.
It’s best known for its amazingly vast, harsh deserts, the fascinating ethnic groups that dwell there, and its cultured cities that are really grand melting pots of many different cultures and ethnicities.
Its bazaars, oases, and palaces are all big draws too, so finding plenty of interesting things to do won’t be a problem in Morocco.
Below are 15 of the best tours in Morocco.
1. Fantasia 1001 Nights Dinner and Show from Marrakech
Source: getyourguide.comIf you’ve ever read, 1001 Arabian Nights, which is a compilation of old Moroccan folk stories, you’ll know that the tales are full of magic and mysticism.
Based on those tales, this dinner and show combo is the perfect relaxing and entertaining way to end a busy day.
The theatre is set in a quaint, palm-lined courtyard and includes an array of different dishes from many of the country’s regions and ethnic groups.
The four-hour show includes horsemen, belly dancers, and some pretty incredible acrobats too.
These spots fill up quickly, so consider booking in advance.
2. Atlas Mountains Day Trip with Camel Ride
Source: getyourguide.comThough Marrakech is an amazing place to explore, it’s good to get away from the city’s hustle and bustle for a spell too.
You’ll get an up-close-and-personal look at North Africa’s highest peak, Mount Toubkal.
A stop at Imlil in the Atlas Mountains will give you a fascinating view into the culture and lifestyle of the area’s Berbers, and you’ll get some of the most amazing mountain and valley views to be had in the vicinity.
After some warm mint tea, you’ll saddle up the camels and follow your guide to a waterfall, ancient terraced agricultural works, and an authentic Berber market.
3. Marrakech Half-Day Quad and Camel Tour in the Desert
Source: getyourguide.comIf you’re not quite up to snuff when it comes to riding quads or camels, don’t worry, this half-day tour will give you all the training and gear you’ll need to see the amazing desert, have fun, and get home in one piece.
You’ll ride into a real Berber village mounted on your desert-dwelling beast of burden like Lawrence of Arabia decades ago.
In general, Moroccans are known for their warm hospitality; you’ll know why when you join them for some hot tea shaded from the merciless rays of the ever-present desert sun.
Plan on getting back to Marrakech at 6:00 PM.
4. Full-Day Tour of Ouzoud Waterfalls from Marrakech
Source: Alberto Loyo / shutterstockThough you might not think there are any waterfalls in an expanse of desert known for its intensity and vastness, the waterfalls at Ouzoud are an amazing and scenic oasis set amongst the village of Grand Atlas.
You’ll be picked up from your hotel and transported to the falls by an air-conditioned minibus. Though the drive takes about three hours, it’s full of dramatic vistas that you won’t likely see again.
After an afternoon spent swimming, relaxing and gawking at the cute monkeys that call the falls home, you’ll be transported back to your hotel and will arrive around 6:00 PM.
5. Overnight Camel Trek to Erg Chebbi Dunes from Merzouga
Source: getyourguide.comThere’s really no more enchanting and authentic way to see the magnificent deserts of Morocco than mounted atop a camel.
This once-in-a-lifetime tour is available in a host of languages and includes stops at Berber settlements, where you’ll dine on traditional tagine dishes while sipping hot mint tea.
You’ll experience traditional desert life while watching the sunset over the dunes, joining in a drum circle, and sleeping in a Moroccan dwelling that’s surprisingly comfy.
If luck is on your side, you may also see some fascinating desert animals like lizards and the pink flamingoes the area is famous for.
6. Desert and Palmeraie Quad Tour from Marrakech
Source: getyourguide.comPalmeraie is a breathtaking oasis on the outskirts of Marrakech that consists of hundreds of thousands of palm trees and even a golf resort and beach.
The fact that this remarkable oasis is surrounded by the world’s largest desert makes it a place of great contrast and distinction.
You’ll experience Moroccan hospitality and cuisine, all within a short drive of the city, which makes it a great way to experience the culture and maximize the value of your time.
Don’t expect a hectic pace; this guided tour is all about relaxation, peace and experiencing the mesmerizing beauty of the desert.
7. Berber Villages and Valleys Atlas Mountains Day Trip
Source: Ryzhkov Oleksandr / shutterstockAvailable in English and Arabic, this day trip will take you across the Haouz Plain, the gateway to the majestic Atlas Mountains and the amazing Moulay Brahim Gorges.
You’ll ride camels on many of the paths that branch into the mountains, from which you’ll reach elevations that just may provide you with the unique sight of tall, snow-covered mountains looming over a vast, hot and arid desert below.
In villages like Imlil, you’ll relax, eat, and sip some hot mint tea to restore all the energy you expelled during the morning portion of your trip.
The afternoon will be spent exploring some remote and amazing valleys.
8. Day Trip to Essaouira from Marrakech
Source: Olga Kot Photo / shutterstockMorocco’s Berber women are a hard-working lot that produce many of the country’s most valuable staples like argan oil, which is produced from the fruit of local argan trees.
This day tour begins in Marrakech at 8:00 AM and after a three-hour journey, you’ll arrive in Essaouira on the country’s Atlantic Coast.
You’ll wander through the ancient city’s narrow streets, breathing in the sea air and taking in the characteristic Moroccan architecture, which stands in beautiful contrast to the shimmering sea and clear blue sky.
After this amazing day, you’ll arrive back in Marrakech at about 7:00 PM.
9. Day Trip to Ouarzazate and Ait Ben Haddou
Source: Olena Tur / shutterstockThis jam-packed day trip includes door-to-door transportation to and from your hotel in Marrakech. It will take you on a three-hour odyssey into the Moroccan deserts on the other side of the famed Atlas Mountains.
You’ll traverse a pass that’s nearly 2000 meters high and visit a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s surrounded by dazzling canyons, forests of palms, and scenic villages precariously tucked into steep mountains.
The town of Ouarzazate is considered Morocco’s Hollywood for its glitz and flash and budding movie industry, which is ideally set near such amazing surroundings.
Expect to arrive in Marrakech at 7:30 PM after a memorable day.
10. A Taste of Marrakech Food Tour and Dinner
Source: getyourguide.comMarrakech’s markets are known for amazing local fruits, vegetables, and ingredients, most of which are rare and exotic by western standards.
Particularly popular are the dried fruit and nuts that are staples in Moroccan cooking.
Djemma El Fnaa Square is one of the area’s largest and most visited open-air markets and is full of energy, haggling, snacking, gossiping and plain old shopping.
This guided tour will take you into the back alleys and narrow streets, where most locals shop for the things they need to feed their families.
The market is a great place to pick up some souvenirs. After your tour, you’ll eat in a local eatery that’s usually full of locals and tourists alike.
11. Agadir City Half-Day Trip
Source: saiko3p / shutterstockThis guided tour of the coastal town of Agadir begins with pick-up from your hotel.
It’s a three-hour tour that’s available in many languages and is even accessible for those in a wheelchair.
You’ll learn about the town’s past and get great glimpses of the marina and shimmering Atlantic from the Kasbah fort which has played an important role in the city’s history.
There will be plenty of time to stroll past the chic shops on the beachfront promenade and marina, and you’ll also see the chaotic port which is a busy fishing, shipping, and economic hub.
12. Marrakech Monuments and Souks 3-Hour Tour
Source: monticello / shutterstockThis short though complete three-hour tour will give you a local’s view of many of the famous city’s souks – or markets – as well as stops at some of the ‘Red City’s’ monuments, historic areas, and palaces.
You’ll be picked up from your hotel and head directly to Koutoubia, which is one of the city’s oldest and most revered mosques, and considered to be one of the most majestic in all the Muslim world.
Trips to ancient tombs and some of the city’s most beautiful examples of Arabic art and architecture are also included, after which an hour will be spent at the Bahia Palace built in the 19th century.
13. Marrakech Tagine Cookery Class with a Local
Source: getyourguide.comTagine cooking is a traditional method of cooking local fare using a two-piece, conical ceramic cook pot known as a tagine.
If shopping in the local market for ingredients then getting an intimate cooking lesson from a local sounds like a great way to spend a few hours, then this tour is for you.
You’ll learn about new and exotic spices, the finer points of selecting ingredients, and the correct method to prepare them to simmer away until moist and tender inside the tagine.
This tour is a great way to meet a few fellow tourists and prepare a world-class meal that you’ll be able to enjoy when it’s all done.
14. Tangier Highlights Private 6-Hour Tour
Source: saiko3p / shutterstockThis superb six-hour tour explores the exotic and sophisticated city of Tangier. Many of its main attractions include chaotic markets and the various caves around the city, too.
You’ll experience unmatched views from the city’s east, as well as a visit to the Spartel Cape – the most northwestern point on the continent of Africa.
This cultural icon of Morocco is among the oldest inhabited places in the region and sits at the point where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Mediterranean Sea.
Its rich heritage and lore include a cave that was once thought to be the home of the mythical giant Hercules.
15. Hammam and Steam Relaxation in Marrakech
Source: getyourguide.comThe last thing in the world that vacations should be is stressful, but let’s face it, they can get a bit harrying trying to cram as much as you can into a relatively short time.
If you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed, consider this hammam and steam relaxation tour.
A hammam is a Turkish bath, and the Bab Doukkala District near Medina is the place to go to get rid of that accumulated tension.
There are plenty of individualized therapies so you’ll definitely find one that fits your needs.
You’ll relax with a cup of tea as the staff describe the available options.
This may just be the crown jewel of your whole trip.