5 Day tour from Tangier to the Desert

Day 1: Tangier – Chefchaouen – Fes

The journey from Tangier begins by crossing the Rif Mountains and Tetouan, enjoying the scenic mountain views on the way to Chefchaouen. This stunning village, nestled between the Rif peaks, was founded by Moors exiled from Andalusia in 1492. Its old quarters feature a Spanish-influenced style surrounded by traditional artisanal shops. A stroll through its blue-painted streets is truly a marvel, perfectly blended with its unique Riffian atmosphere. We will have lunch before continuing our journey to Fes to stay in a hotel.

Day 2: Fes – Ifrane – Azrou – Middle Atlas – Ziz Valley – Merzouga Desert

Pickup from your Hotel or Riad. We depart for Ifrane, known as the “Switzerland of Morocco,” where we will stop to photograph the stone Lion. This landmark was carved by a German soldier during WWII in honor of the last Atlas Lion. We will cross the Middle Atlas Mountains, passing through Azrou to see the region’s largest ancient cedar and the monkeys that inhabit the forest. We continue toward Midelt and cross the fascinating Ziz Valley, stopping for lunch to enjoy Berber hospitality. Finally, we arrive in Merzouga to mount camels for a trek through the dunes to watch the sunset from a high peak. We settle into our nomad camp for dinner and traditional Berber music under the stars.

Day 3: Dades Gorges – Kalaat M’Gouna – Ouarzazate

Wonderful panoramic views await us as we travel through the M’Gouna Valley, famous for its rose products and the annual Rose Festival held in May. We follow the “Route of a Thousand Kasbahs” toward Skoura and have lunch at a restaurant in Ouarzazate. After a rest, we visit the Taourirt Kasbah, the former residence of the Pacha Glaoui. In the afternoon, we visit the film studios, which served as the backdrop for famous biblical epics and many modern international blockbusters. Overnight stay at a hotel in Ouarzazate.

Day 4: Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – High Atlas – Marrakech

We continue our route toward Ait Ben Haddou to visit its famous Kasbah, declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1986. Many blockbusters have been filmed here, including Gladiator, The Mummy, Asterix & Obelix, and The Jewel of the Nile. After free time for lunch, we head toward Marrakech, crossing the Tizi n’Tichka pass at nearly 2,300m. To make the day even more spectacular, we follow the ancient caravan route through the Ounila Valley, where you can see kasbahs built into caves, and visit the historic Kasbah of Telouet. Finally, we arrive in Marrakech.

Day 5: Marrakech – Tangier

A brief visit to Marrakech, including the main square and a palace, before departing for Tangier via the coastal highway. We will arrive in the northern city by nightfall. End of the trip.