10-Day Morocco Tour from Tangier to Marrakech

DAY 01 - Tangier ⇢ Rif Mountains ⇢ Chefchaouen

Begin your 8-day journey from Tangier to Marrakech with an airport or port arrival or at your hotel, whichever you prefer. Our friendly local guide will meet you and assist you throughout your journey. Visit the historic Kasbah, a lovely fortified area built on a hill with views of the city and the ocean. Walk through the busy maze of the medina, the old quarter with narrow streets, colorful markets, and street vendors, and the famous landmark 9 April 1947 Square; the Great Mosque with its gorgeous minaret; and the famous Café Hafa, an iconic location with amazing views of the sea.

Afterward, we'll take a drive to Chefchaouen, a charming and lovely northern town in the Rif mountains of Morocco. Check into cozy hotels or riads with the town’s well-known blue-painted streets. Explore the lively markets and charming cafes, and try incredibly delicious and authentic Moroccan food.

After a day of exploration, you will have time to relax in your riad and enjoy the tranquil setting as you reflect on the wonderful experiences in Chefchaouen.

• Drive: Tangier to Chefchaouen- approx. 113 km (around 2 hr 30 mins)

DAY 02 - Chefchaouen ⇢ Volubilis ⇢ Meknes ⇢ Fes

Begin the day with a delectable breakfast in your traditional riad, providing the perfect prelude to your Moroccan journey. Along the way, you will drive through the serene, beautiful Rif villages, observing the idyllic rural scenery. Your first stop is Volubilis—here you will stroll through the well-preserved ruins of the Roman Empire, dating back to the 3rd century, and begin your exploration of ancient Roman history among fountains, elaborate mosaics, and massive structures.

Following your visit to Volubilis, you will take a short drive to Meknes, which was the capital city of Morocco in the 17th century. You will enjoy your lunch and afterward embark on a tour of the walled medina, where you’ll see the remarkable artistry of the Bab el Mansour gate and visit the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail.

You will end your day in Fes, where you will move into a very charming and characterful riad to reflect on the cultural riches and historical perspectives you will discover throughout your visit.

• Drive: Chefchaouen to Fez- approx. 258 km (around 4 hr 40 mins)

DAY 03 - Guided Exploration of Fes

After breakfast, your local guide will meet you for an in-depth experience in Fes, one of the most culturally and religiously important cities in Morocco. Visit the gates of the Royal Palace, then immerse yourself in the narrow, winding alleys of the magnificent, UNESCO-protected Medina.

You will visit some of its architectural highlights, such as Al-Qarawiyyin University—the oldest university still in operation—the Al-Attarine Madrasa, the Nejjarine Fountain, and the historically significant Chouara Tanneries. Discover the Jewish area called the Mellah, where history and culture abound.

You will end your day at one of the ancient forts with stunning views of the skyline of the city. You will return to your riad and have a quiet evening to contemplate your day of cultural experiences.

DAY 04 - Fes ⇢ Ifrane ⇢ Middle Atlas Mountains ⇢ Ziz Valley ⇢ Merzouga desert

Start the day with a delicious breakfast at your riad in Fes, then get ready for a desert adventure. We will head south towards the Merzouga desert, and take a refreshing break in Ifrane to enjoy the scenery.

Our route takes us through the cedar forest in the Middle Atlas Mountains, where you will have the opportunity to see Barbary apes in their natural habitat. Along the way, we'll stop for lunch at a lovely restaurant. Enjoy the Ziz Valley's greenery with its extensive palm oasis.

In the afternoon, we will arrive in Merzouga, where your camel caravan will be waiting for you. Ride across the incredible Erg Chebbi sand dunes, and stop to take in a stunning sunset from a tall dune. After this once-in-a-lifetime experience, we will continue to a luxury desert camp.

After arriving at the camp, take some time to relax in your private tent, eat a delicious dinner, and then sit around a fire beneath the night sky full of stars. In the evening, we will enjoy Berber music and even drum along with our exceptionally skilled camp staff if you feel inspired.

• Drive: Fez to Merzouga - approx. 490 km (around 7 hours)

DAY 05 - Desert Discovery and Adventure

Wake up early and witness the spectacular sunrise over the Erg Chebbi Dunes. After breakfast, you can decide to either ride camels or go for a fun 4×4 drive back to Merzouga.

We start our adventure by visiting Khamlia, where you can enjoy the Gnawa style of music. Listen to the lively rhythms sung by local musicians, which resonate with the historic and cultural roots of African origins and possess the emotional depth of a blues singer.

We then head off-road to visit M'Fis, an old village where galena mines were the center of life. Walk among the ruins and hear about the life of the miners and the role of Galena in mascara.

From there, we continue on to a nomadic family that lives in the middle of the desert. You can visit them in their traditional Berber tents, enjoy a warm cup of tea, and learn about their individual way of life. Their stories are an excellent opportunity to learn about life in the desert as well as traditional nomadic living.

After lunch, you will head to a beautiful riad, where you can relax and swim in the inviting pool. In the late afternoon, you'll have the choice to add on an exhilarating quad biking or buggy driving adventure, or take a hike to the dunes to watch the sunset. End the day with a delightful dinner and a restful night in the coziness of your Riad.

DAY 06 - Merzouga Desert ⇢ Rissani ⇢ Todra Gorge ⇢ Dades Valley

Following a lovely breakfast at your riad, we will depart on a beautiful day trip to the breathtaking Dades Valley.

We will first stop at a traditional market called Rissani, which is full of life on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays—just like today! Stroll around the streets, witnessing the vibrant sounds of a tributary of traditions and the colors and smells of the herbs and spices!

Next, prepare to be wowed as we discover the magnificent Todra Gorge. Take your time exploring this spectacular manifestation of nature, where the Todra River winds its way through the cliffs. Marvel at the views that seem to be unique at every corner; they really are breathtaking!

As we continue on our drive towards the Dades Valley, you will first stop to see what seems to be both engineering and geological madness (the "finger rock formations" specifically). These are truly incredible visages of the elements and forces of the Earth.

The scenic drive through the Dades Valley will amaze you with breathtaking panoramas, and the views and vistas you encounter will stay with you! The rugged cliffs and layered vegetation create an unforgettable, picturesque landscape!

You will arrive at your hotel for the night in comfort and expected tranquility, as you relax in your cozy room and prepare for more adventure tomorrow!

• Drive: Boumalne Dades to Marrakech – approx. 359 km (around 5–6 hours)

DAY 07 - Dades Valley ⇢ Ouarzazate ⇢ Ait Ben Haddou ⇢ High Atlas Mountains ⇢ Marrakech

Today, we will drive to Ouarzazate, known as “The Hollywood of Africa” and “Gateway to the Desert.” First, we will stop to visit Atlas Cinema Studios, the largest film studios in Morocco. You will see many fascinating movie sets and experience the film industry for a moment.

After visiting the studio, we drive to the Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and historical fortress featured in many films, including Lawrence of Arabia, Gladiator, The Mummy, Prince of Persia, Alexander, and the television series Game of Thrones. Be amazed by the beautiful architecture and wonderful history of this impressive Kasbah.

Following a delicious lunch in a restaurant, we will drive through the picturesque High Atlas Mountains. The dramatic scenery changes around every curve, allowing you to experience Morocco's beauty at its finest.

In the afternoon, we arrive in the vibrant city of Marrakech, and you will be warmly welcomed at a beautiful Riad in the Medina. You will have dinner in your chit and cozy Riad or at a buzzing restaurant in Jemaa El Fna Square this evening.

• Drive: Boumalne Dades to Marrakech – approx. 359 km (around 5–6 hours)