Are you planning to explore what Morocco has to offer from Tangier? this meticulously designed 8 day tour from Tangier to Merzouga Desert is the best option you can opt for. Through this private desert tour from Tangier, you can only expect to come across unparalleled experiences from the beginning to the end.
You’ll be picked up either from the Tangier Ville Port, Tangier Med Port, Ibn Battuta Airport or even from your accommodation in Tangier. You’ll visit the blue city of Chefchaouen, the Roman Ruins of Volubilis, the Imperial Cities of Meknes of Fes; cross the Middle & High Atlas Mountains along with its canyons & valleys before getting to the vast sand dune field of Erg Chebbi Sahara Desert. You’ll then continue on the track west by exploring the popular canyons of Todra Gorges.
Take the route of one thousand Kasbahs through the Dades Valley, Skoura, Ait Benhaddou before ending this extraordinary expedition in Marrakech.
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Itinerary
Most of our tour itineraries & packages are private as we aim to clear the ground for purely-cultural experiences while maintaining the delivery of personal service. However, we may take shared bookings on some occasions when the group (maximum 8) is already set. The featured price can change based on the number of passengers & the category of the Riads/hotels & Desert camp.
Day 1 – Tangier – Chefchaouen
Pick up from Tangier by your professional English speaking private driver. You’ll head to the blue-city of Chefchaouen through the spectacular Rif Mountains. You may want to include short breaks for taking pictures as the views are stunning. When you arrive in Chefchaouen, a warm welcome in your hotel/Riad before stretching your legs in the beautiful streets of the Chefchaouen’s Medina.
- Overnight accommodation in Riad Lyna, Dar Echchaouen, Riad Hicham or similar – bed and breakfast are included.
Day 2 – Full Day Explore Chefchaouen
After having breakfast in your Riad/hote, you’ll spend most of the day exploring this artistic city with a local tour guide. You’ll begin by the Outta el-Hamam, which is located in the heart of the Medina. Then, visit the Kasbah, built in the 15th century by Moulay Ali Ibn Rachid. This warrior built the Kasbah (fortress) to fight against the Portuguese invaders. Moulay Ismail turned it into a main residence & the Spanish into a prison. Nowadays, it has a museum displaying a wide collection of crafts brought from the region.
You’ll walk through the blue-painted streets to the Ras el-Ma Spring with its panoramic views. You’ll see women washing clothes & carpets along with boy playing soccer. You may want to hike up to get a complete view of the Medina before walking back to the Square where you’ll have a refreshing min tea.
After lunch, you may want to further navigate within the alleyways with the possibility to buy souvenirs. The small items in Chefchaouen are more affordable compared to other Moroccan places.
- Overnight accommodation in Dar Echchaouen, Riad Lyna, Dar Hicham or similar – bed and breakfast are included.
Day 3 – Chefchaouen – Volubilis – Meknes – Fes
Today, you’ll head south through spectacular Rif Mountainous Chain to the Roman Ruins of Volubilis. You’ll have a guided walking tour to learn about the rich history of Morocco reflected in the Roman civilization. After that, you’ll head to Meknes (Moroccan Versailles). One of the Moroccan Imperial Cities that was founded by the Sultan Moulay Ismail who turned it into the capital of his Kingdom in the 17th century.
You’ll begin the tour by the beautiful Bab (Gate) Mansour that overlooks the vibrant el-Hedim Square & the olive market. You’ll drive through the Royal Palace’s walls to the Royal Granaries & stables. You’ll learn about how the Sultan Moulay Ismail was powerful enough to get funds & resources to store grains, wheat & barley. The stables for feeding & looking after his 12.000 horses. In the evening, you’ll drive to Fes through the highway.
- Overnight accommodation Riad Yamanda or similar – bed and breakfast are included.
Day 4 – Full Day Exploring Fes
After having breakfast in your Riad/hotel, you’ll spend the day exploring what Fes has to offer with a local private English speaking tour guide. You’ll driven uphill to enjoy the panoramic view of the Fes el-Bali (oldest Fes). You’ll visit the mosaic & pottery cooperative offering the opportunity to learn about the Moroccan popular ceramics.
You’ll drive to the Mellah (former Jewish Quarter) where you’ll take pictures for the golden gates of the Royal Palace. Have a walk through the vibrant Souk of the Mellah while learning about the rich history of the Jewish communities that have been living in Morocco.
You’ll then get to the Fes el-Bali (oldest Fes), which is a UNESCO listed & is the largest car-free districts in the world. You’ll be amazed by the authentic lifestyle that has been preserved & transmitted from generation to another. The lined cafes, the vibrant Souks along with boys playing in the streets are some of the highlights you’ll stumble upon while navigating with your tour guide. You’ll visit the tanneries, Koranic schools, museums and much more….
- Overnight accommodation in Riad Yamanda, Jnane Chrifa or similar – bed & breakfast are included.
Day 5 – Fes – Ifran – Ziz Valley – Erfoud – Merzouga
After having breakfast in your hotel/Riad, you’ll head south to the Sahara Desert of Erg Chebbi. You’ll include a short break in the beautiful city of Ifran (nominated as the 2nd cleanest city in the world in 2015). Drive through the UNESCO listed cedar forests that hosts a colony of Barbary Apes. It’s possible to approach & even feed them.
You’ll drive through Midelt known for apple production, High Atlas Mountains, Ziz Valley, Erfoud before reaching the vast sand dune field of Erg Chebbi.
Have a journey on camel to attend the majestic view of the sunset before getting back to our desert camp. You’ll have a nice dinner followed by time of music entertainment performed by Berber guys using drums & castanets. You may want to stretch your legs and enjoy illuminating starry sky.
- Overnight accommodation in a luxury desert camp – private en suite tent. Dinner & breakfast are included.
Day 6 – Merzouga – Tinejdad – Todra Gorge – Dades Valley
Early wake up in the morning, attend the miraculous view of the sunrise atop the sand dune. You’ll enjoy your breakfast served under the sunlight, take a refreshing shower and head west. In Erfoud, you’ll have a visit to the fossil museum & dates market. Arriving in Todra Gorge (canyon) will give you the chance to stretch your legs while enjoying the breathtaking views of the high cliffs standing like walls.
The Todra Gorge has been an ideal escape for locals from the heat in summer as well as an attraction for mountain climbers. After lunch, you’ll continue on the track to the Dades Valley.
- Overnight accommodation in Babylon, Kser Sultan, Xaluca Dades or similar – dinner & breakfast are included.
Day 7 – Dades Valley – Skoura – Ait Benhaddou – High Atlas – Marrakech
After having breakfast, you’ll head further west to Marrakech. You’ll include a short break at the Valley of Roses to learn about how roses are being produced & the products made from them. Drive through Ouarzazate (Hollywood of Africa) with Atlas Film Studios that have been used for shooting numerous Hollywood films including Gladiator, Lwarence of Arabia, Kingdom of Heaven, Prince of Persia and many others.
You’ll have a guided tour of the Ait Benhaddou Village, listed by the UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. It consists of many Kasbahs (fortresses) that are built by the edge of the river uphill to provide shelter against enemy tribes.
After lunch, you’ll continue on the track to Marrakech with a drive through the spectacular High Atlas Mountains over the Pass of Tizi n’Tichka. You’ll include many stops for taking pictures with the possibility to learn about the Argan oil & how it’s extracted from the seeds in a local cooperative of Argan.
- Overnight accommodation in Riad Marana or similar – bed and breakfast are included.
Day 8 – Full Day Exploring Marrakech
Today, you’ll spend the day exploring what Marrakech has to offer with a private English speaking tour guide. You’ll begin with a visit to the botanical garden of Majorelle with the possibility to include a tour of the Saint Laurent Museum. Drive through the Ville Nouvelle that was built by the French, to the Kotoubia Mosque (Landmark of Marrakech). You’ll learn about the history of Marrakech including the dynasties that contributed in the development of this imperial city.
From La Kotoubia Mosque, you’ll stretch your legs to the Kasbah district to include a visit to the Saadian Tombs. The architecture is unique with its geometric designs highlighting the Moorish architecture. Walk through the alleyways from the Mellah (former Jewish Quarter) to the Bahia Palace. This palace was built in the 19th century by the vizier of the late Sultan Hassan I. Explore the vibrant Souks before ending the tour in the Jemaa El Fna Square (focal point of Marrakech).
it depends on your time flights, it is time to say goodbye to beautiful Morocco. We let you go with the hope that you will surely return someday. We even hope that you had a wonderful journey and made a plethora of memories to cherish.
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Important Information
Price Includes
- A/C & well-maintained 4WD or minivan driven by an expert English speaking driver/guide for 8 days.
- Car fuel and tolls.
- Pick up from your Casablanca hotel/Riad/Villa or meet and greet at the airport.
- Local tour guides in Volubilis, Fes & Marrakech.
- Camel ride journey for the sunset.
- Overnight in the Sahara Desert camp in Erg Chebbi (private ensuite tent) with dinner & breakfast are included.
- 7 nights accommodation as illustrated in the above itinerary.
- Unique Experiences
- Local taxes.
Price Excludes
- Beverages including water.
- Entrance fees to sites and places of attractions
- Lunches on the way.
- Flights.
- Insurance in case of any emergency.
- Tips when appropriate.
Terms & Conditions
Prices are “from”, per person, based on at least 2 adults sharing, and include all taxes. Prices can change based on the number of passengers sharing & the quality of accommodation. Subject to availability. 7 nights accommodation as indicated in the above itinerary.
