
- Tangier
- 8 days / 7 nights
overview:
Experience the magic of Morocco on an unforgettable 8-day tour from Tangier to Merzouga Desert. This adventure takes you through Morocco’s stunning imperial cities, scenic mountain ranges, and the vast Sahara Desert. From the blue-washed streets of Chefchaouen to the golden sands of Erg Chebbi, this tour offers a perfect combination of culture, history, and desert adventure.
itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Tangier and Transfer to Chefchaouen
Your journey begins in the coastal city of Tangier, where you’ll be greeted and transferred to the beautiful town of Chefchaouen, nestled in the Rif Mountains. Known for its blue-painted streets, Chefchaouen offers a relaxing atmosphere and stunning mountain views. Spend the afternoon wandering through the medina, visiting local artisan shops, and enjoying the town’s laid-back vibe. Stay overnight in a charming riad.
Day 2: Exploring Chefchaouen
Spend a full day exploring the enchanting town of Chefchaouen. Visit the Kasbah Museum and stroll through the lively Outa el-Hammam Square. The town’s vibrant blue walls make for a photographer’s paradise, while the surrounding mountains offer great hiking opportunities, such as the nearby Ras El Maa waterfall. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner in a local restaurant and soak in the tranquil atmosphere.
Day 3: Chefchaouen to Fes via Volubilis and Meknes
After breakfast, depart for Fes with stops at the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis and the imperial city of Meknes. At Volubilis, explore the well-preserved mosaics, temples, and triumphal arches that once stood as a center of Roman civilization. Continue to Meknes, where you’ll visit the famous Bab Mansour gate, the Moulay Ismail Mausoleum, and the historic granaries.
Arrive in Fes by late afternoon, where you’ll settle into your riad in the heart of the medina.
Day 4: Full Day in Fes
Day four is dedicated to exploring the cultural and historical richness of Fes, one of Morocco’s most important imperial cities. Begin your tour in the old medina, Fes el-Bali, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit the Al-Qarawiyyin University, the oldest existing university in the world, and the Bou Inania Madrasa, a stunning example of traditional Moroccan architecture.
Take a walk through the vibrant souks, visit the Chouara Tanneries, and learn about the intricate process of leather-making. Enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner in a local restaurant before returning to your riad.
Day 5: Fes to Merzouga via Ifrane, Azrou, and Ziz Valley
On day five, leave Fes and journey through the Middle Atlas Mountains. Stop in Ifrane, known as “Little Switzerland” for its European-style architecture and cool climate. Continue to Azrou, famous for its cedar forests and the Barbary macaques that live there.
Afterward, drive through the Ziz Valley, a stunning region with palm groves and ancient kasbahs, before arriving in Merzouga, the gateway to the Sahara. In the late afternoon, embark on a thrilling camel trek into the Erg Chebbi dunes, where you’ll watch the sunset over the vast desert. Spend the night in a traditional Berber camp, enjoying dinner and music under the stars.
Day 6: Exploring the Merzouga Desert
Day six is all about exploring the beauty of the Sahara Desert. Start your day with a breathtaking sunrise over the dunes, followed by breakfast at the camp. Spend the day trying various desert activities such as quad biking, sandboarding, or visiting a nearby Berber village to learn more about nomadic life.
In the afternoon, relax or take another camel trek deeper into the desert. Enjoy another magical night in the Berber camp, where you’ll savor traditional Moroccan cuisine and enjoy Berber music around the campfire.
Day 7: Merzouga to Dades Valley via Todra Gorge
On day seven, leave the desert behind and travel through the scenic Todra Gorge, where towering cliffs rise dramatically above the river. Take some time to walk through the gorge or enjoy a short hike in this stunning natural landscape.
Afterward, continue through the beautiful Dades Valley, known for its rugged cliffs, rock formations, and verdant riverbed. Arrive at your guesthouse in the valley, where you’ll enjoy a peaceful evening and a traditional Moroccan dinner.
Day 8: Dades Valley to Marrakech via Ait Ben Haddou
On the final day of your tour, travel through the picturesque Valley of Roses and the palm groves of Skoura before visiting the iconic Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most well-preserved kasbahs in Morocco. After exploring this ancient fortified village, continue over the Tizi n’Tichka Pass in the High Atlas Mountains.
Arrive in Marrakech by the late afternoon, where your incredible 8-day journey from Tangier to the Merzouga Desert concludes. You’ll have the evening free to explore the lively Jemaa el-Fna square and the vibrant streets of Morocco’s red city.
Why Choose the 8-Day Desert Tour from Tangier to Merzouga?
This 8-day tour offers a perfect balance of cultural exploration, scenic beauty, and desert adventure. You’ll experience Morocco’s imperial cities, the beauty of the Middle Atlas Mountains, and the tranquility of the Sahara Desert with enough time to relax and immerse yourself in local culture.
What to Expect on the 8-Day Desert Tour
- Scenic drives through the Rif and Middle Atlas Mountains
- Visits to Morocco’s imperial cities, including Fes and Meknes
- Exploration of the Roman ruins at Volubilis
- Camel trekking and two nights in a Berber camp in the Erg Chebbi dunes
- Opportunities to try sandboarding, quad biking, and visiting Berber villages
- A visit to the iconic Ait Ben Haddou and the dramatic Todra Gorge
The 8-day tour from Tangier to Merzouga Desert offers an extraordinary journey through Morocco’s most stunning landscapes and cultural treasures. From the vibrant blue streets of Chefchaouen to the golden dunes of the Sahara, this tour provides an immersive experience that captures the essence of Morocco’s beauty and history. Whether you’re exploring ancient Roman ruins or watching the sunrise over the desert, this tour promises an unforgettable Moroccan adventure.