8-Day Desert Tour from Tangier to Marrakech: Exploring Morocco’s Imperial Cities
Embark on an 8-day journey from Tangier to Marrakech, visiting the Imperial Cities of Fes, Meknes, and Marrakech. Experience breathtaking views of the Middle Atlas and explore the ancient site of Volubilis. This trip also includes a visit to the Sahara Desert in Merzouga, with camel rides and desert camping.
Discover the rich history of Morocco through its majestic palaces, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and vibrant souks. Guided tours will highlight the wonders of Fes and Marrakech, and you’ll stay in authentic riads near the main attractions. Enjoy camel trekking in the stunning Erg Chebbi dunes and spend a night under the stars in a Berber camp.
Today, we will drive through the Rif mountains and Tetouan to enjoy the breathtaking scenery until we reach Chefchaouen, a charming village at the foot of the mountains.
Chefchaouen’s medina features a Spanish-style square lined with unique arts and crafts shops, rooftop restaurants, and cafes, offering a lovely spot to relax and appreciate the natural beauty.
After a delightful breakfast at the riad, our 8-Day Desert Trip from Tangier to Marrakech begins with a journey through Ouazan and other Rif villages to Volubilis, where we will explore the Roman ruins and learn about Moroccan history.
Next, we will visit Meknes, a city rich in 17th-century heritage, where we’ll stop for lunch and see the historic medina walls, Bab el Mansour, and the Moulay Ismail shrine. In the afternoon, we’ll continue to Fes for an overnight stay.
Today, we’ll explore Morocco’s oldest city by wandering through its alleys and streets. Our visit begins at the Royal Palace gate and the historic Jewish quarter, the first Mellah established in the 16th century.
We will cover key cultural and historical sites, including Al Qaraouine University, the Tanneries, the Attarine Museum, and the Mausoleum of Moulay Idriss. After lunch, we’ll visit a tile cooperative and enjoy a stunning panoramic view of the Medina of Fes.
After breakfast at your hotel, we’ll head to Merzouga via Errachidia and Erfoud, passing through the stunning Tiz Ntalghamt pass and Ziz Gorge. As you near Errachidia, the landscape shifts, hinting at the desert. Enjoy lunch and Berber hospitality here.
Next, we’ll travel through Ziz Valley, stopping for panoramic views on our way to Erfoud, known for its fossils, and Rissani, famous for its souk. Arriving in Merzouga in the afternoon, you’ll be greeted with mint tea before embarking on a camel ride to your desert camp, where you can enjoy Berber music and sandboarding.
We rise early to witness the sunrise over the Erg Chebbi dunes before returning to the hotel on camels. After breakfast and a shower, we leave the desert, driving through the Saghro mountains and taking a short walk in Todra Gorge. We then head to Dades Valley for dinner and spend the night in a local riad.
After breakfast at the hotel, you’ll travel through the Dades Valley to Kalaa M’gouna and Ouarzazate, known as the route of a thousand kasbahs. We’ll explore Ouarzazate’s film city and visit Ait Ben Haddou, the largest kasbah in Morocco and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Next, we’ll drive through the High Atlas mountains, taking in panoramic views and charming Berber villages until we reach Marrakech for an overnight stay in a local hotel.
On our 8-day desert trip from Tangier to Marrakech, we’ll explore Marrakech, known as ‘the red city of Morocco.’ We’ll visit key historical and cultural sites, including the Majorelle Gardens, Koutoubia Tower, Saadian tombs, and Bahia Palace.
After lunch at a local restaurant near the famous square, you’ll have the chance to stroll through the souks for souvenirs and handicrafts. In the afternoon, enjoy free time to explore the city at your own pace.
Your transfer to the airport for your flight will depend on the timing of your flight today.
Depart:
Final destination:
Yes, it’s a shared tour. You will travel with a small group from around the world.
Comfortable clothing and footwear, sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, and a camera are recommended.
Yes, they are. Your hotel room will have private ensuite bathrooms.
It is roughly 1 hour for sunset and another hour for sunrise the following day. Time depends on season, Day light saving time, and sunset/sunrise time.
You can. a 4×4 will be offered to transfer you from Merzouga lodge to Erg Chebbi desert camp for an extra fee of 30 Euros ( Included in luxury tent option )
There will be a few sand boards available at the camp operator’s lodge to use at leisure ( Availability not guaranteed ). You can ask for one to take to the camp with you. They are free of charge