8 Days Desert Tour from Tangier to Marrakech
Overview
Discover Morocco’s diverse culture, history, and breathtaking landscapes on this unforgettable 8 Days Desert Tour from Tangier to Marrakech . Beginning in the vibrant Mediterranean port city, the journey takes you to some of the country’s most iconic and enchanting destinations, offering a perfect blend of cultural exploration and natural beauty.
Your adventure starts in Tangier, where the bustling cityscape meets coastal charm. From there, you’ll travel to the magical blue city of Chefchaouen, nestled in the Rif Mountains, famous for its serene atmosphere and blue-washed streets. Next, step back in time as you visit the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and discover the imperial city of Meknes, known for its historical gates and grand architecture.
In Fes, Morocco’s cultural and spiritual heart, explore the maze-like medina, bustling souks, and centuries-old landmarks. Heading south, the tour unveils the mesmerizing Sahara Desert, where you can enjoy a camel trek across the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi and spend a night under the stars in a traditional Berber camp.
The journey continues with stops at the stunning Todra and Dades Gorges, where towering cliffs and lush oases create a dramatic and picturesque landscape. Along the way, explore historic kasbahs and the scenic valleys that showcase Morocco’s unique charm.
The tour concludes in Marrakech, the bustling and vibrant “Red City.” Wander through its lively souks, admire its stunning palaces and gardens, and immerse yourself in its rich history and culture.
8 Days Desert Tour from Tangier to Marrakech offers a remarkable opportunity to experience the best of Morocco’s heritage, landscapes, and traditions, making it a journey you will cherish forever.
Highlights :
- Explore the historic medina, Kasbah Museum, and Corniche.
- Visit the blue city and Spanish Mosque in the Rif Mountains.
- See the UNESCO-listed Roman ruins and triumphal arch.
- Discovering Bab Mansour and Moulay Ismail’s Mausoleum.
- Tour Fes’ medina, Al-Qarawiyyin University, and tanneries.
- Camel trek and camp in the Sahara at Erg Chebbi.
- Walk through the dramatic Todra Gorge.
- Visit the scenic “Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs.”
- Explore the UNESCO site of Ait Ben Haddou.
- Discover Marrakech’s Koutoubia, Bahia Palace, and Jemaa el-Fnaa.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Tangier – Explore the City
Upon your arrival in Tangier, you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel. Take time to explore Tangier, an intriguing city at the crossroads of Europe and Africa. Visit the Kasbah Museum, which displays Moroccan art and artifacts in a former palace, and the American Legation Museum, a symbol of Morocco’s early diplomacy. Stroll along the lively Corniche with its view of the Mediterranean, and explore the bustling medina with its narrow alleys, colorful souks, and local cafés. Your evening is free to relax and enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner.
Day 2: Tangier – Chefchaouen
After breakfast, depart for the enchanting town of Chefchaouen, nestled in the Rif Mountains. Famous for its striking blue-washed buildings, Chefchaouen offers a peaceful retreat. Wander through the picturesque medina, with its narrow, winding streets, vibrant markets, and handicrafts, especially wool garments and woven blankets. Visit Plaza Uta el-Hammam, where you can relax in a café or enjoy a meal while soaking in the mountain views. Explore the Kasbah Museum and its beautiful gardens, or hike up to the Spanish Mosque for panoramic views of the town and the surrounding mountains. Overnight in a charming riad.
Day 3: Chefchaouen – Volubilis – Meknes – Fes
Depart Chefchaouen and drive toward the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the well-preserved mosaics, basilica, and triumphal arch that offer a glimpse into the region’s rich Roman past. Continue to Meknes, one of Morocco’s imperial cities, where you will visit the monumental Bab Mansour gate, the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, and the royal stables. Afterward, head to Fes, the cultural and spiritual heart of Morocco. Upon arrival, check into your riad and enjoy a relaxing evening.
Day 4: Fes – Guided Tour of the Medina
Spend the day exploring Fes, the oldest of Morocco’s imperial cities. Your guided tour will take you through the UNESCO-listed medina, one of the world’s largest car-free urban areas. Wander through narrow alleyways lined with shops selling spices, textiles, ceramics, and leather goods. Visit the famous Al-Qarawiyyin University, the oldest continuously operating university in the world, and the beautiful Bou Inania Madrasa. Stop by the Chouara Tannery, where leather is processed using traditional methods. In the afternoon, explore the Jewish Quarter (Mellah) and the Royal Palace gates. Overnight in Fes.
Day 5: Fes – Ifrane – Midelt – Merzouga Desert
After breakfast, depart Fes and head toward the Sahara Desert. The drive takes you through the scenic Middle Atlas Mountains, with a stop in Ifrane, known as “Little Switzerland” for its European-style architecture and clean streets. Continue to Azrou, where you can see the cedar forests and possibly spot Barbary macaque monkeys. Drive through the Ziz Valley, with its palm groves and stunning gorges, before arriving in Merzouga, on the edge of the Sahara. In the late afternoon, embark on a camel trek into the dunes of Erg Chebbi, where you’ll witness a breathtaking desert sunset. Spend the night in a traditional Berber camp under the stars, with a hearty dinner and live music around the campfire.
Day 6: Merzouga – Todra Gorge – Dades Valley
Rise early to witness the sunrise over the desert, an unforgettable experience as the colors of the dunes shift in the morning light. After breakfast in the camp, return by camel to Merzouga and continue your journey toward the Todra Gorge, a dramatic canyon with towering cliffs that reach over 300 meters high. Take a walk along the gorge to admire the views and the refreshing river. Afterward, drive through the Dades Valley, known as the “Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs,” where you will see traditional Berber villages and fortified mud-brick kasbahs. Overnight in a local guest house in the Dades Gorge.
Day 7: Dades Valley – Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – Marrakech
After breakfast, depart for Ouarzazate, known as the “Gateway to the Desert.” Stop to visit the impressive Kasbah Taourirt, once the residence of the powerful Glaoui family. Continue to Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Morocco’s most famous ksars (fortified villages). This iconic location has been featured in numerous films and TV shows, including Gladiator and Game of Thrones. Explore the narrow streets and climb to the top for panoramic views of the surrounding desert landscape. After lunch, drive over the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka pass, arriving in Marrakech by evening. Check into your riad and enjoy dinner.
Day 8: Marrakech – Departure
On your final day and depending on your travel time, you will be transferred to the airport for your departure, concluding your unforgettable 8-day tour through Morocco.
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