6 Days from Marrakech to Tangier via Desert & Fes
Embark on an unforgettable 6-day tour from Marrakech to Tangier, traversing the Sahara Desert, exploring historic sites, and immersing yourself in Morocco’s rich culture. Here’s a detailed itinerary:
Day 1: Marrakech to Ait Benhaddou and Ouarzazate
Start your journey with an early departure from Marrakech. Travel through the Atlas Mountains, stopping at stunning viewpoints. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Benhaddou, famous for its clay kasbahs and cinematic history. After exploring, continue to Ouarzazate, often referred to as the “Gateway to the Desert.” Spend the night in Ouarzazate and enjoy local cuisine.
Day 2: Ouarzazate to Merzouga
After breakfast, head towards Merzouga, the gateway to the Sahara Desert. Along the way, stop to visit the Valley of Roses and Skoura Oasis. Upon arrival in Merzouga, prepare for a camel trek into the desert. Watch the sunset over the sand dunes and spend the night in a traditional Berber camp, enjoying dinner and music under the stars.
Day 3: Merzouga to Fes via Todra Gorge
Wake up early to catch the sunrise over the dunes. After breakfast, depart for Todra Gorge, where you can hike and marvel at the towering cliffs. Continue your journey to Fes, one of Morocco’s oldest imperial cities. Arrive in Fes in the evening and check into your accommodation.
Day 4: Explore Fes
Spend the day exploring Fes, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit the historic Fes el-Bali, the Bou Inania Madrasa, and the famous tanneries. Experience the vibrant souks filled with local artisans and enjoy a traditional Moroccan lunch. In the evening, relax and soak in the rich culture of this ancient city.
Day 5: Fes to Chefchaouen
Depart Fes and head towards the enchanting blue city of Chefchaouen. Upon arrival, wander through the narrow, winding streets and admire the beautiful blue-washed buildings. Enjoy free time to explore the local markets and savor delicious Moroccan cuisine. Spend the night in Chefchaouen.
Day 6: Chefchaouen to Tangier
On your final day, depart Chefchaouen and travel to Tangier. Explore the city’s highlights, including the Kasbah, American Legation Museum, and the vibrant medina. After a day of sightseeing, conclude your tour in Tangier, where you can enjoy a farewell dinner before departing.
This 6-day tour from Marrakech to Tangier offers a perfect blend of adventure, culture, and breathtaking landscapes, ensuring a memorable Moroccan experience.
What is included in this private trip:
The fee includes the following for the whole tour –
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Touring in a private comfortable air-conditioned vehicle + Fuel.
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Hotel Pick up & Drop off.
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An English speaking driver/guide.
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Berber music at the camp.
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A guided camel trekking in the desert ( camel each )
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A night at the hotel/riad in Marrakech plus breakfast.
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A night at the hotel in Dades valley plus dinner & breakfast.
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A night in a private luxury camp in the Sahara with dinner & breakfast.
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A night at a riad in Fes plus breakfast.
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A night at a riad in Chefchaouen plus breakfast.
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Free Sandboarding in the desert.
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4×4 in the desert to take your luggage to the camp and you can ride it instead of camels if you prefer.
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Flexibility to stop whenever you need.
What is not included in this private trip:
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Dinners in Marrakech, Fes and Chefchaouen.
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Monuments entrance fee.
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Lunches.
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Drinks.
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Tips.
Day 1: Marrakech airport – Marrakech half day sightseeing tour.
We will welcome you at Menara international airport in Marrakech and we will start exploring historical Marrakech tour including: Bahia Palace, Badi Palace, Saadian tombs, the famous main square “ Jmaa Lfna” with its surrounding souks and handicraft quarters, Koutoubia Minaret, local market “ Souk” and Majorelle Garden; named after the famous French painter,who constructed here his art deco villa and started the botanical gardens, in 1980 it became the residence of Yves Saint Laurent. At the end of the day we will drop you off at your hotel/riad.
Day 2: Marrakesh – Ait Ben haddou Kasbah – Gorge Dades.
We will pick you up at Marrakesh airport or at your hotel, then drive to Ouarzazate, a former caravan town on the silk and salt route in the eastern foothills of the Atlas Mountains. Ouarzazate is known as the Gateway to the Sahara. First of all, we will travel through the dramatic landscape of the High Atlas Mountains passing through the berber town of Taddert and over the 2260 metres high Tizi-in-Tichka pass. We will stop at the famous Kasbah Ait Benhaddou, 30 kilometres from Ouarzazate. The kasbah is one of the most intriguing red earth castles lining the ancient road of the Kasbahs, and is a UNESCO world heritage site. Lunch by the Kasbah and continue on our way to Dades Gorge via Ouarzazate. “the Hollywood of Africa”. On, through the “Road of the thousand Kasbahs”- the fascinating “sand castles”.we will continue in our journey to stop at Kalaat Mgouna, “the rose’s city” known for roses and its annual festival during the roses harvest in May, and then continue to our hotel in the heart of the Dades Gorge.
Day 3: Dades Valley – Todra Gorge – Merzouga Sahara desert
After breakfast in the hotel we continue to Tinrghir and the Todra gorge. Watch the panoramic views of the old mud Berber villages overlooking the valley. Get to the Gorge and walk under the 300m high red cliff, where many rock-climbers come to enjoy their preferred sport. We continue our trip to Erfoud then to the village of Merzouga , where your camel will be awaiting you. You will mount your camel, guided by an experienced camel man, to explore within the mysterious sand-sea of the Erg-Chebbi. This trek begins in the evening and will take you around 90 min into the desert. We will spend the night in an equipped camp in the middle of the Sahara. This is a great opportunity to take lovely pictures of the sunset and sunrise. When we arrive at the camp we walk to the high dunes to see the sunset. It will be a magical night when the sky is clear and stars sparkle and shine with intensity. There will be a wonderful dinner around a campfire. Here you will spend the night in private tents.
Day 4: Merzouga – Ziz Valley – Midelt – Ifrane – Fes.
In the morning after the sunrise and the breakfast at the camp you will ride the camels back to Merzouga.Then we will travel to Fes via Errachidia along the magnificent Ziz Gorges carved into volcanic rock, and through the Tizi Ntalghamt Pass to Midelt. Then we continue our journey to Azrou, where we stop to see the Barbarian apes in the famous Cedar forest in the Middle Atlas. Then we go to Ifrane “the Switzerland of Morocco”, to stop for a picture. Afterwards we drive to Fes, overnight stay at riad.
Day 5: Fes Sightseeing tour – Chefchaouen.
You will be picked up from your hotel/Riad in Fez with An official local guide will accompany you on this tour.
The highlights include:
- Andalusia Mosque: This stunning mosque is easily definable by its imposing green and white minaret. Built at the end of the 9th century by a woman, its wood carvings are exquisite.
- Tanners’ District: One of the main attractions of Fez, the tanners’ quarters is where leather is produced using the same centuries-old methods. You can get a bird’s eye view from the raised platform and watch the entire process.
- El-Attarine Madrasa or the Medersa Attarine: Visit Fez’s most popular attraction, the El-Attarine Madrasa in the heart of the city, built in 1325. See the fine examples of Merenid Craftsmanship around the madrasa, especially the stucco and cedar wood carvings on the ceiling.
- Karaouine Mosque: One of the biggest religious structures in Morocco, this mosque lies in the heart of the medina. The university attached to the mosque has been the centre of Islamic learning in Morocco for more than 1000 years.
- Azouia Moulay Idriss: The tomb of Moulay Idris is a highly revered shrine. At the entrance, women pass offerings through a hatch, which is also as close as a non-Muslim can get.
- Place Nejjarine: A beautiful fountain can be seen at the Place Nejjarine, a square deep in the heart of the medina. It is also home to the Nejjarine Museum of Wood and Carpentry and showcases Fez’s renowned wood-carving tradition. See exquisite furniture, thrones and objects of everyday use. Nearby is the souk of the carpenters.
- Gates: Royal Palace, Bab Boujloud: The Bab Boujloud gate is the most famous gate in Morocco. It is also the main entrance to Medina. See the striking blue and green colors that cover either side of this monumental gate. The Royal Palace is one of the most elegant structures in Morocco with a huge and impressive gate.
After lunch we will drive towards the bleu town Chefchaouen, small town with narrow streets all painted in blue and white,a holy city with more than 20 mosques, it’s Chefchaouen which is the city of weavers,peaceful and wild, it enchants visitors with its doors and blue walls.Overnight accommodation at riad.
Day 6: Chefchaouen – Tangier. ( approx 2 Hours )
After the breakfast at your riad, upon your departure time we may spend half day in Chefchaouen then drive two hours to Tangier port or airport where the tour ends.
