8 Days from Tangier to Marrakech

Beginning of the Adventure

Your journey begins in Tangier, where you will be welcomed and transferred to your accommodation. Enjoy a free afternoon to explore the coastal city and its unique charm.

Tangier sits at the northern tip of Morocco, where the Mediterranean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean. The city has a fascinating history as an international zone and a gateway for travelers from Europe.

You may choose to:

• Stroll along the Corniche
• Visit the Kasbah and the American Legation Museum
• Enjoy the views from the Cape Spartel lighthouse

Evening – Overnight in Tangier

From the Coast to the Mountains

Today, we head to Tetouan, a historic city known for its Andalusian architecture. Then, we continue to Chefchaouen, the Blue City, where you can wander through its blue streets and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere.

Morning – Visit to Tetouan

Tetouan is a UNESCO World Heritage site with a strong Andalusian influence. The city was built by refugees from Granada after the Spanish Reconquista. You will have time to:

• Explore the medina with its whitewashed buildings
• See the Royal Palace and the surrounding square
• Admire the Andalusian architecture

Afternoon – Arrival in Chefchaouen

We continue to Chefchaouen, nestled in the Rif Mountains. The city 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.

You will have free 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

Evening – Overnight in Chefchaouen

Morning – Free Time in Chefchaouen

After exploring Chefchaouen in the morning, we head to Fes, one of Morocco's imperial cities.

Enjoy a final morning in the Blue City. You may revisit a favorite street, buy last minute souvenirs, or simply relax at a cafe with mint tea.

Afternoon – Journey to Fes

We depart for Fes. The drive takes approximately 4 hours through the Rif Mountains and then down into the plains.

Arrival in Fes

Upon your arrival, you will have free time to explore the medina and its historical treasures, or simply rest at your accommodation.

Today, you will enjoy a guided tour of the ancient medina of Fes. Discover the mosques, madrasas, and vibrant souks that make Fes a cultural jewel.

Morning – Exploration of the Medina

Your local guide will lead you through the winding alleyways of Fes el-Bali, the UNESCO listed medina. You will discover:

• The Bou Inania Madrasa, a masterpiece of Marinid architecture with intricate carved wood and zellij tilework
• The University of Al Quaraouiyine, founded in 859 AD and recognized as the oldest continuously operating university in the world (exterior view)
• The Chouara Tannery, where leather has been dyed in the same stone vats for over a thousand years
• The Nejjarine Museum of Wood Arts, housed in a beautifully restored caravanserai

Afternoon – Souks and Vibrant Markets

Continue your exploration through the vibrant souks. You will find:

• The brass and copper souk, where artisans hammer intricate designs
• The carpet souk, with handmade Berber and Moroccan rugs
• The dye souk, with colorful powders and natural pigments
• The clothing souk, with traditional djellabas and caftans

You will have free time to shop and explore on your own.

Evening – Overnight in Fes

Heading Toward the Desert

We leave Fes behind and head to Midelt, passing through Ifrane, known as the Switzerland of Morocco. Enjoy panoramic views and the change in the landscape as you approach the desert.

Morning – Stop in Ifrane

We stop in Ifrane, an alpine style town 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.

Crossing the Middle Atlas

We continue through the Middle Atlas mountains, passing through:

• The Cedar Forest, one of the largest remaining cedar forests in Africa
• Wild Barbary macaques, which you can observe from a safe distance
• The Ziz Valley, a dramatic oasis of thousands of palm trees

We make several stops for panoramic photographs.

Afternoon – Arrival in Midelt

Midelt is a town nestled between the Middle and High Atlas mountains, known for its apples and fossils.

Evening – Overnight in Midelt

You will spend the night in a hotel or riad in Midelt. Enjoy dinner.

Meeting the Desert

Today we arrive in Merzouga, the gateway to the Sahara. Experience an exciting camel ride through the golden dunes and enjoy a magical night in a Berber camp under the starry Sahara sky.

Morning – Journey to Erfoud

We continue our journey toward Merzouga. On the way, we pass through Erfoud, known for its fossil industry. The desert around Erfoud is rich in marine fossils.

You may have time to visit a fossil workshop or showroom.

Afternoon – Arrival in Merzouga

We arrive in Merzouga in the late afternoon.

Late Afternoon – Camel Ride into the Dunes

You will enjoy an exciting camel ride through the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi. Each person receives their own camel. Your experienced guide will lead you across the soft golden sand.

The camel trek is timed to arrive at a high dune just as the sun begins to set. Enjoy a magical sunset over the Erg Chebbi dunes, the tallest in Morocco, reaching up to 150 meters high.

Evening – Night in a Berber Camp

You will spend a magical night in a Berber camp under the starry Sahara sky. You will be welcomed with mint tea. The camp consists of comfortable tents with mattresses, blankets, and pillows. Shared bathroom facilities are available.

Enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner. After dinner, live Berber music around the campfire.

Between Mountains and the Red City

We leave the dunes behind and head to the Todra Gorges, an impressive rocky canyon. Then, we continue our journey to Marrakech, the Red City of Morocco.

Early Morning – Sunrise and Departure

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

Morning – Exploration of Todra Gorges

We drive to the Todra Gorges, a stunning narrow 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 narrow canyon between the towering cliffs
• Take spectacular photographs
• Watch rock climbers scaling the vertical walls

Afternoon – Journey to Marrakech

After the gorges, we continue our journey to Marrakech. The drive takes approximately 5 to 6 hours, crossing the High Atlas mountains via the Tizi n'Tichka pass.

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.

Evening – Overnight in Marrakech

Today is the last day of our journey. Enjoy your final hours in Marrakech before being transferred to the airport for your departure flight.

Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time to:

• Visit the famous Jemaa el-Fna square
• Explore the vibrant souks for last minute souvenirs
• Visit the Koutoubia Mosque or Majorelle Gardens
• Enjoy a final Moroccan meal

Your driver will transfer you to Marrakech Menara Airport at the appropriate time.