Duration
13 days
Max People
34
Min Age
18+
Reviews
5
Overview
This 13 days desert tour from Tangier will allow you to explore Morocco’s rich culture and amazing artistic heritage.
You will visit some of the most beautiful cities in Morocco, starting with the blue city of Chefchaouen. Discover its traditional culture, vibrant street markets, and unique charm. Next, explore the fascinating old Medina of Fez with a local guide.
Fez is a historic city surrounded by hills and forests, making it one of the most beautiful places in the region. It has preserved its original Moroccan architecture, untouched by modern designs. The city is known for its narrow streets, stunning mosaic art, arched entrances, and intricate ironwork. Fez also has a rich history, including medieval Roman ruins and remains of an ancient empire dating back to the third century.
On this journey, you will see the majestic Atlas Mountains with their traditional buildings. You will also ride camels in the Sahara Desert at Erg Chebbi to enjoy a beautiful sunset. Spend an unforgettable night under a sky full of stars in a desert camp with Berber tents.
The tour continues through breathtaking valleys like the Rose Valley and Dades Valley, and the stunning Todra Gorge. You will also visit the famous old Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a rich history. Finally, we will drive along the winding roads of the Atlas Mountains to reach the vibrant city of Marrakech.
Highlights of the 13 Day Desert Tour from Tangier in Morocco:
- Drive through the scenic Rif Mountains to reach the charming blue city of Chefchaouen and spend the night there.
- Explore the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis and visit the imperial cities of Meknes and Fes.
- Discover the wonders of Fes, including its historic sites and vibrant streets.
- Experience a camel ride in the golden dunes of Merzouga and enjoy a magical evening under the stars at the Erg Chebbi desert camp.
- Learn about the nomadic culture and lifestyle while exploring the Merzouga Desert.
- Visit the traditional souks of Rissani and the breathtaking Todgha Gorges.
- Drive through the stunning Dades Valley, known for its unique rock formations.
- Tour the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ait Ben Haddou, a famous ancient kasbah.
- Cross the majestic High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n'Tichka Pass, heading toward Marrakech.
- Explore the vibrant city of Marrakech, with its famous souks, gardens, and landmarks.
- Visit the coastal town of Essaouira, known for its relaxed atmosphere and historic medina.
- Drive through Casablanca and marvel at the stunning Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world.
- Discover the city of Rabat and visit Hassan Tower, an iconic historic site.
- Enjoy a scenic drive back to Tangier, passing picturesque villages and stunning landscapes.
Included/Excluded
- Profissional driver & tour guide.
- Private transport with air condition and A/C
- 1 Night in a desert camp with dinner and breakfast
- Pick up and drop off at your accommodation
- Camel ride per person
- Half board accommodation (dinner and breakfast) during the tour
- Guided tour of a local guide to Visit Fes
- Entrance fees if needed
- Lunches
- Tips (optional)
Tour Plan
Day 1: Tangier to Chefchaouen
Your guide will meet you at the Tangier port or airport to begin the journey to Chefchaouen. This picturesque town, often called the "Blue City," is famous for its vibrant blue-painted streets and buildings. Its name, "Chaouen," means "the horns" in Berber, reflecting the surrounding mountain peaks. The striking contrast of the white houses, vivid blue doors and windows, and the green scenery created by the Lau River will leave you mesmerized. You'll have time to explore the charming streets at your leisure. Overnight stay in a hotel.
Day 2: Chefchaouen – Roman Ruins of Volubilis – Meknes – Fes
On the second day, you will travel from Chefchaouen to Fes via Meknes. The journey passes through the Maamora forest. In Meknes, you’ll explore a city that flourished during the reign of Sultan Moulay Ismail. A short drive from Meknes will take you to the Roman ruins of Volubilis, where you can admire the ancient structures, followed by a visit to the nearby holy city of Moulay Idriss. The day concludes with your arrival in Fes, where dinner and accommodation await at your hotel.
Day 3: Exploring Fes – A UNESCO World Heritage Site
Start your morning with a guided tour of Fes, the oldest of Morocco’s imperial cities, founded in 808. Begin at the magnificent Golden Gates of the Royal Palace, then head to a viewpoint offering a panoramic view of the walled medina. From there, dive into the bustling alleys of the old city, a sensory experience filled with the sounds and smells of daily life. You’ll visit mosques, madrasas, and the famous tanneries before exploring the artisans’ quarter, where Andalusian traditions remain alive. After free time for lunch, enjoy the rest of the afternoon at your leisure. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 4: Fes – Ifrane – Azrou – Ziz Valley – Erfoud – Merzouga Desert
After breakfast, begin your journey to the Merzouga dunes. Travel through the Middle Atlas mountains, stopping at Ifrane, often called the "Switzerland of Africa," and the cedar forests of Azrou, home to wild monkeys. Continue through the scenic Tizi Talghemt pass, with its striking purple-hued mountains, to the oasis of Ziz Valley and the palm groves of Erfoud. Finally, arrive at the Erg Chebbi dunes in Merzouga, where you'll enjoy free time to marvel at the changing colors of the desert. Dinner and overnight stay in a Kasbah at the foot of the dunes.
Day 5: Merzouga – Nomad Visits – Camel Trek and Desert Camp
After breakfast, embark on an exciting day exploring the desert. Drive along the tracks of the "Paris-Dakar Rally" to visit nomadic families, sip tea with them, and learn about their way of life. Stop at a desert oasis, a filming location for movies like Sahara. In the afternoon, switch to camelback and journey deep into the dunes, experiencing an unforgettable sunset. Spend the night in a traditional nomadic tent (khaima), enjoying a Berber dinner, lively music, and a star-filled sky.
Day 6: Merzouga – Rissani – Todra Gorges – Dades Valley
After breakfast, head to Rissani to explore its vibrant market, known for its unique donkey parking. Continue to Erfoud to visit fossil workshops dating back millions of years. Then, journey to the breathtaking Todra Gorges, a paradise for climbers and nature lovers. The day concludes in the stunning Dades Valley, where you’ll enjoy dinner and stay overnight at a hotel.
Day 7: Dades Valley – Valley of Roses – Ait Ben Haddou – Marrakech
Begin the day traveling through the scenic Dades Valley along the "Route of a Thousand Kasbahs." Pass through the Valley of Roses, famous for its locally made rose-based products. Visit the UNESCO-listed Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, a striking fortress that has been featured in films like Gladiator and Sahara. Continue to Marrakech via the Tizi N’Tichka Pass in the High Atlas Mountains. Overnight stay in a hotel in Marrakech.
Day 8: Exploring Marrakech
On this day, explore the highlights of Marrakech. Visit the Menara Gardens, the Saadian Tombs, the Bahia Palace, and the iconic Koutoubia Mosque. Conclude your tour at the vibrant Djemaa El-Fna Square, a lively marketplace during the day and a magical spectacle at night. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 9: Free Day in Marrakech
Enjoy a day of leisure to relax or explore Marrakech at your own pace. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 10: Marrakech to Essaouira
After breakfast, travel to Essaouira, a charming coastal city with Portuguese fortifications. En route, admire the argan trees and local goat herds. Spend the day exploring the medina, souks, and scenic harbor. Overnight stay in a hotel.
Day 11: Essaouira – El Jadida – Casablanca
Depart Essaouira and travel along the Atlantic coast, stopping in Oualidia before continuing to El Jadida. Explore the Portuguese vestiges of this historic town before arriving in Casablanca. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 12: Casablanca – Rabat
Begin the day with a visit to the stunning Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world. Explore Casablanca’s highlights, including the Corniche Boulevard, the Park of Nations, and Mohamed V Square. Continue to Rabat, the administrative capital, where you’ll see the Royal Palace, the Hassan Tower, and the Mausoleum of Mohamed V. Overnight stay in Rabat.
Day 13: Rabat to Tangier – End of the Tour
After breakfast, travel back to Tangier. Depending on your schedule, you’ll be transferred to the airport or port. This marks the end of your 13 days desert tour from Tangier.