10-day tour from Tangier to Marrakech via Fes and the Sahara

Tour itinerary

Day 1

Tangier > Chefchaouen (the blue city of Morocco):

Your 10-day trip to Morocco begins in Tangier. We will pick you up from your accommodation, the airport or the port. One of our drivers — Ahmed, Omar or another of the team — will be with you for the whole itinerary. Tangier, also called “the bride of the north”, lies where the Mediterranean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean near Cape Spartel.
We explore the city, visit the famous Caves of Hercules and Cape Spartel, then enjoy some free time for lunch. Afterwards we cross the Rif Mountains, passing through the city of Tetouan on the way to Chefchaouen. Along the route we stop to admire beautiful panoramic views.

Day 2

Exploring the Blue City (Chefchaouen):

After breakfast we spend the day discovering Chefchaouen, also known as Achaoun, which means “the horns” in Berber. Set in the Rif Mountains, this town is famous for its blue-painted houses and charming streets.
We walk through the beautiful old medina, full of vibrant blue doors and lanes. After lunch (at leisure), you can hike up to the Spanish Mosque on top of a hill for a breathtaking view over the whole town.

Day 3

Chefchaouen > Volubilis > the city of Meknes > Fes:

After breakfast, enjoy some free time walking through the quiet streets of Chefchaouen. Afterwards we head to the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage site. You can admire beautiful mosaics, columns and arches.
Next we travel to Meknes, one of Morocco’s imperial cities. Here we visit the Bab Al-Mansour gate, Sahrij Souani, the royal stables, the granaries and the mausoleum of Moulay Ismail. After the visit we continue to Fes.

Day 4

Fes city tour:

Meet your local guide for a full-day tour of Fes, the cultural and spiritual centre of Morocco.
We start at the gates of the Royal Palace, then enter the old medina through the Blue Gate (Bab Boujloud). Inside the UNESCO-listed medina we visit the Bou Inania Madrasa, the Nejjarine Fountain, the tanneries and the Al Quaraouiyine Mosque and University, the oldest in the world.
Later we visit the Jewish quarter (Mellah), then reach a hilltop fortress to admire the panoramic view of Fes.

Day 5

Fes > Ifrane > Cedar Forest > Midelt > Ziz > Merzouga:

We head south, passing through Imouzzer on the way to Ifrane, often called the “Switzerland of Morocco” for its European-style buildings and snowy winters.
Next we visit the Cedar Forest, home to the friendly Barbary macaques. You can feed them and take photos.
We continue to Midelt for lunch at a local restaurant we know well, where the tagine and the grilled meat are followed by a glass of mint tea. Then we drive through the Tizi-n-Tilghmt pass and along the Ziz Valley, stopping for photos.
In the late afternoon we reach the Sahara desert at Merzouga.

Day 6

Exploring Merzouga > nomads > Berber villages > Khamlia > the desert:

We begin a full day exploring the Merzouga region, rich in natural beauty and culture.
First we drive off-road to visit an ancient kohl (eyeliner) mine, then we meet local nomads in their tents and share a glass of Berber tea with them.
We then head to the village of Khamlia to experience Gnaoua music and dance, a unique sub-Saharan African tradition. After lunch in a local restaurant, we visit a nearby palm grove and the seasonal lake of Merzouga, home to flamingos and other birds. Later you cross the dunes on camelback, stop to admire the sunset from a high dune and arrive at our own Mouhou Camp, deep in Erg Chebbi.
You spend the evening listening to Berber music, dancing around the fire and stargazing.

Day 7

Merzouga > Rissani > Todra Gorge > The Dades Valley:

Rise early to watch a beautiful sunrise over the desert, followed by breakfast. Then we leave the desert and head to Rissani, the ancient capital of the Tafilalet. Its market is busiest on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.
After visiting the souk, we continue to Erfoud, known for its fossil workshops. You can see how fossil marble is worked.
We then pass through Tinjdad and Touroug, alongside palm groves, to reach the Todra Gorge. These dramatic cliffs are a favourite with climbers. Enjoy a walk and have lunch there.
Later we head to the Dades Valley via Boumalne Dades, stopping at the unique “Monkey Fingers” rock formations and at a viewpoint over the valley.

Day 8

Dades > Valley of Roses > Skoura > Ouarzazate > Aït Ben Haddou > High Atlas > Marrakech:

We head to Kalaat M’Gouna to visit the Valley of Roses, famous for the Rose Festival held every May. Local people sell rose-based beauty products and oils.
Next we cross the palm groves of Skoura and visit the Amredhil Kasbah, then continue to Ouarzazate, where many Hollywood films have been shot. We visit the film studios and the Taourirt Kasbah.
We continue to the famous Aït Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO site used in films such as Gladiator and shows such as Game of Thrones.
We then visit the Telouet Kasbah before crossing the High Atlas mountains and the Tizi n’Tichka pass towards Marrakech. Stops for lunch and photos are included.

Day 9

Marrakech city tour:

Explore the lively city of Marrakech with a local guide. Visit landmarks such as the Bahia Palace, the Saadian Tombs, the Ben Youssef Madrasa and the colourful souks.
Have lunch near Jemaa El-Fna square, then visit the Koutoubia Mosque, the largest in Marrakech, and the beautiful Majorelle Garden.
Return to your accommodation. In the evening you are free to explore Jemaa El-Fna on your own.

Day 10

Marrakech > Airport (Marrakech or Casablanca):

We transfer you from your accommodation to Marrakech or Casablanca airport, depending on your departure city. If your flight leaves from Casablanca and time allows, we can stop to visit the imposing Hassan II Mosque.
We then drop you at the airport, bringing your unforgettable 10-day tour of Morocco from Tangier to a close.