7-Day Tangier to Marrakech Morocco Tour via Merzouga

Day 1: Tangier → Rif Mountains → Chefchaouen

You will meet our team in Tangier. First, we will explore the beautiful city, including the iconic Hercules Cave and Cape Spartel, and enjoy some free time for lunch. Then, we head to Chefchaouen via Tetouan and the scenic Rif Mountains.

In the afternoon, we will arrive in the beautiful blue city of Chefchaouen, where you'll have the chance to wander around this fabulous town. Its medina is adorned with a stunning blend of white and blue buildings, along with creative shops. Additionally, you'll walk through the charming square of Uta el-Hammam and explore many rooftop restaurants where you can enjoy dinner. Spend the night in a riad in Chefchaouen, at the foot of the Rif Mountains.

Day 2: Chefchaouen → Volubilis → Meknes → Fes

After a delicious breakfast, our trip continues towards Volubilis, crossing over Ouazzan and other Rif Berber villages. We'll explore the Roman ruins in Volubilis and learn about Moroccan history.

Continuing to Meknes, we'll stop for lunch and explore the historical walls of the medina along with Bab el Mansour. We'll also visit the Moulay Ismail Mausoleum.

Later in the afternoon, we'll head to Fes, where we'll spend the night in a riad in the medieval medina.

Day 3: Fes Guided Tour

Today, you will have a full day of sightseeing in Fes, Morocco's spiritual city. Our visit starts at the Royal Palace gate and walks through the Jewish Quarter, the first Mellah in Morocco during the 16th century. You will also enjoy a fantastic panoramic view of the medina of Fes.

After lunch, we will explore the historic Fes el-Bali medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will visit its winding alleys while exploring culturally and historically significant sites, including the Bou Inania Madrasa, the Nejjarine Fountain, and the traditional tanneries.

Return to the same riad and spend the night.

Day 4: Fes → Middle Atlas Mountains → Ziz Valley → Merzouga Desert

After breakfast, we will drive to Merzouga through the Middle and High Atlas Mountains. Our first stop will be Ifrane, known as Morocco's Switzerland. Here, you can take in the city's stunning views. Then, we go to the famous cedar forest, home to the Barbary macaques.

We'll then continue through the Tiz Ntalghamt Mountain Pass and the Ziz Gorges, where we can stop at Midelt for lunch. After that, we will continue along the Ziz Valley, stopping for panoramic views to give you a chance to take pictures. We will pass by Erfoud and Rissani. If your visit coincides with a market day, explore the traditional souk in Rissani. Finally, arriving in Merzouga in the late afternoon, you will be welcomed with a glass of mint tea, check into your hotel, enjoy dinner, and stay overnight.

Day 5: Merzouga Discovery → Camel Ride → Desert Camp

Today, we will explore the Merzouga desert. After breakfast, you will visit the village of Khamlia, home to the Gnawa people, descendants of sub-Saharan African communities who settled in the region, to experience their Gnaoua music and lifestyle.

Later, we will drive into the desert area to meet nomad families living under tents and explore their way of life. Today, our lunch will be a traditional Berber meal (Berber pizza) with a local family.

After that, we will drive back to Merzouga for a rest in the afternoon. You will ride your camel, accompanied by experienced camel handlers, to explore what is hidden in the middle of the highest dunes in Morocco. The camel trek takes about 1hr 15 min to the camp, where you will enjoy the sunset and watch the stars, followed by dinner and a night in a desert camp.

Day 6: Merzouga → Rissani → Erfoud → Todra Gorge → Dades Valley → Skoura → Ouarzazate

Start your day early to experience the breathtaking sunrise over the Erg Chebbi dunes, where the colors and shadows create an incredible spectacle. After enjoying breakfast and a shower, we will ride the camels back to Merzouga, where we will drive to Ouarzazate. We'll travel through the vast palm grove of Tafilalet and stop in Rissani and Erfoud, which are known for their fossilized marbles. You'll have the opportunity to visit a workshop that produces these stunning marble fossils.

Next, we will continue to the Todra Gorge, where you'll have lunch. This area is perfect for walking and exploring at your own pace. Afterward, we will drive to Ouarzazate, passing through the scenic Dades Valley and the town of Kelaat M'Gouna, famous for its roses. We will follow the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs, which takes us through the Skoura palm grove until we arrive in Ouarzazate, often called the "Hollywood of Morocco."

Once in Ouarzazate, we'll explore the town's essential sites, including a visit to the Kasbah of Taourirt and the cinema studio. Finally, we'll check into your accommodation and enjoy dinner.

Day 7: Ouarzazate → Ait Benhaddou Kasbah → High Atlas Mountains → Marrakech

In the morning, after breakfast, we head to the Kasbah Ait Benhaddou, a fortified city along the former caravan route between the Sahara and Marrakech. It is located on a hill along the Ouarzazate River and boasts some beautiful examples of kasbahs, some of which remain inhabited. Granted a UNESCO World Heritage listing, the site has been the setting for many films, including Lawrence of Arabia and Gladiator.

After lunch, we will continue to Marrakech over one of the highest mountain passes in North Africa, Tizi n'Tichka (2,260 metres). We will pause to drink Moroccan tea, which also offers panoramic views of the mountains. We will arrive in Marrakech in the late afternoon and drop you off at your accommodation, where this 7-day Morocco adventure from Tangier ends.