12 Days Tour from Tangier to the Desert

Day 1: Tangier – Chefchaouen

Upon arrival at the Tangier port or airport, we begin with a tour of the city before departing for Chefchaouen. One of the most beautiful small towns in the Rif Mountains, it is famous for being painted in striking shades of blue. Overnight stay at a hotel.

Day 2: Chefchaouen – Volubilis – Meknes – Fes

We cross the Rif Mountains toward Volubilis to explore the Roman ruins, then continue to Meknes to see its historic ramparts. Finally, we arrive in Fes, an Imperial City founded in the 8th century and home to “Al-Quaraouiyine,” one of the oldest universities in the world.

Day 3: Exploring Fes

A full day with a guided tour of Fes (founded by Idris I in the 12th century). For years, it served as the artisanal and religious capital of Morocco and the cultural hub for the Idrissid and Almohad dynasties. As one of the most interesting Imperial Cities for history and craftsmanship, it boasts one of the largest medinas in the Arab world. We will visit the madrasa, the souk (famous for its incredible variety of spices), Al-Quaraouiyine University, mosques, plazas, the Andalusian and potters’ quarters, palaces, museums, and the tanneries. Return to the Riad for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 4: Fes – Ifrane – Azrou – Middle Atlas – Ziz Valley – Merzouga Desert

Pickup from your Hotel, Riad, or Airport. We depart for Ifrane and stop to photograph the stone lion carved by a German soldier during WWII in honor of the last Atlas Lion. We cross the Middle Atlas Mountains and visit the ancient cedar forest to see the native Barbary macaques. We continue to Midelt and traverse the fascinating Ziz Valley, stopping for lunch. Upon arrival in Merzouga, we mount camels to trek through the dunes and watch the sunset from a high peak. We settle into a nomad camp for the night with dinner and Berber drumming.

Day 5: Merzouga – Desert Activities

After breakfast, we set out on a desert excursion following the original “Paris-Dakar Rally” route. We will visit desert nomads to share tea with a local family and see the oasis where films like *Sahara* (starring Penélope Cruz) were filmed. We will also visit Khamlia, known as the “village of the blacks,” settled by people originally brought as slaves from Sudan. After lunch, our next adventure begins: a camel safari into the heart of the dunes to witness the sunset. Tonight is special; we sleep in typical Berber tents (jaimas) and enjoy dinner under a starry sky accompanied by the sound of drums.

Day 6: Merzouga Desert – Rissani – Erfoud Fossils – Todra Gorges – Dades Valley

We rise early to enjoy a spectacular sunrise. After breakfast, we return to Merzouga by camel before departing for Rissani. After visiting the market, we continue to Erfoud to visit a marble and fossil factory. We drive through the palm groves of Touroug and Tinjdad to reach the Todra Gorges—a riverbed forming vertical cliffs that are a major attraction for climbers. After lunch and a walk through the gorges, we continue to the Dades Valley for dinner and an overnight stay at a hotel.

Day 7: Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – High Atlas – Marrakech

We continue toward Ait Ben Haddou to visit its famous Kasbah, declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1986. Many films, such as *Gladiator*, *The Mummy*, *Obelix*, and *The Jewel of the Nile*, were filmed here. After free time for lunch, we head to Marrakech via the Tizi n’Tichka pass, crossing the Atlas at nearly 2,300m. To complete this spectacular day, we follow the ancient caravan route through the Ounila Valley, home to cave-dwelling kasbahs and the historic Kasbah of Telouet. Finally, we arrive in Marrakech to visit Jemaa el-Fnaa square. Overnight at a hotel or Riad.

Day 8: Exploring Marrakech

After breakfast at the Riad, we begin discovering “The Red City.” We visit the most important historical and cultural sites, including the Koutoubia Tower, the Saadian Tombs, the Bahia Palace, and the Menara Gardens. After lunch near the square, the entire afternoon is dedicated to the handicraft souks and the street performances in the square.

Day 9: Marrakech – Casablanca

Departure for Casablanca, the economic capital of Morocco and the legendary city on the Atlantic Ocean. We will visit the famous Hassan II Mosque—the second largest in the world after Mecca—the Corniche beach, and the old town. Dinner and overnight stay at a hotel or Riad.

Day 10: Casablanca – Rabat – Asilah

After breakfast, we depart for Rabat, the capital of Morocco, for an exterior visit of the Royal Palace, the Mohammed V Mausoleum, the Hassan Tower, and the Oudaya Kasbah. In the afternoon, we continue north toward the coastal town of Asilah. Dinner and overnight stay at a hotel.

Day 11: Free Day in Asilah

A free day for sightseeing, strolling through the streets of the old town, the museum, and the port. We will have lunch at the square to taste northern Moroccan gastronomy. Enjoy a day of rest or shopping. Dinner and overnight stay at a hotel or Riad.

Day 12: Asilah – Tangier (Transfer to Port or Airport)

Breakfast and transfer to the Tangier Port or Airport depending on your flight schedule. End of our services.