10 Days Best of Morocco Tour from Tangier: The Imperial Cities & Sahara Adventure

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Tangier – City Center

Your Moroccan adventure begins with a warm welcome in Tangier, the “Bride of the North.” Upon arrival at the airport, a friendly driver will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel in the city center. After check-in, the rest of the day is yours to relax and settle in. You’ll enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner at your hotel, preparing you for the journey ahead.

Day 2: Tangier – Chefchaouen

After a delicious breakfast, we will explore the key highlights of Tangier. We’ll drive to Cap Spartel, a headland where the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea majestically meet. After a scenic photo stop, we will journey to the enchanting blue city of Chefchaouen. Tucked away in the Rif Mountains, this town is famous for its unique blue-rinsed buildings. Upon arrival, you will have free time to begin exploring its peaceful and photogenic streets.

Day 3: Explore Chefchaouen – Drive to Fes

Today is dedicated to a deeper exploration of the “Blue Pearl.” As you wander through the medina’s narrow alleys, you’ll discover why it has captivated travelers from around the world. The town is also renowned for its unique, locally-made handicrafts, including woven garments and wool products not found elsewhere in Morocco. In the afternoon, we will begin our drive to Fes, Morocco’s oldest imperial city, where you will check into your riad in the heart of the medina.

Day 4: Explore Fes

Get ready for an immersive experience in the cultural and spiritual capital of Morocco. Your licensed local guide will lead you through the Fes el-Bali medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site. You will visit key historical sites, including the world’s oldest university, Al Quaraouiyine Mosque, the intricate Bou Inania and Attarine Madrasas, the vibrant Chouara Tannery, and the impressive Royal Palace gates. The day concludes with a stroll through the bustling souks, a true feast for the senses.

Day 5: Fes – Merzouga

Today, we embark on a long but scenic drive toward the Sahara Desert. The journey takes us through the Middle Atlas Mountains, with a stop in Ifrane, often called the “Switzerland of Morocco,” due to its European-style architecture. We’ll also pause at the cedar forest of Azrou to observe the local Barbary macaques. The road continues through the breathtaking Ziz Valley gorges before we arrive at Erfoud, the “Fossil Capital.” In the afternoon, we will reach Merzouga, where you can relax at your accommodation near the dunes.

Day 6: Merzouga – Erg Chebbi Desert Experience

After breakfast, your desert adventure truly begins. We’ll take a 4×4 tour of the Erg Chebbi region, visiting a number of desert villages. We will stop in the village of Khamlia to listen to the enchanting Gnawa music and meet local nomadic families living in traditional tents. In the afternoon, you will meet your camel caravan and trek into the heart of the dunes. As the sun sets, you’ll arrive at a traditional Berber desert camp for a memorable night under a canopy of stars, complete with a delicious dinner and campfire entertainment.

Day 7: Erg Chebbi – Todra Gorges

Wake up early to witness a spectacular desert sunrise over the dunes—a truly unforgettable sight. After breakfast and a camel ride back, we will drive to the stunning Todra Gorges. We’ll make a stop in Rissani to visit its traditional souk, known as the largest in the south of Morocco. A short, scenic walk will allow you to admire the towering canyons of Todra Gorges before we continue on to the Dades Valley, where you will check in to your hotel for the night.

Day 8: Dades Valley – Ouarzazate – Marrakech

The day begins with a drive through the “Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs” and the scenic Rose Valley. We’ll stop for lunch in Ouarzazate, the “Hollywood of Africa,” and then visit the iconic Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a famous backdrop for countless films. Afterward, we’ll continue our journey over the dramatic Tizi n’Tichka Pass in the High Atlas Mountains. The route offers stunning panoramic views and passes by traditional Berber villages before we arrive in the vibrant city of Marrakech.

Day 9: Explore Marrakech

Today is dedicated to exploring the “Red City.” Your local guide will take you on a tour of Marrakech’s most famous sites. You’ll visit the beautiful Bahia Palace, the Saadian Tombs, and the historic Koutoubia Mosque. We’ll wander through the enchanting Majorelle Garden and get lost in the labyrinthine souks surrounding the Jemaa el-Fna Square, where you can experience the vibrant atmosphere of snake charmers, storytellers, and street food stalls.

Day 10: Departure from Marrakech

After a final Moroccan breakfast, your 10-day tour comes to an end. We will provide a seamless transfer to Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK) for your departure, leaving you with a lifetime of beautiful memories and a deep appreciation for the beauty and culture of Morocco. Book your next adventure with outofatlas.com!