12 DAYS TOUR FROM TANGIER TO THE DESERT ENDING IN MARRAKECH

This 12-day trip from Tangier to Marrakech via sahara desert will introduce you to an old civilization with a rich creative history.

Discover the most significant and stunning cities in Morocco, such as the interesting ancient Medina of Fez with a local guide, and the blue city of Chefchaouen with its traditional culture and wild street markets, Discover their traditions, ride camels in the Sahara with Berber cameleers, sleep in starlit tents tucked amid golden dunes, ride camels, and see the Ziz valley with the Todra gorge before heading to the rose valley.

Explore the historic Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, recognized as a Unesco World Heritage Site, and traverse the breathtaking Atlas Mountains to arrive in the vibrant city of Marrakech.

⇒ Drive through the Rif Mountains to Chefchaouen.

⇒ Discover the blue city of Chefchaouen.

⇒ Visit Fes and get to know its culture.

⇒ Drive through the middle Atlas Mountains to the Merzouga desert.

⇒ Ride a camel in Merzouga while assisting a dramatic sunset

⇒ Sleep under the stars in Erg Chebbi Sahara camp

⇒ Explore Todra Gorges with Dades Valley

⇒ Visit the Unesco world heritage of Ait Ben Haddou

⇒ Drive through the Atlas mountains and get to know small Berber villages

⇒ Visit Essaouira.

1 DAY : TANGIER – TETOUAN – CHEFCHAOUEN:

Our professional driver/guide will meet you at your accommodation, and pick you up from the airport; And this is where our wonderful journey is going to start. From Tangier , towards our first destination Tetouan passing by Ceuta or ( Sebta to the locals) , there are some magnificent views to the sea right there. Once arriving at Tetouan a jewel of a town in a striking location at the foot of the Rif Mountains, The ancient Medina, a Unesco World Heritage site, looks like it has not changed in several centuries; we have our lunch meal, before continuing our tour passing by the small fishing port of Capo Negro.

Eventually, we will arrive at Chefchaouen Beautifully perched beneath the raw peaks of the Rif, one of the prettiest towns in Morocco, an artsy, blue-washed mountain village that feels like its own world. with its old Medina, a delight of Moroccan and Andalusian influence with red-tiled roofs, bright-blue buildings, and narrow lanes converging on busy Plaza Uta El Hammam and its restored Kasbah.

Overnight at a Riad.

DAY 2: CHEFCHAOUEN – FES :

After breakfast in the Riad, we are going to leave the unforgettable Chefchaouen towards a special destination, The city of Fes, also known as the scientific city of Morocco, because In its heyday, Fes attracted scholars and philosophers, mathematicians and lawyers, astronomers and theologians. Craftsmen built them houses and palaces, kings endowed mosques and medersas (religious schools). On the way we are going to have the opportunity to explore the remote Rif mountains with its hidden valleys, where we will be able to relax and enjoy lunch in front of some breathtaking views.

Eventually, we will arrive at Fes, where you will spend the night at a Riad.

DAY 3 : VISIT MEDINA OF FES :

After Breakfast, you are going to explore, the historical ramparts of the Medina of Fes . See the historical “Marinid tombs “, visiting the 14th century “ the Madrasa Bou Inania “,and its excellent museum, with its rich collection of illuminated manuscripts, and ceramics. Enjoying lunch in the Medina.

Then you are going to resume exploring the fascinating cobbled lanes of the Medina, and the richly decorated Attarin’s Madrasa, Also the funduq of Nejarin, and the medieval tannery, and the infinite variety of handicrafts, copperplate and pottery.

Eventually, after an entertaining day, you are going to spend the night in a Riad.

DAY 4 : FEZ – IFRANE – MIDELT – MIDDLE ATLAS – MERZOUGA :

After breakfast, we are going to continue towards our next destination, “Ifrane”, also known as “Switzerland of Morocco”. passing through Atlas mountains which contains the largest forests of cedar trees, that is inhabited by monkeys. After a quiet stay. we will resume towards Midelt the capital of Apple passing by the many Berber villages. We will head out to the magnificent Merzouga via Erfoud, passing by the spectacular Ziz gorges and Errachidia, where we are going to eat a traditional lunch.

Next, we will continue towards Merzouga along Ziz Valley, stopping for what we like to call” a worthwhile stop” for the panoramic views along the way. Eventually, you arrive at Merzouga where you will be welcomed by a warming mint tea.

Staying in a hotel close to the big dunes of Erg Chebbi.

DAY 5 : MERZOUGA DESERT TOUR BY A 4×4 VEHICLE :

In today’s program after breakfast, we will explore the surrounding areas of the marvel Erg Chebbi’s desert by visiting the village of khamlia, inhabited by black-skinned people, who are musicians, to enjoy folk dances, and black Gnaoui music, following by the spectacular lake of Merzouga with its rich birds species, you may also want to visit a nomadic house, where you can see some Berber handicrafts. In the afternoon we will ride the camels crossing the golden dunes to enjoy the sunset in the middle of Sahara.

Conclude the day by a traditional dinner in the camp while enjoying berber drams music.

Overnight in the camp.

DAY 6 : MERZOUGA – TODRA GORGE – BOUMALEN DADES :

In the morning, before breakfast, it’s recommended to wake up early so you cannot miss the spectacular sunrise of Merzouga in the middle of the Sahara. After a relaxing shower and breakfast in the camp, we resume our tour towards Todgha gorge one of the most spectacular canyons around the world Passing by the beautiful Ziz Valley, we will drive towards Dades Gorges, going by Erfoud (well known for Dates and fossils), Tinejdad to have a break for lunch, then we finish to Tinghir, where the Todgha gorge is located, and where you will have the opportunity to walk among local people to enjoy Todgha’s Beauty. After we explore the famous canyons of Toudra, we go and finish our road to Boumalne Dades, where we will spend the night.

Overnight in a hotel.

DAY 7 : BOUMALEN DADES – OUARZAZATE – HIGH ATLAS – MARRAKECH :

After breakfast in the hotel, we depart our tour today from Boumalne Dades to Marrakech the red city, but before arriving in Marrakech we will have many stops in many attractive sights along the way. We will pass by so many Berber villages, we will pass by Magouna, the Valley of Roses, then Skoura, and then Ouarzazate also known as ” African Hollywood “, passing through the enjoyable thousand Kasbahs passing by tiny Berber villages, where you can take some great pictures.

Next, you are going to head out to explore the famous Kasbah of Ait-Ben-Hadou, a World Heritage site, which was a part of many universal films such as “Gladiator”. Afterward, you are going to experience the beauty of the Atlas mountains via the road of Tizi-n-Tichka the highest road in Morocco with an altitude of 2260m, offering you charming views as far as the eye can admire, valleys, oases, mountains, and Berber villages. Eventually, arriving in the red city “Of Marrakech”.

Stay overnight in a local Riad.

DAY 8 : VISIT MARRAKECH :

After breakfast at your accommodation, we will prepare for an exciting experience of exploring the magnificent city of Marrakech, our local guide will make sure to show you every important place, starting with The Majorelle Gardens & Berber Museum, also The Rahba Kedima a colorful market filled with a wide collection of spices from Cumin, Cinnamon, Saffron, Dried Pepper and more.

You will inhale different perfumes while walking through the market; The Jewish Mellah, the Bahia palace, the magnificent mosque of Koutoubia, La Minara, and finally the Saadian tombs.

Overnight at the Riad.

DAY 9 : MARRAKECH – ARGAN VALLEY – ESSAOUIRA :

Early in the morning after breakfast in the Riad, we will head over to our next destination The magnificent Essaouira from Marrakech. On our way – since this is the land of Argan culture – there’s an opportunity to visit the women’s co-operative of Argan oil where they extract the oil that is famous for its culinary, cosmetic and medical properties. After several stops to take photographs, we will continue your travel.

Eventually, arriving at Essaouira, where you will spend the night at a hotel.

DAY 10 : VISIT ESSAOUIRA :

After breakfast, You are going to start exploring the great historical sides of Essaouira, starting by Scala the kasbah the copy of the French coastal town saint-Malo, build by the French architecture “Théodore Cornut”.

Next, you are going to walk through the old Medina and enjoy the rich handicraft products that the city provides and, the antique traditional colored houses in the Medina.

Essaouira is known for its annual Gnaoua Music Festival which attracts 300,000+ people in June. It also has an expansive beach for surfing called Plage de Safi. Also, you will discover the Jewish headquarters in the old Medina. Overnight at Essaouira in Riad.

DAY 11 : FROM ESSAOUIRA TO MARRAKECH :

Today is free to explore the winding streets and coastal ramparts of Essaouira, before driving back to Marrakech, around midday leaving time for you to do whatever you want in Marrakech. Other activities include a Calèche ride (horse drawn carriage) to the peaceful Majorelle Gardens and, a small Museum of Islamic Art. A final treat may simply be to try a Hammam ( public bath) , a traditional Moroccan steam bath – a nice reward for our busy Moroccan experience.

Overnight in Marrakech .

DAY 12: MARRAKECH – TRANSFER TO THE AIRPORT :

After breakfast we will pick you from the hotel to Marrakech’s international airport, based on your flight schedule, where unfortunately our unforgettable journey is going to end.

+ Pick up at Tangier hotel/port/airport.

+ Private trip.

+ Private transportation in an air-conditioned touristic minivan/4WD.

+ Fuel/gas/All car-related expenses.

+ An English-speaking guide during the trip/Well-experienced driver during the trip.

+ Accommodations included breakfast for 11 nights.

+ Overnight in a luxury desert camp(private tents with private bathrooms).

+ Sandboarding in the desert.

+ Camel Trekking in the desert.

+ 3 Dinners.

+ Fes and Marrakech local guides.

+ Drop off at Marrakech airport.

✗ Lunches & Drinks.

✗ Entrance fees to attractions and museums(cheap).

✗ Any other personal expenses.