7 Days Desert Tour from Tangier to Marrakech

Day 1: Tangier – Tetouan – Chefchaouen

Moroccly Travel allocates you a driver waiting for you at the airport of Tangier to start your tour. We will drive through the Rif Mountains to Chefchaouen. On your way, there will be a stop in Tetouan, which is regarded as the most Andalusian city in the Moroccan kingdom. Tetouan’s neighborhoods are divided into three distinct architectural styles: the Andalusian Medina style, the Spanish Ensanche style from the early to mid-20th century, and the after-independence style, which is found in the city’s peripheral neighborhoods. Variations in every style are more or less crucial to the development of materials and styles.

You will drive toward Blue City in the afternoon. The city of Chefchaouen, with its blue and white streets, is carved into the sides of two mountains. A strong allure that is palpable in the cobblestone medina of Outa-el-Hammam square. Seated on a cafe terrace, you can take in the lovely view of the imposing Tarik-Ben-Ziad mosque, whose octagonal minaret was modeled after Seville’s Torre de Oro. The Kasbah and its gardens, located in the middle of the medina, feature this style of Andalusian architecture. Enclosed within are 11 crenelated towers, one of which was formerly a dungeon, and an intriguing ethnographic museum. You may want to try their unique dressing or just buy a souvenir. Overnight at your hotel.  

Day 2: Chefchaouen – Meknes – Fes

After your breakfast, you will drive to the imperial city of Meknes, which was established by Moulay Ismaël, the Alaouite sultan, in the 17th century to make it one of Morocco’s most exquisite and potent imperial cities. And still is, surrounded by walls from all sides of the city. Meknès was inducted into the Unesco World Heritage List because of its medina and the remnants of the royal palace.

Bab Mansour, near the square of El-Hdime, was built at the start of the 18th century and is regarded as one of the most exquisite gates in the entire world. It is the entryway to the actual Imperial city, where a tour of the sultan’s tomb is still worthwhile.

After exploring Meknes, you will continue to Volubilis, the largest Roman archeological site in Morocco, which is located 31 kilometers north of Meknes. The triumphal arch, the capitol building, the house of Bacchus—everything bears witness to the magnificence and political and economic power of the city. Not to mention the mosaics’ delicate movement. Take at least two hours to explore this outdoor gem. On our way to Fes, We will stop at Moulay Idriss Zerhoun town, the most significant Moroccan pilgrimage destination. The great-grandson of the prophet Muhammad, Moulay Idriss I, established the Idrissid Dynasty, and his tomb is located here.

Arrive in Fes where we will spend the night and have a delicious dinner at one of the city’s Riads/hotels.

Day 3: Fes Guide Tour

Today, we will wake up in one of the oldest cities in the world, Fes. You will have a city tour after your breakfast at the hotel/riad. The journey begins within the enchanting confines of the medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where centuries of history come to life. Then, your tour guide will take you to the famous Al Quaraouiyine University, one of the world’s oldest educational institutions, offering a glimpse into the rich intellectual heritage of the region. Stroll over the bustling souks, iconic tanneries, and historic quarters, each corner reveals a tapestry of Moroccan culture and craftsmanship. The Souk of Fes has a famous gate of Bab Boujloud which is a must-see. Lunch at one of the Medina’s restaurants. Then, you will discover the new part of Fes (Fes el-Jadid) where you can visit the Mellah, a Jewish Quarter, and visit the Royal Palace. In the late afternoon, you will return to the hotel provides a moment to reflect on the day’s discoveries and immerse yourself in the vibrant tapestry of Fes.

Day 4: Fes – Ifran – Azrou – Medilt – Todra Gorge – Merzouga (7 Hours of Drive)

After your breakfast in the hotel at 08:00, you will leave for the Merzouga Desert. To reach our destination, we will drive via the beautiful road of Middle Atlas crossing the calm city of Ifrane, known as Switzerland of Morocco. We will stop to explore this wonderful city for about 30 minutes. We continue driving to the famous Cedar Forest near the village of Azrou. Another stop here to feed the Barbary apes and take pictures in this beautiful place.
Later, we will continue via many Berber villages called Ksours crossing over Midelt where you’ll stop for Lunch or a coffee. Daraa Tafilalt region is rich with breathtaking views of mountains and fertile valleys that we will find along the way. We will arrive in Todra Gorges where we can have a stroll over its valley surrounded by high walls of rocks. From here, our desert adventure to Merzouga begins. We will pass through Errachidia, Rissani, and Eroud then we arrive in Merzouga. You will be greeted with a Moroccan cup of tea and have the first contact with the desert. Overnight and dinner at your hotel in the village.

Day 5: Merzouga Exploration & Camel Trek

After breakfast, you’ll meet a local guide and prepare you for a camel ride for about 1h to the Dunes of the Erg-Chebbi. You’ll arrive at your desert camp to leave your luggage and have free time in the desert to do different desert activities. You can have a journey by Quad bike to the famous village of Khamlia where Berber Gnawa are living, originally from Mali. Medfouna is recommended for lunch. Then, you start hiking the high dunes of Erg Chebbi in the afternoon to enjoy the breathtaking sunset on the peak. Later, you’ll get back to the desert camp to spend a romantic soiree. After a standard dinner, you’ll join a campfire, and Berber Gnawa plays drums and sings Amazigh Songs.

Day 6: Merzouga – Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – Marrakech

Wake up before dusk to attend one of the memorable moments of the golden sun shining on the high dune. You’ll prepare yourself for leaving, taking your breakfast, showering, and resting then we will drive to Marrakech through Boumalan Dades. Enjoy the views of beautiful palm trees and Dades Valley along the way. On the way to Thousand Kasbahs, we will reach the Hollywood of Africa Studio, Ouarzazate where tens of movies were shot such as Gladiator and Lawrence of Arabia. From there, we will drive to the main attraction of this region, Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After exploring this fortified Kasbah and its marvelous Amazigh architecture, we continue to Marrakech. Upon arrival, we will go to the famous Jamaa el-Fna square to attend different folkloric dances, traditional Moroccan songs, and charmed snake shows. Later, your driver will transfer you to your hotel or riad for dinner and relaxation.

Day 7: Marrakech Airport

If you will stay in Morocco for more days, you can have a city tour of Marrakech or organize an excursion to the attractions around Marrakech. This itinerary ends when our driver drops you off at the Menara Airport with a farewell and hopes to see you again in another experience in Morocco.