On this best 8 days Morocco Desert tour from Tangier, you’ll see several fabulous places and spend a magical time ( you can choose between a standard camp and a luxury tour).
We will travel through the Rif Mountains and past the city of Tetoune to completely appreciate the magnificent landscapes; we will stop in Chefchaouen, at the heart of the Rif Mountains, to rest. As it was once a part of “Spanish Morocco,” the medina of Chefchaouen is heavily influenced by Spanish architecture, and its square is filled with colorful artisanal stores. We will then drop you off at your Riad, where you can enjoy the rest of the evening with a pleasant breeze and a breathtaking view.
After a delicious breakfast, we resume our journey towards Volubilis, passing through Ouazzane and other Rif villages. You will explore the Roman ruins while discovering Moroccan history in Volubilis. Continues to Meknes, lunch stop, check out the historical ramparts of the medina and Bab El Mansour, and visit the Moulay Ismail shrine. We will travel to Fes in the late afternoon, where you will spend the night.
You will have your morning meal in your Riad, then begin on an exploration of the Medina, where you will discover many hidden treasures known only to the locals. Fes was the capital of Morocco for more than 350 years, and the University of Al Karaouine is the world’s oldest regularly accessible university. Your excursion will take you to the Moulay Idriss mausoleum as well as… After lunch, you will view the exterior of the Royal Palace and wander through the famous Jewish quarter “Mellah,” where you will have the opportunity to visit one of the few active synagogues in Morocco. Your tour of Fes involves a brief stop at the known ceramics factory. Overnight at your Riad.
The day begins with a drive towards the Atlas Mountains, with a stop in the small town of Ifrane to visit the famous Cedar forest, home to the Berber monkeys. Then, we will proceed through Tiz N’Talghamt Mountain Pass, Ziz Gorge (where we will pause for photographs), and have lunch in Midelt or nearby. We then proceed to Merzouga, where you will spend the night at our campsite.
If you rise early enough, we are able to see the magnificence of sunrise, when the color of the dunes combines with the play of shadows to create a breathtaking scene. After breakfast, we ride camels for a couple of hours (or less, depending on your preference) before heading to Tinghir and Todra Gorges for lunch. This route crosses Tinjdad and the Todra Valley. This beautiful area offers numerous opportunities for walking, including along the river through the gardens and up the road on the other side of the gorge. We will then proceed to the Dades Valley and Dades Gorges before staying the night in a Riad.
After breakfast, we will travel through the villages of this picturesque region, passing Berber women’s fields and the highest points of the High Atlas as a backdrop. Our trip will then proceed toward Ouarzazate along the Roses Valley, which is well known for its May Rose Festival, and by the oasis Kasbah of Skoura. Then comes Ouarzazate. We will visit the cinematographic museum and the At Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the filming location for numerous Hollywood spectacles. This is the most known kasbah in Morocco. From here, begin crossing Africa’s highest road point, Tizi N’Tichka. Arriving in the evening in Marrakech.
After breakfast at the Riad, you are going to go on a guided tour of Marrakech, “the Red City of Morocco,” in the morning. Your guide will ensure that you visit all historical and culturally significant sites, including the Koutoubia Minaret, the Saadian monuments, the magnificent Palace of Bahia, and the Ben Youssef Quranic School. In the evening, walk through the medina alleys, looking at the various artisans at work, before arriving at the famous Jamaa El Fna Square; have lunch at a restaurant near the square; and in the afternoon, visit the Majorelle gardens and take a short tour of Gueliz, the new city of Marrakech. You will have the option to stroll through the square after dinner while being entertained by magicians, storytellers, tooth-pullers, and food sellers. Your overnight lodging will be in your Riad.
Departure to the airport (on time).
Alternative tours and itineraries are available for those who can devote more time to the 8-day excursion. We can create custom Tangier excursions that conclude in any Moroccan city, or you can modify any of the existing Marrakech tour itineraries to meet your requirements.