12 Days Tour from Tangier to Marrakech

Welcome to Morocco! Today, we will pick you up from Tangier airport/port or any location of your choice. Depending on your arrival time, you will have the opportunity to explore the highlights of Tangier, including historical sites such as Hercules Cave, Cape Spartel, and the charming old town (Medina). Overnight stay in Tangier.

Today after breakfast, we will set off toward Chefchaouen, passing through the Rif Mountains and the beautiful city of Tetouan, known for its rich history and striking architecture, reflecting the influences of Andalusian culture. Along the way, enjoy breathtaking landscapes and views of small villages nestled in the Rif.

Chefchaouen, known as the Blue Pearl of Morocco, is situated in the hollow of two mountains, Ech-Chaouen, or The Horns, from which the town takes its name. Its steep, narrow streets, white and indigo lime-washed houses, small squares, ornate fountains, and homes with beautifully decorated doorways and red-tile roofs create a unique and delightful atmosphere. Overnight stay in Chefchaouen.

Today, you'll have free time to stroll through the beautiful blue-washed alleys of Chefchaouen, explore local artisan shops, and enjoy the tranquil vibe of this unique town. Rise early to capture beautiful photos of the calm, people-less streets. After breakfast at your accommodation, you can start exploring the charming town of Chefchaouen, one of Morocco's most famous tourist destinations. The town's most striking feature is the blue paint coloring the walls of the medina in various shades.

Once inside the medina, a must-do activity is to walk up to "Ras El Maa Waterfall", a famous water source sitting on the top of the mountain. From here, you'll be amazed by the panoramic views of Chefchaouen and its mountainous terrain. Along the way, you will come across notable monuments and symbolic buildings, such as "Place of Outa El Hamam", a square surrounded by cafés and restaurants offering a peaceful setting to relax.

In this square, you will also see the Kasbah, an 18th-century fortress that has been heavily restored and now boasts a lovely garden. Additionally, your tour is incomplete without visiting the Spanish Mosque (Bouzafer Mosque), a historic site built in the 15th century. Overnight stay in Chefchaouen.

After breakfast at your accommodation in Chefchaouen, you will begin your journey toward Fes. Along the way, you will visit the Roman ruins of Volubilis, an archaeological site inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1997. Take time to explore the complex, including its ancient temples and impressive mosaics.

Next, continue to Meknes, one of Morocco's Imperial Cities, founded by Sultan Moulay Ismail in the 17th century. Here, you will visit the old Medina, surrounded by its historic walls, and admire the famous Bab El Mansour gate, the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, and the lively El Hedim Square.

At the end of the day, we will drive directly to your accommodation in Fes, where you will spend the night.

After breakfast, you will meet our local guide in Fes for a full-day tour. Fes is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site and is one of the oldest imperial cities in Morocco, founded in 808 as the first political, religious, and cultural capital.

Our tour will start at the Golden Doors of the Royal Palace. Afterward, we will head to a viewpoint where you can admire the impressive walls that surround the Old Medina (Fes El-Bali). Then, we'll continue on foot through the Medina, allowing you to immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere and experience hundreds of feelings revolted of this historic area.

As we explore, you will visit mosques, madrassas, and various religious places before reaching the district of the Tanners. Please note that lunch during your walking tour is not included in the price (lunch will be at a typical Moroccan restaurant in the old Medina). We will then continue to the artisans' neighborhood, where skilled craftsmen preserve the knowledge and techniques they brought from Spain, and kept Andalusian art and style to this day.

In the evening, you will enjoy the rest sights on your own and spend the night at a hotel or riad.

After breakfast in Fes, we start our day bright and early and travel south toward Merzouga. Along the way, you will pass through Ifrane, known worldwide as the "Switzerland of Morocco" for its alpine-style European houses with sloping roofs, quite different from traditional Moroccan architecture. Situated at 1,630 meters above sea level, Ifrane is surrounded by striking natural beauty, and its National Park is a perfect spot to stop and observe the Barbary Macaque monkeys that live in the extensive cedar tree forest.

Next, we will stop for lunch in Midelt, known as "the apple city". After lunch, our journey continues over the Tizi N'Talghamt pass into the Ziz Valley, famous for its hidden oases and palm trees. We then travel on to Erfoud, known for its date festival and fossil mining, until we finally arrive at Erg Chebbi, an extensive sea of sand dunes.

At Erg Chebbi, we leave the car behind to join on an unforgettable camel trek experience over the high sand dunes of the desert. Your local guides will show how to safely mount and dismount on camels, ensuring you have a comfortable and secure ride. Enjoy the breathtaking view of the sunset from atop a high dune before continuing to your desert camp.

After a delicious dinner at the camp, relax under the stars as you listen to Berber music played by local nomads. If you love dancing, feel free to join in and dance to the rhythms of the music. You'll be amazed by the starlit sky above you, then, before you go to your tent.

After waking up early, you'll have the chance to enjoy the beautiful view of the sunrise, which is the amazing part of the day in the desert. Following this, you will return to the desert camp where you can take a shower and savor a delicious breakfast.

After breakfast, our desert excursion will begin as we explore the Erg Chebbi region. We will drive off-road to visit the nomadic families living around the sand dunes of Erg Chebbi, giving you a chance to see their unique lifestyle and learn how they survive in the dry Sahara Desert. We'll share a cup of mint tea with them. A tip is recommended (starting from 10€).

Next, we will drive to the M'Fis mines, which are located on a high plateau that offers a fantastic panoramic view of Erg Chebbi and the surrounding desert landscape. After that, we will head to Khamlia Village, also known as Gnaoua Village. The inhabitants of this small village originated in Black Africa and share a long-standing relationship with the Sahara, as their ancestors were brought from Central and West Africa through caravans that traversed the desert to southeastern Morocco.

During our visit, you'll learn more about their culture and enjoy their traditional music. After immersing yourself in the sounds of Gnaoua music, it's time to have a delicious lunch which is Berber pizza. Later, we will visit Lake Dayet Sarji, which forms in the springtime and attracts pink flamingos and other wildlife.

Later in the day, we will return to Merzouga and drop you off at your accommodation for the night.

Before returning to the meeting point, you'll wake up early to witness the beautiful sunrise over the noble sand dunes of Erg Chebbi. Watch the early light reflecting the vast sea of sand. After this unforgettable moment, return to your desert camp for a shower and a delicious breakfast.

After breakfast at the desert camp, you'll ride back to the camel departure point and prepare for the next step of your desert trip. We'll leave the vast desert behind as we travel toward the historic city of Rissani, once a major stop on the ancient Sahara caravan routes. If your visit coincides with the local market days (Tuesdays, Thursdays, or Sundays), you'll have the opportunity to explore the largest souk in the region.

Our journey continues with a stop in Erfoud, known as the Fossil Town, before heading into the Dades Valley. As we travel, you'll pass through charming villages such as Jorf, Tinjdad, and Tinghir, eventually arriving at Todra Valley, a green oasis surrounded by mud villages and towering mountains. After a 30-minute drive, we reach Todra Gorges, a dramatic, narrow passage with vertical cliffs rising 300 meters on each side, popular with climbing lovers.

We then continue our journey into the Dades Valley, where we'll stop at majestic sand castles, unique rock formations known as "monkey toes", and beautiful mud kasbahs. You will spend the night in the tranquil surroundings of the Dades Valley.

Today, we will depart from Dades Gorges and head toward Marrakech. As we travel along the famous Road of Thousand Kasbahs, we will stop in Kalaat M'Gouna, known as the Valley of Roses. Here, you will have the chance to explore local cooperatives and shops offering rose-based products. This beautiful valley hosts the annual Rose Festival every May, celebrating the region's famed rose cultivation.

Our journey continues to Ouarzazate, where we will visit the famous Atlas Studios, known as the Hollywood of Africa, where many films and series have been shot.

Next, we head to the Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that once served as an important stop for caravans crossing the desert. Today, it is a popular filming location for many international movies. Lunch will be served at a restaurant in the village.

Finally, we will cross the Tizi N'Tichka Pass, which offers breathtaking views of valleys, mountains, and traditional Berber villages nestled in the hills, as we make our way to Marrakech. By evening, you will be dropped off at your accommodation in Marrakech, where you will spend the night.

Today, after enjoying breakfast, our local guide will meet you at your accommodation in Marrakech. He will accompany you as you explore the famous city, known as the "Red City of Morocco". This city has served as an important stop for traders and travelers for many centuries and is considered the "southern pearl" of Morocco, as well as the "second oldest imperial city".

Our itinerary includes visiting the most significant historical and cultural sites, including the Saadian Tombs, the stunning Palaces of El Bahia and El Badi, the Ben Youssef Quranic School (Ben Youssef Madrasa), and the historic Koutoubia Mosque, which features a 77-meter-high minaret that dominates the center of Marrakech. As well as the Menara Gardens and Jardin Majorelle, which require a booking in advance via the official website (it's better to book the tickets one to two days before the visit date).

Next, you can head to Jamaa El-Fna, one of the city's main attractions and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This famous square is a central cultural hub in Marrakech. You can relax at various cafés surrounding the square and enjoy the lively atmosphere, which is filled with magicians, storytellers, snake charmers, and street food vendors. Then continue to discover the colorful and diverse souks. We will spend the night in Marrakech.

After breakfast at your accommodation, start your day trip from Marrakech to the coastal city of Essaouira. After a 2.5-hour drive, start exploring Essaouira, the "City of the Wind". Wander through the labyrinthine alleys of the Medina and admire the hundreds of local handicrafts on display. Although this historic town has been shaped by many civilizations, including the Portuguese, whose influence remains obvious in its architecture; it retains a charm and rich history.

Famous for its distinctive blue doors and washed walls, Essaouira is celebrated as Morocco's "Jewel of the Atlantic". Additionally, you will visit a women's cooperative where argan oil, famed for its culinary, cosmetic, and medicinal properties, is produced. Enjoy lunch either in the Medina or at the port, and in the afternoon, return to Marrakech. Overnight stay at a riad or hotel.

Enjoy free time in Marrakech at your leisure before your transfer to the airport, scheduled according to your flight time. This marks the end of our 12 days tour from Tangier to Marrakech.