11 Days - Tangier to Marrakesh via Sahara Desert
Tour Overview
Embark on an 11-day journey from Tangier to Marrakech, starting with a visit to the Spanish-influenced city of Tetouan and the stunning Blue City, Chefchaouen. Continue through the Middle Atlas Mountains to Fez, where you'll enjoy a guided tour of its historic medina. Travel to Merzouga, the gateway to the Sahara, with a camel ride at sunset leading to a night under the stars in Berber tents. Explore the dramatic landscapes of the Todra Gorges and Dades Valley, then visit Ouarzazate and the UNESCO-listed Ait Ben Haddou. Cross the High Atlas Mountains to the coastal town of Essaouira, known for its relaxed atmosphere and beautiful beaches. After a day of exploration in Essaouira, head to Marrakech for sightseeing in its vibrant medina, concluding your adventure with a drop-off at the airport for your departure. Experience the rich culture, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality of Morocco!
Day 1: Tangiers – Tetouan - Chefchaouen
We will meet you at the port, airport or hotel, taking you to the first stop of Tetouan – The Spanish City. The drive also takes us through the Rif Mountains and into the amazing city of Chefchaouen – also called the Blue City. With beautiful hues of blue over the road and walls, here you will meet with an official city guide to take you around the narrow alleys and squares. This night will be spent in a Riad or Hotel in Chefchaouen.
Day 2: Chefchaouen, Middle Atlas Mountains, Fez
This morning we will depart over the Middle Atlas Mountains, and arrive at Fez - the cultural heart of Morocco.
Day 3: Fes – Guided City Tour
Enjoy a full day tour with a local guide in one of Morocco’s oldest Imperial cities. Fes is an important cultural and religious capital, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Jemaa Karaouyine is the world’s first university and was establish by a women. The tanneries, artisan quarters, and souks are also interesting sites to see in this bustling city.
Day 4: Fes – Ifrane, Midelt – Ziz Valley – Erfoud – Rissani – Merzouga
We wil pick you up in the morning from your Riad. The first stop will be Ifrane – the Switzerland of Morocco. Next we will see the cedar forest near Azrou to see barbary apes in their natural habitat. After lunch in Midelt, we will cross the Tizi N Talghamt pass through the mid-Atlas Mountains to Errachidia and the beautiful Ziz valley. In Erfoud, we have the option to see a fossil craft factory, before reaching the dunes of the Sahara Desert where you will ride a camel at sunset to your Berber tent.
Day 5: Merzouga-Tinghir-Todra Gorges- Dades Valley-Roses Valley
Rise early to watch the amazing sunrise before returning to the hotel on your camel. At the hotel, you are able to shower and have breakfast before we begin our drive to Tinghir and the Todra Gorge with vertical wall of up to 200 meters. After lunch, we will arrive in Dades Valley to see peculiar rock formation then spend the night either in Dades Valley or Roses Valley.
Day 6: Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou
Ouarzazate is known as the Hollywood of Morocco. We will stop to take a picture at the Atlas Film studios, then head to UNESCO World Heritage Site Ait Ben Haddou which has been the setting for many Hollywood films like Gladiator, The Mummy, etc. Watch the sun set over the famous Kasbah as you enjoy your dinner and stay in the hotel.
Day 7: Ait Ben Haddou – High Atlas Mountains – Essaouria
We will continue crossing the High Atlas Mountains and Tiza N’tichka pass at 2260 meters. Our final destination of the day is the pleasant seaside town of Essaouria. Enjoy a dinner of fresh fish, and take a walk through the picturesque town before going to sleep for the night
Day 8: Essaouira
In Essaouira, there will be time for personal exploration of the medina, souk, and harbor. You are free to enjoy a meal of fresh fish, and we will visit a beach famous for kitesurfing. Here you may choose to ride a camel, a horse, or an ATV down the endless beach, or just sit and relax by the sea.
Day 9: Essaouria – Marrakesh
On the drive, we are free to stop at a Women’s Argan cooperative to learn how Argan oil is made, as well as hear about the many benefits of the products.
Day 10: Marrakesh Sightseeing with City Guide
After breakfast, you will explore the monuments and attractions of the Red City of Marrakesh. You will have a chance to check out the maze of markets within the medina, and the entertaining Jamaa Al fna square – a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to snake charmers, henna artists, and storytellers.
Day 11: Marrakesh Airport
We will drop you off at the airport in time for your flight
What is included:
Pick up from the airport & drop you at the hotel or riad.
Private Transport vehicle with A/C.
Car fuel.
Experienced English speaking tour guide/driver or spanish
8 nights in a hotel/riad At your preferred room type with bed and breakfast
1 night in a desert Camp ( Include Dinner and Breakfast ).
Camel ride per person.
4x4 vehicle to visit nomad people.
Mint tea, free sandboarding, and Berber music at camp.
Flexibility to stop whenever and wherever you want.
Stop to enjoy panoramic views and have free time to eat.
What is not included:
Lunches & drinks.
Entrance fees to monuments.