Description
Twelve days that end where they began. Pick-up and drop-off in Tangier are included, handy if you arrive by ferry and leave from the same port. Between those two points the loop takes in nearly the whole country: the Rif, the imperial cities, a night in the Sahara, the High Atlas and the return along the Atlantic coast, never covering the same road twice.
After the first day in Tangier and the blue medina of Chefchaouen come Volubilis, Meknes and two nights in Fes, with a guided day in the old city. Day five heads south through Ifrane, the cedar forest of Azrou and the Ziz valley; you reach Merzouga in the afternoon, cross the dunes by camel at sunset and sleep at Camel Trips Camp in the Erg Chebbi. That is the one desert night: the following morning the road carries on to the Todra Gorge, the Dades and Ouarzazate.
The second half alternates sightseeing with rest: Aït Ben Haddou and Telouet, the Tizi n’Tichka, two nights in Marrakech, Casablanca, Rabat, then two nights in Asilah with a free day by the sea before the short run back. A rhythm that works well for families.
| Day | Departure from | Arrival |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | — | Tangier |
| 2nd | Tangier | Chefchaouen |
| 3rd | Chefchaouen | The city of Fes |
| 4th | Fes | Fes |
| 5th | Fes | The desert (Merzouga) |
| 6th | Merzouga | Ouarzazate |
| 7th | Ouarzazate | Marrakech |
| 8th | Marrakech | Marrakech |
| 9th | Marrakech | Casablanca |
| 10th | Casablanca | Asilah |
| 11th | Asilah | Asilah |
| 12th | Asilah | Tangier |
Tour itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Tangier:
On arrival in Tangier, you are warmly welcomed by our team. We begin with a visit to the city’s ancient medina and its viewpoints. Afterwards we head to your hotel for a relaxing evening and dinner.
Day 2
Tangier > Tetouan > Chefchaouen (Blue City):
After breakfast we begin our 12-day desert tour with a drive to Chefchaouen. On the way we stop in Tetouan for a short visit. Known for its Andalusian charm, Chefchaouen is famous for its blue-and-white houses. Your driver — this might be Omar or an equally experienced colleague — drives this road all year round and knows where the view over the Rif deserves a stop. You spend the evening in a charming riad in the heart of the medina.
Day 3
Chefchaouen > Volubilis > Meknes > the city of Fes:
We leave the north and head into central Morocco. Crossing the Rif Mountains, we reach the impressive Roman ruins of Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Next we explore Meknes, once ruled by Sultan Moulay Ismail, visiting attractions such as Bab Mansour and the Dar El Ma granary. The day ends with our arrival in Fes, where we spend the night in a traditional riad.
Day 4
Fes city tour:
After breakfast we explore Fes, the cultural and spiritual capital of Morocco, with a local guide. We discover the ancient medina (Fes el Bali), including the Al Quaraouiyine University (the oldest in the world), the Bou Inania Madrasa, the Attarine Souk, Fes el-Jdid and more. The medina is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Dinner and overnight stay in a traditional riad.
Day 5
Fes > Ifrane > Azrou (Cedar Forest) > Midelt > The Ziz Valley > The Merzouga desert:
After breakfast we leave Fes and head south to the desert. Our journey takes us through Ifrane (nicknamed the Switzerland of Morocco), the cedar forest of Azrou (home to Barbary macaques) and the Tizi n’Talghamt pass. The lunch stop is in Midelt, at a local restaurant where we order tagine or grilled meat and a glass of mint tea. After passing through Errachidia and Erfoud, we reach Merzouga. There, at sunset, you ride camels among the dunes and spend the night at our Camel Trips Camp, deep in Erg Chebbi, enjoying Berber music under the stars.
Day 6
Merzouga > Todra Gorge > Boumalne Dades > Skoura > Ouarzazate:
After breakfast and a shower we begin the journey to Ouarzazate. Along the way we stop in Rissani, known for its lively souk, and pass through Jorf, Tinjdad and Tinghir to reach the dramatic Todra Gorge. After lunch and a walk through the gorge, we continue to the scenic Dades Valley and Kelaat M’Gouna (the Valley of Roses), finally arriving in Ouarzazate. Dinner and overnight stay in a riad.
Day 7
Ouarzazate > Aït Ben Haddou Kasbah > Telouet > High Atlas > Marrakech:
Today we head to Marrakech, stopping first at the famous Aït Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO site that has appeared in many films such as Gladiator and Game of Thrones. We then visit the Telouet Kasbah, once the seat of the powerful Glaoui family. Crossing the High Atlas Mountains through the scenic Tizi n’Tichka pass (2,260 m), we arrive in Marrakech. Overnight stay in a riad.
Day 8
Marrakech city tour:
Today is dedicated to discovering Marrakech with a local guide. The highlights are the Bahia Palace, the Saadian Tombs, the Ben Youssef Madrasa and the colourful souks. You also visit the Koutoubia Mosque and the Majorelle Garden. In the afternoon you have free time around Jemaa el-Fnaa square. Overnight stay in a riad.
Day 9
Marrakech > Casablanca:
After breakfast we leave for Casablanca, the economic capital of Morocco on the Atlantic coast. On arrival we explore the Corniche and visit the iconic Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world. Overnight stay in a hotel or riad in Casablanca.
Day 10
Casablanca > Rabat > Asilah:
We continue to Rabat, the capital of Morocco, where we visit the Royal Palace, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, the Hassan Tower and the Kasbah of the Udayas. Afterwards we head north to the coastal town of Asilah. Dinner and overnight stay in a local riad or hotel.
Day 11
Free day in Asilah:
After breakfast, enjoy a free day in the artistic and peaceful town of Asilah. You can explore the medina, visit art galleries, buy souvenirs or relax by the sea. Overnight stay in Asilah.
Day 12
Asilah > Tangier:
After breakfast we return to Tangier, bringing your 12-day Morocco tour to a close. Transfer to your accommodation, the port or the airport, depending on your departure time. Goodbye and safe travels!
Book the 12-day tour from Tangier
The price of the 12-day Morocco tour from Tangier starts at 600 euros and varies according to the hotel or desert camp chosen, the size of the group and the time of year.
Book nowNote: The itinerary of the 12-day Morocco tour from Tangier can be personalised to suit your specific needs.
Included
- Comfortable private air-conditioned vehicle
- Private driver
- Fuel
- Pick-up and drop-off in Tangier
- Local guides
- Accommodation in hotels or riads (dinners and breakfasts)
- One night in a desert camp
- Camel excursion in the desert
Not included
- Drinks
- Lunches
- Tips (optional)
- Flights
- Tickets
Frequently asked questions
How can I book the tour?
You can book directly through our website, by email or by phone. A small deposit is required to confirm the booking, while the balance is paid at the start of the tour (in cash or online).
Does the accommodation have private bathrooms?
Yes, all the accommodation (including the desert camp) has private bathrooms, unless you request otherwise.
Are entrance tickets included in the tour?
No, entrance tickets to monuments and attractions are not included, so you can choose freely which sites to visit.
Is tipping expected in Morocco?
Tipping is not compulsory, but it is appreciated. It is customary to tip drivers, guides and service staff if you are happy with their service.
What should I bring on this tour?
Pack comfortable clothes, sturdy walking shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat. Bring a warm jacket for cold desert nights (especially in winter), a small backpack, and don’t forget your camera!
Is the tour private or shared?
It is a private experience, meaning only you and your group take part, with your own guide and driver.
We are travelling in August — is the night in the desert bearable?
August is very hot in the Sahara and sandstorms can blow up. When that happens we skip the Camel Trips Camp and the group sleeps in a hotel in Merzouga instead.
What our travellers say
Excellent
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