7 Days from Tangier via Merzouga & Marrakech

Morning – Arrival in Tangier

Your journey begins in Tangier, the gateway from Europe to Africa. You will be picked up from the Tangier port, train station, airport, or your accommodation.

From Tangier, we drive south toward Chefchaouen, the Blue Pearl of Morocco. The drive takes approximately 2.5 hours through the Rif Mountains.

Afternoon – Exploration of Chefchaouen

You arrive in Chefchaouen with free time to explore its picturesque streets and relaxed atmosphere. Chefchaouen is famous for its buildings painted in various shades of blue. The tradition of painting walls blue dates back to Jewish refugees who settled here in the 1930s, symbolizing the sky and heaven.

You will have time to:

• Wander through the blue washed alleyways of the medina
• Visit the Plaza Uta el-Hammam, the main square with its red brick mosque
• Shop for local handicrafts, including wool blankets and woven goods
• Climb to the Spanish Mosque for panoramic views of the blue city and mountains

Evening – Overnight in Chefchaouen

You will spend the night in a comfortable riad or hotel in Chefchaouen.

Morning – Free Time in Chefchaouen

Enjoy a final morning in the blue city. You may choose to revisit a favorite street, buy last minute souvenirs, or simply relax at a cafe with mint tea watching the world go by.

Late Morning – Departure to Fes

After breakfast, we depart for Fes, one of Morocco's imperial cities. The drive takes approximately 4 hours. The route takes us through the Rif Mountains and then down into the plains toward Fes.

Afternoon – Arrival in Fes

You arrive in Fes in the afternoon. You will have free time to explore the medina and immerse yourself in its rich history. Your driver can recommend areas to explore or you may simply rest at your accommodation.

Fes is home to the oldest continuously operating university in the world, the University of Al Quaraouiyine, founded in 859 AD. The medina is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the largest car free urban areas in the world.

Evening – Overnight in Fes

You will spend the night in a traditional riad or hotel in Fes.

Morning – Departure to Merzouga

Today, we head to Merzouga, the gateway to the Sahara Desert. The drive takes approximately 7 to 8 hours, but we make several scenic stops along the way.

First Stop – Ifrane, the Switzerland of Morocco

We stop in Ifrane, known as the Switzerland of Morocco. This alpine style town was built by the French in the 1930s. Unlike anywhere else in Morocco, Ifrane has red tiled roofs, flower filled roundabouts, and a stone lion carved into the rock.

Continuing through the Middle Atlas

From Ifrane, we continue through the stunning Middle Atlas mountains. We pass through the Cedar Forest, home to wild Barbary macaques. You can observe these tailless monkeys from a safe distance.

We also pass through the Ziz Valley, a dramatic oasis of thousands of palm trees stretching along the river. We make several stops at panoramic viewpoints for photographs.

Afternoon – Arrival in Merzouga

We arrive in Merzouga in the late afternoon. Merzouga is the gateway to the Erg Chebbi dunes, some of the highest sand dunes in Morocco, reaching up to 150 meters.

Late Afternoon – Camel Ride into the Dunes

You will experience an exciting camel ride through the golden dunes. Each person receives their own camel. Your experienced guide will lead you into the Sahara.

The camel trek is timed to arrive at a high dune just as the sun begins to set. Watch as the sun paints the dunes in shades of orange, purple, and gold.

Night in a Berber Camp

After sunset, you continue to the Berber camp. You will be welcomed with mint tea. The camp consists of comfortable tents with mattresses, blankets, and pillows. Shared bathroom facilities are available.

You will enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner. After dinner, your hosts will play live Berber music around the campfire under the starry Sahara sky.

Early Morning – Sunrise in the Desert

Wake up early to witness the sunrise over the golden dunes. After sunrise, you will enjoy breakfast at the camp. Then you will ride your camel back to Merzouga village (or take a 4x4 transfer if you prefer).

Morning – Departure to Todra Gorges

After leaving the dunes behind, we drive toward the Todra Gorges. The drive takes approximately 3 to 4 hours.

Afternoon – Exploration of Todra Gorges

We arrive at the Todra Gorges in the early afternoon. The Todra Gorges are a stunning canyon of red rock, carved by the Todra River over thousands of years. The canyon walls rise up to 300 meters high, in some places only 10 meters apart.

You will have time to:

• Walk through the canyon and marvel at the towering cliffs
• Watch rock climbers scaling the vertical walls
• Take spectacular photographs of the light and shadows on the red rock
• Enjoy a picnic or lunch at a local restaurant overlooking the river

Evening – Overnight near the Todra Gorges

You will spend the night in a hotel or riad near the Todra Gorges.

Morning – Departure to Marrakech

Today we head to Marrakech, the famous Red City of Morocco. The drive takes approximately 7 to 8 hours, crossing the High Atlas mountains.

We make a stop in Ouarzazate, known as the Hollywood of Africa or the Door of the Desert. Ouarzazate is famous for its film industry, with movies such as Gladiator, Lawrence of Arabia, and Game of Thrones filmed here.

You will have time to see the Taourirt Kasbah, a stunning example of traditional Moroccan architecture, and perhaps visit the Atlas Film Studios.

Afternoon – Crossing the High Atlas

After Ouarzazate, we continue through the High Atlas mountains, crossing the Tizi n'Tichka pass at 2,260 meters. The winding road offers spectacular views of mountains, valleys, and Berber villages.

We make several stops for photographs and rest breaks.

Late Afternoon – Arrival in Marrakech

We arrive in Marrakech in the late afternoon or early evening. You will have free time to explore the city and its vibrant souks, or simply relax at your accommodation.

Evening – Overnight in Marrakech

You will spend the night in a traditional riad or hotel in Marrakech.

Morning – Exploration of Marrakech

Enjoy a guided tour of Marrakech, which includes the city's most emblematic landmarks. Your local guide will lead you through the history and culture of the Red City.

Sites you will visit include:

• Koutoubia Mosque: The largest mosque in Marrakech, with a 77 meter minaret visible from across the city. The minaret served as a model for the Giralda in Seville, Spain. (Exterior visit only for non-Muslims.)
• Menara Gardens: A peaceful garden with a large reflecting pool and pavilion, set against the backdrop of the Atlas mountains.
• Bahia Palace: A stunning 19th century palace with intricate courtyards, gardens, and decorated rooms. The name Bahia means brilliance or beauty.
• Saadian Tombs: The resting place of Saadian dynasty rulers, rediscovered in 1917 and beautifully restored.

Afternoon – Visit to Jemaa el-Fna Square

You will also have the opportunity to visit the famous Jemaa el-Fna Square, the heart of Marrakech. As the sun sets, the square comes alive with:

• Snake charmers and monkey handlers
• Storytellers and musicians
• Henna artists
• Food stalls serving traditional Moroccan dishes

Your guide will explain the history of the square and help you navigate the lively atmosphere.

Free time in the souks

After the guided portion, you will have free time to explore the Marrakech souks on your own. The souks are a maze of alleys selling everything from spices and carpets to lanterns and leather goods.

Evening – Overnight in Marrakech