12 Days Tour from Tangier to Marrakech

• Drive through the Rif and Atlas Mountains with panoramic stops
• Explore the magical blue alleys of Chefchaouen
• Visit the Roman ruins of Volubilis and the imperial city of Meknes
• Discover Fez with a local guide, including souks, artisan workshops, and historic sites
• Meet Barbary macaques in the cedar forests of Azrou
• Camel trekking, sandboarding, and desert camp experience in Merzouga
• Sunrise and sunset over the golden Erg Chebbi dunes
• Walk among the cliffs of Todra Gorge and explore Dades Valley
• Visit Ouarzazate and Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
• Guided exploration of Marrakech’s souks and monuments
• Day excursion to the coastal town of Essaouira
• Discover Rabat, Casablanca, and the charming town of Asilah

Day 1: Arrival in Tangier – Gateway to Morocco

Upon arrival at the Tangier port or airport, you’ll be greeted by your driver. Tangier, often called the “Door of Africa,” has long been a meeting point of cultures. After a smooth transfer to your hotel, the rest of the day is yours to relax or take a leisurely stroll along the Corniche overlooking the Strait of Gibraltar. If time permits, you may explore the medina’s winding alleys or enjoy Moroccan mint tea in a traditional café.

Day 2: Tangier – Chefchaouen (The Blue Pearl)

After breakfast, the adventure begins as we head into the Rif Mountains, passing rolling hills and traditional villages. By midday, we reach Chefchaouen, a picturesque town famous for its blue-painted houses. Spend the afternoon exploring the medina: admire its Andalusian-style architecture, visit the main square Plaza Uta el-Hammam, and relax by the Ras El Ma spring. Evening is free to enjoy the peaceful mountain atmosphere.

Day 3: Chefchaouen – Volubilis – Meknes – Fez

Leaving Chefchaouen, we drive toward the fertile plains where the ruins of Volubilis await. This ancient Roman city boasts impressive mosaics, temples, and arches that tell stories from two millennia ago. Next, we stop in Meknes, once the capital of Morocco under Sultan Moulay Ismail. Highlights include Bab Mansour, one of the most beautiful gates in North Africa, and the lively old medina. By evening, we arrive in Fez, ready to discover its wonders the next day.

Day 4: Guided Exploration of Fez

Today is dedicated to exploring Fez, Morocco’s cultural and spiritual heart. A local guide will lead you through the UNESCO-listed medina, a maze of over 9,000 alleys filled with shops, mosques, madrasas, and artisan workshops. Visit landmarks such as the Royal Palace gates, Al-Qarawiyyin University (the oldest in the world), and the famous leather tanneries where traditional methods are still used. Lunch will be served in a traditional restaurant. In the afternoon, continue exploring souks and hidden courtyards before returning to your hotel.

Day 5: Fez – Ifrane – Azrou – Midelt – Merzouga (Sahara Desert)

We set off south across the Middle Atlas. The first stop is Ifrane, a charming town often called the “Switzerland of Morocco” due to its European-style architecture. Next, we pause in the cedar forest of Azrou, home to wild Barbary macaques. Continuing through mountain landscapes and Berber villages, we stop for lunch in Midelt. By afternoon, the scenery changes as we descend into the Ziz Valley, lined with palm groves and kasbahs. Reaching Merzouga by evening, we mount camels for a trek into the dunes of Erg Chebbi. Watch the sun set over golden sands before enjoying dinner and music under the stars at a desert camp.

Day 6: Merzouga and the Sahara Experience

Wake early to witness a breathtaking sunrise over the dunes. After breakfast, we explore the desert region: visit Khamlia village to enjoy Gnawa music, meet nomadic families who live in tents, and discover fossil fields and seasonal lakes (if present). In the afternoon, you can try sandboarding or simply relax among the dunes. As evening approaches, another camel ride leads you into the desert for a night of traditional food, music, and stargazing in a nomadic-style camp.

Day 7: Merzouga – Rissani – Todra Gorge – Dades Valley

After sunrise, return by camel to Merzouga for breakfast and a refreshing shower. The journey continues to Rissani, known for its traditional market and historic significance as the birthplace of Morocco’s ruling dynasty. Later, we drive to Todra Gorge, where towering cliffs rise up to 300 meters and a small river runs through the valley—perfect for a walk and photos. In the afternoon, we continue to the Dades Valley, known for its “monkey fingers” rock formations and winding roads. Overnight in a local guesthouse.

Day 8: Dades Valley – Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – Marrakech

After breakfast, we follow the scenic “Road of a Thousand Kasbahs,” dotted with fortified villages and oases. We stop in Ouarzazate, often called the “Hollywood of Morocco,” where famous films have been shot. Next is Ait Ben Haddou, a stunning mud-brick ksar and UNESCO site. Explore its narrow alleys and historic towers before continuing through the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka pass (2,260m). Arrive in Marrakech by evening, where the energy of Jemaa el-Fna square awaits.

Day 9: Day Trip to Essaouira

Today we head west to the Atlantic coast to discover Essaouira, a charming fishing town with whitewashed walls and artistic vibes. Wander through the medina, explore the harbor lined with blue boats, and walk along the Skala fortress with its historic cannons. The town is also known for its argan oil cooperatives and vibrant art galleries. Fresh seafood lunch is highly recommended. Return to Marrakech in the late afternoon.

Day 10: Guided Tour of Marrakech

A full day dedicated to Marrakech’s treasures. With a local guide, visit the Koutoubia Mosque, Bahia Palace, and Saadian Tombs. Explore the lively souks where artisans sell spices, textiles, and jewelry. In the afternoon, relax in the peaceful Majorelle Garden or enjoy a panoramic view from a rooftop café. End the day at Jemaa el-Fna, where storytellers, musicians, and food stalls bring the square to life.

Day 11: Marrakech – Casablanca – Rabat

Today we leave Marrakech and travel north. Along the way, stop in Casablanca to admire the Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest and most stunning mosques in the world, set dramatically by the Atlantic Ocean. Continue to Rabat, the capital city, where you’ll visit landmarks like Hassan Tower, the Oudayas Kasbah, and the Royal Palace. Overnight in Rabat.

Day 12: Rabat – Asilah – Tangier (Departure)

After breakfast, drive along the coast to Asilah, a small seaside town with a blend of Portuguese and Moroccan heritage. Its medina is famous for colorful murals and peaceful streets. After a relaxing walk, continue to Tangier for your departure. Depending on your schedule, you may have time for some final sightseeing before being transferred to the airport or port.