This 12 days tour from Tangier to Marrakech via the Sahara Desert will introduce you to an ancient civilization with a rich cultural heritage.
Discover Morocco’s most significant and cities, guided by local experts. Explore the fascinating ancient medina of Fez and the picturesque blue-hued city of Chefchaouen, with its traditional culture and lively street markets. Immerse yourself in local traditions, ride camels through the Sahara with Berber camel handlers, and sleep under the stars in tents nestled amidst the golden dunes. Journey through the Ziz Valley and marvel at the dramatic Todra Gorge before continuing to the Rose Valley.
Visit the historic Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and cross the breathtaking Atlas Mountains to arrive in the vibrant city of Marrakech.
Our professional driver/guide will meet you at your accommodation and pick you up from the airport, where our wonderful journey will begin. From Tangier, we will head towards our first destination, Tetouan, passing by Ceuta (known as Sebta to the locals). Along the way, you’ll be treated to some magnificent views of the sea.
Upon arriving in Tetouan, we’ll explore this jewel of a town nestled at the foot of the Rif Mountains. The ancient Medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site, appears virtually unchanged for centuries. We’ll have our lunch here before continuing our tour, passing by the small fishing port of Capo Negro.
Eventually, we’ll arrive at Chefchaouen, a beautifully situated town beneath the rugged peaks of the Rif Mountains. Chefchaouen is considered one of the prettiest towns in Morocco, with its artsy, blue-washed buildings and narrow lanes converging on the bustling Plaza Uta El Hammam and its restored Kasbah. The town is a delightful blend of Moroccan and Andalusian influences.
After our time in the town of Chefchaouen, we will depart for a special destination – the city of Fes, also known as the “scientific city of Morocco”. In its golden era, Fes was a magnet for scholars, philosophers, mathematicians, lawyers, astronomers, and theologians. Craftsmen built houses and palaces for these learned individuals, while kings endowed mosques and religious schools (medersas) throughout the city.
On the way to Fes, we’ll have the opportunity to explore the remote Rif Mountains and its hidden valleys. We’ll stop along the journey to relax and enjoy a lunch amidst some truly breathtaking scenery.
You will begin exploring the historical ramparts of the Fes Medina. Your first stop will be the Marinid Tombs, followed by a visit to the 14th century Madrasa Bou Inania, which houses an excellent museum featuring a rich collection of illuminated manuscripts and ceramics. You’ll enjoy lunch right within the bustling Medina.
Following your midday meal, you’ll resume your exploration of the Medina’s fascinating cobbled lanes. Highlights will include the richly decorated Attarin’s Madrasa, the funduq (caravanserai) of Nejjarine, and the medieval tannery. Throughout your journey, you’ll be in the infinite variety of local handicrafts, from copperplate to pottery.
We will continue onward to our next destination – Ifrane, also known as the “Switzerland of Morocco”. Along the way, we’ll pass through the Atlas Mountains, which contain the largest forests of cedar trees and are home to a population of monkeys. After a peaceful stay in Ifrane, we’ll resume our journey towards Midelt, the capital of the Apple region, passing by numerous Berber villages along the way.
From Midelt, we’ll head out to the radiant Merzouga locale through Erfoud, passing through the marvelous Ziz Gorges and Errachidia. We’ll stop for a traditional lunch along the way.
Next, we’ll continue towards Merzouga, traveling through the Ziz Valley. We’ll make a worthwhile stop to take in the panoramic views along the route. Eventually, we’ll arrive in Merzouga, where you’ll be warmly welcomed with a refreshing mint tea.
We’ll be staying in a hotel situated near the impressive dunes of Erg Chebbi.
Today, after breakfast, we will explore the surrounding areas of the magnificent Erg Chebbi desert. Our first stop will be the village of Khamlia, home to a community of dark-skinned people who are renowned musicians. Here, we’ll have the opportunity to enjoy their folk dances and traditional Gnaoui music.
Next, we’ll visit the spectacular Lake of Merzouga, which is home to a rich variety of bird species. You may also wish to visit a nomadic house, where you can observe some traditional Berber handicrafts.
In the afternoon, we’ll go on a camel ride, crossing the golden sand dunes to experience the breathtaking sunset in the heart of the Sahara Desert.
To conclude the day, we’ll enjoy a traditional Berber dinner at our camp, accompanied by the soothing sounds of Berber drums.
It is highly recommended to wake up early so you don’t miss the spectacular sunrise over the Merzouga Sahara. After a relaxing shower and breakfast at the camp, we will resume our tour towards the Todgha Gorge, one of the most breathtaking canyons in the world.
Along the way, we’ll pass through the beautiful Ziz Valley. Our route will take us through Erfoud, known for its dates and fossils, before reaching Tinejdad, where we’ll stop for lunch.
Continuing on, we’ll arrive in Tinghir, where the Todgha Gorge is located. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to wander among the local people and fully enjoy the natural beauty of the gorge.
After exploring the famous Todgha Canyons, we’ll make our way to Boumalne Dades, where we will spend the night.
Today, we depart from Boumalne Dades and make our way to Marrakech, the “Red City”. But before arriving in Marrakech, we’ll make several stops to explore the many attractive sights along the way.
We’ll pass through numerous Berber villages, including Magouna, the Valley of Roses, and then Skoura. Next, we’ll reach Ouarzazate, also known as “African Hollywood”, as we traverse the enjoyable Thousand Kasbahs and tiny Berber villages, where you can capture some wonderful photographs.
Continuing on, we’ll head out to explore the famous Kasbah of Ait-Ben-Hadou, a UNESCO World Heritage site that has been featured in many acclaimed films, such as “Gladiator”.
Afterward, we’ll experience the breathtaking beauty of the Atlas Mountains as we drive along the Tizi-n-Tichka road, the highest road in Morocco at an altitude of 2,260 meters. This scenic route will offer you views of valleys, oases, mountains, and Berber villages.
After enjoying breakfast at your accommodation, we will prepare for an exciting day of exploring the magnificent city of Marrakech. Our local guide will ensure that we see all the important sites, starting with the Majorelle Gardens and Berber Museum.
Next, we’ll head to the Rahba Kedima, a vibrant market filled with a wide array of spices, including cumin, cinnamon, saffron, and dried peppers. As you wander through the market, you’ll be enveloped by the aroma of these diverse spices.
We’ll then visit the Jewish Mellah, the Bahia Palace, the impressive Koutoubia Mosque, La Minara, and finally, the Saadian Tombs.
Early in the morning, after enjoying breakfast at the Riad, we will depart Marrakech and head to our next destination the magnificent coastal city of Essaouira.
Along the way, as this is the heart of Argan culture, we’ll make a stop at a women’s Argan oil cooperative. Here, you’ll have the chance to witness the process of extracting this renowned oil, which is prized for its culinary, cosmetic, and medicinal properties. We’ll take the opportunity to capture some photographs during this visit.
Continuing our journey, we’ll eventually arrive in Essaouira, where you will spend the night at a hotel.
Next, you’ll wander through the old Medina and enjoy the city’s vibrant handicraft offerings, as well as the charming traditional, colorful houses that dot the historic quarter.
Essaouira is renowned for its annual Gnaoua Music Festival, which attracts over 300,000 people each June. The city also boasts an expansive beach called Plage de Safi, which is popular for surfing.
Additionally, you’ll have the chance to discover the historic Jewish quarter within the old Medina.
Today is at your leisure to explore the winding streets and coastal ramparts of Essaouira. Later in the day, we will begin our drive back to Marrakech, arriving around midday. This will leave you with ample time to pursue your own interests in Marrakech.
Optional activities for the afternoon include a calèche ride (a horse-drawn carriage) to the serene Majorelle Gardens, as well as a visit to the small Museum of Islamic Art.
As a final indulgence, you may wish to experience a traditional Moroccan hammam – a public bath and steam room. This would make for a wonderful reward after our immersive Moroccan adventure.
On the final day, we will pick you up from the hotel and transfer you to Marrakech’s international airport, in accordance with your flight schedule. Sadly, this is where our unforgettable journey through Morocco must come to an end.
