10 days tour from Tangier to the desert

Day 1: Tangier – Chefchaouen

Upon arrival in Tangier via the port or airport, we will explore the city before departing for Chefchaouen, a beautiful small town in the Rif Mountains famous for its striking blue hues. Overnight stay at a hotel.

Day 2: Chefchaouen – Volubilis – Meknes – Fes

We cross the Rif Mountains toward the Roman ruins of Volubilis. We then continue to Meknes to admire its historic walls before arriving in Fes, an Imperial City founded in the 8th century. Fes is home to the ancient and prestigious “Al-Quaraouiyine” University.

Day 3: Exploring Fes

A full day with a guide in Fes, founded by Idris I in the 12th century. It has long been the artisanal and religious capital of Morocco, serving as the political and cultural center for the Idrissid and Almohad dynasties. As an Imperial City with immense historical and artisanal appeal, it features one of the largest medinas in the Arab world. We will visit the madrasas, the souks with their spectacular variety of spices, the ancient 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 in honor of the last Atlas Lion. We cross the Middle Atlas, visit the ancient Great Cedar, and see the forest monkeys. We continue to Midelt and cross the Ziz Valley for lunch. Upon arriving in Merzouga, we mount camels to watch the sunset from a high dune. Dinner and overnight stay in a nomad camp.

Day 5: Merzouga – Desert Activities

After breakfast, we explore the desert following the original Paris-Dakar Rally route. We visit nomad families, the “Sahara” oasis, and the village of Khamlia. After lunch, we set off on a camel safari through the desert to witness the sunset. Spend the night in Berber tents (jaimas) with dinner and traditional music.

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

Early departure to watch the sunrise. We return to Merzouga by camel and depart for Rissani. After visiting the local market, we continue to Erfoud to see a marble and fossil factory. We pass through the Todra Gorges, enjoy lunch, and take in the landscape. We then continue to the Dades Valley for dinner and an overnight stay at a hotel.

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

We visit the Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, a world-famous film location. We cross the Atlas Mountains at the Tizi n’Tichka pass and follow the ancient caravan route to Marrakech, passing various kasbahs along the way. Upon arrival, we visit Jemaa el-Fnaa square. Overnight stay at a hotel or Riad.

Day 8: Exploring Marrakech

We explore Marrakech, visiting the Koutoubia Tower, the Saadian Tombs, the Bahia Palace, and more. After lunch near the square, the afternoon is dedicated to the souks and local street performances.

Day 9: Marrakech – Essaouira – Marrakech

Departure for Essaouira, an ancient Portuguese port known for its sea-facing ramparts and constant coastal breeze. Enjoy a walk through the streets and visit an Argan oil cooperative. Return to Marrakech in the evening.

Day 10: Marrakech – Tangier

Departure for Tangier after final sightseeing or last-minute shopping. Arrival in Tangier and end of services.