Overview
This 6 days tour from Tangier to Marrakech takes you through Morocco’s most captivating landscapes and cultural treasures. Starting with the coastal elegance of Tangier, you’ll wander the blue streets of Chefchaouen, dive into the medieval magic of Fes, and cross the Middle Atlas to reach the golden dunes of the Sahara. The adventure continues through dramatic gorges and lush valleys, visiting centuries-old kasbahs before winding over the High Atlas to arrive in vibrant Marrakech. Carefully paced to balance exploration and comfort, this route offers a perfect blend of history, scenery, and authentic Moroccan hospitality.
Itinerary
Your journey begins in the port city of Tangier, where the Mediterranean meets the Atlantic. Spend your morning exploring the Kasbah with its panoramic views, the narrow alleys of the Medina, and perhaps a visit to Cap Spartel, where the two seas blend. By midday, you’ll head south into the rugged Rif Mountains on a scenic drive that winds past rolling hills and green valleys. Arriving in Chefchaouen by late afternoon, you’ll find yourself surrounded by the calming blue-washed walls that have made this small town famous. As the day softens into evening, a walk up to the Spanish Mosque rewards you with a golden sunset over a patchwork of rooftops and mountains, a perfect introduction to Morocco’s more tranquil side.
After breakfast, you’ll leave the serenity of Chefchaouen behind and follow a road that dips and climbs through the Rif foothills before opening into fertile plains. The route to Fes passes through the quiet town of Ouazzane, known for its olive groves and Sufi heritage. Upon arrival in Fes, Morocco’s oldest imperial city, the atmosphere changes dramatically — here, the streets are a living museum of medieval architecture, vibrant souks, and ancient traditions. Settle into your riad and enjoy a gentle introduction to the city, perhaps wandering along the outer walls of the Medina at sunset, when the call to prayer echoes from dozens of minarets.
This day is devoted entirely to the wonders of Fes, a UNESCO World Heritage site whose labyrinthine medina has been continuously inhabited for over 1,200 years. With a local guide, you’ll weave through its 9,000 narrow alleys, stopping at architectural gems like the Bou Inania Madrasa, the Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque — considered the oldest existing university in the world — and the ornate Nejjarine Fountain. You’ll also visit the famous Chouara Tanneries, where leather is dyed in rainbow-colored vats, and explore artisan workshops preserving centuries-old skills. In the evening, relax in your riad’s courtyard, savoring dishes like chicken pastilla or slow-cooked lamb with prunes, as the city hums quietly beyond its walls.
An early departure takes you into the Middle Atlas, passing through Ifrane, a town with steep alpine roofs that feels more Swiss than Moroccan. You’ll pause in the cedar forests of Azrou to spot Barbary macaques before continuing toward the sweeping vistas of the Ziz Valley, where date palms line the desert’s edge. As you approach Merzouga, the dunes of Erg Chebbi rise like a mirage from the flat horizon. In the late afternoon, you’ll trade your vehicle for a camel and ride into the sea of sand, watching the landscape transform under the fiery colors of sunset. The night will be spent in a desert camp, with traditional music, star-filled skies, and the deep, resonant quiet of the Sahara.
Wake before dawn to climb a dune and witness the first light breaking over the Sahara, an unforgettable moment. After breakfast in camp, ride back to Merzouga and set off toward Rissani, a bustling market town known for its spices, dates, and ornate gateways. The road then leads to the towering limestone walls of Todra Gorge, where a river carves its way between sheer cliffs over 300 meters high. Continuing west, you enter the Dades Valley, famed for its winding roads, red rock formations, and the “Monkey Fingers” cliffs. Here you’ll spend the night in a kasbah-style guesthouse overlooking fertile fields and rose gardens.
Your final day’s journey begins with a drive through the Valley of the Roses, where fragrant blooms are harvested each spring for perfumes and oils. The road winds toward Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO-listed ksar whose earthen towers and narrow alleys have starred in films like Gladiator and Game of Thrones. After exploring its historic granaries and passageways, you’ll cross the mighty Tizi n’Tichka Pass, climbing to over 2,200 meters in the High Atlas Mountains. The descent into Marrakech reveals palm groves and the city’s ochre skyline. By evening, you’ll find yourself amid the intoxicating chaos of Jemaa el-Fnaa square, with snake charmers, sizzling food stalls, and a sea of lantern-lit market stalls — the perfect finale to your Moroccan odyssey.
Includes/Excludes
Cost Includes
- Private transportation with professional driver throughout the trip
- Accommodation in traditional riads, guesthouses, and desert camp (private tent)
- Daily breakfast
- Dinners in the Sahara desert and Dades Valley
- Guided walking tour of Fes Medina with licensed local guide
- Camel trek in Erg Chebbi dunes (sunset and sunrise rides)
- Entrance fees to listed monuments and sites
Cost Excludes
- International and domestic flights
- Lunches and dinners (except those mentioned as included)
- Drinks and personal expenses
- Tips for guides and driver
- Optional activities (e.g., cooking classes, quad biking in the desert)