8 Days tour from Tangier to Marrakech via Merzouga

Day 1: Tangier – Chefchaouen

We will meet you at the port/airport or your hotel, and from there, we’ll travel to the charming blue town of Chefchaouen, known as “the Blue Jewel.” Nestled in the Rif Mountains, this picturesque town is renowned for its blue and white painted buildings and houses, making it one of the most beautiful destinations in the region. You’ll have free time to explore Chefchaouen at your own pace, soaking in its unique ambiance. We’ll spend the night at a comfortable hotel in this enchanting town. This is just the beginning of your unforgettable 8-day tour from Tangier.

Day 2: Chefchaouen – Volubilis – Meknes – Fes

After breakfast at your hotel, our 8-day desert tour from Tangier continues as we head towards Volubilis, crossing Ouezzane and other charming Rif villages. In Volubilis, we’ll explore the fascinating Roman ruins and learn about this significant archaeological site in Moroccan history. After our visit to the ruins, we’ll proceed to the city of Meknes, a 17th-century heritage site. Here, we’ll stop for lunch and stroll around the historical medina’s immense walls, including the impressive Bab El Mansour Gate. Known as “the Moroccan Versailles,” Meknes symbolizes the power of Sultan Moulay Ismail, with its grand architecture epitomized by Bab El Mansour. Our day concludes with a drive to Fes, where we’ll spend the night in a traditional riad, experiencing the authentic charm of Moroccan hospitality.

Day 3: Exploring Fes with a Local Guide

After breakfast, our 8-day tour from Tangier takes you deeper into Morocco as we begin exploring Fes, the oldest city in the country. You’ll wander through its enchanting alleys and small streets, discovering the mysterious medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Our visit starts with the Royal Palace gate and the Jewish quarter, home to the first Mellah ever built in Morocco during the 14th century. We’ll ensure you see all culturally and historically significant sites, including the renowned Al Karaouine University, the world’s oldest university, the vibrant Tanneries, and the Moulay Idriss mausoleum. After enjoying lunch at a traditional Moroccan restaurant, you’ll visit a tiles cooperative and then take in a breathtaking panoramic view over the entire Medina of Fes. We’ll end the day with an overnight stay in a charming riad, soaking in the authentic atmosphere.

Day 4: Fes – Ifrane – Azrou – Midelt – Ziz Valley – Merzouga Desert

After breakfast at your Riad or hotel at 08:00 AM, our 8-day Morocco itinerary from Tangier continues as you travel through the Middle Atlas, passing through Ifrane, known as “Moroccan Switzerland,” and the picturesque town of Azrou. We’ll stop at the cedar forest to visit the Cedre Gouraud Tree, where you can see Barbary apes in their natural habitat. From here, we drive further south, passing several towns and viewing nomads living in tents along the way. You’ll also witness the impressive volcanic rocks that dot the landscape. Our next stop is in Midelt, where you’ll enjoy a delightful lunch. As we continue our journey, we’ll cross the Tizi N’Talghomt Pass (1907 m), taking in the stunning panoramic views. We’ll also pass through the Ziz Gorge and its tunnel. Near Errachidia, you’ll marvel at the Barrage Hassan Al-Dakhil, with its striking turquoise blue waters. Next, we’ll head to Erfoud, where you’ll enjoy a panoramic view of the Aoufous palm trees along the Ziz River. Our journey continues towards Merzouga via Erfoud through the oasis of Tafilalet, the largest date palm grove in Morocco. Merzouga, a small enchanting village, is considered one of the gates to the Sahara. We’ll reach Merzouga in the afternoon, where you’ll check into your hotel. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel, rounding off another captivating day of your 8-day tour from Tangier.

Day 5: Explore Merzouga Desert

After breakfast at the hotel, our 8-day tour from Tangier continues with an explorative journey of the Merzouga area. You will visit nomads in their traditional goat-hair tents, gaining insights into their desert lifestyle. Following this, you’ll visit the Gnaoua people, originally brought from Sudan as slaves. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to listen to their captivating music and learn about their rich culture and lifestyle. Depending on the time of year, we may also visit the lake of Merzouga, home to various bird species, including flamingos. In the afternoon, we begin a camel trek. The camels will take us to a Berber camp located in an oasis amidst the vast sand dunes of Erg Chebbi, which are 20 km long and 5 km wide, reputed to be the highest sand dunes in North Africa. This unique and diverse environment is breathtaking. The camel trek to the camp takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes. Upon arrival, we will settle into the Berber tents, which are well-equipped with all necessary facilities to ensure you feel at home. As the sun sets behind the dunes, you’ll enjoy a nomadic Berber dinner in the heart of the desert. After dinner, we will gather around the fire to enjoy the rhythms of traditional Berber drums under the starlit sky. This magical night in the desert will be an unforgettable highlight of your 8-day tour in Morocco from Tangier.

Day 6: Merzouga – Erfoud – Tinghir – Todra Gorges – Dades Valley

Wake up early in the morning to witness the stunning sunrise from the top of the dunes in the Sahara Desert. After soaking in these beautiful moments, enjoy your breakfast. Then, you’ll ride your camel back to the hotel, where you can freshen up with a shower. Our 8-day tour from Tangier continues as we depart towards Tinghir, passing through Erfoud and Tinejdad. We will take a break for lunch along the way. In the afternoon, we’ll proceed to the Todra Gorges via Tinghir. This part of the journey reveals a diverse array of incredible landscapes, transitioning from the vast desert to breathtaking mountains, lush green valleys, and scenic palm groves. We’ll make several stops along the way to capture photos and admire the changing landscapes. Upon arrival at Todra Gorges, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy the marvelous canyon views and hike on foot through this natural wonder. Our day concludes with a drive to the Dades Valley, where we’ll have dinner and spend the night, immersing ourselves in the tranquility of this beautiful region.

Day 7: Dades Valley – Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – High Atlas – Marrakech

After breakfast, our 8-day desert tour from Tangier continues as we drive through the Dades Valley towards Kelaat Mgouna and Ouarzazate. The route through the Dades Valley, known as the “Way of the Thousand Kasbahs,” offers numerous photo opportunities. We’ll visit the picturesque Roses Valley and the charming village of Skoura before continuing to Ouarzazate, often called the “Hollywood of Africa.” You will have lunch at the famous Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, the largest kasbah in Morocco and a UNESCO World Heritage site. After exploring this historical marvel, our journey continues through the majestic Tizi n’Tichka pass, reaching an altitude of 2260 meters over the High Atlas Mountains. Along the way, we will stop to enjoy the impressive scenery and visit an argan oil cooperative. We will arrive in Marrakech in the late afternoon, with a drop-off at your Marrakech riad or hotel around 17:30/18:00 PM.

Day 8: Marrakech – Airport

After breakfast and at the agreed time, transfer to Marrakech airport and the end of our services.