7 Days Tour from Tangier to Marrakech via Chefchaouen, Fes & Merzouga

Your 7 days tour from Tangier to Marrakech begins with pick-up from your accommodation, the airport, or the port in Tangier. Known as the gateway between Europe and Africa, Tangier is a fascinating city where cultures and seas meet.

Depending on your arrival time, begin with a visit to Cape Spartel, where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Mediterranean Sea. Continue to the famous Hercules Cave, one of Tangier’s most visited natural attractions, associated with local legends and known for its dramatic sea-facing opening.

After free time for lunch, travel inland through the Rif Mountains toward the beautiful blue town of Chefchaouen. Along the way, enjoy scenic views and short stops for photos. Upon arrival, settle into your hotel or riad and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of this charming mountain town.

Overnight in Chefchaouen

After breakfast, enjoy some time to explore Chefchaouen, one of Morocco’s most photogenic towns. Its blue-painted alleys, whitewashed walls, and relaxed atmosphere make it a favorite destination for travelers. Stroll through the medina, browse local handicrafts, and take in the mountain scenery.

Later, depart for Volubilis, the best-preserved Roman ruins in Morocco and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the ancient site with its arches, columns, mosaics, and remains of Roman houses that reflect the region’s rich past.

Continue to Meknes, one of Morocco’s imperial cities and the former capital of Sultan Moulay Ismail. Depending on time, discover some of the city’s important landmarks such as Bab Mansour, the granaries, the royal stables, and the Moulay Ismail Mausoleum.

In the late afternoon, drive to Fes, where you will check in to your riad for the night.

Overnight in Fes

After breakfast, enjoy a full day dedicated to exploring Fes, the spiritual and cultural heart of Morocco. This city is home to one of the oldest medinas in the Arab world and is known for its history, architecture, craftsmanship, and religious heritage.

Begin with a visit to the exterior of the Royal Palace gate, famous for its massive golden doors. Then head toward the old medina for a guided walking tour through its narrow streets and lively souks. Enter through Bab Boujloud, the famous Blue Gate, and discover some of the city’s most important sites, such as the Bou Inania Madrasa, Nejjarine Fountain, the tanneries, and the Al Quaraouiyine Mosque and University, regarded as the oldest university in the world.

You will also visit the Mellah, the old Jewish quarter, and later head to a panoramic viewpoint overlooking the medina for a beautiful view of the city.

After the visit, return to your riad.

Overnight in Fes

After breakfast, leave Fes and begin your journey south toward the Sahara. The landscape changes dramatically throughout the day, taking you from historic cities to mountain forests, valleys, and finally desert dunes.

Your first stop is Ifrane, a clean and peaceful town often called the Switzerland of Morocco because of its alpine-style architecture, cool climate, and neat streets. Continue through the Middle Atlas Mountains to the cedar forest, where you may spot Barbary macaques in their natural environment.

Drive onward to Midelt, a town known for its mountain setting, where you will stop for lunch. In the afternoon, continue through the Tizi n’Tilghmt Pass and along the lush Ziz Valley, famous for its palm groves, ksars, and panoramic desert views.

By late afternoon, arrive in Merzouga, on the edge of the Sahara Desert. Here, switch from your vehicle to camels and begin a memorable trek across the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi. Stop along the way to enjoy the sunset over the desert before continuing to your camp.

Spend the evening in a traditional desert camp, enjoy dinner, and relax under a sky full of stars. Depending on the camp, there may also be Berber music around the campfire.

Dinner and overnight in a desert camp

Wake up early if you wish to witness the sunrise over the dunes, one of the most memorable moments of the trip. After breakfast, spend the day exploring the fascinating surroundings of Merzouga.

This desert region offers much more than dunes. Start with an off-road drive through the area to discover desert landscapes, fossil grounds, and local villages. Visit a traditional nomad family living near the dunes and enjoy a cup of tea while learning about their lifestyle and customs.

Continue to Khamlia village, known for its rich Gnaoua music tradition. Here, enjoy a live musical performance and discover the cultural heritage of the village’s inhabitants, whose roots trace back to sub-Saharan Africa.

Later, visit the area around Erg Chebbi, see the palm groves, and if conditions allow, stop near the seasonal Merzouga lake, also known as the flamingo lake, which attracts migratory birds during certain times of the year.

After the excursion, check in to your hotel in Merzouga, where you can relax and enjoy the peaceful desert atmosphere.

Dinner and overnight in Merzouga

After breakfast, leave the desert behind and head toward Rissani, a town with deep historical importance as the ancient center of Tafilalet. If your visit falls on one of the market days, you may have the chance to see its traditional souk, which remains lively and authentic.

Continue to Erfoud, known for its fossil workshops and desert stone craftsmanship. Then drive through palm groves and small Berber villages on your way to the spectacular Todra Gorges.

These towering canyon walls, carved by the Todra River, are among the most dramatic natural sites in Morocco. Take time to walk through the gorge, enjoy the fresh air, and admire the rock walls rising high above the riverbed. Lunch is usually taken in the area.

In the afternoon, continue through Boumalne Dades toward the beautiful Dades Valley, known for its unusual rock formations and scenic mountain roads. Stop at panoramic viewpoints and admire the famous rock formations often called the “monkey fingers.”

Check in to your accommodation, enjoy dinner, and relax for the evening.

Dinner and overnight in Dades Valley

After breakfast, begin the final day of your tour by traveling through the Rose Valley, famous for its damask roses and local beauty products. During the rose season, the valley is especially colorful and fragrant.

Continue through the oasis of Skoura, known for its palm groves and kasbahs, then head toward Ouarzazate, often called the gateway to the desert. Depending on time, enjoy a short stop for photos or a brief visit in the area.

Next, visit the legendary Ait Ben Haddou, one of the most famous ksars in Morocco and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This fortified village has served as the backdrop for many films and series due to its striking earthen architecture and spectacular location.

After exploring Ait Ben Haddou, continue the journey across the High Atlas Mountains via the scenic Tizi n’Tichka Pass, with stops along the way to enjoy panoramic views and take photos.

By late afternoon or evening, arrive in Marrakech, where your 7 day Morocco itinerary from Tangier to Marrakech comes to an end with drop-off at your riad or accommodation.