12 Days Morocco Tour from Tangier via Desert

Upon arrival at Tangier airport or port, you will be greeted and transferred to your riad. Depending on arrival time, explore the medina, the Kasbah, and enjoy views over the Strait of Gibraltar.

Drive through the Rif Mountains with a stop in Tetouan, known for its Andalusian charm. Continue to Chefchaouen, the stunning blue town. Spend the afternoon wandering its alleys and relaxing in the main square.

Leave the Rif behind and visit Volubilis, the impressive Roman ruins. Continue to Meknes, with its monumental gates, and later arrive in Fes for an overnight stay.

After breakfast, you will meet your local guide for a full-day discovery of Fes, the spiritual and cultural capital of Morocco and one of the oldest medieval cities in the world. Your tour begins with a walk through Fes el-Bali, the old medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a true labyrinth of over 9,000 narrow alleys. Here, life has changed little over the centuries, and the sounds, smells, and colors immerse you in a living history. You will visit the Al-Qarawiyyin University and Mosque, founded in the 9th century and considered the oldest continuously operating university in the world. Not far away is the Bou Inania Madrasa, a stunning example of Marinid architecture decorated with intricate tilework, carved plaster, and cedar wood.

As you wander deeper into the medina, you will reach the Chouara Tanneries, where leather is still dyed in traditional stone vats using natural colors – an unforgettable sight and one of the most photographed places in Morocco. The medina is also home to hundreds of artisan workshops where potters, weavers, and metalworkers keep centuries-old crafts alive. You will also visit the Mellah, the old Jewish quarter, and admire the exterior of the Royal Palace, with its magnificent golden gates.

During the tour, your guide will explain the rich history of Fes, its role as a center of Islamic learning, and its importance in Moroccan culture. The day ends with free time to enjoy the lively souks or relax in a traditional café before returning to your riad for the night.

Travel through the Middle Atlas via Ifrane and cedar forests, where you may see Barbary monkeys. Pass palm groves of the Ziz Valley before reaching Merzouga. Ride camels across the dunes and spend the night in a luxury desert camp under the stars.

Today is dedicated to fully experiencing the magic and vastness of the Sahara Desert. After breakfast at the camp or riad, you will begin with a 4x4 excursion into the dunes of Erg Chebbi, the highest in Morocco. The drive will take you through shifting golden sands and across remote desert landscapes, where you will discover the hidden beauty of this unique environment. Along the way, you may stop at a small oasis and visit Berber nomadic families who still live in traditional tents, learning about their lifestyle, traditions, and warm desert hospitality.

Later, you will have the chance to visit Khamlia village, known as the “village of the Gnaoua people,” where you can enjoy a performance of spiritual Gnawa music, brought centuries ago from Sub-Saharan Africa. Lunch can be taken in the village or back at your camp, with the option to taste local desert dishes. In the afternoon, you can try adventurous activities such as sandboarding down the dunes, or simply relax and take in the breathtaking silence of the desert.

As evening approaches, your camels will be waiting for a sunset trek into the dunes, one of the most unforgettable experiences of the journey. Watching the sun slowly set over the golden sand, painting the sky in shades of orange, red, and purple, is a magical moment. Upon returning to camp, you will enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner under the starry sky. The night continues with Berber drumming and music around the fire, where you can join in the rhythm or simply relax and enjoy the atmosphere. Surrounded by the silence of the Sahara and the brilliance of the Milky Way above, this second night in the desert will remain one of the highlights of your entire Morocco adventure.

After sunrise in the desert, drive toward Todra Gorge to admire its towering cliffs, then continue to the scenic Dades Valley for dinner and overnight stay.

After breakfast in the Dades Valley, your journey continues along the legendary Road of the Thousand Kasbahs, a scenic route lined with fortified villages, ancient watchtowers, and lush palm groves. This part of Morocco is often described as an open-air museum, where every turn of the road reveals new landscapes and old Berber architecture. As you travel through the Valley of Roses, you may stop in small villages to see local cooperatives producing rosewater and perfumes, a tradition that has existed here for centuries.

Reaching Ouarzazate, often called the “Hollywood of Africa,” you will have time to visit the famous Atlas Film Studios, where international movies such as Gladiator, Lawrence of Arabia, and Game of Thrones were filmed. Ouarzazate is also home to the impressive Kasbah of Taourirt, a maze of rooms and passageways that reflect the grandeur of the Glaoui family, once the powerful rulers of this region.

From here, the road leads you to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Aït Benhaddou, one of the most iconic ksar (fortified villages) in Morocco. Made of clay and straw, its towers and walls rise dramatically against the desert backdrop. Walking through its narrow streets and climbing to the top of the hill will reward you with sweeping views over the surrounding landscapes. It’s easy to see why this village has served as the backdrop for so many films and series.

In the afternoon, your journey continues across the majestic High Atlas Mountains via the winding Tizi n’Tichka pass at 2,260 meters above sea level. This scenic drive offers spectacular views of valleys, terraced farms, and traditional Berber villages clinging to the mountainsides. After descending the pass, you will arrive in Marrakech by evening, where the vibrant energy of the Red City contrasts beautifully with the serene desert and mountain landscapes you’ve experienced over the past days. You will settle into your riad and have the evening free to enjoy the city’s unique atmosphere.

After breakfast at your riad, you will meet your local guide for a complete tour of Marrakech, known as the “Red City” for the color of its walls and buildings. Your exploration begins with a visit to the Bahia Palace, a 19th-century masterpiece built for a grand vizier, with beautifully decorated rooms, tranquil courtyards, and intricate zellij tilework. From here, continue to the Saadian Tombs, where you can admire the ornate marble carvings and peaceful atmosphere of this royal necropolis.

Next, you will see the Koutoubia Mosque, the city’s largest and most famous mosque, whose minaret dominates the skyline and serves as a symbol of Marrakech. Although non-Muslims cannot enter the mosque, you can admire its elegant Almohad architecture and surrounding gardens. From here, your guide will lead you into the bustling souks of the medina, where narrow alleys are lined with stalls selling colorful carpets, spices, lamps, leather goods, and handmade jewelry. The medina is a sensory experience of sights, sounds, and scents, where artisans still practice centuries-old crafts.

At the heart of the city is the legendary Jemaa el-Fna square, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the vibrant soul of Marrakech. By day, the square is filled with juice vendors, henna artists, and snake charmers, while at night it transforms into a stage of storytellers, musicians, and open-air food stalls serving traditional Moroccan dishes.

In the afternoon, escape the busy medina and relax in the Majorelle Gardens, a serene botanical garden created by the French painter Jacques Majorelle and later restored by Yves Saint Laurent. The vibrant cobalt blue buildings, exotic plants, and tranquil pathways offer a refreshing contrast to the city’s energy. Depending on your interests, you may also visit the nearby Yves Saint Laurent Museum to learn more about the designer’s connection to Morocco.

The evening is free to enjoy Marrakech at your own pace. You might choose to return to Jemaa el-Fna to experience its lively nighttime atmosphere, enjoy dinner on a rooftop terrace overlooking the square, or relax at your riad after a full day of exploration.

Day trip to the coastal city of Essaouira. Explore its historic medina, enjoy fresh seafood, and walk along its beaches. Return to Marrakech in the evening.

Travel north through Casablanca (stop at Hassan II Mosque if desired) and Rabat (visit Hassan Tower and Oudayas Kasbah). Continue to Tangier for your last night.

Depending on your flight or ferry schedule, free time in Tangier before your transfer to the port or airport for departure.