12 Days Tour from Tangier

Day 1: Tangier – Chefchaouen

We meet you at the port, the airport or your hotel in Tangier. First, we drive into the Rif mountains to Chefchaouen, the famous “Blue Pearl”, about 2.5 hours away. Then, you have free time to wander its blue-and-white medina at your own pace.

Overnight

Hotel or riad in Chefchaouen, with breakfast.

Day 2: Free Day in Chefchaouen

Today is free in Chefchaouen. You can walk up to the Spanish Mosque for the view over the medina or relax by the Ras el-Ma spring. If you prefer, we can arrange a drive to the Akchour waterfalls, about 45 minutes away.

Overnight

Hotel or riad in Chefchaouen, with breakfast.

Day 3: Chefchaouen – Ouezzane – Volubilis – Meknes – Fes

After breakfast, we cross the Rif via Ouezzane to Volubilis, the best-preserved Roman site in Morocco. Then, we visit Meknes, with its walls and the Bab Mansour gate. In the late afternoon, we reach Fes and check in at a traditional riad.

Overnight

Riad in Fes, with breakfast.

Day 4: Fes with a Local Guide

Today a local guide shows you Fes, the oldest of Morocco’s imperial cities. First, you see the gates of the Royal Palace and the Mellah, the old Jewish quarter. Then, you enter the medina of Fez, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

You pass Al Quaraouiyine, often called the oldest university in the world that is still active, the Chouara tannery and the shrine of Moulay Idriss II. In the afternoon, you visit a zellige workshop with a view over the medina.

Overnight

Riad in Fes, with breakfast.

Day 5: Fes – Ifrane – Azrou – Midelt – Ziz Valley – Merzouga

Your driver picks you up at your riad or hotel in Fes at 8:00 AM. First, we climb into the Middle Atlas and stop in Ifrane, often called the “Switzerland of Morocco”. Next, we cross the cedar forest near Azrou, where Barbary macaques often sit by the road; please watch them, but do not feed them.

Then, we stop for lunch in Midelt, between the Middle and High Atlas. Afterwards, the road follows the gorges and palm groves of the Ziz Valley to Erfoud. Finally, we reach Merzouga, at the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes, in the late afternoon.

On arrival, you check in at your hotel. If the weather is warm, you can enjoy the pool before dinner.

Overnight

Hotel in Merzouga, with dinner and breakfast.

Day 6: A Day around Merzouga and a Night in the Dunes

After breakfast, we explore the area around Erg Chebbi by 4×4. First, we visit a nomad family in their goat-hair tent and share a mint tea. Then, we stop in Khamlia, a village known for its Gnawa music.

Depending on the season, we also see the lake of Dayet Srji, where flamingos sometimes stop. In the afternoon, you have free time to rest or climb the dunes.

In the late afternoon, your camel trek in Merzouga begins. The ride takes about one hour, so you reach the camp at sunset. Later, you share a Berber dinner with drums under the stars.

Overnight

Private tent in a desert camp in Erg Chebbi, with dinner and breakfast.

Day 7: Merzouga – Rissani – Tinghir – Todra Gorge – Dades Valley

Wake up early for the sunrise over the dunes, then ride back to Merzouga for a shower and breakfast. Next, we drive west through Rissani, Erfoud and Tinejdad, with a stop for lunch.

In the afternoon, we reach Tinghir and walk into the Todra Gorge, where limestone walls rise about 300 metres. Finally, we continue to the Dades Valley for the night.

Overnight

Hotel in the Dades Valley, with dinner and breakfast.

Day 8: Dades Valley – Skoura – Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – Marrakech

After breakfast, we follow the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs through the Rose Valley and Kelaat M’Gouna. Then, we stop in the palm grove of Skoura before reaching Ouarzazate, often called the “Hollywood of Africa”.

Next, we visit Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage ksar, and have lunch nearby. Afterwards, we cross the High Atlas over the Tizi n’Tichka pass (2,260 m) and stop at an argan oil cooperative. Finally, we reach Marrakech around 5:30–6:00 PM.

Overnight

Riad in Marrakech, with breakfast.

Day 9: Marrakech with a Local Guide

Today a local guide shows you Marrakech. First, you walk through the medina, a maze of lanes full of craftsmen and hidden courtyards. Then, you see the Koutoubia minaret and Jemaa el-Fna square.

Next, you explore the souks of spices, leather, lanterns and ceramics, and visit one of the historic palaces or gardens. In the afternoon, you have free time for a hammam, a rooftop café or a cooking class.

Overnight

Riad in Marrakech, with breakfast.

Day 10: Marrakech – Essaouira – Marrakech

Today you swap the energy of Marrakech for the calm of the coast. First, we drive about 3 hours to Essaouira, whose walled medina faces the Atlantic. Then, you explore the fishing port and the long beach.

For lunch, you can try fresh fish from the port. In the late afternoon, we drive back to your riad in Marrakech.

Overnight

Riad in Marrakech, with breakfast.

Day 11: Marrakech – Casablanca – Rabat – Asilah

After breakfast, we drive north on the motorway. First, we stop in Casablanca to see the Hassan II Mosque by the ocean. Then, in Rabat, we visit the Hassan Tower and the Kasbah of the Udayas.

In the late afternoon, we reach Asilah, a whitewashed coastal town with colourful murals, perfect for a sunset over the Atlantic.

Overnight

Riad in Asilah, with breakfast.

Day 12: Asilah – Tangier

After breakfast, we stroll through the Asilah medina and drive to Tangier, less than an hour away. If time allows, we visit the kasbah and Cap Spartel. Then, we drop you at the port or the airport for your departure.

Drop-off

Tangier port or airport.