8-Day Tangier to Marrakech Desert Tour via Chefchaouen, Fes, Merzouga & Marrakech

Your 8 days tour from Tangier to Marrakech begins with pick-up from your hotel, airport, or port in Tangier. From here, travel through the scenic Rif Mountains, passing through the Tetouan region on your way to the beautiful blue town of Chefchaouen.

Upon arrival, enjoy free time to discover one of Morocco’s most charming destinations. Walk through the narrow blue-painted streets of the medina, take beautiful photos, and visit Ras El Ma, the small waterfall area at the edge of town. You can also relax in Plaza Uta el-Hammam, the main square, where you may wish to enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, continue the drive to Fes, enjoying changing mountain scenery and green landscapes along the way. Arrive in Fes by late afternoon or evening and check in to your riad or hotel.

Overnight in Fes

After breakfast, meet your local guide for a full-day sightseeing tour of Fes, Morocco’s oldest imperial city and one of its most important cultural and religious centers.

Begin by visiting the Mellah, the old Jewish quarter, and the exterior of the Royal Palace gate, known for its impressive golden doors. You may also stop at a traditional tile or pottery workshop before heading to a panoramic viewpoint with excellent views over the city.

Continue with a guided walking tour through the old medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its maze-like streets, souks, and historic monuments. During the visit, discover some of the city’s best-known sites, including the tanneries, the Al Quaraouiyine Mosque and University, the Attarine or Bou Inania Madrasa, and Nejjarine Fountain.

After the visit, return to your riad and enjoy the evening at leisure.

Overnight in Fes

After breakfast, leave Fes and head south through the Middle Atlas Mountains. Pass through small Berber towns and enjoy a stop in Ifrane, a clean and peaceful town famous for its alpine-style architecture, cool climate, and neat streets. It is often called the Switzerland of Morocco.

Continue to the cedar forest of Azrou, where you may have the chance to see Barbary macaques in their natural habitat. Then continue to Midelt, a mountain town where you can stop for lunch.

In the afternoon, travel through the Tizi n’Talghamt Pass and along the stunning Ziz Valley, one of the most beautiful palm-filled valleys in Morocco. Stop to admire panoramic views of the oasis before continuing toward the desert.

By late afternoon, arrive in Merzouga, at the edge of the Sahara Desert and near the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi. Check in to your hotel, enjoy dinner, and relax for the night before the desert exploration the next day.

Dinner and overnight in Merzouga

After breakfast, begin a 4×4 excursion around the fascinating Merzouga area and discover more of the Sahara beyond the dunes themselves.

Start with a visit to Hassi Labied oasis, where you can see local irrigation systems and small agricultural fields. If seasonal conditions allow, continue to Sriji Lake, also known as the flamingo lake, which may attract birds at certain times of the year.

Next, head to Khamlia village, known for its traditional Gnawa music. Here, enjoy a local music performance and learn more about the cultural heritage of the village. Continue toward the M’ifis area, known for minerals and fossils, before visiting a nomadic Berber family living near the dunes. Share a glass of mint tea and learn more about life in the desert.

After lunch, return to Merzouga village, where your camel trek begins. Ride across the spectacular dunes of Erg Chebbi, with a stop on the way to enjoy the sunset, take photos, and, if available, try sandboarding.

Upon arrival at the camp, settle into your tent and enjoy a traditional dinner. Later in the evening, relax under the stars and listen to Berber drumming around the campfire.

Dinner and overnight in a desert camp

Wake up early if you wish to admire the sunrise over the dunes, one of the most unforgettable moments of the desert experience. After breakfast and a shower at camp, return by camel or 4WD transfer to meet your driver and continue the journey.

If the day matches the local market schedule, visit the traditional weekly market of Rissani, an authentic trading center in the Tafilalet region. Then continue through a series of Berber villages such as Touroug, Tinjdad, and Tinghir.

Stop to admire the green Todra Valley, filled with palm groves and agricultural fields, before arriving at the dramatic Todra Gorge. This spectacular canyon, located at the foot of the High Atlas Mountains, is famous for its towering rock walls and fresh river. Enjoy time to walk through the gorge and take in the scenery.

After lunch, continue to Boumalne Dades and into the beautiful Dades Valley. Arrive in the afternoon and check in to your hotel or riad for dinner and overnight stay.

Dinner and overnight in Dades Valley

After breakfast, continue toward Marrakech, traveling through some of southern Morocco’s most beautiful landscapes. Pass through Kalaat M’Gouna, known for the Rose Valley and its rose-based products, then continue through the palm groves of Skoura.

Arrive in Ouarzazate, often called the gateway to the desert. Depending on timing and interest, enjoy an optional stop at Taourirt Kasbah or the local film studios.

Next, head to the famous Ait Ben Haddou, one of Morocco’s most iconic fortified villages and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This ancient ksar is renowned for its earthen architecture and has appeared in many international films and series.

After free time for lunch, continue the drive across the High Atlas Mountains via the scenic Tizi n’Tichka Pass, the highest major road pass in Morocco. Enjoy breathtaking views of mountains, valleys, and traditional Berber villages before arriving in Marrakech in the late afternoon or evening.

Check in to your hotel or riad.

Overnight in Marrakech

After breakfast, meet your local guide and begin exploring Marrakech, Morocco’s famous red city. This guided tour introduces you to some of the city’s most important historical and cultural landmarks.

Visit the Koutoubia Mosque from the outside, the elegant Bahia Palace, and the historic Saadian Tombs. Depending on timing, you may also visit other notable sites in the medina.

Later, enjoy free time for lunch in the medina before visiting the beautiful Majorelle Garden, one of Marrakech’s most visited attractions.

In the afternoon, enjoy some free time to explore the city at your own pace. You may choose to stroll through the souks, relax in a café, or experience the lively atmosphere of Jemaa el-Fna Square.

Return to your riad or hotel for the evening.

Overnight in Marrakech

After breakfast, enjoy some free time depending on your flight schedule. At the appropriate time, you will be transferred to Marrakech Airport, marking the end of your 8 day Tangier to Marrakech desert tour.