10 Days Desert Tour from Tangier to Casablanca

The 10 Days Desert Tour from Tangier continues with a deeper exploration of Chefchaouen, the picturesque “blue city”. Also known as Achaoun, which means “horns” in Berber, the city is nestled in the northwestern Rif Mountains. It is renowned for its buildings and alleyways painted in striking shades of blue and white. 

First, we will stroll through the charming old medina, where you can admire the many beautiful, authentic blue doors lining the streets. After free time for lunch, you’ll have the opportunity to hike up to the Spanish Mosque, situated on high ground. From this vantage point, you can take in the spectacular view of the entirety of the blue-hued city. 

You’ll have free time to wander and explore the beautiful, winding alleyways of the blue-hued city of Chefchaouen. 

Afterwards, we’ll drive to visit the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis, a well-preserved archaeological site recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage destination. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to admire the stunning mosaics, along with the impressive ancient pillars and archways that dot the grounds.

Following our time at Volubilis, we’ll drive approximately 30 km to the imperial city of Meknes, the Ismaili capital. In Meknes, we’ll visit the impressive Bab El-Mansour gateway, the Sahrij Souani water basin, the Royal Stables, the granaries, and the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail. 

Finally, we’ll make our way to the historic city of Fes, where you’ll spend the night in a traditional riad accommodation.

We will pick you up from your accommodation in Fes to begin our exploration of this historic imperial city, which is considered the cultural and religious heart of Morocco.

We will start the day by visiting the ornate gates of the Royal Palace. Then, we will venture into the well-preserved medieval medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Entering through the iconic Blue Gate or Bab Boujloud, we will be guided through the labyrinthine alleyways of the old medina.

Our guided tour will take us to highlights such as the Medersa Bouanania, the Najjarine Fountain, the famous tanneries, and finally, the renowned Kairaouine Mosque and University – considered the oldest continuously operating university in the world.

After departing the medina, we will visit the historic Jewish Quarter, known as the Mellah. We will then drive to an ancient fortress, where we can take in panoramic views of the medina and the city of Fes before returning to your riad accommodation.

We’ll start by exploring the area, visiting the village of black people originally from Mali to enjoy their music and learn about their way of life.

After that, we will drive to the Miffis Mines to explore how the locals work there, before heading behind the dunes into the open desert with its charming views. Here, we will sit with the local Bedouins and enjoy a warm cup of tea.

Before returning to the hotel, your local guides will teach you how to properly mount and dismount a camel, as well as provide other helpful camel related safety tips. At that point, you will start investigating the secretive sand ocean of the Erg Chebbi.
. You will overnight in a Berber tent.

The 10 Days Desert Tour from Tangier Tour continues southward through the town of Imouzzer. Our first stop will be the picturesque city of Ifrane, known for its low temperatures, snowfall, and distinctive alpine-style architecture – earning it the nickname “the Switzerland of Morocco”.

From there, we’ll head to the cedar forests, home to the Barbary macaque monkeys. You’ll have the opportunity to wander through the forest and even feed the friendly macaques.

Continuing our drive, we’ll pass through the Tizi-n-Tilghmt mountain pass and along the scenic Ziz Valley, stopping to take in the panoramic views.

In the afternoon, we’ll reach the Sahara Desert of Merzouga. Here, you’ll switch to camels and cross the sandy dunes, stopping atop a high dune to witness the breathtaking sunset. After this, we’ll proceed to our camp, which blends the traditional tents of nomads with the comforts of a luxury hotel. You can enjoy Berber drumming and dancing around the campfire under the vast, star-filled sky.

We’ll dedicate the day to exploring the incredible Merzouga region. This area is home to a wealth of natural and cultural wonders, from towering sand dunes and a wild desert lake to ancient mines and vibrant oases – all perfect for a variety of outdoor activities.

We’ll begin by driving off-road to visit an ancient eyeliner mine, where we’ll have the opportunity to interact with the local Berber nomads in their handwoven tents and learn about their traditional way of life over a cup of Berber tea.

Next, we’ll travel to the village of Khamlia, where we’ll be treated to performances of Gnaoua music and dance by the inhabitants, who hail from sub-Saharan countries like Mali, Sudan, and Niger. Afterwards, we’ll have free time for lunch at a local restaurant.

After lunch, we’ll take a stroll through a lush palm tree grove before driving to the wild, flamingo-frequented lake of Merzouga. Finally, we’ll return to Merzouga for dinner and an overnight stay at a hotel.

After breakfast, we’ll continue our journey to the Rose Valley near Kalaa Magouna. This region is renowned for its annual Rose Festival in May, where locals showcase their exquisite rose-based products, from perfumes and rose water to cosmetic oils.

From the Rose Valley, we’ll drive through the palm groves of Skoura to visit the historic Kasbah of Amredhyle. Afterwards, we’ll head to the city of Ouarzazate, where we’ll tour the famous film studios that have served as the backdrop for numerous Hollywood productions.

Next, we’ll visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Ben Haddou, a fortified adobe village that has been featured in many blockbuster movies, including Gladiator, Alexander, and The Mummy, as well as the Game of Thrones television series.

Continuing our adventure, we’ll stop at the impressive Telouet Kasbah before crossing the High Atlas Mountains through the Tizi-N-Tichka pass on our way to Marrakesh. Along the way, we’ll make stops for lunch and to capture photographs of the stunning landscapes.

We’ll go on a guided exploration of the highlights of the imperial city of Marrakesh. Our tour will include visits to the stunning Bahia Palace, the Saadian Tombs, and the historic Ben Youssef Quranic Mosque.

We’ll then enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the city’s largest traditional souk (market). Following this, you’ll have free time for lunch near the iconic Jemaa El-Fna square.

In the afternoon, we’ll visit the impressive Koutoubia Mosque, the largest in Marrakesh, as well as the enchanting Majorelle Garden. After our guided tour, you’ll have the opportunity to wander the lively Jemaa El-Fna square on your own, taking in the sights, sounds, and energy of this bustling heart of the city.

Finally, we’ll pick you up from your accommodation in Marrakesh and begin the drive to Casablanca. Depending on the timing of your flight, we may have the opportunity to visit the magnificent Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca before dropping you off at the airport.

This will mark the end of your 10 Days Desert Tour from Tangier holiday, which has taken you from the northern port city of Tangier all the way through the stunning scenes and wealthy social legacy of this exceptional country.
We hope you’ve had an unforgettable experience and look forward to welcoming you back to Morocco in the future.