8 Days Morocco Tour from Tangier to Chefchaouen, Fes, and the Sahara Desert

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Tangier – Transfer to your Hotel

Your journey begins in Tangier, the gateway between Africa and Europe. Upon arrival at the port or airport, you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you may have the opportunity to take a stroll through the Tangier medina, exploring its souks and enjoying the coastal atmosphere. The evening is yours to relax and prepare for the adventure ahead

Day 2: Tangier – Rif Ranges – Chefchaouen (Blue City)

After breakfast, we depart Tangier and head south toward the Rif Mountains. The scenic drive offers breathtaking views of rolling green hills and traditional Berber villages. Our destination is the enchanting blue-painted city of Chefchaouen. Upon arrival, you will check into your riad and have the rest of the day to wander the famous narrow, winding streets. Chefchaouen is known for its peaceful atmosphere, vibrant blue hues, and charming artisan shops.

Day 3: Chefchaouen – Volubilis – Meknes – Fes

We leave Chefchaouen and continue our journey through Morocco’s diverse landscapes. Our first stop is the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage site. You’ll have time to explore the well-preserved mosaics, columns, and arches that tell the story of Roman history in North Africa. We then continue to Meknes, one of Morocco’s four imperial cities. Here, we will visit the impressive Bab Mansour gate and the lively El Hedim Square. In the late afternoon, we will arrive in Fes, the country’s cultural and spiritual capital, where you’ll check in to a traditional riad.

Day 4: Guided Journey in Fes

After breakfast, a certified local guide will take you on a deep-dive tour of Fes. This city is a living museum, and you will explore the ancient medina of Fes el-Bali. The guided tour includes visits to the Al Quaraouiyine University (the world’s oldest), the Bou Inania Madrasa, the Chouara Tannery, and the Royal Palace gates. You’ll navigate the labyrinthine streets, bustling with artisans and daily life, gaining an understanding of Fes’s rich history and culture.

Day 5: Fes – Ifrane – Cedar Forest – Merzouga Desert

Today’s journey takes us from the city to the Sahara Desert. We will travel south, passing through the charming, alpine town of Ifrane, known for its unique European-style architecture. We’ll continue through the majestic cedar forests near Azrou, where you’ll have the chance to see Barbary macaques in their natural habitat. The route then leads us through the Atlas Mountains, with a lunch stop along the way. In the afternoon, we will reach the dunes of Erg Chebbi in Merzouga. Here, you’ll embark on a camel trek into the heart of the desert to watch the sunset before arriving at your traditional Berber desert camp. A delicious dinner and traditional drumming will be followed by a night of stargazing under the vast Sahara sky.

Day 6: Merzouga Desert – Ziz Valley – Atlas Mountains – Meknes

Wake up early to witness the magical desert sunrise before enjoying breakfast. We will then journey back to the desert’s edge, leaving the Sahara behind. The scenic drive north takes us through the lush Ziz Valley, with its stunning palm groves and deep canyons. We will travel through the rugged and beautiful landscapes of the Atlas Mountains, with stops for photos. The day’s journey ends in the imperial city of Meknes, where you will check in to your accommodation.

Day 7: Meknes – Assilah – Tangier

After breakfast in Meknes, we will begin our final leg of the journey, heading north toward Tangier. Our route will include a stop at the artistic and coastal town of Assilah. Known for its annual arts festival, Assilah’s medina is a captivating mix of white-walled houses adorned with colorful murals. You will have time to walk along the ramparts, explore the art galleries, and enjoy a seaside lunch. Afterward, we continue to Tangier, where you will check into your hotel for your final night.

Day 8: Transfer to Tangier Airport/Port

After a final breakfast, your 8-day Morocco tour concludes. You will be transferred to Tangier’s airport or port for your departure, leaving with cherished memories of the diverse landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture of Morocco.