12-Day Grand Morocco Tour from Tangier: The Ultimate Adventure

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Tangier – Transfer to Hotel

Your unforgettable journey begins with a smooth and comfortable transfer from Tangier’s airport or port to your hotel in the city center. After settling in, you’ll have the rest of the day to relax and anticipate the adventure that awaits. You can take a leisurely stroll through the city’s modern quarters or simply unwind at your accommodation. Your driver will provide an overview of the tour schedule and answer any initial questions you may have.

Day 2: Tangier – Chefchaouen

After a delicious breakfast, we will start our day with a comprehensive tour of Tangier’s key sites. We will drive to the famous Cap Spartel, where you can witness the majestic point where the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea meet. We’ll also visit the Caves of Hercules, a site steeped in mythology, before traveling through the scenic Rif Mountains to the famous “Blue City” of Chefchaouen. The day is yours to explore the tranquil, blue-washed streets and charming local shops at your leisure. In the evening, the medina offers a peaceful atmosphere perfect for an evening walk.

Day 3: Chefchaouen – Volubilis – Meknes – Fes

Today we leave the mountains behind and journey to the spiritual heart of the country. Our first stop is the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage site with stunning mosaics and columns that tell the story of a bygone era. You’ll have time to walk through the archaeological site and imagine the life of the Roman inhabitants. We will then visit Meknes, one of Morocco’s imperial cities, to see its grand gate, Bab Mansour. After a tour of Meknes’s highlights, we will continue to Fes, where you will check into your traditional riad and prepare for a deep dive into Moroccan culture.

Day 4: Explore Fes with a Local Guide

Get ready to be immersed in the history and culture of Fes. A certified local guide will lead you through the city’s ancient medina, Fes el-Bali, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Your tour will include a visit to the world’s oldest university, the Al Quaraouiyine Mosque, and a view of the intricate details of the Bou Inania Madrasa. You will also witness the fascinating and traditional methods of dyeing leather at the famous Chouara Tannery. The day is a journey through time, as you explore the narrow streets and vibrant souks of this magnificent city.

Day 5: Fes – Ifrane – Cedar Forest – Ziz Valley – Merzouga

The scenery shifts dramatically today as we leave Fes and head toward the Sahara Desert. We will pass through Ifrane, often called “the Switzerland of Morocco,” and stop in the cedar forest of Azrou to see the Barbary macaques in their natural habitat. Our drive continues through the breathtaking Ziz Valley with its palm groves and gorges. We will arrive in Merzouga in the afternoon, where you can relax by the dunes or take a short walk to feel the unique desert energy.

Day 6: Explore Sahara Desert & Camel Ride Night in the Desert Camp

Today is a full day of desert immersion. We will embark on a 4×4 tour to explore the area, visiting the village of Khamlia to listen to Gnawa music and learning about their spiritual Afro-Berber rhythms. We will also visit nomadic families in their traditional tents to learn about their simple yet rich way of life. In the afternoon, your camel trek begins. You will ride a camel through the golden Erg Chebbi dunes to a secluded desert camp, where you’ll enjoy a traditional dinner and spend a magical night under the stars.

Day 7: Merzouga – Rissani – Todra Gorges – Dades Valley

Wake up early to witness a spectacular desert sunrise before we return by camel to Merzouga. Our journey continues to the Todra Gorges, where you’ll marvel at the towering rock walls of this stunning canyon. We will also make a stop in Rissani, a historic town with a traditional souk. You will have time for a short, scenic walk through the gorge before we continue to the Dades Valley, famous for its unique rock formations and kasbahs.

Day 8: Dades Valley – Ouarzazate – Marrakech

After breakfast, we will travel through the “Road of a Thousand Kasbahs” and the scenic Rose Valley. We’ll stop in Ouarzazate, Morocco’s “Hollywood,” to visit its famous film studios before continuing to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah. We then cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka pass, with spectacular views of Berber villages, and arrive in the vibrant city of Marrakech.

Day 9: Explore Marrakech with a Local Guide

A local guide will show you the best of Marrakech, the “Red City.” You’ll visit the Bahia Palace, the Saadian Tombs, and the Koutoubia Mosque. The tour will take you through the famous Majorelle Garden and the lively Jemaa el-Fna Square, where you’ll experience a whirlwind of local life, from storytellers to food stalls. The evening is yours to enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner or explore the medina at night.

Day 10: Marrakech – Casablanca – Rabat

Today, we head to the coastal cities. Our journey begins with a drive to Casablanca, where we will visit the magnificent Hassan II Mosque, a modern architectural marvel built on the ocean. After a tour of the mosque, we will continue to Rabat, Morocco’s elegant capital. We’ll have a brief tour of the city, including the Hassan Tower, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, and the Kasbah of the Udayas, before you check in to your hotel.

Day 11: Rabat – Assilah – Tangier

Our journey concludes as we make our way back to Tangier. On the way, we will stop in the charming coastal town of Assilah, known for its whitewashed houses and annual mural festival. Here, you can take a leisurely stroll through the artistic medina and enjoy the ocean breeze before we continue to Tangier for your final night. You will have time for a farewell dinner and to reflect on your incredible journey.

Day 12: Transfer to the Airport/Port

After breakfast, your incredible morocco travel experience comes to an end. We will provide a seamless and comfortable transfer to Tangier’s airport or port for your departure, leaving you with a lifetime of beautiful memories and a desire to return for more morocco tours. For more information on our private Morocco tours and other Moroccan tours, visit outofatlas.com.