11 Days from Tangier to the Desert and Northern Morocco

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.

You may choose to:

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

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.

Morning – Visit to Tetouan

Tetouan is a UNESCO World Heritage site with a strong Andalusian influence. You will have time to explore the medina with its whitewashed buildings, see the Royal Palace, and 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.

You will have free time to wander through the blue washed alleyways, visit the Plaza Uta el-Hammam, shop for local handicrafts, and 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 before departure.

Afternoon – Journey to Fes

We depart for Fes. The drive takes approximately 4 hours.

Arrival in Fes

Upon your arrival, you will have free time to explore the medina and its historical treasures.

Evening – Overnight in Fes

Today, you will enjoy a guided tour of the ancient medina of Fes.

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
• The University of Al Quaraouiyine, founded in 859 AD (exterior view)
• The Chouara Tannery, where leather has been dyed for over a thousand years
• The Nejjarine Museum of Wood Arts

Afternoon – Souks and Vibrant Markets

Continue your exploration through the vibrant souks. You will have free time to shop and explore on your own.

Evening – Overnight in Fes

History and Archaeology

We leave Fes behind and head to Meknes, another imperial city, where we will visit Bab Mansour and Heri es-Souani. Then, we continue to the Roman ruins of Volubilis.

Morning – Visit to Meknes

Meknes was the capital of Morocco during the reign of Sultan Moulay Ismail in the 17th century. You will visit:

• Bab Mansour: The most beautiful gate in Morocco, decorated with intricate zellij tilework
• Heri es-Souani: The royal granaries and stables built for the sultan's 12,000 horses

Afternoon – Roman Ruins of Volubilis

We continue to Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the best preserved Roman ruins in Morocco. You will walk through the ruins, seeing:

• Triumphal arches
• Basilica and capitol
• Beautiful mosaic floors depicting Roman myths
• Remains of houses, baths, and olive presses

Evening – Overnight near Volubilis or Meknes

Capital and Beach

Today we head to Rabat, the capital of Morocco.

Morning – Journey to Rabat

We drive to Rabat, approximately 2 hours.

Exploration of Rabat

You will explore:

• Kasbah of the Oudaias: A picturesque fortress overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, with white and blue streets
• Mausoleum of Mohammed V: A masterpiece of modern Alaouite architecture
• Hassan Tower: The unfinished minaret of a massive mosque begun in the 12th century

Afternoon – Enjoy the Atlantic Coast

You will have free time to enjoy the Atlantic coast and beach.

Evening – Overnight in Rabat

From the Capital to the Red City

We leave Rabat and make a stop in Casablanca to visit the impressive Hassan II Mosque. Then, we continue to Marrakech.

Morning – Stop in Casablanca

Casablanca is the largest and most modern city in Morocco. You will visit:

• Hassan II Mosque: One of the largest mosques in the world, with a minaret of 210 meters. The mosque is built partly over the Atlantic Ocean. (Guided tour available for non-Muslims)

Afternoon – Journey to Marrakech

After Casablanca, we continue to Marrakech, approximately 2.5 hours.

Evening – Arrival in Marrakech

You will arrive in Marrakech in the late afternoon or early evening. You will have free time to begin exploring.

Evening – Overnight in Marrakech

Enjoy a guided tour of Marrakech, which includes iconic landmarks.

Morning – Exploration of Marrakech

Your local guide will take you to:

• Koutoubia Mosque: The largest mosque in Marrakech (exterior visit)
• Menara Gardens: A peaceful garden with a large reflecting pool
• Bahia Palace: A stunning 19th century palace
• Saadian Tombs: The resting place of Saadian dynasty rulers

Afternoon – Jemaa el-Fna Square and Souks

You will visit the famous Jemaa el-Fna square, the heart of Marrakech. You will also have time to explore the vibrant souks.

Evening – Overnight in Marrakech

Between Mountains

Today, we head to the Atlas Mountains, where you can enjoy stunning landscapes and visit traditional Berber villages.

Morning – Journey to the Atlas Mountains

We drive approximately 1.5 hours to the Atlas Mountains. The landscape changes from flat plains to green valleys and mountain peaks.

Exploration of Berber Villages

You will visit traditional Berber villages nestled in the mountains. You will have the opportunity to:

• Walk through the villages and see daily life
• Visit a local Berber family in their home
• Learn about traditional mountain agriculture
• Enjoy mint tea with your hosts

Enjoy stunning views of the High Atlas peaks.

Afternoon – Return to Marrakech

After lunch, we return to Marrakech.

Evening – Overnight in Marrakech

Adventure in the Desert

We leave the mountains and head to Merzouga, the gateway to the Sahara. Experience an exciting camel ride through the golden dunes and enjoy a magical night in a Berber camp.

Morning – Journey to Merzouga

We depart from Marrakech and drive toward Merzouga. The drive is long, approximately 8 to 9 hours, crossing the High Atlas mountains via the Tizi n'Tichka pass.

We make several stops for panoramic views and lunch.

Late Afternoon – Arrival in Merzouga

We arrive in Merzouga in the 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.

The camel trek is timed to arrive at a high dune just as the sun begins to set. Enjoy a magical sunset over the dunes.

Evening – Night in a Berber Camp

You will spend a magical night in a Berber camp under the starry Sahara sky. Enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner and live Berber music around the campfire.

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

Early Morning – Sunrise in the Desert

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).

End of Tour

Your driver will transfer you to Errachidia Airport (approximately 1.5 hours) for your departure flight, or you may continue your travels from Merzouga.

Your 11 day journey from Tangier to the desert concludes here.